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 design_document1.pdf
final_paper1.pdf
grading_sheet1.pdf
photo1.jpeg
photo2.jpeg
presentation1.pdf
proposal1.pdf
video
# 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.

The Marching Band Assistant

Wynter Chen, Alyssa Louise Licudine, Prashant Shankar

The Marching Band Assistant

Featured Project

NetID/Names

wynterc2 (Wynter Chen), alyssal3 (Alyssa Licudine), shankar7 (Prashant Shankar)

Problem

Drum majors lead and conduct marching bands. One of their main jobs is to maintain tempo for the musicians by moving their hands in specific patterns. However, many drum majors, especially high school students, need to learn how to conduct specific tempos off the top of their head and maintain a consistent tempo without assistance for performances. Even those with musical experience have difficulty knowing for certain what tempo they're conducting without a metronome.

Solution Overview

Our project consists of an arm attachment that aids drum major conducting. The attachment contains an accelerometer that helps determine the tempo in beats per minute via hand movement. A display shows the beats per minute, which allows the drum major to adjust their speed as necessary in real time. The microcontroller data is wirelessly transmitted, and a program can be downloaded that not only visualizes the data in real-time, but provides an option to save recorded data for later. There is also a convenient charging port for the device.

This project is a unique invention that aims to help marching bands. There have been previous projects and inventions that have also digitized the conducting experience, such as the Digital Conducting Baton from Spring 2015. However, these have been in the form of a baton rather than a glove, and are used to alter music files as opposed to providing feedback. Additionally, orchestra conductors use very delicate motions with a baton, while drum majors create large, sharper motions with their arms; thus, we believed that an arm attachment was better suited for marching band usage. Unlike other applications that only integrate digital instruments, this project seeks to assist live performers.

Link to RFA: https://courses.grainger.illinois.edu/ece445/pace/view-topic.asp?id=37939

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