https://github.com/dita-deb/activebreaks

A user-friendly tool that encourages regular breaks while effectively monitoring focus time to promote healthy work habits.
https://github.com/dita-deb/activebreaks

arduino-ide arduino-mega-2560 cpp python python-script terminal visual-studio-code

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A user-friendly tool that encourages regular breaks while effectively monitoring focus time to promote healthy work habits.

• Host: GitHub
• URL: https://github.com/dita-deb/activebreaks
• Owner: dita-deb
• Created: 2024-10-12T05:03:45.000Z (3 months ago)
• Default Branch: main
• Last Pushed: 2024-10-27T03:00:26.000Z (2 months ago)
• Last Synced: 2024-10-27T04:16:27.916Z (2 months ago)
• Topics: arduino-ide, arduino-mega-2560, cpp, python, python-script, terminal, visual-studio-code
• Language: C++
• Homepage:
• Size: 48.8 KB
• Stars: 0
• Watchers: 1
• Forks: 0
• Open Issues: 0
• Metadata Files:
  • Readme: README.md

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README

        
# NOTES:

This is part of a submission for IEEE Technothon 2024: transforming industries through automation and innovation.

link: https://ieee-technothon-2024.devpost.com/

## Requirements:

- What to Build

  - Participants build innovative hardware solutions using AI/ML and other automation. 

- What to Submit

  - Participants have two options to submit:

    1. Submit a 5-minute video that includes the problem you are tackling, the solution, the pros and cons, and the hardware implementation demo. The submission should be in VIDEO format and be 5 minutes max. The participants would then play this video at the judging event, where the judges would review it and ask questions, if any.

    2. Submit a presentation slide deck (5 slides max) that includes the problem you are tackling, the solution, pros and cons, and the hardware implementation demo. The demo should be a video embedded onto the slide deck (as a YouTube embed). The participants then present these slides at the judging event (5 min max) and the judges would review them and ask questions, if any.

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# ActiveBreaks

A user-friendly tool that encourages regular breaks while effectively monitoring focus time to promote healthy work habits. It combines software with hardware to automate reminders, ensuring users maintain productivity without compromising health.

- Problem:

  - Increased Sedentary Behavior: Prolonged screen time leads to health issues like eye strain (Computer Vision Syndrome), fatigue, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental burnout.

  - Productivity Loss: Without scheduled breaks, cognitive fatigue accumulates, reducing focus and performance.

  - Poor Work-Life Balance: Many individuals overwork without taking adequate breaks, especially in remote work or hybrid environments.

  - Lack of Awareness: People often underestimate how much time they spend at the computer without breaks, leading to physical and mental strain.

- Solution: ActiveBreaks provides a simple, automated reminder system to track continuous computer usage and alert users when it is time to take a break. By monitoring keyboard and mouse activity, the tool encourages users to take regular breaks to refresh and avoid burnout.

  - Pros:

    - Health Benefits: 

      - Reduces eye strain and prevents Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

      - Encourages physical movement, improving posture and circulation.

      - Promotes mental clarity and reduces stress.

    - Increased Productivity:

      - Breaks prevent cognitive fatigue, leading to sustained focus over time.

      - Aligns with productivity strategies like the Pomodoro Technique or 20-20-20 rule (taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes).

    - Customizable and Scalable:

      - Alerts can be tailored to suit user preferences (audio, pop-ups, LED lights).

      - Integrates well with hardware for physical reminders (e.g., buzzer or LED).

    - Real-Time Usage Data:

      - Collects and displays statistics on how much time users spend working without breaks, helping users identify areas for improvement.

  - Cons:

    - Interruptions May Distract Users:

      - If not implemented thoughtfully, break reminders could disrupt focus during deep work sessions.

      - Solution: Allow users to snooze alerts or adjust break intervals.

    - Limited Detection of Actual Breaks:

      - Simply tracking keyboard and mouse activity might not fully reflect whether users are taking meaningful breaks (e.g., someone could be browsing social media instead of resting).

    - Hardware Integration Challenges:

      - Integrating physical reminders with microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino) may require additional setup or hardware troubleshooting.

    - Adoption Resistance:

      - Users accustomed to working long hours might ignore the reminders, requiring encouragement and awareness-building for effective adoption.

- Hardware Implementation:

  - Microcontroller: Arduino Uno or ESP32 to manage physical reminders like LEDs or buzzers.

  - Sensors and Output Components:

    - Buzzer or LED: Alerts the user when it’s time for a break.

    - Button (Optional): A physical snooze button for delaying reminders.

  - Workflow:

    - Software: A Python program using pynput tracks keyboard/mouse usage.

    - Communication: The computer sends a signal to the Arduino/ESP32 via serial communication when a break reminder is triggered.

    - Hardware Response:

      - LED turns on or the buzzer beeps to indicate break time.

      - User can press a button to snooze the reminder (if implemented).

    - Optional Cloud Integration: Use an ESP32 with Wi-Fi to send break statistics to a web interface or dashboard.