With a huge amount of help, the first prototype for the wearable device is now complete and has inevitably thrown up many issues along the way of making it.
The main problem is that the idea is not as robust as I once thought, mainly due to the inaccuracies of results with varying UV strengths.
For example, if it were cloudy on a Monday and the wearer walked for one hour to work and then it was sunny on Tuesday but they walked only half an hour, the results from the device would be very similar.
So instead of 'rewarding' outdoor travel exclusively, what it actually does is 'reward' being outside in stronger UV rays.
One solution would be to include within the circuit a means by which to aggregate local weather conditions, possibly using an ethernet shield and Arduino technology. This would allow me to write a program that creates more resistance in the circuit in bright sunshine and less when the local conditions are cloudy. Thus, returning a more appropriate response.
As an alternative, a pedometer could be a much simpler way of processing data based on exercise. Perhaps an idea would be to adapt that kind of mechanism to operate when light levels are above a certain point based on readings from a UV diode (so it doesn't reward an exercise carried out in a gym).
If the concept was centered around the idea of general exercise then any regular pedometer would do the job; but it is not this that I am really interested in.
The point of the project was to create something a bit more confrontational that could become a part of the social dialogue that takes place between work mates, friends and family. Something that people could play and compete with.
It was also very specific to local travel and therefore reducing our carbon emissions. For instance, cycling for two hours to get to work would be a very unattractive prospect for most.
So this electronic embraces the notion of locality; a logistically simpler way to run a business.
Although currently for many, travelling to work might mean a considerable commute, changes may occur over the next decade that see the centralisation and localistion of business in an effort to cut costs.
A regular pedometer does neither of those things and although the recent Nike+ kit does track your progress and provide platforms for its users to play games and compete online, it seems to be more useful for a personal, 'beat yourself' kind of attitude to exercise.
This device is less subtle or sexy, appealing much more to our basic needs with the user appearing like a gorilla beating its chest or a peacock performing a courtship display.
I'm in danger of repeating myself at this point but in order to develop an idea, I must clarify exactly what this will and won't hope to achieve.
As to not confuse myself, I will post separately another idea which adheres to similar principles.
So instead of 'rewarding' outdoor travel exclusively, what it actually does is 'reward' being outside in stronger UV rays.
One solution would be to include within the circuit a means by which to aggregate local weather conditions, possibly using an ethernet shield and Arduino technology. This would allow me to write a program that creates more resistance in the circuit in bright sunshine and less when the local conditions are cloudy. Thus, returning a more appropriate response.
As an alternative, a pedometer could be a much simpler way of processing data based on exercise. Perhaps an idea would be to adapt that kind of mechanism to operate when light levels are above a certain point based on readings from a UV diode (so it doesn't reward an exercise carried out in a gym).
If the concept was centered around the idea of general exercise then any regular pedometer would do the job; but it is not this that I am really interested in.
The point of the project was to create something a bit more confrontational that could become a part of the social dialogue that takes place between work mates, friends and family. Something that people could play and compete with.
It was also very specific to local travel and therefore reducing our carbon emissions. For instance, cycling for two hours to get to work would be a very unattractive prospect for most.
So this electronic embraces the notion of locality; a logistically simpler way to run a business.
Although currently for many, travelling to work might mean a considerable commute, changes may occur over the next decade that see the centralisation and localistion of business in an effort to cut costs.
A regular pedometer does neither of those things and although the recent Nike+ kit does track your progress and provide platforms for its users to play games and compete online, it seems to be more useful for a personal, 'beat yourself' kind of attitude to exercise.
This device is less subtle or sexy, appealing much more to our basic needs with the user appearing like a gorilla beating its chest or a peacock performing a courtship display.
I'm in danger of repeating myself at this point but in order to develop an idea, I must clarify exactly what this will and won't hope to achieve.
As to not confuse myself, I will post separately another idea which adheres to similar principles.
