Fusion Companion Cube
The Fusion Companion Cube is a assistant to your mouse and keyboard as you work with the 3D modeling software Fusion 360. This joystick cube as some extra functionality most computer mice do not have such as a joystick for smoother maneuvering, 2 macro buttons, and a function changing button. The Fusion Companion Cube is coded to drag your object on the screen around, orbit around your object, and zoom in and out from where your cursor is located. The left button is shortcut for the extrude tool and the right button is a shortcut to save your work. The joystick can also be depressed to switch between each of the joystick modes: drag, orbit, zoom. The shell of this device is themed off of the companion cube from the much-loved video game Portal 2. Not only the shell, but the indicator lights and startup animation reflect the Portal 2 theme.
Demonstration video of movement controls and button functions:
The creation process of this wonderful companion. From right to left, top to bottom:
first draft 3D print, basic assembly, circuit mount soldering and coding, THC soldering, knob tweaking to fit joystick, buttons and knob painted, box painted, full assembly and resin
EasyEDA PCB design. 2D and 3D pictures, and embedded 3D model
Embedded Fusion 360 model of Fusion Companion Cube shell with basic PCB:
Startup animation fully light and very dim:
The startup animation is a little long, but each state has its purpose. The beginning bright white lights are an obvious indicator for the Fusion Companion Cube being on. The single red light circling the knob reflects the bright red eye seen in many of the evil robots in the game Portal 2 and the motion is similar to a traditional loading symbol. The orange side and blue side and switch represents the blue and orange portals that are the most important element of Portal 2. Then the flickering pink lights reflect the light pink from the companion cube and the motion is to portray a sense of prettiness of happiness. Lastly the brief second of no light is to break up the start-up animation and the color signifiers for each of the joystick modes.
