Weekly Reports
Weekly reports stating the progress of the project
Week 23 Report
We worked on the final paper all week. We got our app to work correctly! We recorded videos of our simulation to be shown during our presentation.
We worked on the final paper all week. We got our app to work correctly! We recorded videos of our simulation to be shown during our presentation.
Week 22 Report
This week we worked on 3D printing the final box and lid. We worked on DesignSafe and inserting the necessary safety warnings into our instruction manual. Also we worked on the remaining tests we need to complete for our verification plan (testing the battery for the current to determine how long the fully charged battery will last when being used at night & determining whether the battery will overheat using a thermometer hooked up to Labview). Also we have tested the comfort of the device. Lastly, we have begun working on the paper that is due April 20th.
This upcoming weekend we will be continuing to write the paper and figuring out our algorithm that will predict a contraction. Also we will finish our website this weekend.
This week we worked on 3D printing the final box and lid. We worked on DesignSafe and inserting the necessary safety warnings into our instruction manual. Also we worked on the remaining tests we need to complete for our verification plan (testing the battery for the current to determine how long the fully charged battery will last when being used at night & determining whether the battery will overheat using a thermometer hooked up to Labview). Also we have tested the comfort of the device. Lastly, we have begun working on the paper that is due April 20th.
This upcoming weekend we will be continuing to write the paper and figuring out our algorithm that will predict a contraction. Also we will finish our website this weekend.
Week 21 Report
This week we determined that our 3D printed box was not large enough to accommodate all the Arduino, battery and sensory so we had to rescale the box and reprint it. The new-dimensioned box gives enough room for all the materials. Also we picked places for the holes that correspond where the muscle sensors will be placed in the box. These holes will allow the electrodes connected to wires to be wired through the sleeve and directed to the holes so they can be connected to electrodes on the skin.
This week we met with Professor Klaesner to discuss new ways we will be able to validate our device and how we will create a prediction for when a contraction will occur.
Lastly, we got the parts to charge the battery as well as the connectors needed to attach the battery to the Arduino.
This week we determined that our 3D printed box was not large enough to accommodate all the Arduino, battery and sensory so we had to rescale the box and reprint it. The new-dimensioned box gives enough room for all the materials. Also we picked places for the holes that correspond where the muscle sensors will be placed in the box. These holes will allow the electrodes connected to wires to be wired through the sleeve and directed to the holes so they can be connected to electrodes on the skin.
This week we met with Professor Klaesner to discuss new ways we will be able to validate our device and how we will create a prediction for when a contraction will occur.
Lastly, we got the parts to charge the battery as well as the connectors needed to attach the battery to the Arduino.
Week 20 Report
This week we made a lot of progress on our project. We were able to combine the code for the accelerometer and two muscle sensors into one Arduino code and get measurements for the three sensors unanimously. In the beginning of the week, we were having trouble with a cable attachment for the muscle sensor but was able to resolve this problem by the end of the week. Also, a CAD model was created for the box that will contain the wires, sensors, battery and Arduino. This will hopefully be 3D printed on Friday (3/30) or the beginning of next week.
Lastly, we found out this week that our client, Dr. Morgan, was going on leave for the rest of the semester. This alters our validation plan, so we will begin to construct a new plan for validating our device.
This week we made a lot of progress on our project. We were able to combine the code for the accelerometer and two muscle sensors into one Arduino code and get measurements for the three sensors unanimously. In the beginning of the week, we were having trouble with a cable attachment for the muscle sensor but was able to resolve this problem by the end of the week. Also, a CAD model was created for the box that will contain the wires, sensors, battery and Arduino. This will hopefully be 3D printed on Friday (3/30) or the beginning of next week.
Lastly, we found out this week that our client, Dr. Morgan, was going on leave for the rest of the semester. This alters our validation plan, so we will begin to construct a new plan for validating our device.
Week 19 Report
This week we met on Tuesday to plan out the next steps of our project. We aim to get a few things done by the end of the weekend:
Also we have planned to finish the CAD drawing of the box, which will contain the wiring, arduino and sensors. Once that is finished we will 3D print the box to begin testing and see if any modifications to the design will be necessary.
