ASSIGNMENT 1 FRONT SHEET

Qualification BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Computing

Unit number and title Unit 43: Internet of Things

Submission date Date Received 1st submission

Re-submission Date Date Received 2nd submission

Student Name Bui Quang Minh Student ID GCD210325

Class GCD1104 Assessor name Tran Trong Minh

Student declaration

I certify that the assignment submission is entirely my own work and I fully understand the consequences of plagiarism. I understand
that making a false declaration is a form of malpractice.

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Grading grid

P5 P6 P7 M5 M6 D3 D4
 Summative Feedback:  Resubmission Feedback:

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Contents
TASK 1. DEVELOP IOT APPLICATION ............................................................................................................................. 4
I. Development of IoT application (P5) ..................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Selection of tools, frameworks¸ and devices .................................................................................................. 4
1.2 Solution development..................................................................................................................................... 6
II. Testing and feedback (P6)..................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Testing result................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Examination of Feedback ................................................................................................................................ 9
III. Analysis and improvement plan (M5) ................................................................................................................ 10
3.1 Advantages and disadvantages..................................................................................................................... 10
3.2 Improving disadvantages .............................................................................................................................. 10
3.3 Improvement plan ........................................................................................................................................ 11
IV. Critical evaluation security risks (D3) ................................................................................................................ 11
4.1 RFID Security Risks ........................................................................................................................................ 11
4.2 Simple solutions ............................................................................................................................................ 12
TASK 2. TEST AND EVALUATE USER FEEDBACK .......................................................................................................... 13
I. Run IoT Application and Gather Feedback (P7) ................................................................................................... 13
1.1 How my IoT meet the requirements............................................................................................................. 13
1.2 Feasibility ...................................................................................................................................................... 13
1.3 Possibility of Commercialization ................................................................................................................... 14
1.4 Ability of improvement ................................................................................................................................. 14
II. Critical Review and Comparison (M6) ................................................................................................................ 15
2.1 Success .......................................................................................................................................................... 15
2.2 Challenges ..................................................................................................................................................... 15
2.3 Learned Lessons ............................................................................................................................................ 15
III. Critique the overall success of the application (D4) .......................................................................................... 16
3.1 Problem resolution ....................................................................................................................................... 16
3.2 Potential ........................................................................................................................................................ 16
3.3 Integration Challenges into the Wider IoT Ecosystem.................................................................................. 16
TABLE OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................................................. 17
 TASK 1. DEVELOP IOT APPLICATION
I. Development of IoT application (P5)
1.1 Selection of tools, frameworks¸ and devices
In developing my IoT application, the selection of appropriate tools and frameworks plays a crucial
role in ensuring efficient coding, seamless integration, and reliable performance. The following tools
and frameworks have been carefully chosen based on their compatibility with my hardware
components and the specific requirements of the project.
Arduino IDE:
The Arduino IDE was selected as the primary development environment for coding my IoT application.
This choice stems from its user-friendly interface, extensive community support, and compatibility
with the NodeMCU ESP8266, which is at the core of my project. The Arduino IDE simplifies the
programming process, allowing me to effectively implement functionalities for the motion sensor (HC-
SR501), RFID module (RC522), DHT11 sensor, and servo motor (SG90).

Figure 1. Arduino IDE logo

Blynk IoT Platform:

To enable remote monitoring and control of my IoT devices, I have integrated the Blynk IoT platform
into my project. Blynk provides a versatile and user-friendly interface, allowing users to interact with
my IoT application through a smartphone or laptop. With Blynk, I can easily create a customized
dashboard to control the servo motor, monitor sensor readings, and receive real-time updates on the
status of my connected devices.

