Applications and Implications: Smart Paw
What will it do?
The Smart Paw project is an advanced intelligent pet monitoring system designed to provide peace of mind and security to pet owners, especially in emergencies or when they need to leave home for an extended period. The system includes integrated ESP cameras for real-time monitoring, automatic food and water dispensers, a collar that measures temperature in real-time with an MLX90614 sensor, a water fountain with a level sensor, and a comprehensive web application for efficient pet care.
Who's done what beforehand?
- PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder: A system that allows pet owners to feed their pets from anywhere using a smartphone app. It dispenses food on a schedule or on demand.
- Petcube Bites 2: A smart pet camera with a treat dispenser that allows pet owners to interact with their pets remotely. It includes a camera, treat dispenser, and speaker for two-way communication.
What will you design?
The Smart Paw system will include:
- Real-time Monitoring System: Using ESP32 cameras integrated into the pet's environment, providing live video feeds accessible through a web application.
- Automatic Food and Water Dispensers: Controlled by two ESP32 WROOMs, one for each dispenser, managed via the web application to ensure pets are fed and hydrated on schedule.
- Water Fountain with Level Sensor: Equipped with a level sensor to ensure water is always available for the pet.
- Temperature Monitoring Collar: Equipped with an MLX90614 sensor that measures temperature in real-time and sends the data to the web application.
- Web Application: Allowing pet owners to monitor their pets, control the dispensers and water fountain, and receive alerts in case of emergencies.
What materials and components will be used and their costs?
Components
| Quantity | Description | Cost (USD) | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | ESP32 | $11.11 |  |
| 1 | level sensor | $16.67 |  |
| 1 | Water Pump | $14.00 |  |
| 9 | Resistors 220Ω | $2.78 |  |
| 6 | Buttons | $1.67 |  |
| 20 | jumpers | $11.11 |  |
| 2 | Resistances 0Ω | $0.20 |  |
| 1 | Capacitors 1000µF 25V | $2.50 |  |
| 5 | Capacitors 1µF 50V | $3.00 |  |
| 3 | Pin Header Female | $1.00 |  |
| 2 | AMS1117 | $2.50 |  |
| 1 | USBFT232 USB | $10.00 |  |
| 1 | Xiao-ESP32 | $11.11 |  |
| 1 | MLX90614 sensor | $2.50 |  |
| 1 | ESP32-CAM | $11.11 |  |
| 2 | Servomotor | $16.67 |  |
Processes
| Description | Cost (USD) | Photo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Printing (Approx. 1.5 kg) | $54.67 |  |
|
| Soldering | $5.56 |  |
|
| Copper for PCB | $5.56 |  |
|
| 50 cm water hose | $2.50 |  |
|
| Laser Cutting | $27.78 |  |
|
| MDF 15mm | $17.00 |  |
|
| MDF 3mm | $10.00 | |
|
| Acrylic 4mm | $12.00 |  |
|
Where will they come from?
- ESP32 and ESP32-CAM: These components will be sourced from local electronics suppliers or online stores like Amazon or MercadoLibre.
- Infrared Sensor (MLX90614): Available from specialized electronics retailers or online platforms.
- Servomotors: Can be purchased from robotics and electronics stores.
- Ultrasonic Sensor: Available from local and online electronics suppliers.
- Water Level Sensor: Sourced from hardware stores or online marketplaces.
- Water Pump: Available from pet supply stores or online platforms.
- Pin Headers and Resistors: Easily found in electronics stores or online.
- Power Supply: Can be sourced from local electronics suppliers or online stores.
- Collar for Sensor: Available from pet supply stores or online marketplaces.
- Wires: Available from hardware or electronics stores.
- Laser Cutting and 3D Printing Services: Can be obtained from local makerspaces, fabrication labs, or specialized online services.
- Copper for PCB and Soldering Supplies: Sourced from electronics supply stores.
What parts and systems will be made?
- PCB Design and Fabrication: For the control units of the dispensers, the water fountain, and the temperature monitoring collar.
- 3D Printing: For housing the electronic components and dispensers.
- Web Application Development: To control and monitor the entire system.
- Assembly and Integration: Combining all components into a functional system.
What processes will be used?
- PCB Fabrication: Designing and creating PCBs for the control units.
- 3D Printing: Printing cases and mounts for the cameras, dispensers, and water fountain.
- Software Development: Coding the web application and integration with hardware.
- Hardware Assembly: Integrating all components into a cohesive system.
What questions need to be answered?
- How do the ESP32 cameras stream live video efficiently?
- How can the dispensers and the water fountain be controlled remotely in a reliable manner?
- How is the user interface of the web application designed to be user-friendly?
How will it be evaluated?
- Functionality Testing: Ensuring the entire system works as intended, with all components communicating effectively.
- User Feedback: Gathering feedback from pet owners on the usability and reliability of the system.
- Performance Metrics: Measuring response times, accuracy of alerts, and efficiency of food and water dispensing.
- Reliability Testing: Assessing the system’s performance over extended periods and in different conditions.
Modular Aspect
The Smart Paw system is designed to be modular, allowing for easy maintenance and upgrades. Each component (camera, dispensers, water fountain, collar, control unit) can be detached and replaced independently, ensuring the system can be repaired or upgraded without requiring complete disassembly.
References
- PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder, "Feed your pet from anywhere," PetSafe, 2022.