Eco-Kennel Hub

Adviser: Dr. Jenny Du, du@ece.msstate.edu

Team membership:

Project description

Unpredictable weather conditions and extreme temperatures can be uncomfortable and even dangerous for pets and other domestic animals. “Heatstroke is a common problem in pets during the summer months” according to [1]; The Washington Post highlighted several pet deaths during the winter storm 2018 [2]. While keeping pets is ideal, it is not always possible to keep an energetic pet inside during inclement weather. Various options exist on the market to shelter and confine pets, ranging from simple wire crates and foldable kennels to high-end insulated dog houses. The Eco-Kennel Hub is a solar-powered solution that allows the owner to upgrade most outdoor shelters to an internet-connected system capable of monitoring the pet and alerting the owner of dangerous conditions. It features a motion sensor, a camera, and a speaker allow the owner to view and communicate with the pet through the companion mobile application. The system is powered by a high-capacity battery that can be recharged by the mountable solar panel or removed and charged indoors.

Background

2011. Chandana, “Real-time video surveillance system using motion detection,” 2011 Annual IEEE India Conference, 2011.

This paper explains the concept of motion capture and how to use motion capture in activating live video recording.

“Design & Development of a Wireless Multi-Zone Temperature & Humidity Measurement System with Real-Time Data Monitoring on Mobile Device,” International Journal of Recent Trends in Engineering and Research, vol. 4, no. 6, pp. 138–144, 2018.

This article proposes a method to monitor and analyze temperature data using several remote sensors.

2018. Hallett, M. Tatum, G. Thomas, S. Sousan, K. Koehler, and T. Peters, “An inexpensive sensor for noise,” Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, May-2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6531045/. [Accessed: 12-Jan-2020]. 

This paper provides a demonstration of an inexpensive noise-sensing system that can be used in the product to detect high ambient noise.

2017. Silva, E. Lomba, D. Martinho, and J. Duarte, “A Portable And Inexpensive Do-It-Yourself Temperature Sensor,” International Journal of Students’ Research in Technology & Management, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 51–55, 2017.

This article suggests some affordable temperature sensors and explains the use of microcontrollers to analyze the data provided by these sensors. 

Context

Ethical

It is crucial to ensure the device operates correctly to provide accurate information to the users. To enhance device security and correct operation, the device will be placed inside a secure box or hardware. Privacy is another issue that the Eco-Kennel Hub has to ensure, so the device can communicate securely with the users. While this device monitors the pets, the pet owners hold the responsibility to take care of the pets during harsh conditions. 

while e provide a monitor system, it can not encourage owner it is not a substitute for per owner to neglect their responsibilities with their pet…

Professional

The product should be truthful and provide the features that are promised. At the same time, it has to be competitive in the market and should perform better than the present market products that set the standard. In other words, the product will be the upgraded version of products existing today with better performance and additional features.

Global

This device has the prospect of reaching a global market. With some minor modifications, the product can be used in animal businesses such as farms and zoos. Additionally, multinational kennel or dog house manufacturers can request customized versions of the Eco-Kennel Hub to buy in bulk and place directly into their products.

Economic

Eco-Kennel Hub should not exceed the cost of other solar- powered monitoring systems. This product uses solar-powered energy that helps lower the cost of energy consumption.

The market for pet monitoring system is growing based on the need to stay connected between owners and 

Environmental

Eco-Kennel Hub runs off of clean, renewable energy provided by its solar panels. Since the device operates outdoors, it needs to be waterproof to prevent damage and pollution. Components such as the camera, the speaker, and the sensor need to be detachable and stored inside the pet house to make sure that the device is protected in harsh weather conditions such as rain and snow. 

Societal

Eco-Kennel Hub’s smart communication with a mobile application allows the owner the flexibility to  access the device’s remote features. 

Detailed design

Power:

Power is supplied by a high-capacity battery that is recharged via roof-mounted solar panels. Alternatively, the battery can be removed and charged indoors with a cable. To manage power, only essential processes will remain operational at all times. 

