Project

# Title Team Members TA Documents Sponsor
86 Smart Backpack + Inventory Tracking System
 Aashish Subramanian
Seth Oberholtzer
Shreyas Sriram
 Rui Gong design_document1.pdf
final_paper1.pdf
proposal1.pdf
video
Smart Backpack + Inventory Tracking System
Team Members:

Shreyas Sriram (ssrir5)

Seth Oberholtzer (sethmo2)

Aashish Subramanian (asubr2)

Problem
Many people struggle with tracking their belongings inside their backpacks, often forgetting essential items or falling victim to theft in crowded areas. Traditional backpacks lack intelligent security and organization features, making them inefficient for modern users. There is a need for an innovative backpack that provides smart tracking, theft prevention, and automated security.

Solution Overview
We propose a Smart Backpack with Inventory Tracking & Security, integrating advanced RFID tracking, theft detection, automated security features, and real-time mobile connectivity. This backpack will help users keep track of their belongings, prevent theft, and provide alerts for missing items, ensuring both convenience and security.

Solution Components
RFID-Based Item Tracking
This backpack integrates an RFID tracking system to help users keep track of their essentials. Small RFID tags are attached to commonly carried items like a laptop, notebook, wallet, and keys. An STM (or any other) microcontroller scans the backpack’s contents and sends real-time alerts to a mobile app if an important item is missing before the user leaves a location.

Anti-Theft Security System
Designed with theft prevention in mind, the backpack features an accelerometer and gyroscope (IMU) to detect unusual movement, such as someone attempting to grab or open the bag while it's unattended. If unauthorized access is detected, a hidden buzzer or vibration motor activates to alert the user, adding an extra layer of security.

Bluetooth & Mobile App Connectivity
The backpack connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), allowing users to check their bag’s contents in real-time through a dedicated app. It also includes geo-fencing alerts, which notify the user if they leave the backpack behind in a public place, helping prevent loss.

Auto-Zip & Auto-Lock Mechanism
For added security and convenience, the backpack features motorized zippers and an electronic or magnetic locking system. It can automatically lock itself based on the user's location—securing in crowded areas and unlocking at home. This feature prevents unauthorized access while making it easy for the user to carry and access their belongings when needed.

Criteria for Success
Accurate RFID Tracking: The system must reliably detect and track RFID-tagged items in real-time, alerting users when an item is missing.

Effective Theft Detection: The IMU sensors should correctly identify unauthorized movements and trigger alerts or alarms.

Seamless Mobile App Integration: The app should provide real-time inventory tracking, geofencing alerts, and security notifications.

Reliable Auto-Zip & Locking Mechanism: The motorized zippers and locks must function consistently and respond correctly to user-defined security settings.

Low Power Consumption: The system should operate efficiently on a portable battery to last for extended periods without frequent recharging.

Digitizing the Restaurant with Network-Enabled Smart Tables

Andrew Chen, Eric Ong, Can Zhou

Featured Project

# Students

Andrew Chen - andrew6

Eric Ong - eong3

Can Zhou - czhou34

# Problem:

The restaurant industry relies on relatively archaic methods of management and customer service. Internal restaurant computer systems are limited and rely on staff members to monitor customer status. Restaurants lack contact-free transactions for clientele.

# Solution Overview:

Our solution to this problem is to develop a standalone LAN restaurant network system to manage customer status and occupancy for restaurants without the need for personnel to monitor it manually. Along with this, to accommodate for contact-free interactions, we propose a system for payment methods. To address customer preferences, we will provide height accommodation built into the table for different types of people.

# Solution Components:

[Self-adjusting Customer Height Accommodation] - The table will be held up with a linear actuator, thus allowing for the overall height to be adjustable. The table will adjust its height accordingly to the customers’ heights once they sit down. We plan to make the table adjust the table’s height by measuring the distance between the bottom of the table with the customer’s knees when they are sitting down using ultrasonic sensors.

[NFC Payment and Card Reader Payment] - The table will have NFC reader and magstripe reader for contactless delivery. The payment data will be sent to the centralized hub for processing and confirmation.

[Table Pressure Sensor] - The status of a table will be gauged based on the amount of weight on the physical table itself. An occupied (or even just an unoccupied and dirty table) will be marked as such since the weight of excess food, water, plates, and whatever else the customer may bring will be measured by this pressure sensor.

[Computer Mesh Network] - We plan to create a mesh network of raspberry pi’s to track the status of tables in a restaurant. This network will communicate via some form of wireless communication (Wi-FI, bluetooth, or Zigbee).

# Criterion for Success:

This project seeks to create a solution in which restaurants can minimize customer interaction with features that accommodate individual needs, such as the height of the table and payment methods. This project will be considered successful with a working prototype that includes features that may be included in an actual restaurant setting.

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