Project
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Documents | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | COVID Vending Machine |
Brian Zheng Daniel Polyakov Huaminghui Ding |
Shaoyu Meng | design_document2.pdf design_document4.pdf final_paper1.pdf final_paper2.pdf final_paper3.pdf presentation1.pdf proposal1.pdf |
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| danielp4 (in-person), hding14 (online), brianjz2 (online) SPT - Spit Processing Terminal (pronounced “spit”) Problem COVID-19 has proven the need for testing that occurs often and in a timely manner. Here at the U of I, the SHIELD: Target, Test, Tell team has made impressive strides in the detection of COVID with the development of the I-Covid saliva test, but there are noticeable issues with the logistics of the test that have to be addressed if testing is ever to be expanded in a significant way outside of the UIUC area. There are staffing and space considerations to set up the testing tents, which obviously have a personnel cost as well as need time to set up/take down. While we think it's feasible to set up testing tents wherever you need them, we wanted to come up with a solution that would be easy to deploy, decreases the risk of spread between those needing tests/test site staff, and has a lower cost to maintain. More on Cost: An Estimate of Savings When we went to get tested there was usually anywhere from 3-5 staff at the testing sites we frequent. According to the University’s job posting, each person is paid at least $14.50/hour. Over an average 5 hour workday(the hours most sites are open is 10 AM-3 PM) the University is paying between $217-$362 for 3-5 people per day. On the low side, this comes out to $1302 if they run testing sites 6 days a week. We think that creating a machine with a relatively low cost per unit and with better maintenance fees is feasible and would reduce load on testing sites. Solution Overview We propose to create a type of vending machine that would distribute the I-Covid tests, nicknamed SPT, that would avoid the pitfalls of the testing process as it is currently conducted with the bonus of being cheaper. Ideally, the vending machine would be a replacement for the UIUC Testing Tents and would perform various functions that. They would be able to print labels fully automated, dispense test tubes, and store them. They would also be able to scan I-Cards and process student information. Due to the format of the semester, we decided to limit the scope of our project. Our objective is to create a machine that dispenses test tubes and labels. We also decided to try to not integrate I-Cards and just use some sort of authentication token. We expect to have reasonable hardware complexity with software components, while maintaining more possible software options if the course switches online. We need housing for the machine as well as storage for the tubes. We would need a wireless chip, a label printer, and something to tie everything together. Solution Components We can largely break these down to two systems - Physical Components and Wireless Communication Components. Physical Components refers to the mechanical system of the machine that operates the machine, handles the test tubes including vending them out to the recipient, storing unused ones, and printing labels. Communication refers to the means in which the machine would communicate and handle information, mainly wireless authentication and uploading information. Physical Components [Microcontroller/Optional PCB/etc.] This component would be responsible for controlling the operations of the prototype. We are currently of the mind that a premade microcontroller (i.e. Arduino, Raspberry Pi,) would be able to handle the operations of the machine rather than a custom PCB. [Label Printer] This printer would print out a specialized label based on the user’s authentication token which would be used to identify whose sample it is. [Empty Test Tube Storage] All unused I-Covid test kits would be stored here, until needed to be distributed via the Internal Mechanical component [Internal Mechanical Arm/Apparatus/Motors] This system, as all vending machines have, would allow for the machine to distribute test tubes from the storage to be distributed to the user. [OPTIONAL] [Physical Authentication (i-Card, etc.)] Though this component was considered, per the circumstances of this semester and at the suggestion of various TAs and instructors, it has been recommended that a physical form of authentication be dropped in favor of a Wireless/Local Area Network Authentication Area token, as documented below in Communication Components. This component though can still be implemented should time and resources permit. [OPTIONAL] [Screen/Interface]: This machine/prototype may have a screen and interface for the user to directly interact with the machine. Especially if a LAN/wireless authentication token is used instead, this component may not be necessary unless a physical authentication is implemented in the final prototype (i.e. I-Card, etc.). Communication Components [Wireless/Local Area Network Authentication Token] For the purpose of this course and semester, this will be the machine’s primary method of identifying the user. Using the Wi-Fi/LAN chip, which is detailed below, the machine will receive this token to identify the user of the machine. [Wi-Fi/LAN chip] Our primary means to communicate with the machine. Via this chip, the machine can tell a corresponding computer connected to it the previous history of authentication tokens that have used the system, as well as receive new authentication tokens to distribute test kits. Also, a LAN could be used to connect the machine with a simulated server based on a PC. Database systems will potentially be built over the server and record data from the vending machine. We also need authentication data for the label printer. [Wireless/Local Area Network Authentication Token] For the purpose of this course and semester, this will be the machine’s primary method of identifying the user. Using the Wi-Fi/LAN chip, which is detailed below, the machine will receive this token to identify the user of the machine. [OPTIONAL] [Physical Authentication (i-Card, etc.)] Though this component was considered, per the circumstances of this semester and at the suggestion of various TAs and instructors, it has been recommended that a physical form of authentication be dropped. Though this component can still be implemented should time and resources permit. [Microcontroller/PCB/etc.] This component would be responsible for controlling the operations of the prototype. We may be able to use a premade microcontroller (i.e. Arduino, Raspberry Pi,) rather than a custom PCB, though the latter would allow us to create a chip tailored made to do specific operations, though the former is also capable of achieving specific operations and control these components. [Label Printer] This printer would print out a specialized label based on the user’s authentication token which would be used to identify whose sample it is. [Empty Test Tube Storage] All unused I-Covid test kits would be stored here, until needed to be distributed via the Internal Mechanical component [Internal Mechanical Arm/Apparatus/Motors] This system, as all vending machines have, would allow for the machine to distribute test tubes from the storage to be distributed to the user. [Wi-Fi/LAN chip] Our primary means to communicate with the machine. Via this chip, the machine can tell a corresponding computer the previous history of authentication tokens that have used the system, as well as receive new authentication tokens to distribute test kits. Also, a LAN could be used to connect the machine with a simulated server based on a PC. Database systems will potentially be built over the server and record data from the vending machine. We also need authentication data for the label printer. [OPTIONAL] [Screen/Interface]: This machine/prototype may have a screen and interface for the user to directly interact with the machine. Especially if a LAN/wireless authentication token is used instead, this component may not be necessary unless a physical authentication is implemented in the final prototype (i.e. I-Card, etc.). Criteria for Success Our project would be to deliver a hardware prototype that has the capability to read an authentication token, dispense an empty test tube, and print a specialized label of identification for the tube, and upload the used authentication token to a computer that is connected to the prototype. The prototype must complete these tasks to be considered a success. Successfully respond to a means of identification from the user (I-Card, authentication token, etc.) Print a special label based on the identification. Distribute an empty test kit. Upload the means of identification/information of the user to a computer (LAN) that tracks the history/usage of the machine. Contingency In the event that the school shuts down in-person instruction due to COVID-19, we plan to design a far more simplified version of the prototype controlled using a microcontroller (Raspberry Pi, Arduino, etc.) and expand the software stack of the project to conduct greater functions other than store and transmit authentication tokens. In regards to the hardware stack, the label printer, may have to be shifted to operate outside of the machine or ditched as a consequence. We do not expect the software side and documentation of the project to be significantly affected by the shutdown. We would also provide more comprehensive designs and documentation on more than the software parts we develop. |
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