4. INTRODUCTION
Our mechatronics project started with the mission statement: â Demonstrator light integrationâQuad Ind. & Modularâ.
This formulation led to confusion as well as great opportunities...
The first thing we had to do was: make a gigantic brainstorm in wich no boundaries were considered. Second, we had to consult Quad Ind. and Modular to discover what they mean with this tiny line of
instruction. During this first information and exploration phase, the third thing on the list was: come up with some ideas that match all the wishes and commands of all stakeholders.
Before we could properly start, we had to know something about what Quad Ind. or Modular could mean. So we looked up the internet, catalogues, brochures, etc. to find out more about a demonstrator
or what could be meant by it. During this preparation phase we investigated Quad Ind. and Modular to the bottom . It is important to know who you are dealing with...
So, in the next pages youâll find out everything about Quad Ind. and Modular; who they are, what they do, their product range, etc. Next, some moodboards and inspirational items are showed. Those views
indicate the depth of the little tub we had to dive in. After this, the first brainstorms should show what we first thought about. Off course the wishes and requirements of the two participating companies
will be listed too, while this section will be ended with the concept conclusion. We hope youâll enjoy this first part of the ride, because the second one will be a tiny bit more harsh.
Once we decided what we wanted to do during the project we had to define the goals. What should we have realized at the end of the semester? Besides this, we had a concept, but we didnât know yet
what properties, functions and other specifications our product would and should have. So some time to think about this was required. Anyway, those bumps in the road were easily taken and pretty
fast we could move on to the real job.
In the third part of the project, we started programming Arduino. A short overview of what tests and setups we tried, will be given. In this part Quad Ind. has proven to really support the idea. They came
up with some technologies, which we were able to use during the prototyping off our concept.
In a short, fourth segment in this record, weâll summarize the steps required to produce our product. Letâs say, âThe Sofieâs and Stephanieâs manual to the bright side of the nightâ...The components
needed, the programming of arduino, the build-up of the PCBâs and all other necessary production steps will be explained.
The last part of this writing will be dedicated to special remarks, further planning and some words to thank the helping hands.
We hope we can convince you to let you guide by Caars.
Sofie & Stephanie
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5. PROJECT
INTRODUCTIONâ
Mission Statement
âDemonstrator light integrationâQuad Ind. & Modularâ.
This was all we got at the start of the project. Obviously
some problem definition, border provision and some
additional explanation were needed.
We started with our own problem definition while the
first meeting with Quad Ind. and Modular was arranged.
One way or another, it was clear that in this project the
main goal was to learn how to design interactions by
the use of sensors. Indeed, the TIII project stimulates
young designers to think about how we can connect, by
the use of electronics, old problems with new solutions.
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6. PROJECT
INTRODUCTIONâ
Mission Statement according to Quad Ind. & Modular
The moment we got our challenge, we didnât have any clue about what was expected of us. After our own
first problem definition, we met the two supporting companies to see whether our noses pointed the same
direction.
Their wishes and commands, strings and requirements were simple...
DO YOUR THING
MAKE IT SOMETHING WHERE ALL OF US CAN BE PROUD OF
SHOW AND SHINE
The only thing they both had in mind, was creating a new interaction linked to both industries.
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8. EXPLORATIONâ
QUAD IND.
After the first 2 weeks we could meet Quad Ind. and Modular.
Quad Industries is a Belgian company that produces everything that has to do with interfaces.
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9. MODULAR
EXPLORATIONâ
Modular is also a Belgian company, but makes part of the lighting industry. Modular is very known for their
quirky design, innovative technology and pricey quality. Conclusion this company is famous and notorious.
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10. QUAD IND.âMODULAR
EXPLORATIONâ
The challenge formulated by Quad Ind. was to develop âsomethingâ in which their interfaces, in combination with light, would
âshake upâ their current market and clients. In this way that they are surprised that Quad Ind. also can do something new,
something different. It doesnât always have to be that stiff, simple, etc. Quad Ind. is open for some adventure and wants to show
that they are not a sleeping company, but constantly busy exploring new technologies on a new scope.
