RFID Access Control System – Toll Gate

A Project by

Alim, Cristalyn E.
Amolat, Osram Jade L.
Mojica, Jose Norman II A.
Santander, Ralph Denver A.

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

In Partial Fulfillment
 2

of the Requirements for the Degree

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
 3

Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………………….1

1.1 Background of the Study...................................................................................................1

1.2 Objectives of the Study.....................................................................................................2

1.3 Significance of the Study...................................................................................................2

1.4 Scope and Delimitations....................................................................................................3

2 THEORETICAL

FRAMEWORK………………………………………………………………………5

2.1 Review of Related Literature.............................................................................................5

2.2 Concept of the Study.......................................................................................................10

2.3 Definition of Terms...........................................................................................................10

3 OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK………………………………………………………………..

….12

3.1 Materials..........................................................................................................................12

3.1.1 Software 12

3.1.2 Hardware.........................................................................................................................13
 4

3.1.3 Data 18

3.2 Methods...........................................................................................................................19

3.2.1 Experimental design........................................................................................19

3.2.2 Evaluation........................................................................................................19

4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION…………………………………………………………………..22

4.1 Results by phase of study...............................................................................................22

4.2 Verification studies..........................................................................................................22

5 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS…………………………………..23

5.1 Summary.........................................................................................................................23

5.2 Conclusions.....................................................................................................................23

5.3 Recommendations..........................................................................................................23

REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………………………………..25

APPENDICES……………………………………………………………………………………………….2

6
 5

Figure 3-1. Arduino Mega..................................................................................................................13

Figure 3-2. RFID Module and Cards.................................................................................................14

Figure 3-3. LCD with I2C Module......................................................................................................15

Figure 3-4. Number Pad....................................................................................................................16

Figure 3-5. DC Servo Motor..............................................................................................................17

Figure 3-6. Jumper Wires..................................................................................................................18

6
 1 INTRODUCTION

One of the technological advancements made in regards to the transportation system of

the Philippines is the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system on its expressways.

Philippines is developing day by day, its road and transport system is also developing and

as a result, the number of vehicles in the Philippines is increasing rapidly. The bearing of human

and product through vehicles is also raising because people are now using vehicles for many

purposes like travels, business and the like. Due to the increase of vehicles, the pressure on toll

collection booth is also raising. It is a common matter of huge problem on toll collection booths

nowadays. Because, toll is collected by manually and it wastes some time, as a result our valuable

time are lost and it hampers the productivity of our country (Atlasrfidstore.com, n.d.).

Therefore, RFID Based Automatic toll collection system is one of the methods which can

be used to solve the aforementioned problems. Electronic toll collection system can be a solution

to the impending problem since it is a digital system of collection toll from vehicles without stopping

them. ETC lanes can improve the speed and efficiency of traffic flow and save drivers’ time. They

can also be capable of electronically charging a toll to an established customer account. The

system can determine whether a passing car is registered, automatically charging those vehicles.

This proposed solution allows vehicles to pass through a toll facility without requiring any action or

stopping (Reference).

1.1 Background of the Study

 Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is a non-contact method of item

identification based on the use of radio waves to communicate data about an item between a tag

and a reader. It uses the unlicensed spectrum space of the electromagnetic radio wave frequency

and this band is the Industrial Scientific Medical (ISM) range (reference).

RFID has the potential to change an organization’s ability to get real time information on

the location of asserts and even personnel. The use of RFID technology reduces operational costs

by reducing the need for human operators in systems that collect information and in revenue

collection (reference).

Generally, the RFID module can be placed on the road and used to detect and retrieve

information on the vehicle’s RFID tags as it passes through the tollgate. This tag reading works as

if it were some bar codes being scanned in a shop and the billing is automatically done according

to the codes received (reference).

