Hands-Free Kitchen Timer Project 15

Embedded Systems
PCB
Enclosure
Junior Design
Spring 2025

This system is a custom countdown timer designed to automatically start when an object is detected. It is intended to be used as a kitchen timer that starts when a cooking utensil is placed on top of the timer, and stops when it is removed or when the buzzer sounds that time is up. The key benefit is that this timer is hands free and will assist with providing accurate cooking times. Key technologies implemented include the ESP32 microcontroller, which serves as the system’s central processor. It reads proximity data from a VL53L0X time-of-flight distance sensor using I²C communication, and displays countdown information on a TM1637 4-digit 7-segment display. A buzzer driven by ESP32’s digital output generates a 440 Hz tone to signal the end of the countdown. The system features 3 user-configurable brightness levels and timer selection for 5- or 10-minute countdowns, ensuring adaptability for different user needs. Notable accomplishments include successful integration of multiple modules (sensor, display, and buzzer) over different protocols, achieving precision timing within ±1 second, and developing an intuitive user interface with minimal buttons. Challenges faced during development involved I²C communication errors and pin conflicts, resolved through careful re-mapping of hardware connections. Future improvements may focus on adding wireless connectivity and expanding the interface for more custom timing options.

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Artifacts

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Executive Project Summary This is our group's project summary.   Download
Showcase Video This is our group's showcase video.   Link
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