I and my two friends got a suggestion from the professor to make the project. We did not want to miss the opportunity because the project meant we would not go to school. As a project we decided that we would make a door with a fingerprint sensor.We first made a prototype that did not have a fingerprint sensor.
We put switches on prototype that would open the door.Everyone said that it stupid and that we will not succeed.We did not give up and we decided to prove that we could do it. When we finally completed the prototype we took it to the headmaster.He praised the project and said it was an excellent idea. Then we got the money to continue working on the final product. We had a lot of problems with the lock mechanism. All the mechanics in the locks we made ourselves. We've also modified the servo motor mechanism so it's a lot more powerful.When we finished the mechanical work we ordered a wooden door on which we put a fingerprint sensor. The doors did not meet our criteria and we had to modify them too little. The Arduino Mega 2560 is operated with the mechanism and fingerprint sensor. We've added an LCD that shows the name of the person who unlocked the door. All prints and names are stored on EEPROM. Each fingerprint is linked to a person's name. Mounts for sensor and LCD, we drew and printed on school 3D printer.
At completion we got a call for competition for high school projects held at the best electrical engineering college in Croatia. We did not win but we were commended for a great idea because there were no similar projects. When we returned from the competition the whole school was proud of us. A few days later came the mayor with journalists.
We are now thinking about the next project and have an idea that will attract a lot of attention. If you have any ideas you never give up because that can change your life.
Looks very interesting. How many people would be able to use this system for one single door? I'm guessing this is to be done for security, right? would it be used for teachers, or students as well?
Currently 150 people can use one door. It can easily be extended to a couple of thousand. Our idea was to be used in schools to know where the professor or student entered.
The eprom can store about 100 prints , so its meant for pure access control , meaning one fingerprint may open it from 8:00 to 9:35 and other from 9:35 to 11:30 ( professors ) and the principal may open it 24/7 for example