Posture Guardian Desktop App 🌿

A gentle companion that watches your posture and sends system-wide overlay alerts, no matter what you're doing.

Installation

Step 1: Install Python

If you don't have Python installed:

• Windows: Download from https://www.python.org/downloads/ (get Python 3.10 or newer)
• Mac: Python usually comes pre-installed, or use brew install python3
• Linux: Usually pre-installed, or use sudo apt install python3 python3-pip

Step 2: Install Dependencies

Open Terminal (Mac/Linux) or Command Prompt (Windows) and run:

pip install -r requirements.txt

Or install individually:

pip install opencv-python mediapipe numpy Pillow

Step 3: Run the App

python posture_guardian.py

How to Use

1. Launch the app - A window will open showing your webcam feed
2. Calibrate - Sit with perfect posture and click "Calibrate Good Posture"
3. Wait 3 seconds - The app captures your good posture
4. Work freely - The app now monitors you in the background
5. Get alerts - When you slouch, a red overlay appears over EVERYTHING

Features

• ✨ System-wide alerts - Overlay appears over any application
• 🎯 Smart detection - Uses AI to track your shoulders, neck, and head position
• ⚙️ Adjustable sensitivity - Make it stricter or more lenient
• ⏱️ Custom alert duration - Control how long warnings stay visible
• 🪞 Mirror view - Camera feed is flipped for natural viewing

Settings

• Alert Sensitivity: Lower numbers = stricter posture requirements (5-20°) default = 8°
• Alert Duration: How long the warning stays visible (1-10 seconds) default = 3 seconds

Tips

• Keep the app window open (you can minimize it after calibration)
• Calibrate in your normal working position
• Adjust sensitivity if you get too many or too few alerts
• The app works best with good lighting

Troubleshooting

Camera not working?

• Make sure no other app is using your webcam
• Grant camera permissions when prompted
• Try unplugging/replugging external webcams

No alerts appearing?

• Make sure you clicked "Calibrate Good Posture" first
• Try lowering the sensitivity setting
• Check that you're slouching noticeably

App won't start?

• Make sure all dependencies are installed
• Check that you have Python 3.10 or newer: python --version

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Made with 💚 for your wellbeing

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