SKETCH ONE: prototype

SKETCH ONE: prototype

This week we finished our Sketch: One project, which included the functional backpack with the pressure sensors (anti-static foam sensors) and the LED indicators. Our project concept: a wearable backpack that has pressure sensors to allow the user to be aware of the amount of weight that they are carrying. The purpose of this project was to reduce the risk of back/shoulder pain through the implementation of a body interface. At the University of California by Brandon Macias, research shows that the some back pains (from students) are caused by the way students are carrying their backpacks and the amount of weight they are carrying.

SKETCH ONE: fabrication process

In our technical side, we used anti-static foam as a replacement for pressure sensors and we connected a 1V current running through the foam. As you put pressure on the foam the current increases (similar to how resistors work). We also implemented the code in Arduino where we gave it a specific range for the LEDs to turn on. Finally we implemented the whole project using conductive thread to connect the LEDs to our Arduino board, hiding all the unnecessary wires. The overall project demo went well and learned a few new concepts about fabrication and implementation on conductive materials. In addition we consider a few changes that we would change in the future, such as positioning the LED's so that the important lights will be visible for the user, working with a functional circuit board, and practicing on wiring/soldering the elements efficiently.

Click here for the slide presentation:  SKETCH ONE - Presentation Slide

Click here for the Arduino Code: SKETCH ONE - Arduino Code