Figure 2. Blynk IoT logo

Microcontroller/Devices:
NodeMCU ESP8266:
 Description: Central microcontroller providing processing power and Wi-Fi connectivity for
seamless integration of sensors and actuators in the IoT application.
Motion Sensor HC-SR501:
 Description: Detects human presence, triggering actions such as controlling the servo motor to
open or close the door based on detected motion.
RFID RC522:
 Description: Enhances security by validating individuals through RFID cards, allowing or
denying access based on RFID card authentication.
Servo SG90:
 Description: Controls the opening and closing of the door in response to motion detection and
RFID authentication, contributing to the automation aspect of the project.
DHT11–Temperature and Humidity Sensor:
 Description: Monitors and controls temperature and humidity levels within the environment,
ensuring the IoT application can maintain optimal conditions.
Firebase:
For efficient data management and storage, I have integrated Firebase into my IoT application.
Firebase serves as a cloud-based database, allowing me to securely store and retrieve sensor data. By
leveraging Firebase's real-time database capabilities, I ensure that users can access the latest
information regarding temperature, humidity, and motion detection. This integration facilitates data
synchronization across devices and enables seamless scalability.

Figure 3. Firebase logo

1.2 Solution development
I have developed the IoT application using the Arduino IDE, leveraging the capabilities of the
NodeMCU ESP8266 microcontroller. The code integrates various components, including sensors,
actuators, and communication modules, to create a smart home system with security and
environmental control features.
Motion Sensor HC-SR501:
The motion sensor (HC-SR501) is utilized to detect human presence. When motion is detected, the
system responds by triggering the servo motor to control the opening and closing of the door.
Additionally, the motion sensor initiates the RFID card authentication process.
RFID RC522:
The RFID module (RC522) enhances security by validating individuals through RFID cards. Access is
granted or denied based on the authentication of RFID cards. Authorized individuals can open the
door, while unauthorized attempts are logged and denied.
Servo SG90:
The SG90 servo motor is employed to physically control the opening and closing of the door. It
operates in response to both motion detection and RFID card authentication, contributing to the
automation aspect of the project.
DHT11–Temperature and Humidity Sensor:
The DHT11 sensor monitors and controls the temperature and humidity levels within the
environment. The obtained data is sent to the Blynk IoT platform for remote monitoring and is also
stored in the Firebase real-time database.
Blynk Integration:
Blynk is integrated into the project to enable remote monitoring and control of IoT devices through a
smartphone or laptop. The Blynk app provides a customized dashboard, allowing users to interact
with and monitor various aspects of the smart home system, including temperature, humidity, and
door status.
Firebase Integration:
Firebase is utilized for efficient data management and storage. Sensor data, including temperature,
humidity, motion events, and door status, is sent to the Firebase real-time database. This integration
facilitates real-time synchronization and retrieval of data for further analysis and monitoring.
Security and Authentication:
The system employs RFID card authentication for door access control. Authorized RFID cards are
associated with specific individuals, and access attempts are logged in the Firebase database.
Additionally, the system captures motion events and logs them along with the corresponding member
details.
 Environmental Monitoring:
The DHT11 sensor continuously monitors temperature and humidity levels within the environment.
This data is not only displayed on the Blynk app but is also stored in Firebase, allowing for historical
tracking and analysis.
Code Structure and Organization:
The Arduino sketch is organized into functions, each dedicated to specific tasks such as
opening/closing the door, checking RFID cards, sending motion data, and handling environmental
monitoring. This modular structure enhances code readability and maintainability.
II. Testing and feedback (P6)
2.1 Testing result
During the testing phase of the IoT application, I conducted a series of experiments to evaluate the
functionality and performance of the system. The primary focus areas were motion detection, RFID
authentication, door control, environmental monitoring, Blynk integration, and Firebase data storage.

