Lessons in Algorithms
Nate
Final Thoughts
To sum up, we’ve covered a lot of ground in this article. First, the importance of fully understanding the problem as it relates to the required end item along with the domain knowledge needed to get there. Second, for a problem of this nature creating a scaffold environment to build the algorithm was imperative, and in this instance, it was the Java prototype with visual display of the signals. Third, was implement for the target environment, on a PC you have wonderful optimizing compilers for powerful CPUs with tons of cache, for a microcontroller the optimization is really left to you. Use every optimization trick you know to keep processing as quick as possible. Fourth, iterative development can help you on problems like this. Keep reworking the problem while folding in the knowledge you are learning during the development process.
When I look back on this project and think about what ultimately made me successful, I can think of two main things. Creating the right tools for the job was invaluable. Being able to see how my processing components were affecting the signal was really invaluable. Not only plotting the output signal, but having it plot in realtime, allowed me to fully understand the acceleration being generated. It was as if Nate was in the corner punching the bag, and I was watching the waveform roll in on my screen. However, the biggest factor was realizing that in the end I am looking for something that happens 2 to 4 times per second. I latched on to that and relentlessly pursued how to translate the raw incoming signal into something that would show those events. There was nothing for me to Google to find that answer. Remember knowledge doesn’t really come from books, it gets recorded in books. First, someone had to go off script and discover something and then it becomes knowledge. Apply the knowledge you have and can find, but don’t be afraid to use your imagination to try what hasn’t been tried before to solve an unsolved problem. So remember in the future, metaphorically when you come to the end of the paved road. Will you turn around looking for a road already paved ,or will you lock in the hubs and keep plowing ahead to make your own discovery. I wasn’t able to just Google how to count punches with an accelerometer, but now someone can.
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