Project

# Title Team Members TA Documents Sponsor
94 RFID Automatic Self Checkout Basket
 Jacob Slabosz
Jada-Marie Griggs
Oscar Kaplon
 Yulei Shen proposal1.pdf
Team Members:
- Jacob Slabosz (slabosz2)
- Oscar Kaplon (okaplon2)
- Jada-Marie Griggs (jgrig7)

# Problem

Checking out at a store can be a point of frustration for many shoppers. With long lines, clients may wait for long lengths of time until it is their turn at the register, where they then still have to scan each item one by one, either on their own at a self checkout or with a cashier. Checkouts can also be troublesome for business owners, as they have to pay multiple employees to man the registers. Existing mobile self checkout options aim to fix this, though they still rely on customers being truthful and scanning all of their items.
# Solution

We propose a smart shopping basket equipped with UHF RFID that automatically detects and tracks items placed inside without immediately charging the customer. As items are added or removed, the system updates a live item list and running total that the shopper can view through a connected web application. When finished shopping, the user explicitly chooses how to complete checkout — either by paying digitally online (e.g., Apple Pay) or by proceeding to a traditional register for cash payment — ensuring transparency and user control. An integrated load cell cross-verifies item additions by detecting weight changes, allowing the system to flag errors when an item is placed in the basket but no RFID tag is detected. By shifting item identification earlier in the shopping process while preserving flexible payment options, the system reduces checkout congestion and operational overhead.

# Solution Components

## Subsystem 1: NFC/RFid Sensing System

We will make use of UHF (Ultra High Frequency) RFID due to the fact that it is able to detect multiple tags “piled” on top of one another and has an increased range over standard RFID. Using a M5Stack UHF RFID Unit (JRD-4035) as the reader module, we will access the data via the UART connection. Each individual item will have a unique RFID tag (1568-27180-ND or similar part number). We will also tune the power (attenuation) of the RFID reader such that it only detects items inside of the basket.

## Subsystem 2: Status Indicator (LED)

The basket will be equipped with RGB LED lights (WS2812B) that can be set to multiple colors. This will be able to display different colors in different patterns (strobing, pulsing, etc.) based on different statuses of the basket: solid white to indicate the basket is ready, pulsing red to indicate there was an error with the item, or a green pulse to indicate a successful reading of an item. The LED will be controlled by the microcontroller.

## Subsystem 3: Brain

The microcontroller (ESP32-C3-DEVKITM-1-N4X) will use input from the RFID subsystem to keep track of every items’ unique tag and determine which are in the basket. With WiFi and bluetooth connectivity, it will communicate with the store’s infrastructure (or in our case an emulation on a laptop computer).

## Subsystem 4: Load Cell

A load cell (1528-4543-ND) which supports 20kg and an amplifier (1568-13879-ND) will be used to ensure the signals can be picked up by the microcontroller. The load cell will be placed at the bottom of the basket underneath a plate so that all the weight of all items will be registered.

## Subsystem 5: Power Regulator

Given that the RFID module requires a stable 5V supply and draws a significant inrush current during startup while the microcontroller and LEDs operate at 3.3V, we propose the system to be powered via a USB-C input using a breakout board with proper CC termination (Adafruit USB-C Breakout or something similar). This board exposes the 5 V and GND pins for the circuit while automatically handling the USB-C configuration pins, ensuring that the source delivers a stable 5 V at sufficient current. The 5V bus directly powers the RFID module and LEDs, with a 470 µF bulk capacitor and 0.1 µF decoupling capacitors placed nearby to absorb startup current spikes and prevent voltage dips. A buck converter (MP1584EN module or something similar) steps down 5V to 3.3V to supply the microcontroller, sensors, and LEDs reliably. This arrangement ensures stable operation during RFID power-up events, isolates the microcontroller from voltage fluctuations caused by high-current devices, and provides a simple USB-powered system suitable for our project’s purposes.

Additionally, we will include a PTC (MF-MSMF050-2-ND) to prevent large amounts of current to go through the 5V bus via temperature detection

USB breakout board 1568-23055-ND. (Digikey)
Or cheaper option - Adafruit USB Type C Breakout Board - Downstream Connection Product ID: 4090


## Subsystem 6: Web Application

A web application (running via smartphone emulator on a laptop) will connect to the device via the “store’s” infrastructure (WiFi), allowing a shopper to see a live list of the items in their basket and a running total. The web application will connect to a centralized server (emulated on a computer) and access the information via API, meaning that shoppers do not need to use a bluetooth connection which poses security risks.


# Criterion For Success

- Shall successfully identify the unique ID of an item placed in the basket within 5 seconds with 95% accuracy
- Shall successfully identify the unique IDs of 10 different items placed in the basket at the same time within 10 seconds with 95% accuracy
- Shall not detect items placed further than 12 inches from the bowl with 95% accuracy.
- LED ring shall change color within 5 seconds of an item being placed in the basket and successfully detected.
- LED ring shall change color within 5 seconds of an item with no tag being placed in the basket.
- The web application shall display all items in the basket with 100% accuracy within 10 seconds of an item being added.

Prosthetic Control Board

Caleb Albers, Daniel Lee

Prosthetic Control Board

Featured Project

Psyonic is a local start-up that has been working on a prosthetic arm with an impressive set of features as well as being affordable. The current iteration of the main hand board is functional, but has limitations in computational power as well as scalability. In lieu of this, Psyonic wishes to switch to a production-ready chip that is an improvement on the current micro controller by utilizing a more modern architecture. During this change a few new features would be added that would improve safety, allow for easier debugging, and fix some issues present in the current implementation. The board is also slated to communicate with several other boards found in the hand. Additionally we are looking at the possibility of improving the longevity of the product with methods such as conformal coating and potting.

Core Functionality:

Replace microcontroller, change connectors, and code software to send control signals to the motor drivers

Tier 1 functions:

Add additional communication interfaces (I2C), and add temperature sensor.

Tier 2 functions:

Setup framework for communication between other boards, and improve board longevity.

Overview of proposed changes by affected area:

Microcontroller/Architecture Change:

Teensy -> Production-ready chip (most likely ARM based, i.e. STM32 family of processors)

Board:

support new microcontroller, adding additional communication interfaces (I2C), change to more robust connector. (will need to design pcb for both main control as well as finger sensors)

Sensor:

Addition of a temperature sensor to provide temperature feedback to the microcontroller.

Software:

change from Arduino IDE to new toolchain. (ARM has various base libraries such as mbed and can be configured for use with eclipse to act as IDE) Lay out framework to allow communication from other boards found in other parts of the arm.