I want to build a device using an Arduino or similar that would allow me to detect when particular objects were in a box (things like a TV remote for example). My thought was that I could use rfid tags on the objects and then put a reader in a box to detect them. Maybe line the walls of the box with metal or other radio wave inhibiting material to ensure items weren't sitting next to the box but were indeed in the box.
Been doing some research and 2 issues I'm trying to overcome:
1) Distance seems to be an issue with this approach using the rfid readers I have found so far at reasonable costs (lower freq). I would like the box to be at least a foot sq and most of the cheaper readers only read an inch or two.
2) Another issue appears to be that the inexpensive low frequency rfid readers can only detect a single rfid and not multiple at once. I want to be able to have multiple different objects in the box and be able to distinguish between them.
Wanted to get your opinion of any other ideas on how I could accomplish my project or if I'm on the right track help refine my thinking a bit.
Thanks,
Jason
Best Answer
I think, after a preparation, measuring the weight of box solves the problem. If the weights of different kinds are forcibly approximated to different primary numbers, you can distinguish the kind and quantity of them mathematically.