1.2 Objectives of the Study

The project aims to design and develop a prototype of RFID Access Control System - Toll

Gate. Specifically, this project aims:

a. To create 10 RFID card users of three different vehicle classes with an individual

passcode;

b. To deduct toll fee of corresponding class type from the RFID's monetary balance;

c. To test the operation of the system by:

 i. Functionality

ii. Accuracy

1.3 Significance of the Study

The output of this project is significant for the development of an automatic payment toll

collection based on RFID. Also, this project is beneficial to the commuters and users of the

expressways, as this project aims to provide the ease of access for payment collection systems. In

a more specific manner, this study will benefit the following:

User

The project will mainly benefit the individual to have ease and to pay conveniently the toll

payment without stopping too much longer in the toll gate counter. Also, the user does not have to

carry the money each time they travel.

Community

The project will make the Toll Tax collection system more efficient and can reduce the

traffic logging on the highways.

Environment
 The deceleration, acceleration, and idling is completely eliminated. This results in gas

saving for the patrons using Electronic Toll Collection System. The elimination of acceleration and

deceleration results in reduction of the operating cost of the vehicles.

Future Researchers

This project can serve as a guide for future researchers in developing a system involving

RFID technology and those who will want to venture upon solving the problems encountered in toll

plazas due to manual payment collection system.

1.4 Scope and Delimitations

This study will mainly focus on developing a prototype of a Toll gate which will serve as a

model for electronic toll collection (ETC) system using an Arduino - based project and radio

frequency identification (RFID) technology with the following functionalities:

10 RFID tags correspond to a particular user of a class type of a vehicle, each preloaded

with a certain amount of money. Upon tapping the specific RFID tags to the RFID reader, the user

must input on the numpad the passcode of the specific tag. A correct passcode entry will induce

the system to automatically deduct the toll fee of the class type where the vehicle belongs to from

the monetary balance of the RFID cards. Upon deducting the amount, the LCD will show the

remaining balance of the user. When the balance is sufficient, the vehicle can pass through the

gate. Otherwise, the LCD screen will indicate that the user has insufficient balance.
 This project is limited to the following: system actions when the incorrect passcode is

entered, reloading of the monetary balance of the users, and other unspecified parameters.
 2 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

2.1 Review of Related Literature

2.1.1 Evaluation of Philippines’ Electronic Toll Collection System for North Luzon

Expressway

A study entitled “Evaluation of Philippines’ Electronic Toll Collection System for North

Luzon Expressway” assessed the amount of delay of the individual lanes of Dedicated EC-tag, Mix

and Cash Toll booths; their service time, lane capacities and the number of queues each lane can

handle and compare the different modes of payment with one another. The study looked out for the

specific factors that affect the delays experienced at Toll Plazas and recommend ways to improve

the service. Also, the study compared the results to other ETC-using expressways to see the

progress of the Philippines in terms of transportation.

The study was able to conclude that the service times of manually operated toll booths

solely rely on the following factors: work ethics of the toll operator, amount of bills paid, and

behavior of the motorists. With regards to the serviceability of mixed lanes, it seems that the

convenience of having an EC-Tag passing through the toll plaza in a faster manner is neutralized.

The number of motorists using EC-Tag is almost the same as the number of motorists giving out

large bills to be able to exit toll plaza thus rendering the convenience of time for ETC-using

vehicles to be nullified (Izawa, 2013).

The ETC of North Luzon Expressway and of South Luzon Expressway does not differ

much in terms of serviceability but rather in terms of capacity. It is observed that NLEX is more
open to the idea of implementing for the expressway that all or at least most of the motorists should

be equipped with their EC-Tag for a more free-flowing traffic within the expressway. In terms of

capacity of individual lanes, it seems that the Philippines is still far behind when compared to other

ETC-using countries with respect to Manual Payment and Mixed Payment. When it comes to the

ETC-dedicated lanes, Philippines is not behind but rather in- line with the other ETC-using

countries. This means that the Philippines, specifically North Luzon Expressway is still in the

developing stage for the enhancement of its expressway for the Northern part of Luzon,

consequently improving it with the implementation of EC-Tag and its continuing effort to entice

other motorists to purchase and use EC-Tag as well (Izawa, 2013).

