Project

# Title Team Members TA Documents Sponsor
61 Beverage Coaster with Sensing Capabilities
 Shivam Patel
Shray Chevli
Suraj Sinha
 Dongwei Shi design_document0.pdf
final_paper0.pdf
other0.pdf
presentation0.pdf
proposal0.pdf
We would like to build a beverage coaster that has weight sensing capabilities and the ability to transmit the data to some sort of central node. The use case for this idea is to transmit the data to a centralized location, allowing restaurant owners/servers to keep track of how much of a drink has been consumed thus far and how much is left to be consumed. This creates opportunities for analytics to be done on this data set for the restaurant owners to learn/function more optimally; whether it be by optimizing the frequency of service or any other avenue.

The challenges for this idea are getting both the sensor and RFID microchip incorporated into a usable coaster, not only in terms of appearance, but also size. Besides the challenge of scale, we need a reliable power source that can power the RFID microchip, weight sensor & logic board.

In terms of functionality, a challenge we may face can come in form of data we receive and how to process it. Since various cups have difference weights and densities, figuring out a method to detect accurately, through our weight sensor, volume of liquid or lack of can be challenging.

Our baseline expectation of this project will be to have a functional pressure sensor that streams data readings at a reasonable (based on use case) frequency to a hub that allows for some level of analytics/wiser decision making. Assuming we successfully build this out, we would like to add a button feature that can serve as a waiter/waitress caller system.

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.