Use a XIAO ESP32C3 to monitor temperature, humidity, and pressure to help aid in dairy manufacturing processes.
Last updated
Created By: Kutluhan Aktar
Public Project Link: https://studio.edgeimpulse.com/public/159184/latest
As many of us know, yogurt is produced by bacterial fermentation of milk, which can be of cow, goat, ewe, sheep, etc. The fermentation process thickens the milk and provides a characteristic tangy flavor to yogurt. Considering organisms contained in yogurt stimulate the gut's friendly bacteria and suppress harmful bacteria looming in the digestive system, it is not surprising that yogurt is consumed worldwide as a healthy and nutritious food[^1].
The bacteria utilized to produce yogurt are known as yogurt cultures (or starters). Fermentation of sugars in the milk by yogurt cultures yields lactic acid, which decomposes and coagulates proteins in the milk to give yogurt its texture and characteristic tangy flavor. Also, this process improves the digestibility of proteins in the milk and enhances the nutritional value of proteins. After the fermentation of the milk, yogurt culture could help the human intestinal tract to absorb the amino acids more efficiently[^2].
Even though yogurt production and manufacturing look like a simple task, achieving precise yogurt texture (consistency) can be arduous and strenuous since various factors affect the fermentation process while processing yogurt, such as:
Temperature
Humidity
Pressure
Milk Temperature
Yogurt Culture (Starter) Amount (Weight)
In this regard, most companies employ food (chemical) additives while mass-producing yogurt to maintain its freshness, taste, texture, and appearance. Depending on the production method, yogurt additives can include dilutents, water, artificial flavorings, rehashed starch, sugar, and gelatine.
In recent years, due to the surge in food awareness and apposite health regulations, companies were coerced into changing their yogurt production methods or labeling them conspicuously on the packaging. Since people started to have a penchant for consuming more healthy and organic (natural) yogurt, it became a necessity to prepare prerequisites precisely for yogurt production without any additives. However, unfortunately, organic (natural) yogurt production besets some local dairies since following strict requirements can be expensive and demanding for small businesses trying to gain a foothold in the dairy industry.
After perusing recent research papers on yogurt production, I decided to utilize temperature, humidity, pressure, milk temperature, and culture weight measurements denoting yogurt consistency before fermentation so as to create an easy-to-use and budget-friendly device in the hope of assisting dairies in reducing total cost and improving product quality.
Even though the mentioned factors can provide insight into detecting yogurt consistency before fermentation, it is not possible to extrapolate and construe yogurt texture levels precisely by merely employing limited data without applying complex algorithms. Hence, I decided to build and train an artificial neural network model by utilizing the empirically assigned yogurt consistency classes to predict yogurt texture levels before fermentation based on temperature, humidity, pressure, milk temperature, and culture weight measurements.
Since XIAO ESP32C3 is an ultra-small size IoT development board that can easily collect data and run my neural network model after being trained to predict yogurt consistency levels, I decided to employ XIAO ESP32C3 in this project. To collect the required measurements to train my model, I used a temperature & humidity sensor (Grove), an integrated pressure sensor kit (Grove), an I2C weight sensor kit (Gravity), and a DS18B20 waterproof temperature sensor. Since the XIAO expansion board provides various prototyping options and built-in peripherals, such as an SSD1306 OLED display and a MicroSD card module, I used the expansion board to make rigid connections between XIAO ESP32C3 and the sensors.
Since the expansion board supports reading and writing information from/to files on an SD card, I stored the collected data in a CSV file on the SD card to create a data set. In this regard, I was able to save data records via XIAO ESP32C3 without requiring any additional procedures.
After completing my data set, I built my artificial neural network model (ANN) with Edge Impulse to make predictions on yogurt consistency levels (classes). Since Edge Impulse is nearly compatible with all microcontrollers and development boards, I had not encountered any issues while uploading and running my model on XIAO ESP32C3. As labels, I utilized the empirically assigned yogurt texture classes for each data record while collecting yogurt processing data:
Thinner
Optimum
Curdling (Lumpy)
After training and testing my neural network model, I deployed and uploaded the model on XIAO ESP32C3. Therefore, the device is capable of detecting precise yogurt consistency levels (classes) by running the model independently.
