Week 11 - Technology Project APPT 6212

23/05/14 (Fri)

After we have finished our stage 2 demonstration, we got the poor marks at this time. 

At first, we introduce what technology can check a person is going to sleep. We just want to prove ECG is the one of the technology, but how it work on it? HRV, heart rate variability. HRV can tells you a lot of information not only the heart condition, almost the body is. Sleep rhythm is strongly connected with brain and heart activities. It also can determine the fatigue or relaxation from your body.

It is measured as the time gap between your heart beats that varies as you breathe in and out. 

Epic sensor is the non contact sensor to sense ECG signal from human body. Due to we don't understand the electric diagram therefore we don't have put it into our slide show of presentation. 

After we reviewed on this our presentation it was really bad. Definitely we went to wrong direction to do our research, and less information, also we don't understand clearly the system. It is hard to present and explain something that you don't understand.

Week 10 - Technology Project APPT 6212

16/05/14 (Fri)

Today we supposed to present our stage 2 demonstration in the class, but we were not getting ready, so our presentation was postponed to next week.

We still on discussing of how to do on our project but we stuck, we can't move forward to do next step. We probably went to wrong direction and I think it is because we don't have a strong purpose and clear direction, also we have spent insufficient time for our discussion.

After that we discussed again with our advisor, and then we try to follow the direction and find the related information.

Week 9 - Technology Project APPT 6212

09/05/14 (Fri)

We still discussing how to prove ECG can determine sleepiness. Finally we found the information of someone report of their research about Heart Rate Variability (HRV). I have tried to read it although I can't fully understand it but I know the HRV analysis study can tell us a lot of information about our body condition.

From the report it shows that typical HRV in human has three main frequency bands. When a person from waking stage change to sleeping stage, the frequency bands will be changed. 

Besides, we have found the some sensors can get ECG signal by skin contact-less but we still reading on it and see which one is better for our project and more convincing information. 

Week 8 - Technology Project APPT 6212

29/04/14 (Tue)

Since the previous presentation we have done, we have been questioned is the driver has to be naked because getting ECG signal usually it is by skin contact with electrodes.

We have spent a long time to search how to get ECG signal without skin contact. Although we found it but we don't understand how it works even after reading, due to this is the knowledge we never touch before. We also found what kind of sensor can get ECG signal through clothing without skin contact.

We wish to explain and prove how ECG can analyse drowsy signal, but it seemed like we need more research to do.

Week 7 - Technology Project APPT 6212

11/04/14 (Fri)

Last night we did research and we discussed our project until late night at my place. Due to we both have to work as part time therefore our process were slow.

Today was our stage 1 demonstration for our project. We have shown the basic system flow chart as below: 
1. Signal from sensors
2. Signal conditioning (filter & amplifier)
3. Beat to beat interval detection
4. HRV library (general information)
5. Drowsiness detection
6. If driver is drowsy, warning will be given
7. If driver is no drowsy, system will keep monitor

From the presentation we have explained that we are now only focus on doing drowsiness detection in our project. Due to the alcohol issue it is needed another components to check the alcohol containing from human skin.

We planed to locate the ECG sensors on car seat to get ECG signal from driver's back, and also another sensor on the seat.

The material of sensor we will use which is conductive fabric. It is because of low cost and it can sense tiny electric signal of your muscles.

The reaction of the system, we decided to put warning sound until it switched off by driver. Moreover, the vehicle speed will be slowed down or stopped if warning system did not turn off.