The Check-out-inator

We have a locked cabinet with a clipboard and pen on it that we use to keep track of items that we check out to staff. When thinking of a project for an apprentice that needs to learn some coding and apply it in a useful way, Chris and I thought of creating an electronic checkout system. You know- simple database for checking out and in items, maybe even a barcode scanner if we barcode things.

It spun into geeky frenzy after that. How about integrating our building access control system, so people could wave their ID in front of a proximity card reader, which turns a motor to unlock the cabinet? And then, how about RFID tags on each item, and the same reader scans those so we know who checked out what?

But then, how do you make sure somebody doesn't check out too many things?

Enter the tech checkout/carousel food vending machine mashup. You know those 1970s-era food vending machines where you spin the carousel and see the food in the window, then get to open the door once you put in your money? Yeah, like one of those, but with bigger windows. And a card reader instead of a cash slot.

Best Buy Express already sells things this way, so all we would need to do is create the checkout system, since we are just loaning, not selling. Oh, and a way to put the items back in when done.

If we get this working, we'll have to call Zach to show him. And submit it to hackaday and Wired.