Also Modular said to us that the current formulation of the challenge wasnât strict. They just want to be involved in âsomethingâ
new. For such a company, itâs good to know and see how young designers see the lighting of tomorrow. Often they stand to
close to the current lighting technologies, which lead to little leaps and wholes in âthe meetingâ of the clientâs desires.
Conclusion, both companies think we should do our own thing. No limitations coming from them. They just want to give us their
approval and help when we come up with some concepts.
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11. Wishes and commands
EXPLORATIONâ
Quad Ind.
ï·
Try to use interfaces we can provide you with.
ï·
The product or interaction should be something that we actually could use or add to our product range.
ï·
The manner in which people interact with the new product, tool, or whatever you come up with, is a priority.
ï·
If what you have in mind is not too exotic, Quad Ind. can help with the development of proper sensors.
ï·
Try to do something people do not expect of Quad Ind.
ï·
Make it produceable and reproduceable.
ï·
If possible, try to come up with a technology we can use in the future too.
Modular
ï·
You know the âtypicalâ design of Modular, try to maintain this in the product.
ï·
Make it fit in the product range.
ï·
Create a new interaction with light.
ï·
Try to design/develop something with white light. This is often âforgottenâ but very useful.
ï·
Keep in mind our market. We focus on the layer of the society that is willing to pay for useful quality design.
Anyway, the things mentioned above are some guidelines. Still we had âcarte blancheâ.
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15. CONCEPT 1
IDEA GENERATIONâ
The first concept, the âPinch pillowâ, was formed out of the feeling
that people need something that can calm them down during a
dispute. The âPinch pillowâ is ment to be some kind of pillow that
can âsenseâ stress, anger, tension, etc.
During a fight there has to be something that can distract the
attention of those who are discussing something. The âPinch
pillowâ lights up and moves when the tension, more precise, the
volume during a conversation, rises. When the pinch pillow is fully
active the attention of the people will be attracted to it. To calm
the pillow down, the volume will have to decrease. On the other
hand, the âPinch pillowâ could be made into some kind of, literally,
punchball. When a dispute is becoming to heavy, the fighters could
decide to let their anger by giving some punches on the ball. Such
a relief...
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16. CONCEPT 2
IDEA GENERATIONâ
âBeat meâ is some kind of device which you wear
while youâre making a run. The idea is to push your
limits in beating yourself. The device would be able
to track and memorize your route. When youâre
running your second lap, the previous lap will be
projected. It would be nice if the projection could
be a print of feet, so you get the idea youâre
running against youâre own...feet.
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17. CONCEPT 3
IDEA GENERATIONâ
The last concept grew out of the need of light during the night.
Imagine:
During the night, you have to pee, or you want something small to eat or drink... You donât
want to turn on your light, because youâre afraid youâll waken everyone in the house. So
you have to sneak around in your own place. With your hand you palpate the wall, just to
get an indication of where you are, which door is closed, etc.
Wouldnât it be practical to have some kind of light to help you around in the dark? A
flashlight...of course, but not really fancy, is it?
To solve this, we came up with something new. We discoverd there are some more
bedroom problems during the night that can be solved...Of course we canât solve them all...
But for sure, youâll recognize the problem in which you are touching around your little
cabinet in search of the button to turn your light on...
The third concept, right now known as the âFollow-meâ, will be a night guide which can
interact with the hand and duplicate of itself. The idea is that you have a device in your
room and some other similar devices around the house.
As soon as your hand moves towards the device, the more it will light up. Then, take it with
you to go to the kitchen or bathroom and discover how it lightens your path. When you
approach your destination, the device put there, will lighten up accordingly to the distance
between the two devices.
As soon as you return to your bedroom, the light in the kitchen or bathroom will fade out.
