Automatic Shutting System

Hackster.io

M5Stack LinkedIn Recognition to A.S.S

Project Scope

Supermarket refrigeration units consume vast amounts of energy, accounting for 50-60% of the electricity used in a supermarket. Studies by the Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs reveal that refrigeration in the retail food sector contributes around 3% of the UK’s annual energy output, equivalent to powering 800,000 homes.

This project seeks to reduce energy consumption in supermarkets by addressing the issue of refrigerator and freezer doors being left open or not promptly closed by shoppers. The Automatic Shutting System (A.S.S.) is an innovative add-on that automates door closure, improves energy efficiency, and reduces environmental impact.

My Role

As a key contributor to this group project, I played a significant role in refining the initial system design and rewriting the codebase to optimise functionality. I was responsible for integrating hardware components, such as sensors and automation features, and developing a real-time monitoring dashboard to ensure seamless performance.

In addition to technical contributions, I worked with my teammates to create the project poster, prepare presentation materials, and present the system at Technexus 2024. Presenting to industry professionals was a challenging yet rewarding experience, where we successfully showcased the project’s features and its potential for real-world applications.

Work Process

Research and Planning

• Conducted in-depth research on supermarket energy consumption, identifying refrigeration as the primary contributor.
• Analysed shopper behaviours to understand why doors are often left open, shaping the sensor-based solution.
• Explored modular designs to ensure compatibility with existing refrigeration units.

System Design and Development

1. Hardware Integration

   • Implemented a TOF Sensor for door status detection, ensuring accurate identification of open doors.
   • Integrated a PIR Sensor to detect human presence at refrigerator doors.
   • Developed an automated door closure mechanism to shut doors left open for extended periods.

2. User Alerts

   • Designed a user interface that provides visual and auditory alerts to prompt shoppers to close doors.
   • Added real-time notifications on the dashboard via Qubitro for easy monitoring.

3. Block Diagrams

   • Visualised the system architecture for the Transmitter (M5Stack 1) and Receiver (M5Stack 2) using detailed block diagrams.

Block Diagram for M5Stack 1 (Transmitter)

Block Diagram for M5Stack 2 (Receiver)

4. Flowcharts
   • Developed step-by-step flowcharts to map the operational logic for both Transmitter (M5Stack 1) and Receiver (M5Stack 2).

Flowchart for M5Stack 1 (Transmitter)

Flowchart for M5Stack 2 (Receiver)

5. Monitoring and Dashboard
   • Utilised ENV III sensors to continuously track internal temperature.
   • Created a dashboard on Qubitro for real-time updates on door status and temperature conditions.

Dashboard - Qubitro

Prototyping and Testing

• Built and tested the prototype using M5Stack modules (Transmitter and Receiver).
• Verified the functionality of the automatic door closure system under various scenarios.
• Tested the system’s ability to reduce power consumption while maintaining optimal refrigeration conditions.

Results/Outcome Achieved

Key Achievements

• Successfully reduced energy wastage by automating door closure and providing real-time alerts.
• Designed a modular system compatible with pre-existing refrigeration units, minimising installation cost and effort.
• Enhanced environmental sustainability by addressing shopper behaviour and optimising energy usage.

Recognition

M5Stack Recognition

The project was recognised and featured by M5Stack on their official LinkedIn page, highlighting the innovative use of their technology.

Technexus 2024

• Nominated and showcased at Technexus 2024, a prestigious academic project event.
• 1st Place Winner in the Year 1 Category, demonstrating innovation, technical excellence, and real-world impact.

Media

Video Demonstration

Poster

Images

Prototype

M5Stack 1 (Transmitter)

M5Stack 2 (Receiver)