The aim of this week assignment is to summarise my final project plan and progress.

Assignment content:


19.1. What tasks have been completed, and what tasks remain?

Completed Tasks:

  • Micro-controller design: I have designed, built, and used my own micro-controller board after three attempts. First attempt was using ATmega328P micro-contoller chip, second attempt was also using ATmega328P but with less components and different routing, while the third attempt was using ATtiny84A micro-contoller chip.

  • Output device: I have added a mini vibrating motor to my project circuit as an inidcator output for the user when he/she reached the maximum allowed angle (140 degree).

  • Embeded programming: I have programmed my circuit to take readings of Pitch (Y-axis) and Roll (X-axis) angles of two MPU6050 sensors and used them to calculate the knee angle of movement.

  • Communications: First, I used "HC-05" bluetooth module to communicate the output data of my project to a mobile phone. Later, I decided to use on-board low energy bluetooth "RN4871" to save power and space.

Tasks Remain:

  • User interface: I'm planning to use MIT app inventor to design, program, and build my project interface.


19.2. What has worked? what hasn't?

The milling wasn't made correctly first When I designed my micro-cotntoller board first using ATmega328P chip. The area of the milling was too small and the milling bit wasn't able to mill it. Later, I removed some of the unused pins and changed the MCU chip to a smaller one, which is ATtiny84A and it worked.


19.3. What questions need to be resolved?

The device need to be smaller in size to provide an easier movement for the user with less weight added. Also, there should be a wifi communication to transfer the range of movement readings over a shared channel to be reviewed by a therapist.


19.4. What will happen when?

After testing the results of range of movement readings, I'll sew the piece of fabric that I have printed my 3D design on and attach it to a knee sleeve.


19.5. What have you learned?

I have learned that I should manage my time when working on a project and follow a defined plan from the beginning to save time and efforts. Also, I learned that it's very important to balance between the research work and the practical work. In addition, debugging skills and understanding your circit is very important when working with electronics to solve problems and find errors.


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