From the moment you put your own device into itâs docking station and the distance
between your hand and the device is large enough, it will fade out as well.
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18. IDEA SELECTION
After the brainstorming and interim presentation, we chose to work with the third concept. The concept, then named, âFOLLOW MEâ, was selected above âBEAT MEâ
or âPINCH PILLOWâ, because of the actual problem-solving approach, usability, assumed compactness and realisability within the given time.
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19. CONCEPT FINALISATION
In the first phase of the concept, it wasnât clear yet how it should look like, what functions it would have,
which specialties there would be, etc.. To come to a solution and answer, we brainstormed again about
some topics.
Little detail, in this phase we didnât want to lose to much time and start prototyping as soon as possible.
We realised that a lot of functions and so, would depend on the ability to program them. So, during the
brainstorms we gathered some ideas of what the device could, should and has to do. We didnât translate
those requirements in âmustsâ, but we decided to wait and see for what we are capable of when we
started to program with Arduino.
This way of thinking, designing and developing was maintained, because we realised that in this course it
was more important to deliver a working prototype rather than a great concept.
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21. QUAD IND.âMODULAR
CONCEPT FINALISATIONâ
Once the concept was concrete, we returned to Quad Ind. and Modular. They have the knowledge,
experience, feeling and much more about how a concept can do it out there.
Quad Ind. really liked the concept of âportable lightâ. The combination of a âneedâ (a light guide during
the night), an old solution (remember the oldfashioned candle holders) and todayâs technology made
our concept strong, they believed.
Modular was also fond of it because they believed it actually could be marketed. ââIt is a new concept/
product that can be a solution for many different situations. Not only in domestic scenarios, like little
childeren who have to go tinkle, but it also can be a solution for those who frequently have to stay in a
hotel and arenât familiar with the switches yetââ.
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23. GOALS
CONCEPT FINALISATIONâ
Goals
We had a global idea of what our device should be able to do. So, we put up a list with requirements, us being
aware of our capabilities.
1)
We want that the âlightballâ lights up when a hand approaches it.
2)
The light should become stronger in proportion to the hand coming closer.
3)
The âlightballâ in your hand has to be able to communicate with another âlightballâ or object that can emit
light.
4)
That other object has to light up as soon as the âlightballâ in the hand approaches.
5)
The light has to be white.
6)
Preferably, the âlightballsâ work identically, so there is no âmasterâ and no âslaveâ. The communication is
mutual and all devices work on 'proximity'.
7)
When feasable, we want that the device can be used as a âreading lampâ.
At that point we didnât really think about how the devices would be provided of power. As soon as the biggest
part of the programming was realised, we concentrated on the provision of energy.
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24. DEADLINES & PLANNING
CONCEPT FINALISATIONâ
We wanted to start as soon as possible with the prototyping and
testing with Arduino. Because, we couldnât rely on another ICTâ or
electronics student with the knowledge of writing programs.
During the programming phase, Ing. Ward Houdendycke, really helped
us out. Without him, we wouldnât have been able to achieve the goals
we had in mind.
During the project there was only 1 deadline. Halfway we had to present
our 3 best concepts.
The deliverables were: (see specifications in the projectsheet of the
Mechatronics project)
The blog (potential design dossier)
Working Prototype
Presentation
Movie
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25. DEADLINES & PLANNING
CONCEPT FINALISATIONâ
Stephanie
Sofie
BLOG
PROTOTYPE
CODE
ELECTRONICS
VIDEO
DOSSIER
PRESENTATION
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27. TECHNICAL APPROACH
ENGINEERINGâ
PRODUCT
Caars, is a light emitting device, developed to assist during a nightwalk in the house. Caars is a solution to many problems and finds itâs origin in a well known phenomenon and old fashioned solution.
More specific, the well known problems:
ï·
Not lighting up the light in the bedroom or hallway to prevent that other persons in the house would awake.