Since I wanted to allow the user to get updates and control the device remotely, I decided to build a complementing Blynk application for this project: The Blynk dashboard displays the recent sensor readings transferred from XIAO ESP32C3, makes XIAO ESP32C3 run the neural network model, and shows the prediction result.
Lastly, to make the device as sturdy and robust as possible while operating in a dairy, I designed a dairy-themed case with a sliding (removable) front cover (3D printable).
So, this is my project in a nutshell 😃
In the following steps, you can find more detailed information on coding, logging data on the SD card, communicating with a Blynk application, building a neural network model with Edge Impulse, and running it on XIAO ESP32C3.
🎁🎨 Huge thanks to Seeed Studio for sponsoring these products:
⭐ XIAO ESP32C3 | Inspect
⭐ XIAO Expansion Board | Inspect
⭐ Grove - Temperature & Humidity Sensor | Inspect
⭐ Grove - Integrated Pressure Sensor Kit | Inspect
🎁🎨 Huge thanks to DFRobot for sponsoring a Gravity: I2C 1Kg Weight Sensor Kit (HX711).
🎁🎨 Also, huge thanks to Creality for sending me a Creality Sonic Pad, a Creality Sermoon V1 3D Printer, and a Creality CR-200B 3D Printer.
Since I focused on building a budget-friendly and easy-to-use device that collects yogurt processing data and informs the user of the predicted yogurt consistency level before fermentation, I decided to design a robust and sturdy case allowing the user to access the SD card after logging data and weigh yogurt culture (starter) easily. To avoid overexposure to dust and prevent loose wire connections, I added a sliding front cover with a handle to the case. Also, I decided to emboss yogurt and milk icons on the sliding front cover so as to complement the dairy theme gloriously.
Since I needed to adjust the rubber tube length of the integrated pressure sensor, I added a hollow cylinder part to the main case to place the rubber tube. Then, I decided to fasten a small cow figure to the cylinder part because I thought it would make the case design align with the dairy theme.
I designed the main case and its sliding front cover in Autodesk Fusion 360. You can download their STL files below.
For the cow figure (replica) affixed to the top of the cylinder part of the main case, I utilized this model from Thingiverse:
Then, I sliced all 3D models (STL files) in Ultimaker Cura.
Since I wanted to create a solid structure for the main case with the sliding front cover representing dairy products, I utilized these PLA filaments:
Beige
ePLA-Matte Milky White
Finally, I printed all parts (models) with my Creality Sermoon V1 3D Printer and Creality CR-200B 3D Printer in combination with the Creality Sonic Pad. You can find more detailed information regarding the Sonic Pad in Step 1.1.
If you are a maker or hobbyist planning to print your 3D models to create more complex and detailed projects, I highly recommend the Sermoon V1. Since the Sermoon V1 is fully-enclosed, you can print high-resolution 3D models with PLA and ABS filaments. Also, it has a smart filament runout sensor and the resume printing option for power failures.
Furthermore, the Sermoon V1 provides a flexible metal magnetic suction platform on the heated bed. So, you can remove your prints without any struggle. Also, you can feed and remove filaments automatically (one-touch) due to its unique sprite extruder (hot end) design supporting dual-gear feeding. Most importantly, you can level the bed automatically due to its user-friendly and assisted bed leveling function.
#️⃣ Before the first use, remove unnecessary cable ties and apply grease to the rails.
#️⃣ Test the nozzle and hot bed temperatures.
#️⃣ Go to Print Setup ➡ Auto leveling and adjust five predefined points automatically with the assisted leveling function.
#️⃣ Finally, place the filament into the integrated spool holder and feed the extruder with the filament.
