Senior design project overview:
Timeline ~ 8months
My design: I’ve decided to come up with an autonomous garage door opener system. The premise is quite simple. Even though people have a simple button they can click to open the door, sometimes (I know myself) can fumble through the car to find it, if it’s not hanging on the visor. So, how about a system where when you leave your driveway there are sensors that detect your vehicle leaving and in return will automatically close the door for you. Same idea when you return home, sensors know the car is entering the driveway and will automatically open the garage door. The system should/would be smart enough to already know that if you do return home and your door is already open, that it won’t shut the door (current state).
I’m just not sure how to get data to some type of receiver within the car after (I’m thinking a laser sensor) is tripped. I know they have RFID Bluetooth but I do not want this system being tied to a cell phone. Reason being is that if someone goes to get mail or comes close to the sensor at the end of the driveway we do not want garage doors opening and closing. So, I was thinking of a laser system that when tripped (at the end of the driveway), is triggered and goes out to find a tag (?) from the device sitting within the car (low power, runs on battery perhaps–Active RFID(?). From there, it’s verified, and relays the information back to the system within the garage. Problem is, I’m not sure if there are any devices/modules that will transmit like this.
Any input, both good and bad is welcomed. I’m all ears. Any help with what type of devices would be able to tie together. I’m thinking of an Arduino for the micro withing the garage, I do have an MSP430 here as well. I think the IDE for the Arduino is a little easier to use. My hurdle is that initial entrance into the driveway that verifies it’s the right car, to open the correct door, and then relay it back. Of course, all data needs to be sent over the air.
Thank you!