PostureMinder Process

Project 1:

PostureMinder Naomie Grenier-Pleau, Russell Meghoo, Tiffany Fry

DESN37900: Interactive objects and Environments 2: Physical Computing February 10th, 2017

Video Link

Conceptualization

In our brainstorms, we migrated towards subtle means to improve the life of a user. We originally were not sold on the idea of posture, but after thinking about it during conceptualization, we all began paying more attention to it and noticed how easy it is to slip into bad posture. As an oft-neglected aspect of health for many students, we began to consider solutions to help a user attain a neutral spine naturally.

We each took a shot at visualizing what form a posture solution might come in. We considered a tilt sensor, pressure sensor and flex sensor, and decided a flex sensor would be the most useable for different people as it could be fitted to different sections of the spinal column and respond directly to their angles, instead of relying on tilt and pressure.

Naomie Grenier-Pleau, Russell Meghoo, Tiffany Fry

Process Wiring - Naomie, Russell

Code - Tiffany The setup involves a vibration motor and a flex sensor. The code prints a bend angle read by the flex sensor, and if the angle is found to be above a certain threshold, it will tell the vibration motor to run HIGH until the value is within the threshold again. The acceptable values will differ between users.

Because posture remedy is simply a matter of remembering to maintain neutral spine until you don’t have to remember anymore and settle into it naturally, there is no quick-fix; this setup will literally provide a tap on the shoulder to let a user know they have slipped into bad posture, as often as needed until the user stays upright.

Components

Our components were a vibration motor, an Adafruit Flora, and a long flex sensor.

The flex sensor measures the degree of bend by sensing the resistance across the length. It comes in a shorter size, but we opted for a bit more length to pick up the more gradual bend of an upper back. It was delicate, with a very flimsy base.

The vibration motor was a simple method of output that either ran high or low. Being a tactile sensation, it would be easier to position near the sensor with the user having no need to see it, while also being discreet.

Material Exploration

Our material exploration mostly focused on finding the best way to house/adhere the final prototype. KT tape was our best option, being very sticky, stretchy and durable. It held our circuit in place securely on the correct section of the spine for accurate readings and for the best chance of feeling the vibration motor.

We had some options for wiring up the Flora, and decided on wirewrap rather than conductive thread for a firmer hold and an easier time with setup.