#️⃣ Since the Sermoon V1 is not officially supported by Cura, download the latest Creality Slicer version and copy the official printer settings provided by Creality, including Start G-code and End G-code, to a custom printer profile on Cura.
Since I wanted to improve my print quality and speed with Klipper, I decided to upgrade my Creality CR-200B 3D Printer with the Creality Sonic Pad.
Creality Sonic Pad is a beginner-friendly device to control almost any FDM 3D printer on the market with the Klipper firmware. Since the Sonic Pad uses precision-oriented algorithms, it provides remarkable results with higher printing speeds. The built-in input shaper function mitigates oscillation during high-speed printing and smooths ringing to maintain high model quality. Also, it supports G-code model preview.
Although the Sonic Pad is pre-configured for some Creality printers, it does not support the CR-200B officially yet. Therefore, I needed to add the CR-200B as a user-defined printer to the Sonic Pad. Since the Sonic Pad needs unsupported printers to be flashed with the self-compiled Klipper firmware before connection, I flashed my CR-200B with the required Klipper firmware settings via FluiddPI by following this YouTube tutorial.
If you do not know how to write a printer configuration file for Klipper, you can download the stock CR-200B configuration file from here.
#️⃣ After flashing the CR-200B with the Klipper firmware, copy the configuration file (printer.cfg) to a USB drive and connect the drive to the Sonic Pad.
#️⃣ After setting up the Sonic Pad, select Other models. Then, load the printer.cfg file.
#️⃣ After connecting the Sonic Pad to the CR-200B successfully via a USB cable, the Sonic Pad starts the self-testing procedure, which allows the user to test printer functions and level the bed.
#️⃣ After completing setting up the printer, the Sonic Pad lets the user control all functions provided by the Klipper firmware.
#️⃣ In Cura, export the sliced model in the ufp format. After uploading .ufp files to the Sonic Pad via the USB drive, it converts them to sliced G-code files automatically.
#️⃣ Also, the Sonic Pad can display model preview pictures generated by Cura with the Create Thumbnail script.
First of all, I attached XIAO ESP32C3 to the XIAO expansion board. Then, I connected the temperature & humidity sensor (Grove) and the integrated pressure sensor kit (Grove) to the expansion board via Grove connection cables.
Since the I2C weight sensor kit (Gravity) does not include a compatible connection cable for a Grove port, I connected the weight sensor to the expansion board via a 4-pin male jumper to Grove 4-pin conversion cable.
As shown in the schematic below, before connecting the DS18B20 waterproof temperature sensor to the expansion board, I attached a 4.7K resistor as a pull-up from the DATA line to the VCC line of the sensor to generate accurate temperature measurements.
To display the collected data, I utilized the built-in SSD1306 OLED screen on the expansion board. To assign yogurt consistency levels empirically while saving data records to a CSV file on the SD card, I used the built-in MicroSD card module and button on the expansion board.
After printing all parts (models), I fastened all components except the expansion board to their corresponding slots on the main case via a hot glue gun.
I attached the expansion board to the main case by utilizing M3 screws with hex nuts and placed the rubber tube of the integrated pressure sensor in the hollow cylinder part of the main case.
Then, I placed the sliding front cover via the dents on the main case.
Finally, I affixed the small cow figure to the top of the cylinder part of the main case via the hot glue gun.
Since I focused on building an accessible device, I decided to create a complementing Blynk application for allowing the user to display recent sensor readings, run the Edge Impulse neural network model, and get informed of the prediction result remotely.
The Blynk IoT Platform provides a free cloud service to communicate with supported microcontrollers and development boards, such as ESP32C3. Also, Blynk lets the user design unique web and mobile applications with drag-and-drop editors.
#️⃣ First of all, create an account on Blynk and open Blynk.Console.
#️⃣ Before designing the web application on Blynk.Console, install the Blynk library on the Arduino IDE to send and receive data packets via the Blynk cloud: Go to Sketch ➡ Include Library ➡ Manage Libraries… and search for Blynk.
