Automated Feeding Solutions for Dog Owners

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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

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Project Overview

• 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

3
Design Objectives

• Owner Interface through web server GUI
• PC/feeder communication through USB DAQ board
• Auger operation by use of 12 VDC motor
• 12 VDC motor receives power directly from
  computer power supply
• Food amounts appropriate to dog
• Food stored in sturdy, dry container
• Owner able to set feeding schedule through web
  server

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Design Overview
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12V DC Gear Motor
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Sensor Compression Load Cell

• This load cell is rated for up to 5 lbs
• Powered by a 5 VDC input signal
• The output is an analog signal that ranges from
  0 5 volts
• The amount of weight determines the output
  voltage

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Sensor Compression Load Cell

• 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
  cells return signal
• The load cell will be located underneath the dog
  bowl and will be properly sealed to avoid
  exposure to moisture

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Web Server

• 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

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Webpage based profile modification

• User connects to custom web page hosted on dog
  feeder PC
• User modifies feeding schedule in the web based
  table
• Table is saved as a tab-delimited text file to
  local drive
• Labview based software loads the text file values
  as an array

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Data Acquisition Solution

• National Instruments USB-6008 student kit chosen
• USB based data acquisition unit provides
  versatility
• Labview Student Edition provided with bundle

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Visual Programming

• Labview allows for rapid prototyping and
  implementation of programming concepts
• Provides step-by-step debugging using visual
  indicators
• Function calls can be saved as modular sub vis

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Visual Programming

• Accepts Boolean input (true/false)
• Converts to integer (1/0)
• Applies gain of 5 and becomes voltage control for
  analog output

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Visual Programming

• 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

14
Visual Programming

• Scaling profile used to calibrate load cell
  against a separate digital scale
• Load cell experimentally shown to be accurate to
  within 1/2 ounce

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Cost Analysis
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Cost Analysis
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Project Timeline
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Future Work

• Mount motor to hopper
• Complete web server and interface GUI
• Complete system operation program
• Assemble prototype feeding mechanism
• Final phase testing