Transcript Automated Feeding Solutions for Dog Owners

Automated Feeding
Solutions for Dog Owners
Preliminary Design Review
October 19, 2007
Project
Automated Dog Feeder
Project Advisor
Dr. Hongwei Wu
The Canine Hunger Force
Team Members
Justin Waters
Ryan Price
Randy Boucher
Adam Hartley
Project Overview
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Creation of an automated dog feeder which allows the owner to adjust or
set feeding times through web interface GUI
Eliminates food waste when owner is absent for long periods of time (i.e.
vacation) by controlling feed time and by delivering appropriate food
amounts while the owner is busy or away
Eliminates need for dog boarding during vacations
Targeted customers - dog owners who travels often, people who would like
a dog but may not have the appropriate caring time
Cost of entire project roughly $250
Design Objectives
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Owner Interface through web server GUI
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PC/feeder communication through USB DAQ board
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Auger operation by use of 12 VDC motor
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12 VDC motor receives power directly from computer power supply
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Food amounts appropriate to dog
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Food stored in sturdy, dry container
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Owner able to set feeding schedule through web server
Design Overview
PC Control
USB
Interface
5VDC
National
Load Cell /
Instruments USB Ground
Weight Sensor
6008 DAQ Board Return
Analog
output 0
Coil +
12 VDC
Ground
Ground
Coil -
5VDC
Reed Relay
12VDC 50 rpm
Motor
12V DC Gear Motor
Horse Power
Torque
Speed
Length of Motor
Weight of Motor
0.8W (60 mA no load)
12 Lb-inch(1 Ft-lb)
50 rpm
54 mm (2.13 inches)
3 ounces
Sensor Compression
Load Cell
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This load cell is rated for up to 5 lbs
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Powered by a 5 VDC input signal
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The output is an analog signal that ranges from 0 – 5 volts
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The amount of weight determines the output voltage
Sensor Compression
Load Cell
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The DAQ board provides a 5 VDC supply rail for loads under
200 mA, allowing us to power the load cell
With an input voltage range of 0 ± 10 VDC, the DAQ boards
analog inputs can easily read the load cell’s return signal
The load cell will be located underneath the dog bowl and will
be properly sealed to avoid exposure to moisture
Web Server
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Apache HTTP Server 2.2.6
Allows user access from any
Internet-connected PC
Password protected (SSL 128)
access
Modifying a file on the server
will update feeding schedule
Webpage based profile
modification
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User connects to custom web page hosted on dog feeder PC
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User modifies feeding schedule in the web based table
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Table is saved as a tab-delimited text file to local drive
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Labview based software loads the text file values as an array
Data Acquisition Solution
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National Instruments USB-6008 student kit chosen
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USB based data acquisition unit provides versatility
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Labview Student Edition provided with bundle
Visual Programming
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Labview allows for rapid prototyping and implementation of
programming concepts
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Provides step-by-step debugging using visual indicators
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Function calls can be saved as modular “sub vi’s”
Visual Programming
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Accepts Boolean input (true/false)
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Converts to integer (1/0)
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Applies gain of 5 and becomes voltage control for analog output
Visual Programming
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DAQ Assistant provides dialog based configuration of DAQ board
inputs/outputs with built in diagnostic features
Customizable scaling profiles allow for curve fitting and calibration
Visual Programming
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Scaling profile used to calibrate load cell against a separate digital
scale
Load cell experimentally shown to be accurate to within ±1/2 ounce
Cost Analysis
Prototype Component Prices per Unit
Component
Cost
National Instruments USB-6008 DAQ Board
$160
12V DC Motor
$30
Load Cell
Approximately $60
Food Bowl
Approximately $5
Hopper
Approximately $5
Web server Software and Hardware
Free (hardware already obtained)
Miscellaneous hardware/ wires
$20
Total
$280
Cost Analysis
Mass Production Component Prices per Unit
Component
Cost
National Instruments USB-6008 DAQ Board
$120
12V DC Motor
$25 [5]
Load Cell
$5
Food Bowl
$1
Hopper
$1
Web server Software and Hardware
$30 Web server software free; open source)
Miscellaneous hardware/ wires
$20
Fringe Benefits, Overheard, Advertising
$10
Total
$212
Project Timeline
Task
Decide on Project
Research Specifics
Find Webserver
Find DAQ Board
Find Hopper/Feeder Mechanism
Find Load Sensor
Proposal
Acquire Parts
Assembly
Unit Testing
Field Testing
Final Demostration
Duration
1 week
6 weeks
4 weeks
4 weeks
4 weeks
4 weeks
1 week
2 weeks
1 week
4 weeks
4 weeks
1 week
Aug Aug Aug Aug Sep Sep Sep Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec
Who 20 23 25 27
3 10 16 1 21 22 4 5 11 12
9 10 14
all
all
rp
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jw
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all
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Future Work
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Mount motor to hopper
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Complete web server and interface GUI
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Complete system operation program
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Assemble prototype feeding mechanism
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Final phase testing