#️⃣ Then, create a new device with the Quickstart Template, named XIAO ESP32C3. And, select the board type as ESP32.
#️⃣ After creating the device successfully, copy the Template ID, Device Name, and Auth Token variables required by the Blynk library.
#️⃣ Open the Web Dashboard and click the Edit button to change the web application design.
#️⃣ From the Widget Box, add the required widgets and assign each widget to a virtual pin as the datastream option.
Since Blynk allows the user to adjust the unit, data range, and color scheme for each widget, I was able to create a unique web user interface for the device.
Temperature Gauge ➡ V4
Humidity Gauge ➡ V12
Pressure Gauge ➡ V6
Milk Temperature Gauge ➡ V7
Weight Gauge ➡ V8
Switch Button ➡ V9
Label ➡ V10
After completing designing the web user interface, I tested the virtual pin connection of each widget with XIAO ESP32C3.
Since the XIAO expansion board supports reading and writing information from/to files on an SD card, I decided to log the collected yogurt processing data in a CSV file on the SD card without applying any additional procedures. Also, I employed XIAO ESP32C3 to communicate with the Blynk application to run the neural network model remotely and transmit the collected data.
However, before proceeding with the following steps, I needed to set up XIAO ESP32C3 on the Arduino IDE and install the required libraries for this project.
#️⃣ To add the XIAO ESP32C3 board package to the Arduino IDE, navigate to File ➡ Preferences and paste the URL below under Additional Boards Manager URLs.
https://raw.githubusercontent.com/espressif/arduino-esp32/gh-pages/package_esp32_dev_index.json
#️⃣ Then, to install the required core, navigate to Tools ➡ Board ➡ Boards Manager and search for esp32.
#️⃣ After installing the core, navigate to Tools ➡ Board ➡ ESP32 Arduino and select XIAO_ESP32C3.
Since the provided XIAO ESP32C3 core's assigned pin numbers are not compatible with the expansion board's MicroSD card module, it throws an error on the Arduino IDE while attempting to access the SD card.
Therefore, I needed to change the assigned SS pin to 4 (GPIO4) in the pins_arduino.h file.
#️⃣ The pins_arduino.h file location: \esp32\hardware\esp32\2.0.5\variants\XIAO_ESP32C3.
#️⃣ Finally, download the required libraries for the temperature & humidity sensor, the I2C weight sensor, the DS18B20 temperature sensor, and the SSD1306 OLED display:
Sensirion arduino-core | Download
arduino-i2c-sht4x | Download
DFRobot_HX711_I2C | Download
OneWire | Download
DallasTemperature | Download
Adafruit_SSD1306 | Download
Adafruit-GFX-Library | Download
To display images (black and white) on the SSD1306 OLED screen successfully, I needed to create monochromatic bitmaps from PNG or JPG files and convert those bitmaps to data arrays.
#️⃣ First of all, download the LCD Assistant.
#️⃣ Then, upload a monochromatic bitmap and select Vertical or Horizontal depending on the screen type.
#️⃣ Convert the image (bitmap) and save the output (data array).
#️⃣ Finally, add the data array to the code and print it on the screen.
After setting up XIAO ESP32C3 and installing the required libraries, I programmed XIAO ESP32C3 to collect environmental factor measurements and the culture (starter) amount in order to save them to the given CSV file on the SD card.
Temperature (°C)
Humidity (%)
Pressure (kPa)
Milk Temperature (°C)
Starter Weight (g)
Since I needed to assign yogurt consistency levels (classes) empirically as labels for each data record while collecting yogurt processing data to create a valid data set for the neural network model, I utilized the built-in button on the XIAO expansion board in two different modes (long press and short press) so as to choose among classes and save data records. After selecting a yogurt consistency level (class) by short-pressing the button, XIAO ESP32C3 appends the selected class and the recently collected data to the given CSV file on the SD card as a new row if the button is long-pressed.