ï·
Having troubles with finding the switch of the night lamp, with the result that every other thing on the cabinet ends up on the floor.
ï·
Not having a light to take with you during your translocation to the bathroom, kitchen, etc.
The well known phenomenon:
ï·
Touching the wall during your trip in the house, just to have an indication of where you are.
The (very) old fashioned solution:
ï·
A candle holder
Caars, is a light emitting device that lightens up as soon as a hand (or foot) approaches. This means that the problem of not finding the switch is already solved. Caars also happens to be a lightball that
can be taken away from itâs docking station. So you can take it with you during your night trip. Caars is especially designed to function as a night lamp. This means that the amount of emitted light, is
limited. You donât have to be afraid that the light will disturb the other, sleeping, person in the room. Besides those characteristics, Caars can communicate with his 'twins'. This means that when you
have installed other Caars devices around the house, those will start to light up accordingly to the distance between the 2 elements.
Translated this all into reality, the result is that you will have a light as soon as you wake up, during your trip to the destination and sufficient light on the destination spot, thanks to the 2 lighting Caars
devices.
APPROACH
Technically, the development of âCaarsâ was reduced to the designing of 2 functions. The first development was the lightning of the ball as soon as a hand came closer and a second part was the
development of a wireless connection between 2 elements.
Subsequently, we had to think about power consumption and supply. Caars had to be portable, so we had to find a suitable battery or other energy-system.
In short, the development of âCaarsâ lapsed in different phases. In the next pages, those phases are briefly reviewed.
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28. ARDUINO TESTSâTEST 1
ENGINEERINGâ
A simulation of proximity by the use of a potentiometer
This first test was set up to get some feeling with the idea of âproximityâ. We never
used this technology before, and for sure we didnât know yet how to handle it. The
following test was performed by the simple use of a potentiometer. The
potentiometer equals the distance between the âlightballâ and the hand. So this
meant that turning the potentiometer to the one side was the same as the hand
that came closer to the ball, turning the potentiometer the other side, was the
same as the hand that moved away from the ball.
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31. PROXIMITYâCAPACITIVE SENSOR
ENGINEERINGâ
Capacitive proximity sensors can be used to detect metallic and also non metallic targets like paper, wood, plastic, glass, wood, powder, liquid..etc without physical contact. The capacitive proximity
sensor works on the capacitor principle. The main components of the capacitive proximity sensor are a plate, oscillator, threshold detector and an output circuit.
The plate inside the sensor acts as one plate of the capacitor and the target acts as another plate. The air between the two plates acts as the dielectric.
As the object comes close to the plate of the capacitor the capacitance increases and as the object moves away the capacitance decreases. The detector circuit checks the amplitude output from the
oscillator and based on that the output switches. Important to mention is that the capacitive sensor only can detect any targets whose dielectric constant is more than air.
Briefly, a capacitive (proximity) sensor measures the capacity between an active sensor electrode and the electric earth potential. The oscillator, oscillates corresponding to the space between the
sensor electrode and object to be recognized. Later on, the output signal is generated from the amplitude of the oscillator.
Arduino has itâs own capacitive sensing library. We
used this one during our tests. (See test 1, 2 and 3
above.)
As soon as this library and the simulation of a sensor
became to limited, we contacted Quad Ind.
They said they would help us where possible and since
interfaces and sensors is their core business, we
thought they might be interested in the approach.
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32. WIRELESS CONNECTIONâXBEE
ENGINEERINGâ
2 Caars elements had to be able to âcommunicateâ. By this was meant that the elements had to be able to âmeasureâ the distance between them.
First we thought of infrared connection, like in remotes, but this didnât fit in the concept. Imagine that the bathroom door is closed, then the âCaarsâ in there would never light up until youâre already inside
the bathroom and the door doesnât interfere the connection.
