Android Library Design and Implementation for Smart Lock Access Control Systems

Abstract

Physical keys made from metal or woods have been used for centuries to operate locks. The routines for operating a lock did not change significantly by the time. Keys have been carried, stored, lost, searched, lent, and copied. The main intent of locking is making sure that the belongings are kept safe. Hence, security has always been main consideration.

Although mechanical Lock Access Control Systems are easy and cost effective to implement, they are insecure and expensive to maintain. Traditional Digital Lock Access Control systems may decrease the problems of mechanical lock access control systems. However, they are still vulnerable to attacks and the costs are usually high. Smart Lock Access Control Systems decrease the security risks and costs caused by fetching, storing, and carrying the physical keys. They also enable distribution of access rights and monitoring activities online. Smart lock solutions are cost effective to implement since they use existing wireless Internet structure (such as home WiFi) and electric locks. A typical Smart Lock Access Control System includes three components: a lock controller which is a microcontroller for operating the electric lock, cloud servers for granting access to the users and monitor activities, and finally a mobile phone which is used as a gateway between the cloud servers and lock controller. This thesis work designs and implements an Android Library for smart phones which will be included in mobile applications to communicate with the lock controller and cloud servers of the system.