Eyes UP: A Neck Posture Monitoring System

Project Overview

Wearable Posture Device

The Eyes UP system is a wearable device designed to monitor neck posture and provide real-time feedback to help users maintain healthy alignment. Developed as part of the BME 491 Bioengineering Design and Analysis course at the University of Nevada, Reno, this project integrates electrical and biomedical engineering principles to create an accessible solution for posture correction. It was awarded the annual 2021 UNR BME Capstone Project award.

Research Objectives

Our goal was to develop a smart posture monitoring system that:

Continuously tracks neck posture using embedded flex sensors.
Provides immediate feedback through haptic and visual cues when poor posture is detected.
Allows user-specific calibration for personalized posture thresholds.
Offers real-time data visualization via a user-friendly interface.

Hardware components of the Eyes UP system

Methodology

Hardware Design

The Eyes UP system includes:

Arduino Uno Microcontroller: The processing unit that collects and interprets sensor data.
Three Flex Sensors: Embedded in a compression neck sleeve to monitor movement.
Vibration Motor: Provides haptic feedback for posture correction.
LED Indicators (Red & Green): Visually signal posture status.
Calibration Button: Allows users to customize posture limits.

Software & User Interface

The system integrates a MATLAB-based graphical user interface (GUI) with the following features:

Real-time resistance graphs displaying sensor data.
Adjustable threshold values to customize posture detection.
Alerts and statistics tracking "good" vs. "bad" posture durations.

How It Works

The user wears the Eyes UP compression sleeve, ensuring the embedded flex sensors are aligned with the neck.
A simple calibration process sets the user's unique posture limits.
During use, the system continuously monitors neck movements:
- Good posture: A green light appears, and data is logged.
- Bad posture: If the user maintains an incorrect posture for too long, a red light appears, and the vibration motor activates as a reminder to correct their alignment.
The GUI displays real-time sensor data, providing insights into posture habits.

Key Findings & Applications

Performance

The system effectively detects deviations from the user's optimal posture in all directions.
Independent monitoring of left, right, and central neck movement allows for targeted feedback.
The haptic feedback mechanism successfully encourages real-time posture correction.
The flexible design accommodates users with different neck sizes and movement patterns.

Potential Applications

The Eyes UP system provides valuable applications in:

Workplace ergonomics: Preventing neck strain from prolonged screen use.
Physical therapy & rehabilitation: Assisting patients recovering from neck injuries.
Sports & fitness: Enhancing posture awareness for athletes.
Everyday posture correction: Helping users develop healthier habits over time.

Presentation & Team

This research was conducted as part of the GTech: BMED8813 - Design of Living Systems course from October to December 2021.

The project was awarded the annual BME Capstone Project award

Team Members: Alea Martin, Garrett Cash, Susie Cho