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[on:]

I'm planning an Arduino project of a smart alarm clock, and one of the features is I want the clock to know when I'm still in bed, so I can snooze it still, but can not actually turn it off.

The most reliable way I can think to do this is by hooking up some sensors between my box spring and mattress, and measure the force.

I've found sensors like this:
http://www.trossenrobotics.com/store/p/6496-1-5-Inch-Force-Sensing-Resistor-FSR-.aspx

But am not sure if that's exactly what I'm looking for, does anyone have any experience it with sensors like this?

[Reply #1 on:]

That one is spec'ed to 10,000 gram = 22 lbs. Migth it be maxed out all the time?
Let me know if you find another, I am interested in one that will withstand body weight.

How about a couple of IR detectors to sense your body heat?

Or a IR light detection that looks just over the level of  your covers?

[Reply #2 on:]

Or capacitance sensing...

[Reply #3 on:]

Well I found this one, it goes up to 100lbs, so all though it would be way maxed out when I'm on the mattress, it would probably be fine for simply detecting if I'm on it or not.

Something like laser blocking w\ my body isn't reliable enough IMO. Though an IR proximity sensor could work...

[Reply #4 on:]

link for the 100 lb sensor?

[Reply #5 on:]

http://www.trossenrobotics.com/flexiforce-100lb-resistive-force-sensor.aspx

[Reply #6 on:]

Found you a better one!
http://www.tekscan.com/body-pressure-measurement
specific models are under sensors tab.

Total overkill for our needs tho

[Reply #7 on:]

Haha awesome, that sure would do the trick