BAIUST Transport Card Scanner - NFC
An edge-computed NFC authentication system deployed to validate daily transit access for over 1,400 students via a custom-enclosed, localized hardware terminal.
Overview
Campus transport infrastructure often suffers from boarding bottlenecks due to slow, manual authentication methods. To solve this, this project introduces a standalone authentication terminal featuring an integrated NFC module for instantaneous student ID validation. The system operates completely decoupled from the cloud, utilizing an offline mobile application and a localized SQLite database to log transit records instantly. A high-level design (HLD) orchestrates the firmware architecture, incorporating a local captive portal for administrative data extraction and device configuration, all housed within a rugged, custom-designed 3D enclosure.
Key Technical Achievements
Offline Storage Optimization
Designed a localized database architecture using an optimized SQLite instance on the edge terminal, achieving sub-second card verification latency and reliable transaction logging without relying on active cloud connectivity.
Firmware & Network Engineering
Programmed a secure, standalone captive portal hosted directly on the microcontroller chip, streamlining offline device configuration, system diagnostics, and local administrative data synchronization.
Ergonomic & Structural Design
Modeled and fabricated a custom 3D-printed enclosure tailored for high-traffic environments, ensuring component structural integrity, proper heat dissipation, and optimal NFC antenna placement for fast user interaction.
High-Throughput Production Deployment
Successfully deployed the physical terminal infrastructure to seamlessly process over 1,400+ student transactions daily, maintaining 100% operational uptime during peak campus transit hours.