Case study

Food Storage Device

Food Storage Device is an Arduino project using a 16x2 I2C LCD and joystick input to navigate storage categories. It samples analog joystick data, averages readings to reduce noise, and maps directional actions to menu navigation and capitalization toggling.

RoleEmbedded software + hardware integration

TimelinePrototype

FocusEmbedded Systems + Arduino

Embedded UI designJoystick input handlingSignal smoothingArduino prototyping

ArduinoPlatform

C++Language

github.com/MaxwellM34/food_storage_deviceRepository

The brief

Challenge

Raw joystick inputs can be noisy and cause unstable menu behavior in small embedded interfaces.

Approach

What we made

Used timed sampling + averaging, threshold-based directional actions, and structured menu logic for predictable navigation on limited hardware.

Implemented 100 ms sampling with 1-second averaging for stable joystick behavior.
Built menu navigation with wraparound across Leftovers, Meal Prep, Frozen Food, and Dry Goods.
Added right-axis behavior to toggle selected label case and serial output for calibration/debugging.

Outcome

Results

Delivered a working embedded food menu prototype with clear user interaction, lower input jitter, and configurable thresholds for different joystick ranges.

ArduinoC++I2C LCDhd44780 libraryAnalog sensing

Gallery

Visual snapshots

Click any image to expand.

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