Also, a new rechargeable station for the battery is going to be purchased because we feel this will be easier than purchasing a personalized wall converter. This will be purchased this weekend.
This week we met on Tuesday to plan out the next steps of our project. We aim to get a few things done by the end of the weekend:
- Combining the code of the accelerometer and the two muscle sensors
- We would also like to write code to average three data points received from the accelerometer to remove outliers.
- This approach would hopefully be used for the muscle sensors (individually) as well.
- Try to get an output for both the accelerometer and the muscle sensor and
- This will be the first step to see if these outputs can be combined into a “package” which would then be sent across the Bluetooth
- Solder headers to the EMG sensor and connect it to the cable connector.
Also we have planned to finish the CAD drawing of the box, which will contain the wiring, arduino and sensors. Once that is finished we will 3D print the box to begin testing and see if any modifications to the design will be necessary.
Also, a new rechargeable station for the battery is going to be purchased because we feel this will be easier than purchasing a personalized wall converter. This will be purchased this weekend.
Week 18 Report
This week Maria worked on her presentation. Also we worked on setting up a plan for how we will approach building our project after we return from spring break.
This week Maria worked on her presentation. Also we worked on setting up a plan for how we will approach building our project after we return from spring break.
Week 17 Report
This week we worked on the Verification and Validation paper. Also we worked on getting the graphs from the EMG sensor and accelerometer recordings for the paper. Also met with Professor Klaesner on Monday to review our paper.
This week we worked on the Verification and Validation paper. Also we worked on getting the graphs from the EMG sensor and accelerometer recordings for the paper. Also met with Professor Klaesner on Monday to review our paper.
Week 16 Report
This week we finalized plans for our V and V report and created an outline to start writing the report. We have set a baseline for where we need to be with testing in respect to proof of concept and also where we need to be by the time we finish our project (what validation testing will consist of). This week we also got the Bluetooth connection to start working and sending data. However, it still need to be formatted to present the data in graphed output. The battery comes in a few days, so after that we can finalize compartment size for our device and set the exact parameters in our CAD model. We are continuing testing of the accelerometer and the EMG and are in the process of writing outline code to filter the output to detect spasms.
This week we finalized plans for our V and V report and created an outline to start writing the report. We have set a baseline for where we need to be with testing in respect to proof of concept and also where we need to be by the time we finish our project (what validation testing will consist of). This week we also got the Bluetooth connection to start working and sending data. However, it still need to be formatted to present the data in graphed output. The battery comes in a few days, so after that we can finalize compartment size for our device and set the exact parameters in our CAD model. We are continuing testing of the accelerometer and the EMG and are in the process of writing outline code to filter the output to detect spasms.
Week 15 Report
This week we began establishing a Bluetooth connection between the Arduino and an iPhone using a Bluetooth LE shield on the Arduino and an xcode app. We also figured out the connection of the accelerometer and EMG sensor to the Arduino and are testing those on ourselves to estimate what settings the detection may need to be on for the patient. This upcoming week we will be reaching out to Dr. Morgan to update her on our work and ask her input on what we have done so far. As soon as the battery comes in we will begin setting up the recharging circuit and make measurements in order to create a small case for all of the equipment.
This week we began establishing a Bluetooth connection between the Arduino and an iPhone using a Bluetooth LE shield on the Arduino and an xcode app. We also figured out the connection of the accelerometer and EMG sensor to the Arduino and are testing those on ourselves to estimate what settings the detection may need to be on for the patient. This upcoming week we will be reaching out to Dr. Morgan to update her on our work and ask her input on what we have done so far. As soon as the battery comes in we will begin setting up the recharging circuit and make measurements in order to create a small case for all of the equipment.
Week 14 Report
This week we worked on the Arduino code. Also Professor Widder offered to let us use her sewing machine to build the sleeve. The pieces for the accelerometer and muscle sensor came in on February 9th so we can begin to work with the sensor and test it with Arduino code next week. Sasha will begin working on the app next week as well.
