Automatic Trash Bin

The Automatic Trash Bin project demonstrates how robotics can simplify everyday tasks, integrating innovative technology into real-life applications. This system utilizes a 100 RPM BDC Motor with Encoder alongside an Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module to automate the opening and closing of a trash bin lid. By detecting the presence of a hand or a nearby object, the ultrasonic sensor sends a signal to the motor, which precisely controls the lid’s movement.

About Tools and Materials:

SMD Red (Purchase Here)

SMD USB Gateway (Purchase Here)

Arduino Gateway Module (Purchase Here)

Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module (Purchase Here)

100 RPM BDC Motor with Encoder (Purchase Here)

Step 1: Hardware & Software Overview

Project Key Components

• SMD

  The SMD acts as a bridge between the script and the modules. It is responsible for interpreting the commands sent by the script and translating them into actions that read input from the Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module and actuate the DC motor precisely.

• 100 RPM BDC Motor with Encoder

  The 100 RPM BDC Motor with Encoder is the actuator of the system. It moves the trash bin lid up.

• Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module

  The Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module is used to detect the approaching person or the hand.

• SMD Libraries

  The SMD library is at the heart of the application. It communicates with the SMD using a specific communication protocol, sending commands to read the Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module and actuate the BDC motor.

Project Key Features

• Hands-free Operation

  The Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module makes it easy in terms of hygiene and automation, automatic trash bin lid project makes life easier.

• Adjustable Sensitivity

  The script include parameters that can be edited by the user to change the sensivity of the system, it helps to avoid unwanted activations of the BDC motor.

Step 2: Assemble

1. Hardware Setup

   • Connect the SMD to the PC or Arduino board using USB Gateway Module or Arduino Gateway Module.

   • Connect the 100 RPM BDC Motor with Encoder to the motor ports of the SMD and the Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Module to the SMD using an RJ-45 cable.

   • Make sure that the SMD is powered and all connections are correct.

Project Wiring Diagram

Step 3: Run & Test

1. Run the Script

   • Execute the script, initiating the Automatic Trash Bin application.

   • Approach the trash bin, and observe how the lid opens automatically when the user is in close proximity.

2. Enhance and Customize

   • Fine-tune the sensitivity parameters in the script based on the user feedback and the specific requirements of the environment.

   • Explore additional features, such as automatic lid closing after a specified period or incorporating status indicators.

Project Codes:

Python Code

from serial.tools.list_ports import comports
from platform import system
import time
from smd.red import *

baudrate = 115200           # Baud rate of communication
ID = 0                      # ID of the SMD
distance_id = 1             # ID of the ultrasonic distance sensor module


def USB_Port():
    """
    Scans and identifies a compatible USB port for the current operating system.

    Returns:
        str: The detected USB port or None if no suitable port is found.
    """
    # Get a list of available ports
    ports = list(comports())
    
    # Known USB port names for different operating systems
    usb_names = {
        "Windows": ["USB Serial Port"],  # Names specific to Windows
        "Linux": ["/dev/ttyUSB"],        # Names specific to Linux
        "Darwin": [                      # Names specific to macOS
            "/dev/tty.usbserial",
            "/dev/tty.usbmodem",
            "/dev/tty.SLAB_USBtoUART",
            "/dev/tty.wchusbserial",
            "/dev/cu.usbserial",
        ]
    }

    # Detect the operating system
    os_name = system()
    print(f"Operating System: {os_name}")

    if ports:
        for port in ports:
            # Check if the port matches any known USB names
            if any(name in port.device or name in port.description for name in usb_names.get(os_name, [])):
                print(f"USB device detected on port: {port.device}")
                return port.device  # Return the first matching port
        # If no suitable port is found, print the list of available ports
        print("No suitable USB device found. Available ports:")
        for port in ports:
            print(f"Port: {port.device}, Description: {port.description}, HWID: {port.hwid}")
    else:
        print("No ports detected!")
    return None


try:
    # Find a valid serial port
    SerialPort = USB_Port()
    if not SerialPort:
        raise Exception("No compatible USB port found. Please check your connection.")

    print(f"Using serial port: {SerialPort}")

    # Initialize the SMD module
    master = Master(SerialPort, baudrate)       # Defines the USB gateway module
    master.attach(Red(ID))                      # Gives access to the SMD of specified ID

    # Motor and control configuration
    master.set_shaft_rpm(ID, 100)                               # Sets the RPM value of the motor
    master.set_shaft_cpr(ID, 6533)                              # Sets the CPR value of the motor
    master.set_operation_mode(ID, 1)                            # Sets the operation mode to 'Position Control'
    master.set_control_parameters_position(ID, 10, 0, 50)       # Sets the PID parameters, can be auto-tuned instead
    master.enable_torque(ID, 1)                                 # Enables the motor to spin if any command says so

    # Main loop
    while True:
        # Get distance data from the ultrasonic sensor
        distance = master.get_distance(ID, distance_id)         # Variable to store the distance data
        print(f"Distance: {distance} cm")                       # Printing the value to observe

        if distance < 10:                                       # If it sees a person nearby 10 cm
            master.set_position(ID, 1000)                       # Motor lifts the trash bin lid
            time.sleep(2)                                       # Delay before putting the lid down
        else:
            master.set_position(ID, 0)                          # Motor puts the lid down

except Exception as e:
    print(f"Error: {e}")

Arduino Code

#include <Acrome-SMD.h>

#define ID        0                 // ID of the SMD
#define BAUDRATE  115200            // Baud rate of the communication

Red master(ID, Serial, BAUDRATE);   // Defines the Arduino gateway module

int distance_id = 1;                // ID of the ultrasonic distance sensor module

int distance = 0;                   // Variable to store the distance data

void setup() {
    master.begin();                 // Starts the communication
    master.scanModules();           // Scans for the connected modules

    master.setMotorRPM(100);        // Sets the RPM value of the motor
    master.setMotorCPR(6533);       // Sets the CPR value of the motor

    master.setOperationMode(PositionControl);                           // Sets the operation mode to 'Position Control'
    master.setControlParameters(PositionControl, 10, 0, 50, 0, 0);       // Sets the PID parameters, can be auto-tuned instead
    master.torqueEnable(1);                                             // Enables the motor to spin if any command say so
}

void loop() {
    distance = master.getLight(distance_id);        // Getting the distance data and storing it
    
    if (distance < 10) {                            // If it sees a person nearby 10 cm
        master.setpoint(PositionControl, 1000);     // Motor lifts the trash bin lid, change position value if it doesn't lift
        delay(2000);
    }

    else {
        master.setpoint(PositionControl, 0);        // Motor puts the lid down
    }
}