Development and application of an internet of things door lock Network Bridge for classroom access control management

Abstract

Abstract School classroom doors are usually managed using conventional machine locks. This can cause inconvenience for the borrowing and returning of keys. In addition, issues on the copying and embezzlement of keys are persistent. To avoid these problems, schools have replaced conventional locks with card readers and magnetic locks to manage classroom access; users need only a RFID card to enter and exit classrooms. However, the hardware and software equipment required for such control schemes is expensive and entails cumbersome installation processes. This study developed an innovative Internet of Things (IoT) door lock network bridge, which can be installed on conventional electronic locks to transform it into IoT locks. The developed bridge can be integrated with a customized web-based classroom access information system and QR code scanning to establish a low-cost classroom access control system. The system can be provided to schools to perform user management, lock management, and lock matching. Each door in the school is assigned with a unique QR code for unlocking. Users only need to use the QR code scanner on their smart phone to send relevant information required for unlocking a door to the web-based classroom access information system, which then performs user and lock matching verification. Verified users can then unlock the door and enter the venue. The proposed classroom access control system does not require card readers or RFID cards. The cable installation of the system is simplified through by using wireless connections, thereby greatly reducing the time, cost, and human resource required for installation. In addition, users and locks can be matched directly using the proposed system. This greatly improves the convenience of classroom management in schools.