This week we worked on the Arduino code. Also Professor Widder offered to let us use her sewing machine to build the sleeve. The pieces for the accelerometer and muscle sensor came in on February 9th so we can begin to work with the sensor and test it with Arduino code next week. Sasha will begin working on the app next week as well.
Week 13 Report
This week we caught each other up on the status of our materials that were ordered/needed to be ordered. After last week’s meeting we left with most of the material ordered, and Kim met with Professor Widder to discuss what could be used from her lab. She is allowing us to use cables and electrodes from her lab, which will cut down on the cost of our materials. Sasha met with Dr. Moran to discuss battery specifics and has placed an order. Maria has received the spandex material and will begin sewing next week. We also decided to order an additional muscle sensor to monitor and record the movement of two muscle groups. Based on cost and timeline we have tentatively decided to montor only two muscles- as we believe this will be attainable and show adequate data.
Sasha will be away part of next week but Maria and Kim will begin to work on the Arduino code for the muscle sensors, which Kim has begun to compile.
This week we caught each other up on the status of our materials that were ordered/needed to be ordered. After last week’s meeting we left with most of the material ordered, and Kim met with Professor Widder to discuss what could be used from her lab. She is allowing us to use cables and electrodes from her lab, which will cut down on the cost of our materials. Sasha met with Dr. Moran to discuss battery specifics and has placed an order. Maria has received the spandex material and will begin sewing next week. We also decided to order an additional muscle sensor to monitor and record the movement of two muscle groups. Based on cost and timeline we have tentatively decided to montor only two muscles- as we believe this will be attainable and show adequate data.
Sasha will be away part of next week but Maria and Kim will begin to work on the Arduino code for the muscle sensors, which Kim has begun to compile.
Week 12 Report
Began this week ordering parts so we can begin to build and test our device. Sasha ordered the batteries and rechargeable station for the batteries. Maria ordered the spandex, which will be sewn together to make the brace. Kim ordered the EMG sensor and accelerometer. We talked to Professor Widder about using EMG cables and electrodes that are available in her lab. Also she gave us a Bluetooth LE shield, so our device can communicate with a laptop or cell phone. Sasha spoke with Dr. Moran to make sure the batteries and pack will be compatible to use together. Maria is investigating if there are sewing machines on campus that we can use to make the brace. Also in our meeting, we discussed the design of the brace and thought we would make it with two layers of spandex so the wires will be internal but will also be removable. In the upcoming weeks, we will be beginning to construct the device and write the code for the app that will show the patient the contraction data.
Began this week ordering parts so we can begin to build and test our device. Sasha ordered the batteries and rechargeable station for the batteries. Maria ordered the spandex, which will be sewn together to make the brace. Kim ordered the EMG sensor and accelerometer. We talked to Professor Widder about using EMG cables and electrodes that are available in her lab. Also she gave us a Bluetooth LE shield, so our device can communicate with a laptop or cell phone. Sasha spoke with Dr. Moran to make sure the batteries and pack will be compatible to use together. Maria is investigating if there are sewing machines on campus that we can use to make the brace. Also in our meeting, we discussed the design of the brace and thought we would make it with two layers of spandex so the wires will be internal but will also be removable. In the upcoming weeks, we will be beginning to construct the device and write the code for the app that will show the patient the contraction data.
Week 11 Report
This week our main concern was writing the progress report. For the report, we worked on the Pugh Charts for each aspect of our project: muscle sensor, design, battery and software. Using Pugh analysis, we determined our final design. Some research had to be done on the muscle sensor aspect to further explain what type of electrode and accelerometer would be used for the final design. After completing the sections of the paper, we spent days editing the paper to make sure that we included all important aspects and to make sure everything was grammatically correct. Lastly, we began preparing the PowerPoint slides for the progress report presentation on Monday December 5th.
