User:Akirchhof13/project1cat

Project Preference
MakerBot PLA Testing: https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/MakerBot_PLA_Material

Bioengineering: https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/User:Medelen8/ENES100/Bioengineering_Project_Conception

Autonomous Power Wheel: https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Autonomous_Power_Wheel

Problem Statement
In this project cycle, my group plans to conceive and design a device that can be used to check ones vitals. Using existing devices as a model, we will aim to design a new and more accurate device.

Project Plan
Currently the plans stand at a very basic point.
 * Week one: Research
 * Week Two: Conceive and Start Design
 * Week Three: Continue Design
 * Week Four: Possibly begin work on a prototype

Week 1 Narrative: Research and Defining
This week featured mostly research. At this point in time, our group is setting the groundwork for what we will base our project off of. We looked at what was already available in the market, and found a wide variety of different devices that are already available. In doing this research, I found several points that the group should focus on.

The list is as Follows
 * The device must be non-intrusive. It cannot interfere or in anyway, affect the wearer.
 * The device must be worn around an area with an easily detectable pulse.
 * Most devices in the market take temperature readings based on skin temperature. This is mostly because it is one of the more reliable methods.
 * Many of the devices currently in the market also can connect wirelessly to a computer or other electronic device.
 * The device must be cheap to manufacture and must cost less than 30$.
 * The device must be as light as a watch.

In a quick survey of 80 people conducted at my job, the majority said that they have used a similar device. Also it was noted that there is a large difference in price in the devices that are currently available. Another quick survey showed that 75% of "senior citizens" do not use a similar device or any device to check their vitals. Their reasons varied from unreliable, to not as cost efficient as other less technologically involved means. 25% seemed interested in a lightweight device that could spot check their vitals to a reliably accurate degree. All in all, 50% of those interviewed said they would be interested in trying out a device, if it met their standards. The other 50% were split into two groups, roughly about half each. 25% of the half would rather rely on more accurate methods, and the other 25% do not wish to use any device.

For a link to the group CDIO report see the above list in week zero or click here. https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/User:Medelen8/ENES100/Bioengineering_Project_Conception

Week 2 Narrative: Quantifying Research and Algorithms
This week again featured research, but in this case, I began research on the practical aspects of our device. Starting with the most basic, of quantifying the measurements that the device will take. It was my focus to define temperature and heart rate in terms of algorithms. Before I began any quantitive research I focused on defining what I was looking for.


 * Temperature is defined by Google as: The degree or intensity of heat present in a substance or object, esp. as expressed according to a comparative scale and shown by a thermometer or perceived by touch.


 * Body temperature is also most commonly measured in degrees or metric units.

With this in mind I began a search to see if there had been any scientific studies done that quantified temperature in terms of body heat.

Here is an excellent example of how specific one can get when defining body temperature. All credit goes to the authors. http://www.jniosh.go.jp/en/indu_hel/pdf/indhealth_45_1_118.pdf

Being that the closest way to take temperature is by contact, and that it must be done in a non-invasive manner, the two clear options are Axillary and by touch. In terms of touch, this means that the device with read the temperature just like placing ones hand to their head to test for fever. While Axillary is slightly more personal (Under the arm) it is more accurate than just holding the device to any area of exposed skin. Not to mention that Axillary is slightly cooler than a temperature taken orally.


 * If your Axillary temperature is 100°F your oral temperature is about 101°F.

While it could be said that this is less accurate, it must be noted that there is only a one degree difference. Therefore, it can be assumed that taking the temperature utilizing surface skin temperature on either the arm or head gives within a 2% to 3% degree an accurate reading.


 * Heart rate which google defines as: Pulse, the rate at which the heart beats, usually measured to obtain a quick evaluation of a person's health.

Here it can be seen that measuring heart rate is more accurate and simple then taking body temperature. There are already many devices commercially available that are reasonably accurate to degree. It is also incredibly easy to take pulse to an accurate degree of around 3%. Heart rate is measured for numerous various reasons.


 * Health
 * Physical State
 * Check for blood flow
 * Check medications that may slow or change heart rate

It is also advised to measure ones pulse before activity, that way a resting pulse can be used as a baseline. That way when active the difference in resting and active can be measured. Since the normal heart rate is 50 to 60 beats per minute or BPM, and can be found by measuring any area of the body where an arteries pulsation can be physically felt. Listed on Wikipedia are several areas where heart rate can be efficiently taken.


 * The ventral aspect of the wrist on the side of the thumb (radial artery).
 * The ulnar artery.
 * The neck (carotid artery).
 * The inside of the elbow, or under the biceps muscle (brachial artery).
 * The groin (femoral artery).
 * Behind the medial on the feet (posterior tibial artery).
 * Middle of dorsum of the foot (dorsalis pedis).
 * Behind the knee (popliteal artery).
 * Over the abdomen (abdominal aorta).
 * The chest (apex of the heart), which can be felt with one's hand or fingers.
 * The temple (superficial temporal artery).
 * The lateral edge of the mandible (facial artery).
 * The side of the head near the ear (posterior auricular artery)

Here is the link to the article, and a formula can be found under the Maximum Heart Rate section. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_rate All information is credited to it's original author(s)

https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/User:Medelen8/ENES100/Bioengineering_Project_Conception

Week 3 Narrative: Making Sense of Sensors
This week saw more research, but this time it was more directed towards finding and deciding what specific sensors to use. We discovered a specialized Arduino shield that is made specifically for medical uses. It has the ability to connect and interface with a large number of medical sensors. (A link to the specific unit can be found here ---> http://www.cooking-hacks.com/documentation/tutorials/ehealth-biometric-sensor-platform-arduino-raspberry-pi-medical)

My specific task was to discover any specialized sensor for pulse and temperature. Being that Arduino is so diverse, there is a large number of different sensors that can be modified to any specific task. However, there is actual medical sensors that are made to or can be made to be, Arduino compatible. In fact, a number of them can be found shown with the unit in the link above. For my specific sensors though, the two most prevalent are:


 * Pulse Sensor (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11574) Not only is the unit relatively cheap, around $25, this site also contains the code for the sensor, so it can be easily modified for our use.


 * Temperature Sensor (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/245) This sensor boasts an accuracy rate to ±0.5° C. It also has the ability to convert to any other type of temperature (Fahrenheit and Kelvin). This unit also cost only about $5, and is easy to set up since the linked page also includes the proper code that can be modified.

(Pictures may be added at a later date, as for some reason the images aren't appearing properly) (Please see the pages for additional information)

After concluding my simple research, it is obvious that with the ready amount of accurate and tactile medical sensors for Arduino, that there is a large number of paths for this project to take. Not only that, but the overall accuracy of the device can be accurate to a degree of ±0.5%, which puts it above our previous expectations!

The group CDIO page can be found here: https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/User:Medelen8/ENES100/Bioengineering_Project_Conception

Week 4 Narrative
This week was relatively brief. The group focused on our power point presentation for the seminar, and on completing the CDIO report. Please view the CDIO report for more information.

The group CDIO page can be found here: https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/User:Medelen8/ENES100/Bioengineering_Project_Conception