David DeWan
Homework #2
2/4/2011
Electronic Swipe Rental-Service
A Closer Look
Taking into account the cost and time to completion, this project seems rather feasible. The
device that needs to be created is a rather simple magnetic card reader. Attached to the magnetic card
reader is a numeric pad. This device will transmit information to and from a computer via a cable that is
integrated into the magnetic card reader.
The parts needed are rather cheap. A magnetic strip detector, numeric pad, plastic casing, and
power source is needed for the system. Then a board must be created to convert all the information
and enable it to be sent out to the computer. The information then must be received by the computer,
which may seem simple but could be rather difficult. The main part to this project is the software
associated with the component. This software must not only receive the information from the card, but
it then must match the information on the card with the student’s name and account number (saved in
a database). The next part, the software must be connected to the internet to be able to save
information to a database. The information that would be saved is equipment rented, such as tools,
bowling shoes, basketballs, etc. The software is the key to this project.
The hardware element is what I would be most qualified to complete. Being an electrical
engineer, the hardware comes down to a circuit that must be made to convert information gathered
from a magnetic swipe. This information would then be relayed back to a computer. The software
element is what I would need help with in developing this project. I lack the computer programming
skills to perform such a task. I would need more assistance and learn more advanced skills in
programming.
The specific components that would probably be integrated together would be:
1 - Unitech MS240 Mag Stripe Reader, Track II only, TTL, RJ451 (~ $30)
1
1 - Insertion Type D-Sub Connector, DB15 Male2
(~$1)
1 - Insertion Type D-Sub Connector, DB15 Female3
(~$1)
http://www.alvio.com/xABK_PID76634_MS240-1T2_unitech-america_unitech-ms240-mag-stripereader-track-ii-only-ttl-rj45-beige.html&referrer=froogle
2
http://www.amazon.com/Insertion-Type-D-Sub-Connector-DB15/dp/B000A38Y7I
3
http://www.amazon.com/Insertion-Type-D-Sub-Connector-Female/dp/B000A3AB3S
4
http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Go-D-Sub-Solder-Connector/dp/B0002J1GEI
1 - Cables to Go 1592 DB25 Male D-Sub Solder Connector4
(~$2)
1 - +5V Fixed-Voltage Regulator 78055
(~$2)
Various Resistors, Capacitors, Wires
(~$10)
The projected cost of these products is around $50 - $60. Adding in a numeric keypad and the
miscellaneous parts needed to convert that information, the product would not cost anymore that $150,
which is clearly under the budget for each project. This leaves room to make changes to the design and
upgrade it to better parts for more versatility.
This idea could seem very practical; the only thing is that this idea can be seen elsewhere. This
piece of hardware is not a new idea, nor is the idea extremely unique. Therefore the market is not going
to be taken back on innovativeness. The product must be designed in such a way that it becomes very
convenient and easy to use. In order for this product to be very successful, it has to be completely
reliable with almost zero failures. That being said, this product would be very effective on this campus. It
would keep track of materials being lent out and prevent labs from needing to rebuy ‘lost’ equipment.
This is a reoccurring problem, and needs to be solved to advance Stevens into even a more reputable
school than it already is.
The idea for this design project came from talking to the current head TAs of Designs I-IV here at
Stevens. One thought was “What would be awesome is a system in which there was no need for a sign
in sheet. If all a student needed to do was swipe into class as they walked in the door.” [Brandon Flon]. I
analyzed this idea, and realized that the practicality was not there and the product did not appeal to a
large amount of customers. Although this is a great idea and my project could be altered simply to allow
this to occur, I tried to develop a more vast project. After talking about this idea, a friend said, “.. this
could be used to solve the missing tool problem. Having each student swipe to borrow tools would
enable us [Design TAs] to keep track of all the items we give out. If anything is missing at the end of the
semester, we can charge the students appropriately.” [Phillip Jou]. That is when the rental service was
thought of and it became evident that it could be used in various spots on campus.
SWOT Analysis
The strengths and opportunities of this project are vast. This product can have a direct impact it
could have on campus. By enabling students to rent objects on their swipe, this could open up many
5
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062599&CAWELAID=107597886
opportunities. Students would not need to leave collateral to borrow items. This would enable students
to work elsewhere rather than in the design lab. This could lead to new and more innovative projects to
be developed by the students here at Stevens. With this system in place, the school could also then
work on renting out larger pieces of equipment to students based on their student account level. This
would make the campus more interactive and bring more of a ‘hands on’ learning approach to Stevens.
Most students ask for more hands on projects, and this is the way in which Stevens could get a jump
start towards heading in that direction.
The weaknesses of this project are that it is not very innovative. Ideas like this come up daily and
could be practically in existence already. As mentioned previously all of this equipment already
previously exists. The only thing is that they have not been put to this use. The lack of innovativeness
could drastically reduce the appeal of this project to many people. The idea needs to be developed more
to become more affective. Maybe using a system that does not need a computer and runs entirely on
wiFi would be a better idea. The simplicity of this project is a major weakness to this product. Some
threats to this product would be making it universal. Each card used across the nation has different
numeric values associated with them. A problem that could be faced designing this product would be
that ability to distinguish between these different card values. Another threat to this project that could
cause it to fail is making it universally compatible with many types of operating systems out there. Being
it is a very simple product; it has to be universally compatible with everything to keep the potential
market as big as possible to inhibit success.