Automated Feeding Solution for Dog Owners

1
Automated Feeding Solution for Dog Owners

• Final Report
• December 7, 2007
• Project
• Automated Dog Feeder
• Project Advisor
• Dr. Hongwei Wu
• The Canine Hunger Force
• Team Members
• Justin Waters Ryan Price
• Randy Boucher
• Adam Hartley

2
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 345

3
Design Features

• Owner can interface through web server GUI
• PC/feeder communicates through USB DAQ board
• Auger operates by use of 12 VDC motor
• 12 VDC motor receives power directly from
  computer power supply
• Food stored in sturdy, dry container
• Owner able to set feeding schedule through web
  server

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Design Overview
5
12V DC Gear Motor
6
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 form
  0 5 volts and the
• amount of weight determines the voltage
• The DAQ board provides a 5 VDC supply rail for
  loads under 200 mA,
• allowing us to power the load cell

7
Web Server

• Windows IIS version 5.1
• Allows user access from any Internet-connected PC
• User input taken from form on web page
• Food consumption data logged and displayed when
  requested

8
Webpage based profile modification

• User accesses 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
  the server
• LabView based software loads the text file values
  into array used to control feeder
• LabView creates text file with consumption data
  which is read back into a webpage

9
Software Structure Diagram
10
Web page GUI
Input
Verification
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Web page GUI
Food Consumption Log
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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

13
Visual Programming

• Food distribution function loop

14
Visual Programming

• Issues encountered included having to add a
  running average to the load cell sub-function to
  prevent premature motor shutoff

15
Cost Analysis
16
Cost Analysis
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Project Timeline
18
Operational Flowchart
No
No
Yes
19
AutoCAD Design
20
Shortcomings/Alternatives

• Webcam could have been integrated into project
  for live monitoring
• Automatic feeding profile modification not
  implemented
• Motor covering to ensure unexposed wiring
• Chute design needs refining to minimize spillage
• For production models custom circuits could be
  designed for analog inputs/outputs to replace DAQ
  board

21
Demonstration

• Log in to web server using internet browser
• Adjust feeding schedule to demonstrate features
• Show consumption data after each distribution
• Remove random amount of food after second
  distribution
• Compare removed weight to amount consumed
• Discuss tolerances and running average effect