# Design and Implementation of Smart IoT Chair for Better Health and Productive Work

> With the recent developments in smart IoT healthcare applications, the posture of sitting on a chair can be monitored at a regular time interval. In this work, we have demonstrated a prototype that is capable of measuring the time of sitting using four bridge structured load cells and an Arduino Mega microcontroller.

## Abstract
With the recent developments in smart IoT healthcare applications, the posture of sitting on a chair can be monitored at a regular time interval. In this work, we have demonstrated a prototype that is capable of measuring the time of sitting using four bridge structured load cells and an Arduino Mega microcontroller. The main goal of this work is to reduce prolonged periods of sitting for better health and productive work conditions.

## Project Background and Motivation
Prolonged sitting in the workplace is linked to metabolic health risks, including high blood pressure, increased blood sugars, and excessive body fat. While ergonomic chairs address posture, they do not solve the issue of physical inactivity. This project aims to monitor sitting time and notify users to take regular 3–5 minute breaks to mitigate these health risks.

## Project Phases
The project was divided into three significant phases:
1. **Idea Development:** Brainstorming and formulation of a portable design that can be added to the top surface of an existing chair.
2. **Design and Mechanical Build:** Developing an accurate mount for load cells using 3D printing facilities at Savonia University of Applied Sciences.
3. **Programming and Testing:** Writing code in Arduino IDE and testing the integrated hardware components.

## Technical Implementation
The prototype utilizes the following components:
* **Microcontroller:** Joy-it Mega2560R3 (Arduino Mega compatible).
* **Sensors:** Four Sparkfun (SEN-10245) load cells capable of measuring 40-50 kg.
* **Amplifier:** SparkFun Load Cell Amplifier (HX711).
* **Combinator:** SparkFun Load Sensor Combinator (BOB-13878).
* **Frame:** Custom 3D-printed mounts on a wooden frame.

The system uses a Wheatstone bridge configuration to measure resistance changes. The code implements a taring function at startup and triggers a timer when the load exceeds a specific threshold.

## Testing and Results
Testing was conducted in several stages:
* **Code Accuracy:** Verified logic and bug-free execution.
* **Hardware Functionality:** Validated load sensors, amplifier, and wiring connections.
* **Timer Logic:** Confirmed the timer starts/stops correctly based on load detection.
* **Calibration:** Adjusted scale units for user mass.

The system successfully detects load and tracks sitting time, notifying the user via the console when the time limit is exceeded.

## Future Improvements
* **Integration:** Building the solution directly into a chair for a more professional appearance.
* **Notification Methods:** Implementing vibration devices or software-based notifications (e.g., phone/computer apps) to alert the user.
* **Functionality:** Adding posture detection and allowing users to customize time limits and break intervals.

## Authors
* Timon Padberg (timon.padberg@edu.savonia.fi)
* Sojat Sebgaze (sojat.sebgaze@edu.savonia.fi)
* Rim Zakar (rim.zakar@edu.savonia.fi)
* Rajeev Kanth (rajeev.kanth@savonia.fi)

## References
[1] M. Park, Y. Song, J. Lee and J. Paek, “Design and Implementation of a smart chair system for IoT,” 2016 International Conference on Information and Communication Technology Convergence (ICTC), 2016, pp. 1200-1203, DOI: 10.1109/ICTC.2016.7763406.

[2] Yusupov, N[odirkhon]; Akhinko, S[ergeii]; Sambath Kumar, R[ohin]; Kumar Singh, H[arish]; Khan, R[ida] & Nikhil, K[ashyap] (2018). Smart Chair: IoT Based Health Telemetry for Air Traffic Controllers and Emergency Response Center Operators, Proceedings of the 29th DAAAM International Symposium, pp.1279-1285, B. Katalinic (Ed.), Published by DAAAM International, ISBN 978-3-902734-20-4, ISSN 1726-9679, Vienna, Austria DOI: 10.2507/29th.daaam.proceedings.184

[3] Joy-IT. (n.d.). Joy-IT Mega2560R3. Joy-IT. Retrieved January 19, 2022, from https://joy-it.net/en/products/ARD-Mega2560R3

[4] Sparkfun. (n.d.). Load Sensor – 50kg (Generic) – SEN-10245. SparkFun Electronics. Retrieved January 19, 2022, from https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10245

[5] Sparkfun. (n.d.). SparkFun Load Cell Amplifier – HX711 – SEN-13879. SparkFun Electronics. Retrieved January 19, 2022, from https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13879

[6] SparkFun. (2017, May 19). SparkFun Load Sensor Combinator – BOB-13878. SparkFun Electronics. Retrieved January 19, 2022, from https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13878