Clockwork

Posted on by Steven McDermott

Team Name

Clockwork

Timeline

Spring 2025 – Summer 2025

Students

  • Mohammed Fatah – CS
  • Mai Dinh – CPE
  • Ezzeddin Alnajjar – CS
  • Daniel Yglesias – CS

Sponsor

Dr. Shawn Geiser

Abstract

The Remote Controlled Clock and Timer System is a timekeeping solution tailored for nursing simulation environments, enabling instructors to set custom times and/or activate countdowns for assessing task durations. This system consists of two main components: a Clock/Display Module, powered by a Raspberry Pi Zero, which receives infrared (IR) signals and updates an HDMI display, and a lightweight, battery-powered Remote Control Module built around an Arduino Nano that sends IR commands based on user input. Together, they create an intuitive and configurable system for managing training scenarios, visual feedback, and power-saving mechanisms to enhance usability, realism, and efficiency in simulated healthcare tasks.

Background

This project is a Remote-Controlled Clock and Timer system developed to help the nursing department manage timing displays more efficiently during simulations. Currently, there is no off-the-shelf solution designed specifically for setting and displaying simulation times and countdowns in clinical training rooms. This system fills that gap by providing an easy way to display both a simulation clock (e.g., 06:45 to simulate shift changes) and a countdown timer at the same time, helping staff track time-sensitive tasks during training sessions.

The system is made up of two main components: a Clock/Display Module built around a Raspberry Pi Zero, and a battery-powered Remote Module using an Arduino Nano Every. The remote sends infrared (IR) commands to the display to set or reset the clock and timer, switch between modes, and toggle options like date and seconds. The display connects to a monitor using HDMI and is configured using a standard keyboard and mouse. Designed with simplicity, flexibility, and long-term usability in mind, this system offers a practical solution tailored specifically to simulation environments.

Project Requirements

  • Battery powered
  • Remote sends commands to clock via infrared communication
  • Connected to a visual display device using full-size HDMI
  • Be able to change features of the clock by plugging in keyboard/mouse
  • Be able to set time from the remote with a send button
  • Reset button resets the clock to the last saved time settings
  • Turn on/off second display
  • Display both simulation time and countdown timer simultaneously
  • Power switch on remote to save battery
  • Being able to display time on the Remotes LCD screen as well

Design Constraints and Standards

The Remote Controlled Clock and Timer system adheres to various constraints necessary for proper functionality, safety, and usability in a professional simulation environment.

  • Accessibility: The system must be usable by non-technical users, including nursing instructors. It supports direct configuration through keyboard/mouse. Interfaces must comply with ISO 16982 and ISO 9241-125 usability standards.
  • Aesthetics: The remote and display units must maintain a professional, minimalistic appearance appropriate for classroom and simulation room use. The display is limited to essential information only, avoiding visual clutter.
  • Constructability/Manufacturability: Components like the remote control must be easy to assemble and disassemble for repair. The battery compartment is designed for simple access and replacement. The enclosure uses standard parts that comply with IPC-7711/21 for electronic assemblies.
  • Cost/Economic: The design prioritizes cost-effectiveness by using affordable and readily available components, such as 4 AA batteries, Arduino Nano Every, and Raspberry Pi 0. These choices balance performance and budget constraints.
  • Ergonomics: The remote’s layout supports intuitive operation with clearly labeled buttons and a visible LCD. This reduces user strain and enhances usability in a fast-paced training environment. Interfaces follow ISO 9241 ergonomic standards.
  • Environmental: To reduce waste, the system utilizes energy-efficient circuitry and supports the use of rechargeable batteries. Packaging is designed with recyclable materials in compliance with ISO 186.
  • Extensibility: Future upgrades such as sound effects, new display themes, or web-based configuration are supported through modular hardware/software architecture. Software is structured for plugin-style extensibility.
  • Functionality: The system must display real time, simulated time, and countdown modes. All critical commands must be reliably transmitted over IR ensuring responsiveness.
  • Legal Considerations: Any robotic automation or assembly tools used during development must comply with ANSI/RIA safety standards. Packaging and battery usage must also align with applicable environmental and transport regulations.
  • Maintainability: Hardware is designed for easy servicing, with accessible internal components and standard parts. Maintenance documentation must follow IEEE 828 and ISO/IEC 25051 standards.
  • Marketability: The system is branded with UTA logos and packaged professionally to allow potential scaling and deployment to other institutions. It meets performance expectations for use in simulated learning environments.
  • Public Health & Safety: All materials are non-toxic and enclosed. Electrical components are protected against accidental contact. IR communication eliminates the need for physical contact. Compliant with NFPA 70 and OSHA 1910.147 (LOTO).
  • Schedule: The system must be operational within 5 minutes of unboxing. This includes setup, pairing, and initial configuration. A quick-start guide is included to support rapid deployment.
  • Social/Cultural: Clear labeling, intuitive controls, and universal symbols reduce ambiguity, enabling use by diverse populations with varying levels of technical experience.
  • Standards: The system complies with a comprehensive range of industry standards including:
    • Power & Safety: ANSI C18, IEC 60086, IEEE 1725, IEC 62368-1, NFPA 70
    • IR Communication: IEC 60825
    • Ergonomics & Usability: ISO 9241, ISO 16982, ISO 9241-125
    • Software Development: IEEE 12207, ISO/IEC 25051
    • Networking/Security: IEEE 802.3, ISO 27001, NIST SP 800-63B
  • Sustainability: Battery life is optimized using low-power modes and efficient circuitry. Packaging and materials aim to minimize environmental impact through recyclability and long-term component availability.
  • Usability: Interfaces are user-friendly and support minimal training. Feedback from nursing staff guided UI design and prioritization of key features (e.g., mode visibility, ease of setup).

System Overview

The proposed system will provide the nursing department with an efficient way to manage time settings in multiple rooms. The system consists of two primary components: the Clock/Display Module and the Remote Control Module. The Clock/Display Module will be installed in each room and will receive time-setting commands via infrared (IR) communication. The Remote Control Module will be used by nursing staff to set a simulation time (e.g., 06:45 or 18:45 to match shift changes) or activate a countdown timer for task management.

The Clock/Display Module will be built using a Raspberry Pi Zero, which will process and display time settings on a connected HDMI display. Time adjustments can be made via an infrared receiver, or a direct keyboard/mouse connection. Additional features such as light/dark mode, sound effects, and display animations may be incorporated to enhance usability.

The Remote Control Module will be a compact, battery-powered device that transmits IR signals to adjust the clock’s settings. It will include physical buttons to set the time, start/reset simulations, and switch between clock and countdown timer modes. Power-saving measures will be integrated to ensure reliable operation, even after long periods of inactivity.

A high-level system diagram will illustrate how the remote interacts with the clock/display unit and how the display connects to a monitor. The diagram will outline key communication flows without detailing specific implementation choices like operating systems or programming languages.

Results

We completed the remote design, remote PCB design, and software. We achieved 17ft+ IR transmission with lights off. With lights fully on, we achieved 5ft transmission.

Future Work

  • Assemble PCBs from manufacturer
  • Final 3D design cases for remote and Pi
  • Further testing in nursing simulation rooms

Project Files

Project Charter
System Requirements Specification
Architectural Design Specification
Detailed Design Specification
Poster
Closeout Materials

References

Liu, S., and Bobrow, J. E., “An Analysis of a Pneumatic Servo System and Its Application to a Computer-Controlled Robot,” ASME Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Control, 1988, Vol 110 pp 228-235.

Steven McDermott

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