FootFrame Log
Week of January 29: The team spent a few hours brainstorming ideas for the idea FootFrame - a project that will detect forces applied by each foot when squatting or jumping onto two force sensitive resistors, one for each foot. Our idea was then to take this data into arduino, and use arduino to calculate and display the difference in these forces to detect an imbalance. This idea stemmed from our interest in the medical health field, as we thought detecting an imbalance in someone's standing posture could help determine whether it's necessary to fix the imbalance. Following this, researched load cells and the circuitry necessary to complete this project, along the way we found the items we would need to buy, which allowed us to work to complete our project proposal for FootFrame.
Week of February 5: The team reviewed their project proposal and adjusted it to fit with the improvements suggested by Humberto's corrections. There was discussion with friendly TA, Will Luer, about the physical design of the project and its sensors. The group began its initial tasks as outlined by the Gantt Chart, including learning C, designing circuitry, and researching load cells. Already, there are some concerns about the material that will be used to focus the force onto the sensors. Also, the group considered ways to filter data from the sensors, specifically using a rolling average filter to average out a certain time's worth of data, as well as some basic ideas for the algorithm that will be used to compute the data. Next steps include researching deeply into load cells and which will be purchased, as well as the beginnings of learning C.
Week of February 12: The team conducted individual research and also worked to finalize the platform and budget... Team: The team still needed to finalize the budget, as the design platform wasn't specific enough (the details of what platform we would place over the sensors was missing). After some thought, the group decided that they would use wood, the details on from whom we would purchase are still being worked on. Additionally, the team recognized that we also had not gone in enough detail with discussing which interface we would use to display data. As of now, the team would like to use a computer, and have decided to research how they can do this.
Jessie: This week, Jessie decided to use CSE132's website and lectures to start learning the basics of C as well as using an Arduino. He's currently waiting on being able to take out an arduino to conduct some practice. In addition, he conducted research on filtering and decided that for FootFrame's data collection, he will test a rolling average algorithm to see if it will accurately deliver a good force reading (Credit to Will Luer for discouraging Jessie's original idea of using a varied form of clustering).
Isabel: This week, Isabel looked at different types of platforms to find which would be the best. After conducting research, Isabel relayed to the group that she thought we would be unable to use glass, as the ideal sheet size for our platform is around 1/2 inches in thickness. This size is not only scarce, but it is also expensive.
Adam: This week, Adam designed the layout for the platform as well as the circuitry for the Wheatstone bridge. Adam also did extensive research into a similar project that was already finished of a dog scale in order to get a better idea on what the physical / technical layout of our sensors.
Week of February 19 This week, the team decided upon the type of wood that is needed for the project (the base, the load sensor supports, and the top foot plate). Excursions were made to the machine shop and the art school wood shop looking for available pieces to use. This trip demonstrated that we would be unable to use wood solely from campus locations. As a result, we updated our budget to accommodate for the wood we need to buy for the top foot plates. Additionally, we updated the Gantt Chart to more accurately represent our plans for our project. Following this, we signed up for an evaluation with Humberto. During our meeting with friendly TA Will, we finalized the budget and prepared to buy all the necessary pieces for the project. Within a week, they should be in and assembly will begin. Also, plans were made to begin 3D printing the sensor housing material, which will attach to the sensor support blocks.
