Final Project - Kid's Plant Monitoring system

A plant monitoring system for kids integrated with augmented reality (AR) and image target tracking could be a fun and educational tool for teaching kids about the inner workings of a plant care system. By using AR technology, the system could display graphics and information on top of image targets, giving users a look inside the system and providing them with an understanding of the sensors involved and how they work.

The system could use various sensors to monitor the health and growth of a plant, such as moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture level, temperature sensors to measure the ambient temperature, and light sensors to measure the intensity of light. These sensors could be connected to an Arduino board, which could be used to process and transmit the sensor data to the AR app.

The AR app, which could be developed using a software development kit (SDK) such as Vuforia, would be responsible for tracking image targets and displaying the relevant information and graphics on top of them. For example, an image target could be placed on the soil of a plant, and the AR app could display a visual representation of the soil moisture level, along with information about the ideal moisture range for the plant. The AR app could also display interactive graphics, such as buttons or sliders, that allow users to control the plant care system or learn more about the sensors.

Overall, a plant monitoring system integrated with AR and image target tracking could be a fun and educational tool for kids to learn about plant care and the inner workings of a plant care system. It could also be used by educators to teach kids about the principles of plant growth and the role of sensors in monitoring plant health.



Demo

What does it do?

The system displays the status of light (via OLED display in 3d printed + laser cut display) in the area around a Plant using a photoresistor. AR and image targets are used (through Unity + Vuforia) to see "inside" the system to give a look at how the soil moistue sensor is working and its current status via interfacing with arduino.

Who's done what beforehand?

I used the past Happy Pot project for insipiration. Adafruit, Sparkfun, and Elecrow have versions of plant monitoring kits to assemble and program, mostly for older audiences.

What did you design?

I designed the board that takes feedback from the soil sensor. The laser cut flower stand, 3d printed oled holders, and 3d printed mini flower pots.

What materials and components were used?

3d printing filament, 3mm wood, SAMD11 board with additional pins, Soil moisture sensor, photoresistor, wires, external webcam, image tarets & ArduinoUNO

Where did they come from?

I sourced from Digikey, Amazon, and the lab inventory.

How much did they cost?

The estimated cost of components s about $30 with the $20 cost of the 5pack of OLED displays being the bulk of the cost.

What parts and systems were made?

I designed the board that takes feedback from the soil sensor. The laser cut flower stand, 3d printed oled holders, and 3d printed mini flower pots.

What processes were used?

3D printing, Laser cutting, Electronics production, programming & Augmented reality

What questions were answered?

I learned how to use Unity, AR, Image tracking, Serial controllers between arduino & unity.

What worked? What didn't?

The soil sensor to AR integration woked well. The D21 board that I designed did not work and thus not having the ability to power all of the displays, so I used an Arduino UNO.

How was it evaluated?

During the showcase, I was able to get feedback from kids That the project is something that they would use. They really liked the AR asoect and the emoji, flower display. Iulian also gave insightful feedback throughout the proccess on how to make it an educational experience which is when AR came in.

What are the implications?

An interactive education kit that utilizes AR to provide insight into how the components work in an age appropriate way.

Proccess Pictures