Lucid Dream/Dream Recall Machine using infrared.

This is my first instructable, so I hope everything is clear and hoping you find it interesting, and would appreciate any feedback, so here I go. I am sill testing this device with other people,  but  personally I have found  my dream recall has improved dramatically, wow! some of the dreams are totally amazing.

WARNING. Because of the flashing Led this could pose a problem with people that are affected by epilepsy. One solution would be to connect a switch to the Led, therefore there would only be a sound as a dream trigger.

If any one is interested in this project I can sell a kit of parts or sell a complete and tested device. Please contact me for prices at.  [email protected]
Lucid Dream Dream Recall Machine using infrared.
Description.
The device will scan the closed eye using infrared and when movement is detected(REM) the PIC microcontroller will flash an LED and produce a sound on a piezo. This should wake one up into a dream. Useful for Lucid dreaming or if one wants to better their dream recall. I have found using this device, my dream recall has greatly improved.

Operation.
After switching on the device there will be a delay of approximately 60 seconds, to allow one to settle into bed. Then the device will scan the closed eye three times, to check functionality, after this the device will stop scanning for three hours. It will then go into a cycle of scanning the eye then delay for 15 minutes until the device is turned off or the push button is pressed. If button is pressed the LED will illuminate then flash once after which there will be a delay of 30 minutes then scanning is resumed. This is to allow you to interrupt the cycle eg. sleep was interrupted so as to allow you to go back to sleep or can be used for a nap.

Setup mode.
1/ Keep push button pressed then turn on and release button, the LED will flash and piezo will sound, this is to allow adjustment of the LED light intensity VR1 and piezo volume VR2,  also to check battery state of charge.
2/ Press button until LED only flashes and release, this will enter infrared functionality test.
3/ Pressing button again, the device will go into the main program or turn off device.

Summary of operation.
1/ When one is ready for sleep turn on device then count to 60(seconds approximately).
2/ Move the eyes under closed lids until the device has triggered three times. This is to test functionality.
3/ Device will go into a three hour delay until scanning starts.
4/ Then it will scan the eye, delay for 15 minutes and repeat until the device is turned off or the push button is pressed.
5/ If push button is pressed the Led will stay on until released then flash once, there will then be a delay of 30 minutes and continue as in 4/. The button can be pressed at any time.
6/Sweet dreams and or great lucids.
7/Turn off device with the slid switch. Good morning

Jeff Barnes

Step 1: PARTS LIST

Parts list.
R1 = 3K3 1/4 WATT
R2 = 10K
R3 = 5K6
R4 = 150R
VR1 = 5K PRESET
VR2 = 100K PRESET

C1 = 1000uF 6.3V ELECTROLYTIC
C2 = 100nF CERAMIC
C3 = 22pF CERAMIC

IC1 = 12F675 PIC MICROCONTROLLER
INFRARED PHOTO TRAN 3mm OR 5mm
INFRARED LED 5mm
5mm LED
PIEZO 20mm

SW1 = MINATURE SLIDE SWITCH
PB1 = MINATURE PUSH BUTTON

8 PIN DIL SOCKET
AAA BATTERY HOLDER FOR TWO AAA BATTERIES
SLEEP MASK
DOUBLE SIDED STICKY PADS X 2
STRIP BOARD 25 HOLES X 18 STRIPS
1mm HEAT SHRINK SLEEVING
TINNED COPPER WIRE FOR LINKS, 7 IN TOTAL.
SLEEP MASK

Jeff Barnes

Step 2: CONSTRUCTION

Construction.
Please refer to schematic and board overlay
For the circuit board I have used Vero/stip board and the tracks cut using a spot face cutter or a 3mm drill bit, as indicated by  X’s in the circuit board layout, 9 in total. I have also included a PCB lay out.

Construction of the board is pretty straightforward, just have to watch for the polarity of the electrolytic cap, IC1, infrared led, infrared tran(collector denoted by the short leg) and visible led.
Some things to watch out for:-
The push button legs will have to be straightened to fit into the correct position, as shown in the circuit board overlay.
The two white rectangles by the side of the piezo are the double sided sticky pads for securing the battery holder.
Piezo is glued to the circuit board with a small amount of adhesive.
The battery holder:-
Two lengths of tined copper wire are soldered onto the board at the points marked with a + and a _,  then pass them through the solder tags on the battery holder, stick holder in place after sewing to sleep mask with the two double sided sticky pads and solder wires to the solder tags, being careful not to use too much heat, are the plastic of the holder will melt.Lucid Dream Dream Recall Machine using infrared schematic
Led, infrared led and infrared transistor:- (infrared tran collector denoted by short leg)
Use 1mm sleeving on the legs of these components and try to keep them as long as possible when soldering to board. The short lead on the infrared transistor indicates the collector. Bend these components out from the board and bend the heads so as to be able to shine on the eyes. Next stitch board to sleep mask, as indicated on the board overly, mark the position of the Leds and transistor on the mask, then cut small holes using a leather hole punch or something simular, press the heads of these components through so the leds protrude approximately 3mm and the photo tran 2mm, making shore the infrared led is slightly angle towards the photo transistor and then glue into place using supper glue. There is a photo of the templates I used showing the position of these components, there is another photo showing the ideal position of the infra red led and photo transistor in relation to the eye.   WARNING, ALLOW AT LEAST 3 HOURS BEFORE PUTTING MASK ON FACE, BECAUSE  FUMES FROM THE GLUE CAN IRRITATE THE EYES.
The PCB software I am using is from  http://www.expresspcb.com/expresspcbhtm/download.htm

Jeff Barnes

 

 

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About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer with a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan University. I have written for various industries, mainly home automation and engineering. My writing style is clear and simple, and I am skilled in using infographics and diagrams. I am a great researcher and am able to present information in a well-organized and logical manner.

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