My Project

Smart Mouse Trap

For my IT Essentials project, I developed a smart mouse trap designed to automatically open and close using sensors. The objective was to create a more efficient and humane trap, utilizing technology to detect the presence of a mouse and activate the closing mechanism. To begin, I integrated a sonar sensor that calculates the distance of any object entering the trap. This sensor plays a crucial role, as it can detect when something enters the trap by measuring when the distance drops below 10 cm. Once this threshold is met, the system triggers a signal to activate a stepper motor, causing the trap to close automatically.

In addition to its core functionality, I wanted to enhance the project by adding additional features to improve user interaction and provide real-time monitoring. I included a webcam that streams live footage of the trap, allowing users to observe the process remotely. This integration provided an extra layer of convenience, as users could check the status of the trap without being physically present. Additionally, I incorporated a display with a clock that tracks the time, adding another practical element to the device.

A unique aspect of the display is its interaction with the trap’s status. When the trap closes, the clock pauses, and a light on the display begins to blink on and off. This visual indicator serves as a clear signal that the trap has successfully caught a mouse, adding both functionality and a touch of interactivity to the device. The combination of these elements ensures that users are notified in real-time of the trap’s activity, offering an innovative way to monitor the process.

The project was a valuable learning experience, combining different elements of hardware and software to create a functional and interactive device. From integrating sensors and motors to adding the live streaming and display features, the project pushed me to think creatively about how technology could be applied to solve everyday problems. The result was a smart mouse trap that not only performed its primary task but also offered an enhanced user experience through added features.

Overall, the smart mouse trap was a successful project that showcased my ability to integrate various components into a cohesive system. It allowed me to explore different technologies and their practical applications while providing a solution that could be both efficient and user-friendly. This project also deepened my understanding of how sensors, motors, and user interfaces can come together to create a more sophisticated and interactive device.