Category: Uncategorized

Progress:

Backend API Integration:

• Implemented barcode scanning API using Spoonacular UPC lookup instead of Open Food Facts, reducing API latency and improving product data accuracy.
• Optimized API usage by implementing Redis caching to store frequently scanned products and reduce redundant API calls.

Goals for Next Week:

Refine Allergen Detection & Database Structure

• Implement database indexing for faster allergen lookup queries.
• Test OpenAI API’s NLP model for edge cases in ingredient parsing.

Optimize Barcode Processing & API Calls

• Fine-tune Redis caching logic to prioritize frequently scanned items.
• Implement error handling & API fallback strategy if Spoonacular is unavailable.
• Expand the database to store scanned products for historical tracking.

Work Accomplished:

This week, I was able to successfully set up the barcode scanner connected to the rasberry pi. I created code that is able to send the UPC value to the Rasberry Pi for processing. I tested this on various items and barcodes. I was also able to create the CAD design for the 3D printed case.

Progress Status:

I am on progress as now it is able to successfully scan barcodes and send it to the rasberry pi. Now, I will focus on connecting this with Aanya’s software system to retrieve the specific product using the UPC.

Next Week’s Goal:

• Identify the product using the UPC code
• Begin 3D printing case

Work Accomplished:

This week, I focused on setting up the rasberry pi along with its power bank that was purchased through amazon. I was able to connect it to my computer and setup the initial configurations. However, I am still waiting on the barcode scanner to continue the hardware requirements of this week.

Progress Status:

I am still waiting on the delivery of the barcode scanner, which will allow me to start integrating it with the larger hardware system and connect the scanner’s output to the rasberry pi.

Next Week’s Goal:

• Scan items through the barcode scanner + rasberry pi pipeline
• Connect this with the open food facts api query

I started building out the backend for SmartCart, focusing on getting the barcode scanning and meal plan updates working together. Using FastAPI, I set up the initial API endpoints to handle barcode scans, pull product details from the Open Food Facts (OFF) API, and return structured grocery data. To make meal plans adjust in real-time, I began integrating LangChain, which takes the scanned items, checks them against the planned meals, and queries Spoonacular for substitutions if an ingredient is missing. Next week I want to focus more on the database side, to set up a PostgreSQL schema to store scanned products, user dietary preferences, and updated meal plans, along with basic CRUD operations for easy data access. The main challenges are making sure FastAPI, LangChain, Spoonacular, and OFF API communicate smoothly, improving query efficiency, and ensuring grocery matching happens in real-time without delays.

Work Accomplished:

This week, I focused on the hardware design aspects. We took a trip to ALDI on Thursday in order to mimic the customer experience and decided to make changes to our original proposal.

1. New Hardware Design
   1. Barcode Scanner – $40
   2. Rasberry Pi
      • main controller / sync with mobile app
   3. Battery Pack
2. System Flow
   1. User scans item (Barcode Scanner -> Rasberry Pi)
   2. Look up barcode in local database
   3. Extract Product Info
   4. Update App Data
   5. Display on App
3. Database
   1. online API providing ALDI UPC (public)
   2. select subset of items
   3. Exceptions: some produce did not have barcodes. We will selectively leave them out for the scope of this project as there were not many of these products.

Progress Status:

Due to changing the product design, I am behind on the original schedule that involved setting up the Jetson and camera. However, a new schedule has been made with the new design concepts in light of the change, which should keep us on track for the MVP.

Next Week’s Goal:

• Reserve Rasberry Pi and request for Barcode Scanner
• Build local database of Aldi inventory (web scraping)
  • collect UPC and allergen info etc
• CAD Prototype of clip-on device (casing + power supply)