Netflix lovers, rejoice. Now you can create your own socks (with a bit of electrical expertise necessary) that will pause your shows once you fall asleep — so you never have to miss a moment.
The DIY socks, found on Netflix’s MakeIt website, can be developed by either knitting a pair of socks or, for those with no desire to knit, purchasing a pair of socks. To build the sensor, some knowledge of electronics and microcontroller programming, along with soldering experience is required.
The sleep detection system is based on actigraphy in which an accelerometer detects when you’ve stopped moving for a while and then triggers a signal to your TV to pause Netflix. If the sensor thinks you’ve dozed off, an LED light in the cuff of the sock flashes red, and warns you that the pause signal is about to be sent to your TV. Any movement by the individual will stop the action from happening. Although Netflix says that the sensor is pretty sensitive to movements, it suggests some ways to increase its accuracy.
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own:
- Knit socks
- Arduino microcontroller
- IR LEDs
- LED indicator light
- Battery
- Momentary button
- Accelerometer
- 12” x 12” piece of felt
To build the electronics Netflix offers the schematic and a tutorial.
DIY-ers will need to set up the IR signals so that the socks can send the appropriate signals to the TV. To read the IR signals, Netflix worked with two methods that can be found on the project website. They both use an IR receiver and an Arduino.
After doing some programming, hobbyists can embed the electronics into the socks using a felt backing. Once complete, slip on the socks and watch some Netflix.
There are some additional options for even better socks like including an IR repeater for a clearer signal or a pulse sensor for better accuracy.
Check out the entire project here.
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