SENIOR DESIGN PROJECT PROPOSAL

2008

Jeff GilbertEric StammenKristina LloydBrian Dellabetta

Executive Summary

Radio-Frequency identification systems have many uses. They can be used as a cheap, low-power tracking or authentication system. RFID typically consists of a Reader and a Transmitter. In Passive systems, the reader emits a pure sinusoidal wave at a specific frequency. When the transmitter is in range of the reader (typically within a few centimeters), the transmitter converts this sine wave into DC power to power the microchip, and also uses the sine wave as a clock. Using the power supplied by the reader, the transmitter continuously transmits a short burst of data, usually some unique serial number that identifies itself. The reader then takes this data and uses it for authentication or logging purposes.

Problem Statement

We plan to use a passive RFID system to implement a multi-user access control system with an integrated web client. Our system consists of an RFID reader and Electric Door Strike connected to an Access Control microprocessor. This microprocessor is connected to a server which houses the database and web client. Upon receiving an access request from the RFID reader, the server will check the database to see if the user is authorized. If so, the server will instruct the microprocessor to activate the Door Strike to allow access. Alternately, a user who connects to the website and enters the correct password can remotely unlock the door by pressing a button in their web browser.

Target Customers

Our primary target audience is commercial institutions that have a need for a multi-user access system to secure their premises. Our secondary target audience is homeowners who wish to have secure access to their house and also allow them to see who has entered the property and at what times.

RFID Reader

We plan on using a commercially available RFID reader, manufactured by Parallax, Inc. as our RFID reader. This RFID reader runs off of 5v, the same as our PIC. It communicates with the PIC and the PC via standard RS-232 protocol, simplifying development. This particular RFID reader can also act as a transmitter, however we will be using it solely as a reader by permanently tying the READ pin to Ground.

Senior Design Project Proposal 2

Electronic Door Lock

We are using a Heavy Duty commercial grade electric door strike manufactured by HES, Inc. as our door strike. The door strike is the name of the void in the door frame in which the door latch or deadbolt rests to secure the door. In an electric strike, one side (the side the door opens out to) is actually a movable metal plate. This plate is secured in place by a metal pin connected to a solenoid. When idle, the pin prevents the plate from moving, thus acting like a normal door strike would. However, when the solenoid is energized, the pin moves out of the way of the metal plate, and the plate is free to move, and thus the door can be opened. A benefit of this system is that if there is a blackout, the door will remain secured, as power is required to open it. However, the door lock can still be opened manually using a key if access is desired.

Access Control Microprocessor

We will be using a PIC 18F452 microcontroller, manufactured by Microchip, Inc. as our Access Controller. This PIC will be connected with the Door Strike, RFID Reader and the server. It will forward any access requests from the RFID Reader to the server to be validated from the database. If an RFID access request or remote web access request is granted, the server will contact the Access Controller and instruct it to energize the door strike, thus opening the door.

Website

Our remote client will consist of a Web Site written in ASP.NET 2.0/C#.NET connected to an MSSQL Database backend. The website will require a remote user to login with a username and password. Once the user is authenticated, they will be able to view what users have accessed the door, and at what time. They will also be able to remotely unlock the door by pressing a button on the website.

Database

Our database will reside as a database in MSSQL Server. The database will contain a list of users that are authorized to access the door, as well as what times the door was accessed, and by whom. Lastly, the database will also contain a list of users and passwords that are authorized to access the web client.

Possible Enhancements

Senior Design Project Proposal 3

If time permits, there are several enhancements that we can add to our project. We can add a new field to the database that indicates what times the specified user is able to access the door. For example, a company may wish to allow its employees to come and go from their office during the day, but keep them out after hours.

To increase security, we may also add a webcam view to the website. Additionally, whenever a user accesses the door, the webcam can take a snapshot of that user and store it in the database.

Lastly, we may add a “guest user” feature where a user can be granted access a set number of times. This may be useful for someone who may require access only one time, such as a repair person coming to make a repair.

Conclusion

RFID technology has many exciting uses in both home and office environments. Our customer’s goal is to create a secure solution that can be used to increase security and peace of mind in both.

We hope to use our abilities and understanding of the PIC microcontroller and other engineering design concepts to make this project manifest. With this project, we have real world problem that requires the understanding of and integration of microcontrollers, web servers, RFIDs, hardware, serial communications, and internet protocols. With both electrical and computer engineers, we feel as though this project is best suited to require the utilization of all group member’s skills gained from the classroom, from labs, and from experience in industry.

Senior Design Project Proposal 4

Appendix A: Parts List

(1) 12v DC Relay

(1) Microchip PIC 18F425 Microcontroller

(1) Parallax RFID Reader

(1) 12v DC Power Supply

(1) HES 3032 Electronic Door Strike

(1) 20 MHz Crystal Oscillator

(1) Server running Windows Server 2003

Senior Design Project Proposal 5

Appendix B: Block Diagram

Senior Design Project Proposal 6