Proximity Triggered Focus Timer

Winter 2026

The Proximity Triggered Focus Timer is designed as a countdown device that monitors the presence of an object, like a phone, to encourage user focus. The system setting defaults to a 10-minute timer. The time can be adjusted by 5 minute increments, and has user-adjustable brightness levels. It triggers an audible 440 Hz alert, and stops the countdown when the sensor detects that the item has been removed before the time expires. The system uses an ESP32 microcontroller that processes distance data from the VL53LOX sensor over an I2C interface. Visual feedback and time remaining are provided by an SSD1306 OLED display. An LM386 amplifier drives an 8-ohm speaker, which then generates an audible alert when the item is removed. A linear NCP117 regulator ensures a stable power rail, and the entire assembly is secured within a custom 3D-printed enclosure. The system is battery powered, using a standard 9V battery. Some notable accomplishments include an accurate 440 Hz alert tone, integrating a time-of-flight sensor for a rapid detection response, and a timer display. Some future improvements that we could work on could be a low battery warning or a headphone jack so that only the user would hear the tone without disturbing others.

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Artifacts

Name Description
Top Level Architecture This is the block diagram for our project   Download
Executive Project Summary Project Summary   Download
GitHub This repository contains all code/firmware used for the project   Link
Inside the Enclosure Images of the system before it was sealed, showing the interior design layout   Download
System Video A video demonstrating functionality of the system   Link
Project Video A video describing all aspects of our project and design choices   Link
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