Camera and Motion Sensor:
The camera and motion sensor work in tandem to monitor the activity inside the kennel. The camera toggles between low-power mode and active recording to conserve energy. It also gives owners the capability to watch their pets when they are away from home. Owners can choose to operate the camera whenever the motion capture sends out a notification that their pet is in range.

Speaker and Microphones:
The device will include a speaker and microphone for different purposes. These components will allow owners to communicate with their pets while not at home. When high ambient noise is detected, such as thunderstorms or fireworks, it activates an alert notification through the app. With this alert, pet owners will be able to play music or talk to calm their pets during these situations. 

Temperature Sensor:
The temperature sensor operates constantly to notify users of any anomalous changes in the temperature inside the kennel. The thermocouple temperature sensor detects extreme temperatures in the pet shelter.

Controls:
Multiple microcontrollers are used to monitor temperature/motion sensor, video input, audio input/output, and to transmit and handle the wireless data.

Mobile App:
The mobile app communicates over the internet to transfer data to and from the device’s wireless card; this wireless communication must be encrypted with unique security keys so that only trusted devices and users have access. The app receives temperature, motion, proximity, and microphone data. These data transmissions are then used to push notifications to the pet owner or display video in the mobile app.

Team charter

Responsibilities

• Power Modulation - Rupesh Pokharel

• Software - Nicholas Harvel
• Motion and Temperature Sensors/Communication - Bonnie Garrett
• Camera System - Asia Harris
• Audial Capture and Transmission System, Wireless Communication - Phoebe Nguyen

Team communication

The team communicates through the application GroupMe on a regular basis. All the documents and deliverables are shared and edited on the Google Drive. The team gathers together to meet twice a week (or as required) to ensure the progress of the project, as well for a biweekly meeting with the team adviser.

Team schedule

January:

• Final proposal submission
• Order parts
• Design website

February:

• Prototype a camera, a motion sensor, a microphone and a speaker
• Estimate the power usage of the system
• Create a user interface for the app

March:

• Add a temperature sensor and a sound sensor to the design
• Prototype the solar panels
• Create wireless connectivity with the device
• Finalize the website 

April:

• Process and analyze the sensor data
• Improve the communication system and optimize the data transmission process
• Optimize the power energy system
• Iterative refinement for application  

Conflict resolution

The team will always try to include every member in decisions and development as much as possible. In cases where a team member is not participating, the first step is to reach out to that person and see if something that is pushing them back in the project. If the situation does not improve, the team will seek help from the faculty. 

To ensure that the semester finishes with a functional team intact, when a team member disagrees on any aspect of the project, the team will listen to what the individual has to say. If necessary, the issue will be put to a vote with the individual in charge of the subsystem getting two votes. Should the conflict persist, the team will seek guidance from either Dr. Jones or an adviser to cement a decision.

Advice

• Practice good time management by planning and working early.
• Get part orders in as soon as possible. Keep an Excel sheet of components. 
• Do not procrastinate! While there may be natural lulls in the pace of the semester, do not stop working until the project is functioning. 
• Submit the deliverables on time. Do not fall behind the deadline.

Signatures

Nicholas Harvel (nh732)

Phuoc (Phoebe) Nguyen (ptn38)

Bonnie Garrett (beg183)

Asia Harris (amh1391)

Rupesh Pokharel (rp1291)

References

[1] B. Tabor, “Heatstroke in Dogs,” Today's Veterinary Practice, 22-Oct-2019. [Online]. Available: https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/todays-technician-heatstroke-in-dogs. [Accessed: 20-Jan-2020].

[2] K. Brulliard, “People are leaving dogs to freeze to death in the bitter cold,” The Washington Post, 01-Apr-2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/animalia/wp/2018/01/04/dogs-are-freezing-to-death-as-bitter-cold-grips-the-eastern-u-s. [Accessed: 20-Jan-2020].