Android based fluid dispensing and blending system automation

This paper discusses the development of an android based smart automated fluid dispensing and blending system. The developed system confines to juice dispensing and blending application used in food processing. The system operation is sliced into three layers of operations; user layer, decision making layer, and an action layer. The user layer consists of a touch screen based mobile application which is used for human interaction and input entry. Once the selection is made the data will be transmitted to the controller in the decision making layer over Bluetooth. In decision making layer, the system collects inputs from the user layer and based on the developed software algorithm makes a decision on the fluid flavor, type of water and proportional quantity to be dispensed. Further pass the information to the action layer. The decision making layer is made up of ARM Controller LPC2129, sensors like level and temperature sensor. All the peripheral devices communicate to ARM controller over the CAN bus. The action layer consists of motors, pumps, relays and associated circuitry. The action layer controls the relays and regulates the pumps according to which the juice will be dispensed. Additional features such as machine over temperature, shortage of product, alert mechanism also been incorporated into the system and these messages will be received on the mobile phone for taking necessary action. The developed system has the following typical features: wireless Bluetooth, improved speed in product delivery, future expansion over CAN protocol, safety, and warning systems.