SENSITOUCH

DESIGN

Sensitouch is a pressure sensitive mat with multiple cushioned force sensors. It is connected to a mechanical component that is triggered by a sense of pressure. The purpose of the device is to open elevators with applied pressure by stepping or rolling on the mat. Because SensiTouch is an external device, it is reusable and does not require any connection to the elevator's circuit and therefore, can be implemented onto many types of elevators. This can be done by placing the mats on the ground and attaching the cased mechanical component onto the buttons. This external component is added on as an additional layer and is created to physically push the elevator button. It is triggered when there is a pressure signal received or the external button on the component is pressed. The device is frequently used and continues to process pressure and open the elevator doors accordingly.

FUNCTION

SensiTouch functions to create an easier and more accessible way for individuals with disabilities. It prevents extra strain on the person to individually reach for buttons and limits the need of a carer to help access out of reach buttons. The product can be broken down into two components, one for doors and another for elevators. Regarding elevators, the product is two separate parts to distinguish for the up and down button, while the door has one single mat to open it. A key feature is that individuals can continue to press the elevator or door button without the use of the mat. Our device’s mechanical component is housed in a box, which is used as an additional layer on top of the elevator button itself. It is an addition to the elevators and doors and is a cost-efficient solution that can be executed at every location.

APPEARANCE

The mat’s appearance is similar to other regular mats, it is a carpeted mat with hidden sensors underneath, and each mat has an arrow to indicate where the user should apply pressure to call the concording button (up or down). There is no installation involved since a new mat can simply be placed on top of the sensors. SensiTouch is not directly embedded in the building but is reusable and can be moved accordingly. The sensors can withstand multiple pressures without causing an error in the system due to the durability of the mat. The motors are contained inside a box that will be attached on top of the original buttons as an additional layer.

THE PROCESS

The mat must sense pressure either from someone standing on it for a specific amount of time or from a wheel of a wheelchair. Once the pressure has been sensed, a signal is sent to the motor and causes it to turn and press the door button. The user needs to stand on the mat for a specific amount of time to trigger the button as a way to differentiate between someone purposefully trying to press the button and someone accidentally walking over the mat. The taken average in the processing system accounts for such accidents and allows for extra time for disabled individuals to pass through the elevator door. If the user does not want to use the mat, there is an additional button on the box of the motor that can be pressed. When the additional button on the box is pressed, it will trigger the motor inside the box to turn and therefore press the original door button behind the box. The two methods for pressing the button makes SensiTouch versatile. It can be used by the general public without any inconvenience and by wheelchair users. Moreover, other people can also use it if their hands are full such as laborers, and maintenance and construction workers.

CODE AND ELECTRONICS

The way SensiTouch works is based on a code processed by a Raspberry Pi that is able to trigger the motors from data taken in by the sensors in the mat. The code took each sensor reading (reading is taken every 0.5s) and appended each value to an existing data list. The average of the most recent values of this list was then taken. To clarify, each sensor’s average reading is being computed independently from the others. If the average value was above the set threshold, the code functioned to allow a specific Servo motor to turn a certain angle. Then, we continued to sketch and create an attaching piece for the motor to physically press the elevator and door buttons, as well as casings to protect the wires and processing parts. We allocated the sensors evenly throughout both mats to achieve accurate readings from different areas in the mat.

ACCESSIBILITY

This project develops a cost-effective and practical design to improve accessibility issues around the community. The design can be developed with any kind of mat, sensors, and a motor. It is a practical design that is a simple addition to elevators and doors. Therefore, one does not need to change their lifestyle or have something attached to them or their wheelchair. Individuals simply have to recognize the manipulation done to pre-existing technology.