PROBLEM DEFINITION

1.Identifying the objectives:

• To create an efficient prototype model for trapping and relocating mice in a controlled manner.

• To ensure automated operations through sensor triggers for different stages of the process.

• To incorporate user control via a mobile MIT App for additional functionality.

• To integrate sustainability by using automated mechanisms for humane trapping.

2.Problem definition version 1.1:

A prototype is needed to trap and relocate mice efficiently through an automated, multi-stage process:

• The system should detect the mouse's presence on each floor using IR sensors.

• A servo motor should drop the mouse from the second to the first floor when triggered.

• A conveyor belt should move the mouse from the first-floor container to the ground floor upon detection.

• A rack-and-pinion mechanism, controlled via a mobile MIT App, should allow manual relocation of the container on the ground floor.

3.Identifying constraints:

• IR sensors must reliably detect the mouse at both the 2nd and 1st floors.

• The servo motor must have sufficient torque to operate the hinge door.

• The conveyor belt must move a defined distance (e.g., 12 inches) to drop the mouse into the ground-floor container.

• The Bluetooth-controlled DC motor must have sufficient power for the rack-and-pinion mechanism.

• Real-time processing of sensor input to avoid delays.

• Seamless communication between the MIT App and the Arduino Mega via HC-05 Bluetooth.

4.Problem definition version 1.2:

The system is a multi-floor automated mouse trapping and relocation prototype:

• It should detect mice on the second and first floors using IR sensors.

• On the second floor, a servo motor should rotate to drop the mouse into the first-floor container.

• On the first floor, a conveyor belt should move the mouse to the ground floor container upon IR sensor detection.

• A rack-and-pinion mechanism on the ground floor should be manually controlled via an MIT App, allowing precise positioning of the container.

Constraints include hardware reliability, software responsiveness, environmental adaptability, and safety.

5.Identifying the functions:

1. Second Floor:

   • Detect the mouse using an IR sensor.

   • Trigger the servo motor to rotate 180° and drop the mouse.

2. First Floor:

   • Detect the mouse using another IR sensor.

   • Activate the DC motor to drive the conveyor belt, moving the mouse to the ground floor container.

3. Ground Floor:

   • Receive commands from the MIT App via the HC-05 Bluetooth module.

   • Rotate DC motor clockwise (Open) or counterclockwise (Close) to control the rack-and-pinion mechanism.

4. General:

   • Provide real-time updates to the Serial Monitor regarding system status (e.g., "Mouse detected," "Motor running").

   • Operate each component (servo motor, DC motors) efficiently in coordination with sensor inputs.

6.Problem definition version 1.3:

1. It detects the mouse on the second and first floors using IR sensors.

2. The second floor triggers a servo motor to drop the mouse into a first-floor container.

3. The first floor activates a conveyor belt to transport the mouse to the ground floor container upon detection.

4. A rack-and-pinion mechanism on the ground floor is controlled via an MIT App through Bluetooth, allowing precise manual movement of the container.

5. The system should ensure safe and humane trapping, smooth operation of all components, and real-time feedback for monitoring.