YouTube / Jonathan Dyer – via Iframely

This project is a second iteration of the project documented here: Repman Part 1

To improve on this project, we did three main things: improved the appearance of the band, created an app, and improved the signal processing.

First, we improved the appearance by making a more robust button. From our first iteration we learned that users really liked our logo so we decided to make the logo a button. To do so, we had to make the button larger and moved the dumbells from the top of the logo to the side allowing us to cut the logo completely out of conductive fabric. We then used fabric adhesive to attach it to the wristband and conductive thread to attach it to the rest of the circuit.

Second, we created an app that allows the user to interface with the wristband. The user can input values for number of reps, number of sets, and rest period between sets.

Lastly, we improved the signal processing by playing around with various parameters pertaining to the peak detection. The code for both the app and the arduino for the light blue bean can be found here: App/Arduino Code

The circuit diagram is below:

We wanted to make a project that would be helpful to cyclists in Pittsburgh. After interviewing local cyclists and doing some research into what sorts of accessories are already on the market, we decided to move away from the crowded field of utility and safety gadgets, and instead design something more symbolic.

The Crash Helmet is designed to mark out places where people have been killed while cycling in Pittsburgh. Currently, the helmet uses the location of the recent death of cyclist Susan Hicks near Forbes and Bellefield.

The Crash Helmet takes the form of a LightBlue Bean attached to a bike helmet. The Bean pairs with an iPhone over Bluetooth, and lights up four red LEDs when the iPhone comes within 20 meters of the crash site.

(pictures can be viewed on Google Drive at Images)

We wanted to create a soft, fabric sensor that one could interact with to create reminders for later if one doesn’t have paper, pens, notebooks, or ways to record reminders immediately available.

The idea of creating something more wearable and natural than a smartwatch is what first appealed to us. We did a lot of experimentation with various materials, various mesh spacing fabrics, arrangements of connectors, and in particular, our calibration algorithms.

YouTube / Rachel N – via Iframely

We also played around with Light Blue Bean and got it to talk to a Macbook, but getting an Android phone to control it is another problem entirely.

For further, more detailed documentation of our working process for the past few weeks can be found here:

Google Docs – via Iframely