Project

# Title Team Members TA Documents Sponsor
50 "Bar"-O-Meter
 Chen Hu
Tuo Liu
Yiming Song
 Igor Fedorov design_document0.pdf
final_paper0.pdf
presentation0.presentation
proposal0.pdf
Ever had a hard time choosing which bar to go because you don't know whether it's gonna be a fund time or your type of bar? Well, we have come up with A Different Kind of "Bar"-O-Meter to tell you about what's going on at your favorite bars!

We plan on installing weight sensors under the floors at bars to gather our raw data on the total weight at each bar. After data collection, we plan on using simple algorithms to calculate the estimated number of people at the bar. Additionally, the atmosphere (i.e. just chillin' around or busting out my moves) could be determined by taking a look at the fluctuation of the weight data. Ultimately, these data will be transmitted and uploaded to a website so that people can easily see what's the most popular place to go!

Data Collection: we hope to achieve this by installing multiple weight sensors underneath the floors. Our initial thought is to employ a variable resistor controlled by the weight. If this does not provide the level of accuracy we desire, we will modify our approach to accomplish a reasonable result. Additionally, by the time we submit our proposal, we also hope to decide on the way that we power these sensors. To make these devices more economical, we desire to design it in a way that would only require an external battery that needs to be replaced once a year. There are, however, other alternatives to power such system, i.e. wall powered, self-powered, etc.

Data Transmission: to ensure the data quality while lowering the cost, we would use wires to transmit the data. The resistance of the variable resistors would be measured and then the data will be transmitted to a centrally located box to store the data and wirelessly (via bluetooth) upload to a computer.

Data Output: The estimated number of people could be obtained by dividing the total net weight by the average weight of an adult. Also, the weight fluctuation would dictate the type of atmosphere at the bar. The output will be readily available on a social networking site.

GYMplement

Srinija Kakumanu, Justin Naal, Danny Rymut

Featured Project

**Problem:** When working out at home, without a trainer, it’s hard to maintain good form. Working out without good form over time can lead to injury and strain.

**Solution:** A mat to use during at-home workouts that will give feedback on your form while you're performing a variety of bodyweight exercises (multiple pushup variations, squats, lunges,) by analyzing pressure distributions and placement.

**Solution Components:**

**Subsystem 1: Mat**

- This will be built using Velostat.

- The mat will receive pressure inputs from the user.

- Velostat is able to measure pressure because it is a piezoresistive material and the more it is compressed the lower the resistance becomes. By tracking pressure distribution it will be able to analyze certain aspects of the form and provide feedback.

- Additionally, it can assist in tracking reps for certain exercises.

- The mat would also use an ultrasonic range sensor. This would be used to track reps for exercises, such as pushups and squats, where the pressure placement on the mat may not change making it difficult for the pressure sensors to track.

- The mat will not be big enough to put both feet and hands on it. Instead when you are doing pushups you would just be putting your hands on it

**Subsystem 2: Power**

- Use a portable battery back to power the mat and data transmitter subsystems.

**Subsystem 3: Data transmitter**

- Information collected from the pressure sensors in the mat will be sent to the mobile app via Bluetooth. The data will be sent to the user’s phone so that we can help the user see if the exercise is being performed safely and correctly.

**Subsystem 4: Mobile App**

- When the user first gets the mat they will be asked to perform all the supported exercises and put it their height and weight in order to calibrate the mat.

- This is where the user would build their circuit of exercises and see feedback on their performance.

- How pressure will indicate good/bad form: in the case of squats, there would be two nonzero pressure readings and if the readings are not identical then we know the user is putting too much weight on one side. This indicates bad form. We will use similar comparisons for other moves

- The most important functions of this subsystem are to store the calibration data, give the user the ability to look at their performances, build out exercise circuits and set/get reminders to work out

**Criterion for Success**

- User Interface is clear and easy to use.

- Be able to accurately and consistently track the repetitions of each exercise.

- Sensors provide data that is detailed/accurate enough to create beneficial feedback for the user

**Challenges**

- Designing a circuit using velostat will be challenging because there are limited resources available that provide instruction on how to use it.

- We must also design a custom PCB that is able to store the sensor readings and transmit the data to the phone.