We also thought about an ultrasonic sensor. Those sensors work on the same principal as sonar or radar, which evaluates attributes of a target by interpreting the echoes from radio or sound waves
respectively. Ultrasonic sensors generate high frequency sound waves and evaluate the echo which is received back by the sensor. Sensors calculate the time interval between sending the signal and
receiving the echo to determine the distance to an object.
Both principles werenât 100%suitable for the concept, so we decided to go through with the wireless connection via a XBEE module. Those modules are perfect compatible with Arduino and âeasierâ to
program in comparison with infrared or ultrasonic sensors.
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33. WIRELESS CONNECTIONâXBEE
ENGINEERINGâ
The programming of the XBEEâs didnât go as smooth as hoped. A lot of problems occured. The first problem was getting 2 XBEEâs to recognize eachother. We did not want any problems with other XBEE
modules interfering with the ones we were using, so we had to adjust the XBEEs. This had to be done via a small program. Murphy wanted that this couldnât be done by our computers, so we thought it
would never come to a happy ending. Fortunately, we had Ward to help us setting up this connection.
Furthermore, we had to continue with Arduino nano modules. In the meanwhile we had decided to prototype the concept with 2 balls, diameter 10cm. All the electronics had to fit in.
Eventually, we succeeded in creating small all-in-one packages. Those packages included an Arduino nano, an XBEE, an explorer regulated board and of course the breadboards.
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34. POWER SUPPLY
ENGINEERINGâ
This topic got handled in the last weeks. The closer we got to the finish, the more we had to optimize the whole concept.
We had chosen to work with balls, because we believed this had an influence on the power supply and consumption. A round object can roll away, so we thought it would be a good idea to use this
âdisadvantageâ in our product too. People will be obliged to put âCaarsâ back in its docking station as soon as itâs fullfilled itâs purpose.
There are all kind of batteries and energy-systems, but we chose a lipo-battery. Easy to charge via an USB-cable.
So, for 1 âCaarsâ, 1 lipo-battery and Lipo-charger/booster are needed. The charger/booster is necessary because of the difference in voltage required by the components. A Lipo-battery provides 3.7V,
while the Arduino components work on 5V.
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35. QUAD IND.âS CONTRIBUTION
ENGINEERINGâ
The tests above were the only one we could do to come as close as possible to proximity and the wished interaction. Arduino is a nice and versatile thing, but not everything is quite as perfect as wanted
or hoped.
After those tests, we felt it was time to return to Quad Ind.. Modular wasnât very much in the picture anymore, because they couldnât help us with the translation of the concept into a working prototype.
In the company of Quad Ind. we explained what we had achieved and what we hoped Quad Ind. could do for us. We agreed that Quad Ind. would print a capacitive sensor for us, that could fit in the half of
a ball. Besides this agreement, they gave us some hints about a chip AT42QT1010, some PCBâs, and other interesting things to know about the possible right configuration.
After a while Quad Ind. contacted us back with the surprising message: âHej girls, we have a working ball on proximity! Can you come and fetch it?â
The Quad-ball works without Arduino. Instead it is composed out of an AT42QT1010-chip and their own printed capacitive sensor. The chip is programmed especially for proximityâ or capacitive
applications. They made an all-in-one PCB, consisting out of the chip, the leds and some other required components.
In this prototype, a simple battery-block was used. This prototype was a stand-alone device. It wasnât designed yet to communicate with itâs âtwinâ.
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49. RESULTâ
PRODUCT IDENTITY
The name âCaarsâ comes from the flemish word âkaarsâ. The idea of âCaarsâ
was indeed shaped by the old fashioned candle holder. We chose to write
the name with a âCâ, because this refers to the technical and electronic part
of the concept. We thought a âCâ brings that idea along.
Actually there is not really a restriction when it comes to the logo colors.
We have chosen to deliver this dossier in pink, as a statement of what we 2
girls are capable off. Of course, we have to mention we had a lot of help.
Therefore, Thank You!