Button (short-pressed) ➡ Select a class (Thinner, Optimum, Curdling)
Button (long-pressed) ➡ Save data to the SD card
You can download the AI_yogurt_processing_data_collect.ino file to try and inspect the code for collecting yogurt processing data and for saving data records to the given CSV file on the SD card.
⭐ Include the required libraries.
⭐ Initialize the File class and define the CSV file name on the SD card.
⭐ Define the 0.96 Inch SSD1306 OLED display on the XIAO expansion board.
⭐ Define the temperature & humidity sensor object (Grove), the I2C weight sensor object (Gravity), and the DS18B20 waterproof temperature sensor settings.
⭐ Define monochrome graphics.
⭐ Define the built-in button pin on the expansion board.
⭐ Then, define the button state and the duration variables to utilize the button in two different modes: long press and short press.
⭐ Initialize the SSD1306 screen.
⭐ Initialize the DS18B20 temperature sensor.
⭐ Define the required settings to initialize the temperature & humidity sensor (Grove).
⭐ In the err_msg function, display the error message on the SSD1306 OLED screen.
⭐ Check the temperature & humidity sensor connection status and print the error message on the serial monitor, if any.
⭐ Check the connection status between the I2C weight sensor and XIAO ESP32C3.
⭐ Set the calibration weight (g) and threshold (g) to calibrate the weight sensor automatically.
⭐ Display the current calibration value on the serial monitor.
⭐ Check the connection status between XIAO ESP32C3 and the SD card.
⭐ In the get_temperature_and_humidity function, obtain the measurements generated by the temperature & humidity sensor.
⭐ In the get_pressure function, get the measurements generated by the integrated pressure sensor (Grove).
⭐ Then, convert the accumulation of raw data to accurate pressure estimation.
⭐ In the get_weight function, obtain the weight measurement generated by the I2C weight sensor.
⭐ Then, subtract the container weight from the total weight to get the net weight.
⭐ In the get_milk_temperature function, obtain the temperature measurement generated by the DS18B20 temperature sensor.
⭐ In the home_screen function, display the collected data and the selected class on the SSD1306 OLED screen.
⭐ In the save_data_to_SD_Card function:
⭐ Open the given CSV file on the SD card in the APPEND file mode.
⭐ If the given CSV file is opened successfully, create a data record from the recently collected data, including the selected yogurt consistency level (class), to be inserted as a new row.
⭐ Then, append the recently created data record and close the CSV file.
⭐ After appending the given data record successfully, notify the user by displaying this message on the SSD1306 OLED screen: Data saved to the SD card!
⭐ Detect whether the built-in button is short-pressed or long-pressed.
⭐ If the button is short-pressed, change the class number [0 - 2] to choose among yogurt consistency levels (classes).
⭐ If the button is long-pressed, append the recently created data record to the given CSV file on the SD card.
After uploading and running the code for collecting yogurt processing data and for saving information to the given CSV file on the SD card on XIAO ESP32C3:
🐄🥛📲 The device shows the opening screen if the sensor and MicroSD card module connections with XIAO ESP32C3 are successful.
🐄🥛📲 Then, the device displays the collected yogurt processing data and the selected class number on the SSD1306 OLED screen:
Temperature (°C)
Humidity (%)
Pressure (kPa)
Milk Temperature (°C)
Starter Weight (g)
Selected Class
🐄🥛📲 If the button (built-in) is short-pressed, the device increments the selected class number in the range of 0-2:
Thinner [0]
Optimum [1]
Curdling [2]
🐄🥛📲 If the button (built-in) is long-pressed, the device appends the recently created data record from the collected data to the yogurt_data.csv file on the SD card, including the selected yogurt consistency class number under the consistency_level data field.
🐄🥛📲 After successfully appending the data record, the device notifies the user via the SSD1306 OLED screen.
🐄🥛📲 If XIAO ESP32C3 throws an error while operating, the device shows the error message on the SSD1306 OLED screen and prints the error details on the serial monitor.