This week our main concern was writing the progress report. For the report, we worked on the Pugh Charts for each aspect of our project: muscle sensor, design, battery and software. Using Pugh analysis, we determined our final design. Some research had to be done on the muscle sensor aspect to further explain what type of electrode and accelerometer would be used for the final design. After completing the sections of the paper, we spent days editing the paper to make sure that we included all important aspects and to make sure everything was grammatically correct. Lastly, we began preparing the PowerPoint slides for the progress report presentation on Monday December 5th.
Week 10 Report
This week group 12 continued to enter solution ideas on the Pugh chart in preparation of writing the progress report. Kim and Sasha had a meeting with Dr. Dan Moran, who will be advising us on possible bioelectric solutions for the muscle sensing device. He gave some helpful insight regarding the best kind of sensor to use and how to incorporate it into our device. Kim and Maria are meeting with Dr. Kerri Morgan tomorrow afternoon to discuss our potential solutions and get feedback and suggestions about our current ideas. We plan to pick a solution tomorrow afternoon, and split up the paper tasks among the three of us and begin writing this weekend. Over thanksgiving break we will continue to write individually and come back the following Monday to put the paper together and proofread.
This week group 12 continued to enter solution ideas on the Pugh chart in preparation of writing the progress report. Kim and Sasha had a meeting with Dr. Dan Moran, who will be advising us on possible bioelectric solutions for the muscle sensing device. He gave some helpful insight regarding the best kind of sensor to use and how to incorporate it into our device. Kim and Maria are meeting with Dr. Kerri Morgan tomorrow afternoon to discuss our potential solutions and get feedback and suggestions about our current ideas. We plan to pick a solution tomorrow afternoon, and split up the paper tasks among the three of us and begin writing this weekend. Over thanksgiving break we will continue to write individually and come back the following Monday to put the paper together and proofread.
Week 9 Report
This week we further brainstormed idea for our progress report. Sasha worked on designs for the app and output of our device, while Kim and Maria worked on coming up with designs for the sensor and device holding the sensor respectively. Together we brainstormed 15 new designed and started to compile these ideas into our Pugh chart. We also set up a meeting with our client for next week to get some feedback on the design ideas to help us hone in on one successful design to carry on with. Next week we hope to continue to brainstorm and begin writing our progress report paper due after thanksgiving break.
This week we further brainstormed idea for our progress report. Sasha worked on designs for the app and output of our device, while Kim and Maria worked on coming up with designs for the sensor and device holding the sensor respectively. Together we brainstormed 15 new designed and started to compile these ideas into our Pugh chart. We also set up a meeting with our client for next week to get some feedback on the design ideas to help us hone in on one successful design to carry on with. Next week we hope to continue to brainstorm and begin writing our progress report paper due after thanksgiving break.
Week 8 Report
Last week we divided responsibilities in terms of brainstorming ideas for parts of the project. This week we followed through on this and also researched each individual idea. I (Sasha) was in charge of battery and software and found a few options that I go more into detail in my notebook. Kim and Maria were in charge of device sensing, attachment, and design. These are described below. Next week we plan on continuing this with full sketches and updating our Pugh Charts. We will have a few Pugh Charts due to the multiple components of our possible design.
Last week we divided responsibilities in terms of brainstorming ideas for parts of the project. This week we followed through on this and also researched each individual idea. I (Sasha) was in charge of battery and software and found a few options that I go more into detail in my notebook. Kim and Maria were in charge of device sensing, attachment, and design. These are described below. Next week we plan on continuing this with full sketches and updating our Pugh Charts. We will have a few Pugh Charts due to the multiple components of our possible design.
- Battery
- Reachargeble
- NIMH
- Li-on
- Regular
- Alkaline
- Wall charge
- Reachargeble
- Software
- Computer app
- Phone app
- Seprare connected display
- Data transfer
- Wireless
- Wifi, Bluetooth, USB
- Wired
- Wireless
- Attachment (leg sleeve or pants)
- Spandex
- Tougher fabric
- Velcro
- Sensing
- Several types of EMG measurement
- Myoware full kit
- Simple EMG kit
- Accelerometer measurement
- Several types of EMG measurement
- Design
- Encapsulate the battery, hardware inside of a 3d printed module
- Sew a pocket inside a brace/sleeve
Week 7 Report
This week we moved our meeting to Friday afternoon and we plan on discussing the next steps of our design process, which will include brainstorming possible solutions for the muscle sensing device. We will begin our preliminary sketches for possible designs and brainstorm ways to include each of our specifications. We will also plan our next meeting with our client and decide who our next presenters will be.
