Epistellar

What is Epistellar?

Epistellar is a wearable technology designed to empower individuals living with epilepsy by enhancing their safety and independence. The core goal is to enable people to navigate their environments without relying on constant human assistance, thus offering freedom and confidence through advanced monitoring and alert systems. Epistellar provides real-time support, ensuring that those who experience seizures receive the care they need in a timely manner.

The first phase involved a deep dive into understanding the needs of individuals with epilepsy. This phase focused on:

1. Conducting 5 in-depth interviews with people directly impacted by epilepsy.
2. Gathering and analyzing data from 30 survey responses, which helped highlight the main challenges faced by those living with the condition.
3. Using the insights from the data collection, I identified critical features for the wearable and began shaping the direction of Epistellar.

Based on the interviews and survey data, I was able to clearly define the core problem: People with epilepsy are at a higher risk of injury, particularly from falling during a seizure. These insights laid the foundation for developing the project’s minimum viable product (MVP).

When individuals with epilepsy experience a seizure, they become vulnerable, particularly due to the high risk of falling. Epistellar addresses this by incorporating a fall detection mechanism that provides immediate alerts and support when a seizure occurs, significantly reducing the danger and ensuring timely assistance.

Phase 1: Sketching and 3D Design

I began by sketching various design concepts informed by the data collected during the discovery phase. These sketches formed the foundation for the wearable’s design.

1. Sketch to 3D: Initial hand sketches were transformed into 3D models using AI tools and then finalized in SolidWorks for precise engineering.
2. 3D to Prototype: The finalized design was 3D printed, and each piece of the prototype was manually painted to create a realistic product model for testing and presentation.

Phase 2: QR Code Integration for First Aid

To enhance the first aid aspect of Epistellar, I integrated a QR code feature that links to emergency first aid instructions specific to epilepsy and person.

1. 3D asset creation: Using Blender, I created 3D assets that visually represent the step-by-step first aid process.
2. Story creation: I employed Twinmotion to design a realistic background, ensuring the first aid instructions are clear, engaging, and easy to follow in an emergency situation.

Phase 3: Arduino Integration for Fall Detection

In this phase, I incorporated hardware to create the fall detection feature.

1. Using an ESP32 microcontroller and an MPU6050 sensor which is a 3-axis gyroscope and 3-axis accelerometer within the wearable, I programmed it to detect when a user falls during a seizure.
2. The sensor is connected to Google servers and sends personalized emails to emergency contacts when a fall is detected, providing immediate alerts.

The final phase involved rigorous testing:

1. I conducted user testing with 7 individuals to assess the functionality, comfort, and reliability of the Epistellar wearable.
2. Based on their feedback, I refined the design, adjusted the sensitivity of the fall detection system, and improved the user interface for emergency notifications.