🐄🥛📲 Also, the device prints notifications and sensor measurements on the serial monitor for debugging.
To create a data set with eminent validity and veracity, I collected yogurt processing data from nearly 30 different batches. Since I focused on predicting yogurt texture precisely, I always used cow milk in my experiments but changed milk temperature, yogurt culture (starter) amount, and environmental factors while conducting my experiments.
🐄🥛📲 After completing logging the collected data in the yogurt_data.csv file on the SD card, I elicited my data set.
When I completed logging the collected data and assigning labels, I started to work on my artificial neural network model (ANN) to detect yogurt consistency (texture) levels before fermentation so as to improve product quality and reduce the total cost for small dairies.
Since Edge Impulse supports almost every microcontroller and development board due to its model deployment options, I decided to utilize Edge Impulse to build my artificial neural network model. Also, Edge Impulse makes scaling embedded ML applications easier and faster for edge devices such as XIAO ESP32C3.
Even though Edge Impulse supports CSV files to upload samples, the data type should be time series to upload all data records in a single file. Therefore, I needed to follow the steps below to format my data set so as to train my model accurately:
Data Scaling (Normalizing)
Data Preprocessing
As explained in the previous steps, I assigned yogurt consistency classes empirically while logging yogurt processing data from various batches. Then, I developed a Python application to scale (normalize) and preprocess data records to create appropriately formatted samples (single CSV files) for Edge Impulse.
Since the assigned classes are stored under the consistency_level data field in the yogurt_data.csv file, I preprocessed my data set effortlessly to create samples from data records under these labels:
0 — Thinner
1 — Optimum
2 — Curdling
Plausibly, Edge Impulse allows building predictive models optimized in size and accuracy automatically and deploying the trained model as an Arduino library. Therefore, after scaling (normalizing) and preprocessing my data set to create samples, I was able to build an accurate neural network model to predict yogurt consistency levels and run it on XIAO ESP32C3 effortlessly.
You can inspect my neural network model on Edge Impulse as a public project.
If the data type is not time series, Edge Impulse cannot distinguish data records as individual samples from one CSV file while adding existing data to an Edge Impulse project. Therefore, the user needs to create a separate CSV file for each sample, including a header defining data fields.
To scale (normalize) and preprocess my data set so as to create individual CSV files as samples automatically, I developed a Python application consisting of one file:
process_dataset.csv
Since Edge Impulse can infer the uploaded sample's label from its file name, the application reads the given CSV file (data set) and generates a separate CSV file for each data record, named according to its assigned yogurt consistency class number under the consistency_level data field. Also, the application adds a sample number incremented by 1 for generated CSV files sharing the same label:
Thinner.sample_1.csv
Thinner.sample_2.csv
Optimum.sample_1.csv
Optimum.sample_2.csv
Curdling.sample_1.csv
Curdling.sample_2.csv
First of all, I created a class named process_dataset in the process_dataset.py file to bundle the following functions under a specific structure.
⭐ Include the required modules.
⭐ In the init function, read the data set from the given CSV file and define the yogurt consistency class names.
⭐ In the scale_data_elements function, scale (normalize) data elements to define appropriately formatted data items in the range of 0-1.
⭐ In the split_dataset_by_labels function:
⭐ Split data records by the assigned yogurt consistency level (class).
⭐ Add the header defining data fields as the first row.
⭐ Create scaled data records with the scaled data elements and increase the sample number for each scaled data record sharing the same label.
⭐ Then, generate CSV files (samples) from scaled data records, named with the assigned yogurt consistency level and the given sample number.
⭐ Each sample includes five data items [shape=(5,)]:
*[0.2304, 0.7387, 0.34587, 0.4251, 0.421] *
temperature
humidity
pressure
milk_temperature
starter_weight
⭐ Finally, create appropriately formatted samples as individual CSV files and save them in the data folder.
🐄🥛📲 After running the application, it creates samples, saves them under the data folder, and prints generated CSV file names on the shell for debugging.