Besides this, âCaarsâ was initial meant as a night guide for kids. During the
project, it became clear to us, that many more people can benefit of âCaarsâ.
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52. PAST & FUTURE
CONCLUSION AND REFLECTIONâ
If we knew in the beginning what we know now , we could not have dealt with problems differently. Most of our goals have been achieved.
Caars lights up as soon as a hand approaches close enough and a 2nd Caars activates as soon as the first (active) Caars approaches close enough. The balls can be used
wirelessly and a charging system is provided.
We are also satisied with the co-operation. The tasks were distributed evenly , each contribution was equally important and the approach of the programming we attacked
together. Admittedly, Ward supported us very much here .
It is true that we had to adjust our goals during the project. The initial goals we had set , were not realistic within the provided time. For example we wanted to make several
Caars'en . This, from the point of view, that Caars should be provided all around the house. However getting the wireless connection established between two elements , was
already challenging enough.
A short list of difficulties and disappointments is perhaps in place :
ï·
Programming wireless connection
ï·
Bring together the sensor and arduino ... These are not fully compatible
ï·
The chip (AT42QT1010) calibrates every 40 seconds
ï·
The Lipo-batteries may interfere the sensor
ï·
The life time of the batteries is limited
52
53. PAST & FUTURE
CONCLUSION AND REFLECTIONâ
Plans for the future include especially optimization . Today CAARS is not 100 % reliable . This is because of the chip that is used to make proximity possible. This chip has a
built-in calibration function . This means that , once you a hold CAARS too long , the hand will eventually no longer be seen as an external trigger , but will be ' included ' in
the system. On the other hand , calibration is necessary because objects that are set up next to the docking station , should not be seen as 'something ' that may activate
Caars. In time, it would be a good thing if Caars calibrates only when it is set in the docking station.
Furthermore, we would like to optimize the charging system. Today Caars is charged via a USB cable , but we actually want it to charge wireless . Think of a
electric toothbrush for example, or an electric kettle . This principle is based on induction . However, we should take into account the impact of this method of charging
on the sensor.
As indicated earlier , we would like to enable communication between multiple Caars'en . And this is a ' modular ' way . Suppose that a family first purchases two Caars'en.
Then it should be possible that they add some Caars'en to this system after some time . These should be included in the ' circuit' and the wireless communication should also
work perfectly with the new elements .
Also, we would like to completely eliminate the master-slave mechanism. We strive to make the balls all "identical". In this way, the exchange of balls does not affect
the operation.
To make CAARS versatile, it would be a good thing to build in a ' stand-alone ' mechanism too. This means that it should be possible to use CAARS as a reading light.
Conclusion: CAARS is far from 'finishedâ , but we can be satisfied with the results achieved in the last semester.
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54. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
CONCLUSION AND REFLECTIONâ
âCAARSâ has been realized with the help of a lot of people. Now itâs time to say âthank youâ to those.
First of all we want to thank all of our docents and mentors. Thanks to their view on the learning proces of âbecoming a (good) designerâ, mechatronics,
interactions, etc. the course âmechatronicsâ is what it is. The process weâve been âpushedâ through, has been very fulfilling.
Next we want to thank Quad Ind. and Modular. Their courage to invest time in this project, led to our successes. We want to thank Quad Ind. especially for
their co-operation and contribution to the realisation of âCaarsâ. Without their âQuad-ballâ and capacitive sensor, we wouldnât have been able to
translate our concept in what it is today.
We also wish to say to Ward Houdendycke: âThank you!!!â. He was the man, who helped us with the configuration of the XBEEâs and who helped us to
assembly the all-in-one packages.
Of course, weâre forgetting to mention some names, but know that weâre only forgetting to mention them. All those who supported us during the project,
who fed our inspiration, who gave us the comments we needed to move on, etc.
To all of you,
âThank you!â
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55. Sofie Havegeer & Stephanie Van Haecke
The guide to the bright side of the night.
55