Figure 4. Motion sensors successfully detect human presence

Figure 5. The RFID authentication process successfully grants access and open the door

Figure 6. DHT11 sensor providing accurate temperature and humidity readings

2.2 Examination of Feedback
Good Points:
 Reliable Motion Detection: The motion sensor (HC-SR501) consistently detects human
presence, triggering the desired actions.
 RFID Authentication: The RFID authentication process effectively grants access to authorized
individuals based on recognized RFID cards.
 Door Control: The SG90 servo motor successfully controls the door's opening and closing,
providing a seamless automation experience.
 Environmental Monitoring: The DHT11 sensor reliably monitors and reports temperature and
humidity levels in real-time.
 Blynk Integration: The Blynk IoT platform provides a user-friendly interface for remote
monitoring and control, enhancing the overall user experience.
 Firebase Data Storage: Firebase successfully stores sensor data, ensuring historical tracking
and analysis are possible.
Not Good Points:
 RFID Card Recognition Speed: In some instances, the RFID card recognition process exhibited a
slight delay. This delay could impact the user experience, especially in high-traffic scenarios.
 Motion Detection Timeout: The motion detection timeout may be set too short for certain
scenarios. Adjustments might be needed to ensure that legitimate user actions are not
interrupted.
Explanation for Not Good Points:
 RFID Card Recognition Speed: The delay in RFID card recognition may be attributed to factors
such as signal interference or the need for additional optimization in the RFID code. Further
investigation and fine-tuning of the RFID authentication process are recommended to enhance
response times.
 Motion Detection Timeout: The current motion detection timeout of 15 seconds may be too
short for situations where users need extended access. Adjusting the timeout duration or
implementing dynamic timeout based on user activities could address this limitation.
III. Analysis and improvement plan (M5)
3.1 Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of Chosen IoT Techniques:
 Flexibility with Arduino IDE: Using the Arduino IDE provides a versatile and user-friendly
platform for coding the NodeMCU ESP8266, enabling seamless integration of various sensors
and actuators.
 Blynk IoT Platform for User Interaction: Integration with the Blynk IoT platform enhances user
interaction by providing a customizable dashboard for remote monitoring and control via
smartphones and laptops.
 Firebase for Data Management: Utilizing Firebase as a cloud-based database ensures efficient
data management, real-time synchronization, and historical tracking of sensor data.
 Modular Code Structure: The modular code structure enhances code readability and
maintainability, allowing for future enhancements and optimizations.
Disadvantages and Areas for Improvement:
 RFID Card Recognition Speed: The RFID card recognition process exhibits a slight delay,
impacting the user experience, especially in scenarios with high RFID card usage.
 Motion Detection Timeout: The fixed motion detection timeout of 15 seconds may not be
suitable for all scenarios, potentially interrupting legitimate user actions.
3.2 Improving disadvantages
Improve RFID Card Recognition:
Optimization of RFID Code:
 Conduct a detailed review of the RFID authentication code.
 Optimize the code for faster recognition, minimizing delays in the authentication process.
Error Handling Mechanisms:
 Implement robust error-handling mechanisms to address potential delays or communication
issues during RFID card recognition.
Signal Quality Enhancement:
 Evaluate and enhance the signal quality between the RFID module and the RFID cards.
 Consider shielding or repositioning the RFID components to minimize interference.
Enhance Motion Detection:
Dynamic Timeout System:
 Implement a dynamic motion detection timeout system that adapts based on user activities.
 Allow for longer timeouts during continuous user presence and shorter timeouts during
intermittent activities.
 Fine-Tuning Sensitivity:
 Fine-tune the motion sensor sensitivity settings to optimize detection accuracy while
minimizing false positives.
User Feedback Integration:
 Incorporate user feedback mechanisms to better understand and adapt to user preferences
regarding motion detection timeout.
3.3 Improvement plan
Continuous Testing and User Feedback:
 Conduct thorough testing with diverse scenarios to identify additional areas for improvement.
 Solicit continuous user feedback to understand user preferences and pain points.
Iterative Code Refinement:
 Implement iterative code refinement based on feedback and identified issues.
 Continuously optimize the application code for improved performance and reliability.
Regular Software Updates:
 Plan and execute regular software updates to address emerging challenges, implement
enhancements, and introduce new features.
Community Engagement:
 Engage with the developer community and seek insights from other IoT enthusiasts to
leverage collective knowledge for further improvements.
Documentation and Knowledge Sharing:
 Maintain comprehensive documentation to facilitate troubleshooting, updates, and
collaboration.
 Share knowledge gained during the improvement process with the community.

