ECE 477 Digital Systems Senior Design Project Fall 2004

Homework 1: Preliminary Design Project Proposal Due: Thursday, September 2, at Classtime

Team Code Name: ___Foreigner (Cold as Ice)______Group No. ___11___

Team Members (#1 is Team Leader):

#1: __Andrew Whipple______Signature: ______Date: ______

#2: __Jeff Killen ______Signature: ______Date: ______

#3: __Matt Compton______Signature: ______Date: ______

#4: __Brandon Ade ______Signature: ______Date: ______

Abstract: An intelligent refrigerator will be created that will interact with its surroundings as well as its users. An LCD display, keypad, as well as remote access will comprise the user interface while a RFID scanner, temperature control, and locking device will allow it to automatically react with its surroundings.

Design Objectives:  Run system using power off of the refrigerator’s power supply  Interface LCD display to a microcontroller  Interface temperature sensor to a microcontroller  Interface a locking mechanism to a microcontroller  Interface a microcontroller with an Ethernet connection to allow PC interaction  Interface keypad with a microcontroller for security codes  Interface RFID scanner with a microcontroller  Devise a way to cleanly place all components into a mini-refrigerator

Design/Functionality Overview: Local device status and user interface will be provided by an LCD display and a numeric keypad. A wireless Ethernet adapter will be used to allow communication with the device over the internet, allowing all the actions / queries available to the local interface (as well as some not available to the local interface). Electronically- toggled metal plates will be used to magnetically seal the door. One or more radio frequency identification (RFID) ‘hoop’ antennas will surround the inside cabinet of the refrigerator to monitor the contents. These antennae communicate with small RFID tags attached to food items (these tags are activated by the antennae and require no individual power supply). All components will be regulated by a microcontroller. All components will be powered by a 12 VDC power supply.

Project-Specific Success Criteria (list 5): 1. Ability to receive/decode RFID tags on food items and keep running inventory. 2. Ability to interface with user through text on an LCD screen and through Ethernet. 3. Ability to monitor atmospheric conditions within cavity and report on any anomalies. 4. Ability to implement child safety locks (lock/unlock) using keypad interface or RFID tags. 5. Ability to allow user to enter recipes and have refrigerator report on what items are currently needed. ECE 477 Digital Systems Senior Design Project Fall 2004

BLOCK DIAGRAM

Ethernet Temperature Adapter Monitoring Device

Keypad

Microcontroller

Fridge Temperature LCD Screen Control

RFID Antennas Locking Device

Power Supply