We’ve talked a lot about anxiety reduction techniques. For the final, I would like to make a relaxation device (working title ‘PaZuZu’) to combine the effects a pet might have to reduce a racing pulse. Thus:
Pulse sensor (light + light sensor separated by thin skin)
Soft surface (fireproof fabric ideal)
Vibration (pager motor and a small “purr” speaker)
Breathing (expand and contract)
Pressure (weight, grasp)
*Warmth
*I am least sure about making it warming. Enclosing electronics in a soft body is already difficult, and controlling heat can be dangerous. One idea I had was muscle wire “limbs” that would contract and heat. I need to work out a rate limiter or some other safety mechanism for overheating.
Also not sure how to ensure static protection. And can I use the vibration motor itself to make the purring sound, instead of a separate speaker?
Basic setup:
As heart rate increases, so does vibration, pressure, purr volume, and warmth. ’Breathing’ slows.
The goal is to have a physical prototype that has contracting, heating limbs, and can rest around the neck or waist. If it works even a little bit, it will surely come in handy around thesis week!