This week we moved our meeting to Friday afternoon and we plan on discussing the next steps of our design process, which will include brainstorming possible solutions for the muscle sensing device. We will begin our preliminary sketches for possible designs and brainstorm ways to include each of our specifications. We will also plan our next meeting with our client and decide who our next presenters will be.
Week 6 Report
This week we began to work on our website. It should be fully functioning and have all our research and other important materials (including weekly reports as well as the schedule we created for the upcoming year) by on Monday October 23rd, 2017). The website will be updated as frequently as possible. This coming weekend we plan to finalize the website as well as brainstorm ideas for our monitoring device. We need to brainstorm ideas for how the muscle sensor will be encased, how it will be attached to the leg and how the user will read the output. Through the brainstorming process, we will continue to research transverse myelitis and other neurodegenerative diseases and their relation to periodic leg movement syndrome and restless leg syndrome.
This week we began to work on our website. It should be fully functioning and have all our research and other important materials (including weekly reports as well as the schedule we created for the upcoming year) by on Monday October 23rd, 2017). The website will be updated as frequently as possible. This coming weekend we plan to finalize the website as well as brainstorm ideas for our monitoring device. We need to brainstorm ideas for how the muscle sensor will be encased, how it will be attached to the leg and how the user will read the output. Through the brainstorming process, we will continue to research transverse myelitis and other neurodegenerative diseases and their relation to periodic leg movement syndrome and restless leg syndrome.
Week 5 Report
This week we turned in our preliminary report and worked on our preliminary presentation. We performed background research and looked at a patent search in order to look for background solutions and examined the current market for our product. We started to brainstorm ideas for possible solutions in preparation for the progress report stage. Our next steps next week include continuing to brainstorm and solidify our possible ideas. We want to come up with actionable items of which we can find pros and cons as well as rate them in terms of our project scope. We also need to look into HIPPA rules to see if our data storage design requirements meet the standards for the possible patients our product may treat.
This week we turned in our preliminary report and worked on our preliminary presentation. We performed background research and looked at a patent search in order to look for background solutions and examined the current market for our product. We started to brainstorm ideas for possible solutions in preparation for the progress report stage. Our next steps next week include continuing to brainstorm and solidify our possible ideas. We want to come up with actionable items of which we can find pros and cons as well as rate them in terms of our project scope. We also need to look into HIPPA rules to see if our data storage design requirements meet the standards for the possible patients our product may treat.
Week 4 Report
This week we dedicated our time to the preliminary report. We researched about transverse myelitis, multiple sclerosis, and periodic leg movement disorder. There was an existing solution that patented in 2000. This solution involved LED and an irreversible electrochemical reaction, so the device cannot be used more than once. We also created a gantt chart; this is a tentative schedule for the project. Once we researched the background and existing solutions, we wrote the preliminary paper. In the preliminary paper, we also included our need statement, project scope, and our specifications for the project. This weekend we will be working on our presentation, which Sasha will be presenting on Wednesday October 11, 2017.
This week we dedicated our time to the preliminary report. We researched about transverse myelitis, multiple sclerosis, and periodic leg movement disorder. There was an existing solution that patented in 2000. This solution involved LED and an irreversible electrochemical reaction, so the device cannot be used more than once. We also created a gantt chart; this is a tentative schedule for the project. Once we researched the background and existing solutions, we wrote the preliminary paper. In the preliminary paper, we also included our need statement, project scope, and our specifications for the project. This weekend we will be working on our presentation, which Sasha will be presenting on Wednesday October 11, 2017.