2.1.2 ETC of CAVITEX

Cavite Expressway uses an open toll collection system in which the entry and exit of a toll

station run simultaneously and the amount of toll depends on the calculation and not the actual

covered distance. The system caters two modes of payments: CASH and ETC (Electronic Toll

Collection). The ETC of the expressway is available in two forms – Easydrive and Beepcard.

Easydrive – Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is the wireless use of electromagnetic

field to transfer data, for the purpose of automatically identifying and tracking tags attached to

objects. The tags contain electronically stored information.

 Beep Card - is a proximity card or “contactless” smart card which can be read without

inserting into a reading device.

2.1.3 MCX Tollway

MCX Tollway, Inc. is Ayala Corporation’s first toll road project under the Philippine

government’s Public-Private Partnership program. It is a vital access road that links the rapidly

growing city of Muntinlupa and the province of Cavite to Metro Manila.

2.1.4 Allocation of Electronic Toll Collection Lanes at Toll Plazas considering Social

Optimization of Service Times and Delay

The study was able to demonstrate that service type allocations do affect the level of delay

in toll plazas. Furthermore, it was shown that it is possible to choose a service type allocation

regime that will respond best to a given demand scenario. This indicates that as marketing efforts
of the tollway operator become more successful (increasing E-PASS usage), the tollway operator

can adjust the mode of toll plaza operation to minimize total delay to users. It should be noted that

the results of the analysis change if different service rates are assumed. Service rates may change

as further advances are made in the operating set-up. But this same analysis may be applied again

using these adjusted service assumptions. It is expected that the particular percentages may

change but general patterns will remain similar. The study considered what is actually a partial

social optimization, since the costs and benefits to the toll plaza operator, among others, were not

considered. Future studies may try to extend this work by considering the cost of the technology

and related facilities, as well as other aspects.

2.2 Concept of the Study

Input P rocess O utput

H ardw a re P lannin g R F ID Access
A rdu ino M e ga D efinin g C ontrol S ystem -
R F ID C ard and Toll G ate
D esign ing
R eader
S ervo M oto r B uilding
N um pad Testing
LC D S creen
S oftw are
A rdu ino ID E

Figure 2-1.Conceptual Framework

 The figure shows the input, process, and output of the project. The necessary inputs in the

project such as the hardware and software are collected. The planning process will now begin to

be able to define the functions of this project. After this, the designing phase will start by devising a

code and circuit diagram for the project in order to build the circuit connections and design of the

prototype. The final step is to test the prototype by conducting a survey that will test the prototype’s

functionality and accuracy. The final output will be the project which is the RFID Access Control

System – Toll Gate.

2.3 Definition of Terms

RFID RFID is an acronym which stands for Radio Frequency Identification. Generally, a

RFID system consists of 2 parts, a reader and one or more transponders also known as Tags.

RFID systems evolved from barcode labels to automatically identify and track products and people.

Access Control RFID Readers Are placed at entrances that require a person to

pass their proximity card (RFID tag) to be read before the access can be made.

Tags (Transponders) An RFID tag is comprised of a microchip containing identifying

information and an antenna that transmits this data wirelessly to a reader. At its most basic, the

chip will contain a serialized identifier, or license plate number, that uniquely identifies that item, like

the way many bar codes are used today.

Microcontroller A microcontroller is a single chip microcomputer which consists of

at least a microprocessor, program memory, data memory and input/output devices. A

microcontroller is characterized by its integration, a lower electric consumption that is some

milliwatt when ON and some nanowatt when OFF.

LCD Display LCD is an acronym which means Liquid Crystal Display. This is a device that

receive digital information from the microcontroller and displays on its screen. It helps as an output

interface (that is peripheral) for the microcontroller.

 3 OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK

3.1 Materials

The materials used in this project are divided into two categories: Software and Hardware.

Software materials pertain to the instructions that can be stored and run by hardware while the

prototype hardware materials pertain to the physical, tangible parts or components of the

prototype.

