Project

# Title Team Members TA Documents Sponsor
10 Latte Art Coffee Machine
 Jingyang Cao
Tianheng Wu
Yuhao Shen
Yukang Lin
 design_document1.pdf
final_paper1.pdf
final_paper2.pdf
presentation1.pptx
proposal2.docx
video1.mp4
 Wee-Liat Ong
Our project aims to develop a **Latte Art Coffee Machine** that can automatically print simple latte art patterns on the surface of coffee based on user-uploaded images.

## Problem
Traditional latte art requires significant manual skill and practice, which makes it difficult for ordinary users or small coffee shops to consistently create customized patterns. Existing coffee machines usually focus on brewing quality rather than personalized visual presentation. We want to solve the problem of making latte art more accessible, repeatable, and customizable.

## Solution Overview
Our proposed solution is a coffee machine add-on/system that accepts a user-uploaded image, extracts its simple outline through basic image processing, and converts the outline into motion paths. These motion paths will then drive an **X-Y motion platform** so that the machine can print patterns onto the coffee surface with acceptable accuracy and repeatability.

## Components
The system will be divided into several main components:

- **Image Processing Module**
Processes user-uploaded images and extracts simplified outlines suitable for printing.

- **Path Planning / Control Module**
Converts image outlines into printable motion trajectories and generates control signals.

- **X-Y Motion Platform**
Uses stepper motors and a mechanical positioning system to move the printing head accurately over the coffee surface.

- **Dispensing / Printing Mechanism**
Deposits the latte art material onto the foam surface according to the planned path.

- **Power and System Integration Module**
Provides stable power and coordinates communication among all hardware and software modules.

## Criteria of Success
A successful project should meet the following goals:

1. The system can accept a user-input image and generate a simplified printable outline.
2. The machine can convert the outline into valid motion commands for the X-Y platform.
3. The X-Y platform can move reliably and repeatedly to the desired positions using stepper motors.
4. The final system can print recognizable latte art patterns on the coffee surface.
5. The overall design is feasible, reliable, and safe for demonstration in an engineering project setting.

## Feasibility and Value
This project combines image processing, motion control, embedded systems, and mechanical design in a practical and interesting application. It is challenging enough for a senior design project while still remaining feasible with modular implementation and step-by-step testing.

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