RFID Access Control and Webcam Security

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders. An RFID tag is an object that can be attached to or incorporated into a product, animal, or person for the purpose of identification using radio waves. Chip-based RFID tags contain silicon chips and antennas. Passive tags require no internal power source, whereas active tags require a power source. An RFID system may consist of several components: tags, tag readers, edge servers, middleware, and application software.

The purpose of an RFID system is to enable data to be transmitted by a mobile device, called a tag, which is read by an RFID reader and processed according to the needs of a particular application. The data transmitted by the tag may provide identification or location information, or specifics about the product tagged, such as price, color, date of purchase, etc. The use of RFID in tracking and access applications first appeared in 1932, to identify aircraft as friendly or unfriendly (”identify friend or foe” (IFF)). RFID quickly gained attention because of its ability to track moving objects. As the technology is refined, more pervasive and possibly invasive uses for RFID tags are in the works.

In this project we are aiming to build an RFID based access control and attenedance management system, coupled with a webcam security feature. Every employees will be given RFID tags which are a must to enter through a door. The serial number of tag is associated with the employee database entry. So every time when an employee uses his card the entry will be entered into the datatbase with time stamp. Also an attached webcam will take a snap of the person using the card. This is used to cross verify in the event of an undesirable event. The attendance data then can be used to create many types of reports like daily attendance details, monthly, weekly, number of leaves, etc. The salary calculation can be automated using that data. The use of webcam reduces the proxy attendace attempts.