Project

# Title Team Members TA Documents Sponsor
36 Bike Alert: Bike Lock with Real-Time Security Monitoring
 David Youmaran
Diego Herrera
Kenny Kim
 Aishee Mondal proposal1.pdf
# Bike Alert: Bike Lock with Real-Time Security Monitoring

## Team Members
- Diego Herrera (dherr4)
- Kenneth Kim (kk67)
- David Youmaran (dcy2)

# Problem
Bicycle theft remains a major issue, especially on campus. While traditional locks provide physical security, they fail to notify owners when tampering occurs, leaving bikes vulnerable. A security solution is needed—one that not only prevents unauthorized access but also alerts the owner in real time when theft attempts occur.

# Solution
The Bike Alert system is an advanced security attachment for standard bike locks, integrating multiple tamper-detection mechanisms with real-time notifications. The device will:
- Detect lock disengagement and unauthorized tampering using various sensors.
- Utilize an ESP32 microcontroller to process sensor data.
- Communicate alerts via Wi-Fi to a mobile app, notifying the user in real time.
- Feature a secondary locking mechanism (deadbolt) controlled by RFID for enhanced security.
- Be battery-powered and rechargeable to ensure long-lasting operation.

We acknowledge that previous attempts have been made to develop bike locking systems. However, most existing designs focus primarily on physical security without incorporating real-time alerts or secondary security measures. To our knowledge, no prior project has successfully implemented both mobile app notifications and an RFID-controlled deadbolt lock. Our design aims to bridge this gap by providing a comprehensive security solution that enhances both theft prevention and user awareness.

# Solution Components

## Data Collection Subsystem (Tampering & Lock Disengagement Detection)
This subsystem monitors the lock and detects unauthorized access. It consists of:

- Hall-Effect Sensors for Lock and Case Monitoring
- Lock Disengagement Detection: A Hall-effect sensor and magnet will detect when the lock is disengaged. If the magnet moves past a predefined threshold, an alert is triggered.
- Case Tamper Detection: Inspired by [TI's application](https://www.ti.com/lit/ab/sboa514a/sboa514a.pdf), we will use a Hall-effect sensor positioned inside a 3D-printed enclosure to detect when the outer case is tampered with. A magnet embedded in the case ensures that when closed, the sensor detects a high flux density. If the case is opened/moved far enough, the decreasing flux density will trigger an alert.

- Spring-Based Adjustable Vibration Sensor
- Detects physical tampering such as cutting or shaking the lock.
- The adjustability allows fine-tuning of sensitivity to differentiate between minor disturbances and actual theft attempts.

- ESP32 Microcontroller
- Collects data from all sensors and sends it to the Wi-Fi-connected mobile app.

## Communication & Mobile App Subsystem
This subsystem enables real-time notifications and user interaction.

- ESP32-to-App Communication
- The ESP32 will transmit sensor data via Wi-Fi, using the campus network for connectivity.
- If an alert is triggered (lock disengagement, tampering detected), the app will receive a real-time notification.

- Mobile App Features
- Display current lock status.
- Send push notifications for tampering or disengagement events.
- Event log to track past security incidents.
- Allow the user to enable/disable monitoring modes manually (e.g., "In Use" vs. "Not In Use" mode).

## Secondary Security Subsystem (RFID Deadbolt Lock)
To add an additional layer of security, the system will include an RFID-controlled deadbolt locking mechanism.

- Purpose: Even if the main lock is broken, the deadbolt will prevent full disengagement of the bike lock.
- How it Works:
- The deadbolt is controlled via RFID authentication for convenient unlocking.
- A small, high-torque motor will drive the deadbolt mechanism.
- Requires a motor driver circuit and relay to switch power efficiently.

## Power Supply Subsystem
The system must support continuous operation, including sensor monitoring, Wi-Fi communication, and motor operation.

- Power Source: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery.
- Battery Capacity Considerations:
- Must sustain ESP32 operation and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Should provide enough power for motor-driven deadbolt activation.
- Efficient power management circuit to maximize battery life.

# Criterion For Success
- Reliable Detection – Sensors must accurately distinguish between normal activity and actual tampering.
- Alerts – Wi-Fi-enabled notifications must reach the user in real time.
- Secure Secondary Lock – The RFID-controlled deadbolt should prevent theft even if the primary lock is compromised.
- Battery Life – The system must operate for at least 48 hours per charge under normal conditions.

# Conclusion
The Bike Alert system offers an approach to bicycle security by combining tamper detection, real-time notifications, and an RFID-based secondary lock. This project integrates multiple subsystems into a compact, user-friendly solution that enhances traditional bike locks without compromising convenience or being overly expensive.

Smart Frisbee

Ryan Moser, Blake Yerkes, James Younce

Smart Frisbee

Featured Project

The idea of this project would be to improve upon the 395 project ‘Smart Frisbee’ done by a group that included James Younce. The improvements would be to create a wristband with low power / short range RF capabilities that would be able to transmit a user ID to the frisbee, allowing the frisbee to know what player is holding it. Furthermore, the PCB from the 395 course would be used as a point of reference, but significantly redesigned in order to introduce the transceiver, a high accuracy GPS module, and any other parts that could be modified to decrease power consumption. The frisbee’s current sensors are a GPS module, and an MPU 6050, which houses an accelerometer and gyroscope.

The software of the system on the frisbee would be redesigned and optimized to record various statistics as well as improve gameplay tracking features for teams and individual players. These statistics could be player specific events such as the number of throws, number of catches, longest throw, fastest throw, most goals, etc.

The new hardware would improve the frisbee’s ability to properly moderate gameplay and improve “housekeeping”, such as ensuring that an interception by the other team in the end zone would not be counted as a score. Further improvements would be seen on the software side, as the frisbee in it’s current iteration will score as long as the frisbee was thrown over the endzone, and the only way to eliminate false goals is to press a button within a 10 second window after the goal.