FootFrame

Overview

The goal of this project is to develop a system of sensors that can detect and read the amount of force placed on it, each sensor will have a reading for the left and right foot respectively. We plan to do this by using force sensitive resistors to take in data that is sent to arduino, this data will be used to calculate an imbalance (calculation will take place in arduino) in the forces on each sensor, and display this imbalance for the user, we will develop an algorithm as well which will display whether this imbalance is undesirable or okay. In its final state, the project will be able to find imbalances in forces from pushing with the legs when standing or squatting. Applications for FootFrame could be found in weightlifting and physical therapy, among other places.

Team Members

Jessie Korovin
Adam Messer
Isabel Shapiro
Will Luer (TA)

Objectives

Detect the amount of force applied by feet on force sensitive resistors, up to 110 pounds per foot
Be able to deliver a reading of the force from each resistor into arduino, and code a program that calculates and displays the difference between the force sensitive resistors in arduino
Designing a foot stand that allows us to accurately and completely transmit all the force generated by feet onto the force sensitive resistors. Six force sensors will be used to develop data (this number was chosen because geometrically, three sensors for each foot plate will be stable)
Developing an interface to show the information collected (difference in force readings between feet in LBS)

Challenges

Calibrating force resistors so they do not give inaccurate readings (can sometimes differ by 10%)
Designing a program to deliver the reading using arduino
Making sure the foot stands are stable and do not break, to make sure the user remains safe
Making sure all the force is delivered onto the sensor
Filtering data to get accurate results
Ensuring the material that the sensor is housed in will not impact the quality of the data