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Project Updates

Follow along as we develop our project!

Week 20: June 30th - July 6th

Final Adjustments & Conclusions

For demonstration purposes, the team decided to implement a "fall test mode" for us to be able to demonstrate a fall, detection of it and subsequent alerts, without the need for a stronger impact.

With this, the team can confirm that, most of the previously established requirements were accomplished:

  • Almost all components were implemented and behaved as expected;
  • Efficient communication was established between vest, central and app was achieved, with data being updated in real time;
  • App and central's UIs are simple and easy to navigate for non-experienced users;
  • Alerts and assessements are tailored to the user's needs, according to personal thresholds;
  • Both the app and vest's SOS buttons behave as expected, allowing for quick contact with emergency services when needed.

On the other hand:

  • Failed to integrate heart rate monitor and oximiter completely into the structure of the vest;
  • Comfort of the user might have been compromised in order to integrate as many features possible;
  • The testing period was shorter than expected initially.
  • Fall Test Mode
    Fall Test Mode by: Francisco & João Rocha Edited by: Madalena Cardoso

Week 19: June 23rd - June 29th

Questionnaire Page & ElectroDay Preparations

Throughout the week the team focused on fine-tuning the prototype and giving it a more polished look for ElectroDay. We also ran multiple tests to guarantee correct readings and communication between vest, central and mobile application.

A page pertaining to the results of the questionnaire published at the beginning of the semester has also been uploaded

With falls now being detected correctly, the team needs to find an effective way to demonstrate this component to visitors without damaging the prototype.

ElectroDay Brochure
Questionnaire Page & Brochure by: Madalena Cardoso Edited by: Madalena Cardoso

Week 18: June 16th - June 22nd

Pitch Deck, Poster & Demo Video Upload

At the beginning of the week, the pitch deck, ElectroDay poster and demo video were uploaded.

The team started planning their setup and demonstration for ElectroDay.

Poster & Demo Video
Poster by: Madalena Cardoso
Demo Video Editing by: Eduardo Larguinho
Edited by: Madalena Cardoso

Week 17: June 9th - June 15th

Oximeter, Sensor Calibration & Demo Video

This week, we kept testing the fall detection component of our prototype, which will require further adjustments.

The oximeter and dock are mostly completed, and an alert system using LEDs was set up to alert the user when it's time for new assessements. The user is also made aware of how long they must keep their finger on the sensor to assess blood oxygen saturation leves correctly

We also mapped out and wrote the scripts for the team's demo video, which was filmed at the end of the week.

Oximeter Assembly & Testing
Oximeter Assembly by: Madalena Cardoso
Demo Video Filmings by: Francisco Pereira
Edited by: Madalena Cardoso

Week 16: June 2nd - June 8th

Oximeter Dock & Firebase Connection

On Tuesday, upon meeting with the team's Scientific Advisor, we were able to better define what would be our priorities throughout the incoming weeks. The team agreed to focus on calibrating the IMU correctly, so that it's able to distinguish between common and predictable scenarios, such as the user sitting or lying down and emergency situations, like falling and loss of consciousness.

We also aimed to implement the oximeter into our project, as well as design a dock for it and a notification system to alert the user when it's time for value intake.

Later this week, the team was finally able to appropriately establish a connection between our application and database, now capable of receiving the required data.

Oximeter Dock
Oximeter Dock by: João Rocha
Application by: Pedro Cardoso
Edited by: Madalena Cardoso

Week 15: May 26th - June 1st

Oximeter, Adjustments & Sensor Testing

With the first prototype iteration to be delivered at the end of this week, the team spent their time adjusting the features previously implemented. One of our major difficulties has been calibrating the IMU to the project's needs and potential scenarios, while ruling out false alarms.

Upon the arrival of the correct oximeter unit, we were finally able to start working on and test it for our project.

Due to raised concerns regarding our thermometer model and its accuracy to measure body temperature, a few tests were run on a member of the team to acquire and compare a set of measurements between our model and a digital clinical thermometer. All values obtained through our model were in line with those measured by the clinical thermometer, with body temperatures around 36 degrees Celsius.

Regarding the application, we have yet to set up the alarm/notification system in case of emergency or concerning readings.

DS18B20 & Clinical Thermometer Comparison
Oximeter & Tests by: João Rocha & Francisco Pereira
Gallery by: Madalena Cardoso
Edited by: Madalena Cardoso

Week 14: May 19th - May 25th

IMU, Website & Central Interface

Throughout this week, the team started to implement the collected IMU into our project, with the heart rate monitor and panic button being finalized this week.

Due to being delivered the wrong oximeter model for our prototype, the team is still waiting for a new unit, which will consist of a separate feature from the vest.

Other members of the team have also started working on the interface for our control center, as we continue perfecting our app's UI and respective databases.

Finally, we have made a few relevant updates to our website, with a gallery and questionnaire pages soon to be added.

Heart Rate, IMU & Panic Button Test
Heart Rate Monitor & IMU by: João Rocha
Central UI by: Eduardo Larguinho
Website Update by: Madalena Cardoso
Edited by: Madalena Cardoso

Week 13: May 12th - May 18th

Materials, Database & Electronics

After some difficulties, the group finally managed to pick up the IMU, the new heart rate monitor, and oximeter. Schematics for both the vest and oximiter componentswere done resorting to KiCad.

With the help of the group's coordinator, we started working on making the heart rate band functional for our project, now being able to read and transmit the measured values.

Meanwhile, the user's interface of our application started development, along with the work on the database.

