Phidgets Forums

We're developing a game where we need to detect if a player is seated (in some kind of chair, TBD) or not. We need to implement this check in Unity. My thinking was to use some kind of load cell or similar. Is this the best way to go or are there any other, potentially simpler, sensors that would be better suited? We do not have to read the weight of the player in any way, just the mere presence. One important requirement is for any sensor to be very durable, as it will be used in a very busy environment.

Any hints on best practice would be much appreciated!

A Load Cell could be difficult to mount to a chair, but would work if you find a way to do that. Force sensors would also work, and could probably be placed into the cushion. An accelerometer might work as well, but it could be hard to tell the difference between someone sitting on the chair vs simply moving the chair, or bumping it. Depending on your specific requirements, those are likely your 3 best options.

Thank you @fraser! Looking around I find a few different sensors, would you say that the below kit would fit the task? Also, is the cable needed for the VINT Hub a regular USB A to Mini?

• 3104_0 - Interlink Electronics 0.5″ Circular 20N FSR

• 1121_0 - Voltage Divider

• HUB0001_0 - VINT Hub Phidget

Thank you!

Yes the cable for the VINT Hub would be USB Type-A to USB Mini-B (standard mini).

I think what you have could work, although the sensing area on the 3104_0 is quite small. With these sensors, force needs to be applied directly to the inside of the sensing area, so you might have better luck with the larger sensing area on the 3105_0. That will all come down to how it is implemented in the chair.

We also just released a HUB0007_0 VINT Hub, which is a single port dongle style, if you are only using 1 sensor. If you expect to expand to more sensors, then the 6-port hub might suit you better.

Thank you @fraser, much appreciated!