1) Describe the operation of your final project. What does it do and how does it work?

The video below shows the LEDs in action (sorry for the cheesy music!):

2) Overall, what are your feelings about your project? Are you happy, content, frustrated, etc.?

I was very happy with my final project.  It required a lot of skills that I did not have before taking this class and it was really nice to receive a lot of positive feedback at the exposé.

3) What were the largest hurdles you encountered in your project and how did you overcome these obstacles?

The largest obstacle I faced during this project was that I could not use my code for the pulse sensor with the Lilypad. In order to save time I used the Arduino Uno instead.  However, using the Arduino Uno was not planned for in my design so I had to find a place I would be able to conceal the hardware.  I ended up creating a pocket for it in the lower back part of the jacket which worked well and can be seen in the pictures below.

4) How well did your project meet your original project description and goals?

My project goals remained the same throughout the project. There were only a few minor changes I made to the design.

I ended up placing the LEDs down the sleeve of the jacket because it is easier to detect moving objects over static objects (assuming that the runner moves their arms when they run) when illuminated at night.  This placement of the LEDs should help increase the visibility of the runner.

5) If you had more time, what would you do next on your project?

If I had more time, I would want to create an app that would go along with the jacket.  The app would allow the wearer to set the field for the proximity sensor as well as set their target heart rate.

I would have also wanted to do more testing with the pulse sensor.  I was not able to actually run when using the pulse sensor so I am curious to see how well it would respond.

What did you do this week?

I worked on the code for the proximity sensor and pulse sensor.

Describe the problems you encountered.

I had planned to use the lilypad simple for both sensors however I found that the lilypad and pulse sensor would not work together given the code I was using.  I therefore will need to incorporate the arduino uno into the jacket design.

Also I was planning to get the grommet to frame the proximity sensor this evening but due to the road conditions (and the fact that I hate driving in the snow) I will need to get it tomorrow.

Describe the successes you had.

The proximity sensor and string LEDs work!  See video:

When an object comes into the field of the sensor, the string LEDs blink.

Are you on schedule?

I hope so.

What do you plan to do next week?

Finish the jacket!

• What did you do this week? 

• Describe the problems you encountered.
• I have to scrap the pattern pieces I already cut due to the fire incident….

• Describe the successes you had.
• The basic code for the pulse sensor seemed to work properly

• Are you on schedule?
• While I originally planned to work on the jacket construction this week, I played around with the sensors instead so I think I am still on schedule.

• What do you plan to do next week?
• I plan to cut my new pattern and start assembling the jacket.

This week:

• Received the fabric, pulse sensor, and LEDs
• Made alterations to the jacket made of muslin (from week 1)
• Cut the pattern for the jacket out of the new fabric
• Determined the number of LEDs (from string lights) needed for the jacket and how they would be positioned on the jacket
• Ordered the proximity sensor and new LEDs

Problems:

• The LEDs I ordered (luckily only $0.50) were too large so I am purchasing smaller ones.
• I am not sure if the LED string lights will work after cutting them.  (Emelia sent sparkfun’s tech support an e-mail)

Successes:

• Determined which proximity sensor to order.  Looking at an adafruit tutorial with Kevin, it seems as though the proximity sensor won’t be too difficult to get working, especially since they provided an example code. (woohoo!)
• With alterations, the jacket seems more shapely.
• Discussed with Emelia some options for attaching the LED string lights to the jacket using reflective ribbon.

I am on schedule and hope to get most the jacket sown and start attaching the LED string lights by next week. 

This week

• Completed my first attempt at sewing a jacket (see above)
• Ordered: Fabric, pulse sensor, LEDs, LED string lights