3.1.1 Software

Arduino IDE - Arduino IDE stands for Arduino Integrated Development Environment – An

official software introduced by Arduino.cc, that is mainly used for writing, compiling and uploading

the code in the Arduino Device. Almost all Arduino modules are compatible with this software that is

an open source and is readily available to install and start compiling the code on the go. It is easily

available for operating systems like MAC, Windows, Linux and runs on the Java Platform that

comes with inbuilt functions and commands that play a vital role for debugging, editing and

compiling the code in the environment.

3.1.2 Hardware

Figure 3-2. Arduino Mega

Arduino Mega - The Arduino Mega 2560 is a microcontroller board based on the

ATmega2560. It has 54 digital input/output pins (of which 15 can be used as PWM outputs), 16

analog inputs, 4 UARTs (hardware serial ports), a 16 MHz crystal oscillator, a USB connection, a

power jack, an ICSP header, and a reset button. It contains everything needed to support the

microcontroller; simply connect it to a computer with a USB cable or power it with a AC-to-DC

adapter or battery to get started. The Mega 2560 board is compatible with most shields designed

for the Uno and the former boards Duemilanove or Diecimila.

 Figure 3-3. RFID Module and Cards

RFID Module and Cards - RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification and it is a non-

contact technology that is broadly used in many industries for tasks such as personnel tracking,

access control, supply chain management, books tracking in libraries, tollgate systems and so on.

An RFID system consists of two main components, a transponder or a tag which is located on the

object that we want to be identified, and a transceiver or a reader. The RFID reader consist of a

radio frequency module, a control unit and an antenna coil which generates high frequency

electromagnetic field. On the other hand, the tag is usually a passive component, which consist of

just an antenna and an electronic microchip, so when it gets near the electromagnetic field of the

transceiver, due to induction, a voltage is generated in its antenna coil and this voltage serves as

power for the microchip.

 Figure 3-4. LCD with I2C Module

LCD - Liquid Crystal Display is the technology used for displays in notebook and other

smaller computers. Like light-emitting diode (LED) and gas-plasma technologies, LCDs allow

displays to be much thinner than cathode ray tube (CRT) technology. LCDs consume much less

power than LED and gas-display displays because they work on the principle of blocking light

rather than emitting it.

 Figure 3-5. Number Pad

Number Pad - Alternatively referred to as the 10-key, number pad, numeric keyboard,

numpad, the numeric keypad is a 17-key keypad usually found on the far-right side of a standard

PC keyboard. A numeric keypad may also be a separate device that can connect to a computer.
 Figure 3-6. DC Servo Motor

Servo motor - A servo motor is a rotary actuator or motor that allows for a precise control in

terms of angular position, acceleration and velocity, capabilities that a regular motor does not have.

It makes use of a regular motor and pairs it with a sensor for position feedback. The controller is

the most sophisticated part of the servo motor, as it is specifically designed for the purpose. Servo

motors are not actually a specific class of motor but are a combination of specific parts, which

happen to include a DC or AC motor, and are suitable for use in a closed-loop control system. They

are used in robotics, automated manufacturing and computer numerical control (CNC) machining

applications.
 Figure 3-7. Jumper Wires

Jumper Wires - Jumper wires are simply wires that have connector pins at each end,

allowing them to be used to connect two points to each other without soldering. Jumper wires are

typically used with breadboards and other prototyping tools in order to make it easy to change a

circuit as needed.

3.1.3 Data

The project planning started during February 2019, proceeding to gathering of equipment,

data collection process, and building of prototype during March to April 2019. The proponents of

this project first planned the process that will be undertaken in order to finish the given project.

3.2 Methods
3.2.1 Experimental design

In this project, the proponents used the Applied Research as their research design.

According to research-methodology.net, Applied Research aims at finding a solution for an

immediate problem facing a society, or an industrial/business organization, whereas fundamental

research is mainly concerned with generalizations and with the formulation of a theory. Also, it is

considered to be non-systematic inquiry and it is usually launched by a company, agency or an

individual in order to address a specific problem. In this project, the proponents will propose a

system that eliminates the need for vehicle owners and toll authorities to manually perform ticket

payments and toll fee collections, respectively. Data information are also easily exchanged

between the vehicle owners and toll authorities, thereby enabling a more efficient toll collection by

reducing traffic and eliminating possible human errors.

