Automatic sorting with barcode identification inside a refrigerator

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design and implementation of an automatic sorting mechanism for food items inside a refrigerator, utilizing barcode identification. Participants explore the challenges of identifying and sorting items in a confined space, as well as potential existing technologies that could inform the design process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant outlines the goal of creating a fridge that can automatically identify and sort food items based on barcodes, raising questions about existing technologies that could assist in this design.
  • Another participant suggests that barcode reading systems are widely used in various industries, but emphasizes the challenge of scaling such systems down to fit within a refrigerator.
  • A request for the name of a documentary that illustrates relevant sorting technologies is made, indicating interest in visual examples.
  • Participants mention a documentary titled "Package Wars," which features conveyor belt systems, although its relevance to the fridge design is questioned.
  • One participant notes the availability of numerous barcode scanning solutions, ranging from industrial systems to DIY options, but highlights the complexity of creating an automated sorting system that fits within an insulated refrigeration unit.
  • Questions are raised regarding the design approach, budget considerations, and whether the project is conceptual or intended for actual construction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that barcode scanning technology is accessible, but there is disagreement on the feasibility of integrating such systems into a refrigerator, with no consensus on the best approach to tackle the sorting mechanism.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specifics of the design, including the choice between using an existing refrigerator or building a new unit, as well as the overall budget and intended functionality.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in robotics, automation, home appliance design, and those exploring innovative solutions for food storage and organization may find this discussion relevant.

KristjanLaane
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I'm endeavoring to prototype a challenging sorting mechanism inside a fridge and would appreciate any tips on how to get from the specs to a plausible design.

#Problem

The aim of the game is to identify and sort food items in the limited space of a fridge

- such that a user would push their unsorted shopping into a chamber at the top of the enclosure
- and the machine inside would then try to identify the contents with help of bar-codes (first big problem)
- and then sort and move the items according to their identities into different chambers below (second big problem).

#Solution?

Are there any existing devices that already serve such functions (automatic bar-coding and sorting), the designs of which could perhaps inform the mechanics of the device I'm planning to construct?

- I'm thinking maybe manufacturing plants
- or packing factories with conveyor belts etc may use systems that already solve such problems?
- Or filtering mechanisms in candy dispensers,
- mechanized lifting forks?
- Textbook engineering mechanisms?


Thanks!
k
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
The bar code reading system is the lessor of the problem. These are used all over the place from hand scanners, to store check out counters, to warehouse systems, mail sorting, to package sorting. Several courier companies, and it does not have to be as large as Fedex or UPS, do use automated laser scanners that scan the package for address infornation from the bar code and take weight and dimensions at the same time. You may have seen a television documentary on how Fedex or UPS are able to do overnight delivery by usage of such a system at their main distribution warehouse.

You biggest problem would be on how such an automatic system could be scaled down to the size of a refrigerator.
 
thanks! do you happen to know the name of the documentary?
 
There was this one now on UTube called Package Wars, which shows a lot of conveyor belts.

maybe not all that helpful.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
It's relatively easy to identify a barcode scanning solution, there are literally hundreds of options out there from high-speed industrial (http://www.keyence.com/products/vision/barcode/index.jsp) to hacked together using a webcam or old phone and some open-source software (http://sourceforge.net/projects/zbar/).

Your bigger problem is you're going to need to design an automated sorting system (including all of the software for it), and package it in an insulated refrigeration unit. Any idea on what you plan to use to do this? Do you have a budget? Are you planning on trying to use an existing fridge, or build something from scratch? Is this a conceptual design, or do you actually want to build something?
 

Similar threads

Question About "Engineered Criticality Devices" In A SciFi Scenario
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
Deciding between Electrical and Mechanical
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Requesting suggestions for languages, libraries, and architectures for parallel (and sometimes non parallel) numerical and scientific computations
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
What if Gravity could be controlled?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
WaveGrid - Non-equilibrium Emergence Sandbox
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Rocket design -300km range, 5-15kg payload, 200mg accuracy
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
6K
Chemistry 35yo combustion chemistry PhD, free time and still no plan
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Two of my nonsense short stories
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Graduate Quantum Mechanics for the 'lay person'
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K
Kerbal Space Program - Rocket Design Basics
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
11K