Week 3 Report
Our group met with our client, Dr. Kerri Morgan on Tuesday September 26, 2017. During this meeting, we spoke more about transverse myelitis and restless leg syndrome. Kerri gave us an research article that discusses a drug that is used to treat periodic movements at night that are similar to the movements that she experiences. This is a great starting point for researching drugs and other treatments for these symptoms. Kerri told us about what muscles have these painful contractions, how long they occur at night and how she currently makes the contractions stop. We are going to use the information from this meeting to help us research more about transverse myelitis and restless leg syndrome as well as the drugs that are used to treat them. All this information will be helpful for the upcoming paper and for creating specifications for our solution.
Our group met with our client, Dr. Kerri Morgan on Tuesday September 26, 2017. During this meeting, we spoke more about transverse myelitis and restless leg syndrome. Kerri gave us an research article that discusses a drug that is used to treat periodic movements at night that are similar to the movements that she experiences. This is a great starting point for researching drugs and other treatments for these symptoms. Kerri told us about what muscles have these painful contractions, how long they occur at night and how she currently makes the contractions stop. We are going to use the information from this meeting to help us research more about transverse myelitis and restless leg syndrome as well as the drugs that are used to treat them. All this information will be helpful for the upcoming paper and for creating specifications for our solution.
Week 2 Report
Progress this week:
Progress this week:
- Finalized the project scope and need statement and turned it in. We received a 3.75 and 4.0, so we do not have to redo it
- Project Scope: There is a need to predict violent muscle contractions at night in patients diagnosed with degenerative neuromuscular diseases to relieve them of random spasms. The solution must be able to work the entire night; analyze and store data, and provide an interactive output. The goal is to implement a design that attaches to a patient in a safe and comfortable (i.e. unobtrusive to sleep) manner that is easily adjustable to each user. We plan to deliver a preclinical prototype that successfully can output to a mechanical stimulating device at the end of April.
- Need Statement: Design a way to predict muscle contractions at night in patients diagnosed with transverse myelitis, restless leg syndrome and other degenerative neuromuscular diseases. This solution would in turn relieve the population suffering from these painful leg contractions and thus improve their overall quality of sleep.
- We are in the process of creating a list of questions and preliminary specs before we talk to our client again
- We are doing background research on the client’s disease and other similar diseases, what causes these muscle contractions, and what has been done to relieve them
- Meet with our client and ask her questions regarding specs, her specific disease, and any other leads she has for us.
- Start creating a spec list and rating what is most important to us.
- Continue background research on solutions that already exist or are in progress and general disease research
Week 1 Report
Project Overview: Dr. Morgan’s research focuses on assistive technology specifically related to mobility limitations and restrictions. One of Dr. Morgan’s current problems is centered around restless leg syndrome and the painful muscle contractions that arise from this condition as well as traverse myelitis and other degenerative neuromuscular diseases. These muscle contractions extremely uncomfortable and occur primarily at night, affecting the patient’s ability to sleep. The pain can be reduced when the patient’s legs are rapidly moved, however they do not know when to expect the contractions. We plan to work with Dr. Morgan to develop a way to predict and sense these painful contractions so that the patient will know when to expect them and can implement any remedies (shaking legs, muscle stimulation, etc.). Our goal is to develop a way to sense and measure muscle activity, and then analyze the output, which could then be used in turn to look for patterns in muscle activity and thus develop a more succinct and successful way of treating this problem.
Project Overview: Dr. Morgan’s research focuses on assistive technology specifically related to mobility limitations and restrictions. One of Dr. Morgan’s current problems is centered around restless leg syndrome and the painful muscle contractions that arise from this condition as well as traverse myelitis and other degenerative neuromuscular diseases. These muscle contractions extremely uncomfortable and occur primarily at night, affecting the patient’s ability to sleep. The pain can be reduced when the patient’s legs are rapidly moved, however they do not know when to expect the contractions. We plan to work with Dr. Morgan to develop a way to predict and sense these painful contractions so that the patient will know when to expect them and can implement any remedies (shaking legs, muscle stimulation, etc.). Our goal is to develop a way to sense and measure muscle activity, and then analyze the output, which could then be used in turn to look for patterns in muscle activity and thus develop a more succinct and successful way of treating this problem.