Week. 10/24-10/28:
This week I worked on the procedure of my project. I developed a plan to build and connect the muscle sensor with the microprocessor, to analyze the data. Additionally I included the steps to record and initial baseline using lighter weight for each exercise. I did this in order to get initial values using very light weight that will not cause hypertrophy in 8-12 repetitions, to compare our experimental values to. Then I listed all of the exercises I will be testing; all activating the muscles inside and around the bicep and without the sensor on, I will test to find what weight is appropriate for each exercise (causing failure in 8-12 repetitions). For experimental values, I will use the appropriate weight recorded before and use the muscle sensor to analyze the data onto a graph. My goal for the next week is to create the code to turn the input data from the microprocessor into graphable data.
Week. 10/31-11/4:
This week we worked on building the sensor and connecting to the Arduino board. then to the computer for data analysis. we connected the wires from the muscle sensor to the corresponding pins on the Arduino board. we then tried to find code that would allow for us to collect and analyze the data inputs from the sensor into a graphable and storable form. However we were sing the wrong form of the Arduino coding program. Mr. B. showed us how to use the proper doing program installed on the computer already. we then experimented with the little time we had left in the week to find a program that would let us collect data how we want. Unfortunately we were unsuccessful, and plan to continue working next week to find the right piece of code for our needs.
Week. 11/7-11/11:
This week we struggled coding the data collection and graphing of the EMG inputs. We had difficulty finding what piece of code we should use, but eventually we found one we think should work, however we don't think the muscle sensor is connected to the Arduino correctly. We connected the patches to my bicep to try to see what settings collect data correctly, but we were unsuccessful finding the correct wiring. Next week we want to figure out the appropriate way to wire the sensor to the Arduino so we can collect and analyze data appropriately.
Week. 11/14-11/18:
We worked on the slideshow for the 9th grade stem students. Kept on researching a program for the Arduino to collect data from the sensor. Additionally we began to reconfigure the connecting wires between the sensor and microprocessor, differently than we had it prior. We are continuing to experiment with the code and configuration of the wiring and hope to finally finish this segment of our research in the shortened week.
Week. 11/21-11/25:
Continued to research what EMG signal interpretation means in order to better understand our data collection for our trials. we are still struggling to work out the code for out system, but we are getting closer and the wiring we have are pretty sure is correct. We wanted to finish the code by today but were unsuccessful and hope by next week we can wrap it up.
Week. 11/28-12/2:
We believe we were successful with the development of the code to detect spikes in EMG signals with the Arduino board. We changed the configuration of the wiring in order to ground the muscle sensor and we think it worked. Additionally we rewrote the code in order to take a signal from the muscle sensor and convert it into an integer to graph. We are going to test this next week to confirm our beliefs.
Week. 12/5-12/9:
We got the code to detect EMG signals from the sensor and receive data inputs. We received more electrodes because the ones we had been using begun to be less sticky to our skin, causing less accurate data. The new electrodes are fresh and still sticky so the electrode in the middle will touch the skin better.
Week. 12/12-12/16:
We continued to play with the coordination and alignment of the input volt input and output wires into the microprocessor, in order to receive proper data. Additionally, we changed where the sensor is grounded in the Arduino in order to get more accurate and reliable data.
Week. 12/19-12/23:
We coded the program to record the minimum and maximum points in a given set.
Week. 1/2-1/6:
We eased into this week after break, and caught back up on what we had done and what we are planning to do. Also we recorded graphs in Arduino of our data baseline.
Week. 1/9-1/13:
We continued to try the sensor board with the code nd debug, but we were unsuccessful. We got a standard baseline, but could not get the code to record data properly. We are not completely sure what the problem is, but we are currently testing and trying to find out.
Week. 1/16-1/20:
Alex is assisting us with the code of our project becuase when we began reliminary trials the code for the minimum and maximum calculations starting to stop working. We have been debugging and trying to get the program to work so we can begin testing soon.
Week. 1/23-1/27:
Midterm week; couldn't work on the project during testing week. Hopefully next week we can start testing.
Week. 1/30-2/3:
This week we returned from midterms from last week and thought we would be able to start testing but found a problem in our code and procedure when we attempted a trial and we seek to rectify this.
Week. 2/6-2/10:
This week we began to problem solve the issue in our code with the helped of Alex to assist us in trouble shooting.
Week. 2/13-2/17:
This week we worked on correcting our procedure which was not adequate
Week. 2/20-2/24:
February Break
Week. 2/27-3/3:
This week we startd Testing! Now that we have fixed teh problems in our procedure and program, we are refreshed from brek and began to test and record data.
Week. 3/6-3/10:
Continued to test and record data on a google sheet
Week. 3/13-3/17:
This week we started working on the poster
Week. 3/20-3/24:
Began to retest and collect more data with other weight and rep ranges
Week. 3/27-3/31:
Contiued working on the poster
Week. 4/3-4/7:
Finished the poster this week.
Week. 4/10-4/14:
Spring break, not in class.
Week. 4/17-4/21:
Returned from Spring Break and finalized the poster
Week. 4/24-4/28:
We started to work on the abstract
Week. 5/1-5/4:
We worked on the abstract
Week. 5/7-5/11:
Finished the abstract this week.
Week. 5/14-5/18:
We started the biomedical device research this week. Constructed a model hip joint with ligaments made out of clay.
Week. 5/21-5/25:
Began to design the biomedical device on inventor to be 3d printed
Week. 5/28-6/1:
Symposium presentation this Week!
Week. 6/5-6/9:
Wrap up for the year!