IV. Critical evaluation security risks (D3)

4.1 RFID Security Risks
Unauthorized Access:
 Risk: Someone might try to use a fake or unauthorized RFID card to gain access to the secured
area.
 Evaluation: Assess the system's ability to detect and reject unauthorized RFID cards.
 Addressing the Risk: Strengthen authentication processes to minimize the chances of
unauthorized access.
 Data Interception:
 Risk: Information transmitted between the RFID card and the system could be intercepted by
malicious entities.
 Evaluation: Examine the encryption methods used to protect data during RFID communication.
 Addressing the Risk: Implement robust encryption techniques to safeguard data during
transmission.
RFID Cloning:
 Risk: An attacker might attempt to clone an RFID card to gain unauthorized access.
 Evaluation: Assess the system's resilience against RFID cloning attempts.
 Addressing the Risk: Implement measures such as unique identifiers and secure key
management to prevent cloning.

Figure 7. Thief illustration

4.2 Simple solutions

 Regular System Audits: Regularly audit the system to detect any unusual activities or attempts
at unauthorized access.
 Encryption Best Practices: Ensure the use of strong encryption methods to protect data
exchanged during RFID communication.
 User Education: Educate users about the importance of safeguarding their RFID cards and
report any lost cards promptly.
 TASK 2. TEST AND EVALUATE USER FEEDBACK
I. Run IoT Application and Gather Feedback (P7)
1.1 How my IoT meet the requirements
Requirement 1: Protect Family Members:
Feedback: Users appreciate the application's role in enhancing home security, and ensuring family
members are protected from strangers or potential intruders.
Requirement 2: Door Status Monitoring:
Feedback: Positive responses regarding the ability to know when the door is open or closed, with the
added benefit of identifying who is accessing the home.
Requirement 3: Temperature and Humidity Monitoring:
Feedback: Users find value in the environmental monitoring feature, allowing them to stay informed
about temperature and humidity levels within their homes.
Requirement 4: Remote Control:
Feedback: Positive sentiments regarding the ease of remote control capabilities, providing users with
convenient access and control over their home security and environmental conditions..
1.2 Feasibility
Technical Feasibility:
 High-tech components and sensors are well-received, with positive feedback on the effective
functioning of the IoT application.
 The positive response to the technical aspects indicates a strong foundation for the
application, establishing its technical feasibility. Further enhancements could focus on
continuous improvement and staying abreast of technological advancements.
Economic Feasibility:
 Users appreciate the low-cost nature of the application, making it accessible to a wide range of
households. High demand is noted, indicating economic feasibility.
 The positive feedback on affordability and high demand underscores the economic feasibility
of the IoT application. This positions it well for widespread adoption and potential market
success.
Organizational Feasibility:
 Users find the application easy to integrate into their existing home environments, minimizing
disruptions and ensuring seamless adoption.
 The ease of integration reported by users establishes strong organizational feasibility. This
suggests that the application aligns well with existing home setups, fostering user acceptance
and integration.
1.3 Possibility of Commercialization
Low Price:
 Positive reactions to the affordability of the IoT application, making it an easily accessible
solution for potential customers.
 Affordability is a key strength, contributing to the accessibility of the application. This positive
response supports the low-price aspect as a driving factor for potential commercial success.
Reality in Every Home:
 Users express that the application addresses a universal need, making it a practical addition to
every home.
 The perception that the application addresses a universal need strengthens its potential for
widespread adoption. This aligns with the reality of the IoT application becoming a common
feature in households.
Security:
 Positive responses to the security features, emphasizing the importance of enhanced home
security provided by the IoT application.
 Security is highlighted as a key benefit by users. This positive feedback enhances the
application's credibility and emphasizes its role in fulfilling a crucial aspect of user needs.
1.4 Ability of improvement
User Interface Enhancement:
 Feedback: Some users express a preference for a more intuitive user interface.
 Improvement Plan: Focus on refining the user interface for better user interaction and
understanding.
Feature Expansion:
 Feedback: Users show interest in additional features beyond the current capabilities.
 Improvement Plan: Explore opportunities for feature expansion, considering user needs and
