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Talking Toaster

Preliminary parts list

Corin Anderson & Chris Setter

CSE 477, Spring 1996

Abstract

Our project is to design and build a toaster for the Computer Scientist. It's main features will include a voice response system, heat and other sensors for monitoring toast making, and self-actuating bread platform. The user may easily select toast quality from a control panel, and can be assured of a correctly prepared slice every time.

On first glance, the toaster will look like a toaster of the classic 1950's era, complete with polished alluminum sides and traditional toasting lever. Inside, however, is a completely different story. Internal to the toaster will be a microcontroller that will process the sensor input and generate apporpriate responses.

Sensors will include ToastHungryPerson proximity sensing, BurntToastCondition detection, and HeatAbsorption measuring. As for user interface, there will be a simple to use button control panel and voice repsonse.

To ensure the safety of the ToastHungryPerson, the toaster will be built to properly insulate the line current that is used by the heating coils. Additionally, to ensure the safety of the toaster, the microcontroller will be shielded from the line current switch by external circuitry, such as a transistor.

Major Components

  1. Toaster, 1950's vintage. Available as any second-hand store.
  2. Motorola 6811 class microcontoller. Available in lab.
  3. Voice chips. Available in lab.
  4. EPROM for holding 6811 program. Available in lab.
  5. Speaker. Available in lab or RadioShack.
  6. Microphone. Available in lab or RadioShack.

Supporting Components

  1. Smoke sensor: LED and photo detector. Available at RadioShack or Supertronix.
  2. Heat sensor: ???. Available at Supertronix.
  3. Proximity sensor: ???. Available at Supertronix.
  4. Bread sensor: LED and photo detector. Available at RadioShack or Supertronix.
  5. Heating Coil current switch: Relay. Available at RadioShack or Supertronix.
  6. Bread Platform mechanism: Motor, pulley, and driver chip. Available in lab or Supertronix.

Packaging Components

  1. PC Board. Available at RadioShack.
  2. Heat shielding. Available at Boeing Surplus Store.
Corin Anderson | corin@the4cs.com
Last modified: September 8, 1996