3.2.2 Evaluation

In this project, different methods will be used in order to evaluate the prototype of the RFID

Access Control System – Toll Gate. The following methods will be:

 Questionnaires will be given to 10 random engineering students of Lyceum of the

Philippines University – Cavite. The chosen respondents will evaluate the

prototype’s operations.

 The prototype will be tested by the proponents to gather data regarding its

operation and functionality.

  10 different RFID users will be included in the testing of the prototype. These users

will be subdivided into three different categories namely Class A, Class B, and

Class C. The proponents will conduct three trials to evaluate if the prototype is

working.

Vehicle Enters Toll RFID Reader reads

START
Plaza the Tag
 NO User enters

Passcode

Gate is still Closed and

Is the Pin Code
LCD notifies
Correct?
Insufficient Balance

Corresponding Fee is

Deducted

Gate opens and LCD

shows balance.

END
 4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Results by phase of study

Name the phases of your study and give the results. Have as many headings as

necessary depending on the number of experiments or studies you did. Provide the discussions.

4.2 Verification studies

 5 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary

The design and development of a Radio Frequency Identification Access Control System –

Toll Gate was conducted at Lyceum of the Philippines University – Cavite from February 2019 to

May 2019. The general objective of the study is to provide a prototype of a RFID Tollgate which will

serve as a model for electronic toll collection (ETC) system using radio frequency identification

(RFID) technology. The system is designed for the purpose of developing a prototype to come up

with a system that uses tags or cards that are in the possession of the vehicle owner, through

which information embedded on the tags/cards are read by RFID readers. The proposed system

eliminates the need for vehicle owners and toll authorities to manually perform ticket payments and

toll fee collections, respectively. Data information are also easily exchanged between the vehicle

owners and toll authorities, thereby enabling a more efficient toll collection by reducing traffic and

eliminating possible human errors.

5.2 Conclusions

The general objective of this project is to develop a Radio Frequency Identification Access

Control System – Toll Gate which was satisfied by developing a prototype based on the working

principles given in the problem statement in the preceding chapters. In the project, 10 users were

successfully created, each with corresponding vehicle class and corresponding passcode. Also, the

users were sub divided into three different classes that will correspond to their vehicle type and
how much will be deducted from the monetary balance stored in their cards. The operation of the

prototype was tested by the researchers by conducting several trials and by giving out

questionnaires to several respondents to evaluate the functionality of the prototype and the

program.

The proponents testing evaluation has shown that out of _ trials, a total of _ trials turned

out to be successful which can be considered as a _______. The questionnaires also helped to

prove that the operation and functionality of the prototype can be concluded to be________.

5.3 Recommendations

The proponents of this study promote to conduct the following recommendations:

 To use a different type of microcontroller boards and software in developing a Radio

Frequency Identification Access Control System – Toll Gate.

 To test the operation of the system by implementing more complex situations and

circumstances.

 To use Radio Frequency Identification Access Control System to other systems.

 REFERENCES

Hemmings, M (2018). What is a jumper wire? Retrieved from:

http://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/what-is-jumper-wire

Techopedia (2019). Servo Motor Retrieved from:

https://www.techopedia.com/definition/13274/servo-motor

Rouse M. (2019). Liquid Crystal Display Retrieved from:

https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/LCD-liquid-crystal-display

Arduino (2019). ARDUINO MEGA 2560 REV3 Retrieved from: https://store.arduino.cc/usa/mega-

2560-r3

What is RFID? | The Beginner's Guide to RFID Systems. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.atlasrfidstore.com/rfid-beginners-guide/

Impact of Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) Technologies on the Hospital Supply Chain: A

Literature Review. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://bok.ahima.org/doc?oid=301206

Coustasse, DrPH, A., Tomblin, S., & Slack, C. (n.d.). Impact of Radio-Frequency Identification

(RFID) Technologies on the Hospital Supply Chain: A Literature Review. Retrieved from

http://bok.ahima.org/doc?oid=301206
 APPENDICES

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