Project/RFID/Refrigerator
From Drexel Smart House
2008 Design Projects
Summary: A refrigerator that monitors the uses of the refrigerator: what goes in and out, what is used up… When an item is consumed and discarded, the refrigerator adds that to a list of items that needs to be purchased. This can then either be printed and taken to the store, or done online with services that already exist (like PeaPod). This would limit the amount of time people spend looking in the refrigerator for meals and in an attempt to generate a shopping list. An additional RFID application, personalized bracelets, could be applied to monitor the eating habits of each individual resident.
Team Members:
Academic Advisor: Dr. Afshin Daryoush afshin.s.daryoush@drexel.edu
Problem Statement
Today’s household needs a more technologically advanced and efficient refrigerator.
In order to decrease the responsibilities of today’s homeowners, a refrigerator capable of performing more everyday tasks is a step in the right direction. These tasks would include: monitoring refrigerator use, and generating a “grocery list” of items that need to be restocked. While performing these tasks, the unit would also offer an element of efficiency, by reducing the amount of time the door is kept open.
Solutions
RFID scanning: Using a RFID scanner in the refrigerator and RFID chips on the items so the refrigerator can tell when items are taken out and put in. Trash and recycling receptacles will also be equipped with RFID scanners. When items are discarded, they will notify the refrigerator that the item needs to be restocked. Bar-Code Scanner: The refrigerator and trash receptacles will be equipped with bar code scanning systems. Items will be scanned when going in and out of the refrigerator, and before being discarded. The refrigerator will keep track of the items that need to be restocked based on messages it receives from the trash receptacles. Touch Screen Checklist: A touch screen on the refrigerator that has a checklist of what is in the refrigerator. The person has to check off the item when taking it out of the refrigerator.
Current Situation
Today’s refrigerators have to be opened for a person to see what is inside. With this technology more energy is wasted then what would be wasted with this new technology. There is also no current system that helps a person formulate a grocery list.
Constraints
Not every household would be able to afford this new technology. In today’s world nothing that would go in to a refrigerator is tagged with a RFID chip so we would have to change that. Potential need for systems to be hooked up to internet.
2008 Design Projects
