Dissertation Help

I am a 3rd year Mechatronics Engineer and for my dissertation I am doing a project on dog care. I was thinking of designing an electronic kennel that would look after the dog for a day or 2 without the owner being present. I was going to incorporate a temperature controlled heater, timer released food, internet web camera and a door that would only let the dog you want inside. Any ideas of what kind of coding and equipment this would involve would be a big help? Also if there is any other suggestions on what should be incorporated in this project I would be very grateful.
Dan Gennard

How about an automatic call to a 3rd party in case the owner doesn't reset the kennel within a certain period? The third party could then be sure the dog is cared for. Owners can get tied up, delayed, etc. beyond their control. John

That is a very good idea. Thank you for your suggestion.

Additional thoughts : 1) How will you prevent the dog from going out in inclement weather? 2) Can you prevent someone from stealing the dog using bait?

John