emerging trends.
Real-Time Notifications:
 Feedback: Users express interest in receiving real-time notifications for critical events.
 Improvement Plan: Implement a real-time notification system to keep users informed
promptly.
II. Critical Review and Comparison (M6)
2.1 Success
Meeting Initial Objectives:
Original Plan: The original plan aimed to create an IoT application that prioritizes home security,
environmental monitoring, and remote control.
Comparison: The final application successfully meets these objectives, providing security through RFID
access control, door status monitoring, and environmental awareness with temperature and humidity
sensors.
User Feedback Alignment:
Original Plan: User feedback was anticipated to shape the application's evolution.
Comparison: The critical review indicates that user feedback has been considered and aligned with
the application's enhancements. Successes include positive responses to affordability, security
features, and ease of integration.
Feasibility Validation:
Original Plan: Technical, economic, and organizational feasibility were key considerations.
Comparison: Positive feedback on technical functionality, affordability, and ease of integration
validate the feasibility outlined in the original plan.
2.2 Challenges
User Interface Feedback:
Original Plan: User interface considerations were mentioned but may require refinement.
Comparison: User feedback suggests a need for improvements in the user interface. This identifies an
area for future development to enhance user experience.
Continuous Education Requirement:
Original Plan: Emphasized the importance of continuous user education.
Comparison: User feedback indicates a need for ongoing education to maximize the benefits of the
IoT application. The plan for the next version should incorporate educational initiatives.
2.3 Learned Lessons
Adaptation to User Needs:
Original Plan: User feedback was anticipated to guide improvements.
Comparison: The critical review emphasizes the importance of adaptability and responsiveness to
user needs. Lessons learned include the need for continuous refinement based on user experiences.
Feature Expansion Opportunities:
Original Plan: Emphasized the potential for feature expansion.
 Comparison: User feedback expresses interest in additional features, providing opportunities for
future development and feature expansion.
III. Critique the overall success of the application (D4)
3.1 Problem resolution
Problem Statement:
Original Problem: Enhancing home security, environmental monitoring, and remote control through
an IoT application.
Success Evaluation:
Application's Role: The IoT application successfully addresses the original problem by providing
effective home security (RFID access control), environmental monitoring (temperature and humidity
sensors), and remote control functionalities.
3.2 Potential
On Business: The application's low-cost nature and positive feedback position it favourably for market
adoption, potentially leading to increased business opportunities.
On Society: Improved home security can contribute to overall community safety. Environmental
monitoring aligns with sustainability goals, fostering a positive societal impact.
On End-Users: End users benefit from a secure home environment, real-time environmental insights,
and the convenience of remote control. The positive user experience contributes to overall
satisfaction.
3.3 Integration Challenges into the Wider IoT Ecosystem
Data Security and Privacy:
 Challenge: Sharing data with the wider IoT ecosystem may raise concerns about data security
and privacy.
 Mitigation: Implementing robust data encryption, user authentication, and clear privacy
policies can address security and privacy concerns.
Scalability:
 Challenge: As the application scales, challenges related to data processing and system
responsiveness may arise.
 Mitigation: Employing scalable architecture and periodic system optimization can address
scalability challenges.
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Arduino IDE logo ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Figure 2. Blynk IoT logo ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Figure 3. Firebase logo .................................................................................................................................................. 5
Figure 4. Motion sensors successfully detect human presence ................................................................................... 7
Figure 5. The RFID authentication process successfully grants access and open the door.......................................... 8
Figure 6. DHT11 sensor providing accurate temperature and humidity readings ....................................................... 8
Figure 7. Thief illustration ........................................................................................................................................... 12