Vest & Oximeter Components Schematics
Vest & Oximeter Schematics by: João Rocha
App UI by: Pedro Cardoso
Database by: Diogo Pica
Edited by: Madalena Cardoso

Week 12: May 5th - May 11th

Pitch Deck & Prototype Development

The group was able to present its project on Tuesday, as well as receive crucial feedback regarding what will be the final delivery. After the advice given by its Coordinator and Scientific Advisor, the team started, on the side, working on a new page for our website regarding the results gathered in our questionnaire.

A few changes/updates were made regarding the prototype's materials:

  • The last ESP32 module was picked up
  • A Garmin heart rate monitor was ordered in replacement of the previous model to better fit the project's requirements, after convening with the team's coordinator
  • The team is still waiting for the IMU to be available for pick-up
  • A new oximeter was ordered due to missing inventory
  • Later in the week, we started assembling the vest's electronic components available to us at the moment, mainly the thermometer.

    The team also started developing the central's database, now being able to create and add certain patients' charts to each medical professional's care, via terminal.

    Thermometer Test
    Electronics Assembly by: João Rocha
    Database by: Diogo Pica
    Questionnaire Page by: Pedro Cardoso
    Edited by: Madalena Cardoso

    Week 11: April 28th - May 4th

    Materials Pick Up & Vest + Application Sketch

    During the week we were able to pick up a few of the materials the team had solicited, though we have yet to receive:

  • 1 out of 2 ESP32 modules
  • 1 IMU
  • 1 oximeter
  • One of the members also mapped out the application's interface.

    Due to a nationwide blackout, the presentation of the team's pitch has been delayed by a week, now scheduled for May 6th.

    Application Sketch
    Sketches by: Madalena Cardoso Edited by: Madalena Cardoso

    Week 8: April 7th - April 13th

    Final Touches to Pitch Deck & Submission

    On the last week before exam season, the group perfected and submitted the finalized version of the project's pitch deck, after taking in the feedback given by the team's Coordinator and Scientific Advisor. The pitch will be presented to the class at the beginning of week 11.

    Pitch Deck by: Madalena Cardoso & Pedro Cardoso Edited by: Madalena Cardoso

    Week 7: March 31st - April 6th

    Final Interview & List of Materials Submission

    With the feedback given in the previous week, the team finalized and submitted the list of the materials needed for the development of our prototype. A provisional version of the project's pitch deck was also submitted for critique.

    After establishing contact, two members were able to conduct one final interview with our Scientific Co-Advisor.

    List of Materials
    List of Materials by: Francisco Pereira, Eduardo Larguinho
    & Diogo Pica
    Interview by: Francisco Pereira & João Rocha
    Edited by: Madalena Cardoso

    Week 6: March 24th - March 30th

    List of Materials for the Prototype

    On the sixth week, the group refined and submitted, for approval and possible feedback, the list of materials needed for the prototype.

    Other members of the team also started working on an interim version of the pitch deck.

    List of Materials: Francisco Pereira, Eduardo Larguinho & Diogo Pica
    Pitch Deck: Madalena Cardoso & Pedro Cardoso
    Edited by: Pedro Cardoso

    Week 5: March 17th - March 23rd

    Final List of Requirements

    This week, some members of the team focused on updating the final list of requirements, taking into account the feedback received throughout the interviews, as well as from the questionnaire's collected data.

    The group also started working on the final list of materials, to be submitted the coming week.

    List of Requirements
    List of Requirements by: Franciso Pereira & Eduardo Larguinho
    List of Materials by: Francisco Pereira & Eduardo Larguinho
    Edited by: Pedro Cardoso

    Week 4: March 10th - March 16th

    In-Person Interviews & Material Selection

    On the fourth week of the semester, the team gathered 97 responses to the questionnaire and began treating the data collected to be ready for publishing.

    We were also able to interview, in person, a General Care Nurse at a public hospital, and an Informal Caregiver to get some feedback regarding the potential of the vest inside the home. We then wrote the final drafts of the information amassed in these two weeks.

    Another portion of the team worked on elaborating the final list of the materials needed for the project. With the help of the results collected on the in-person interviews, we started writing down the main solutions that this project requires.

    Read More
    Data Treatment by: Madalena Cardoso
    Interviews by: Madalena Cardoso & Pedro Cardoso
    Edited by: Madalena Cardoso

    Week 3: March 3rd - March 9th

    Website + Blog & Questionnaire Deployment

    The team published a questionnaire aimed towards healthcare professionals, students and (in)formal caregivers at the beginning of the week and launched its first website and blog's iteration.

    The group also started the in-person interviews with healthcare professionals and potential users of vest for future testing. Throughout the week, we interviewed two General Care Nurses at a private hospital's in-patient unit.

    Go to Questionnaire
    Website & Blog by: Diogo Pica & Pedro Cardoso
    Questionnaire & Interviews by: Madalena Cardoso
    Edited by: Madalena Cardoso

    Week 2: February 25th - March 2nd

    Project Preparation & Interviews

    On the second week, a few members of the team had an extra meeting with the group's coordinator to discuss the missing details in preparation for the final project proposal, submitted at the end of the week. Additionally, we were given information about the website and blog.

    During the week, the team planned a google forms and interview scripts directed towards healthcare professionals and students, and also caregrivers, in order to receive more feedback about the project. Besides that, we also started brainstorming the materials and equipment needed for the prototype.

    Materials & Project Schematic
    Questionnaire Scripts by: Madalena Cardoso
    Interview Scripts by: Madalena Cardoso & Pedro Cardoso
    Edited by: Madalena Cardoso

    Week 1: February 17th - February 24th

    First Meeting

    On the first week of the second semester, the team had their first in-person meeting with its coordinator, Professor Pedro Vitor. We also had the opportunity to meet other teams and know more about each project.

    Throughout the week, the group added the final touches to the project proposal and started mapping out the project's website and blog, as well as selecting possible interviewees for the incoming weeks.

    Edited by: Madalena Cardoso