Software
Microsoft Windows Home Server
License Type: Licence and media
License Qty: 1 server, 10 CALs
License Pricing: OEM
Media: CD/DVD
Product No.: CCQ-00061
Computer Base Power Cable
Input Voltage: AC 100-240v, 50-60 Hz
Input Current: 1A
Output Voltage: 12V DC
Output Power: 15 Watts
Length: 1.8m
Connection 1: Power IEC 320 EN 60302D C13 - Female
Connection 2: Power BS 1363 - Male
DC Modem Power Adapter
Input Voltage: AC 100-240v, 50-60 Hz
Input Current: 1A
Output Voltage: 12V DC
Output Power: 15 Watts
Operation Temp: 0 ~ 40
Connection Type: UK 3pin
Display Connections
DVI cable
dual link
Technology Double shielded
Length 3 m
2 x 24 pin digital DVI - male Connectors
Network Connections
Ethernet Cable
Unshielded twisted pair (UTP)
5 m Length
2 x RJ-45 - male
EIA/TIA-568 Category 6
Peripheral Devices
Keyboard
Interface - USB
Connection: 4 Pin USB Type A
Cable Length: 1.0m
Mouse
Wired
Interface: USB
Movement Sensor: Laser
Connection: 4 Pin USB Type A
Movement Resolution: 1000 dpi
Network Devices
Modem
Wired Modem Router
Date Transfer Rate: 1Gbps
Data Link Protocol: Ethernet, IEEE
Internet
Max Transfer Rate: 20 Mbit/s RFID Devices
RFIDReader
Product: PCProx USB RFID Reader
Range: 4 inches.
Frequency: 125 kHz.
Protocol: EM4102
Power: +5V USB
RFID chips
Product: glass ampoule tag, Key ring or Rubber Wristband
Frequency : 125 kHz
Protocol: EM4102
Read/Write: Read only EEPROM
Capacity: 64 bits
Dimensions: Various Wristbands
Material: IP68 waterproof silicone
Diameter: 202mm
Width: 17.5 mm
Storage temperature: -40 to 100 degrees C
Operating temperature: -40 to 120 degrees C
Available Colours: Blue, Red, Green, Yellow
Design Specification
Server
The initial server setup would consist of a server system based at one of our residential homes. Due to the relatively inadequate computer power requirements we would purchase a comparatively cheap computer base unit. The display unit requires only minimal functionally (required output resolution is only 400 x 300) and therefore an inexpensive low quality monitor will purchased. All the peripheral devices including mouse and keyboard would be purchased, installed and setup ready to use.
The software type to be installed is a Microsoft operating system – Microsoft Home Server, allowing for ease of use and great compatibility with other existing products. We will install the initial operating system onto the computer base and then upload our database software. The software will be purchased directly from Microsoft to allow for maximum reliability and customer support.
Due to the nature of our system we will perform networking functionally using a wired Ethernet router. To make the experience for the customer to be as effortless as possible we must meet the 20Mbit/s internet transfer rate. This will be provided by Virgin fibre optic service, which is available in the designated location.
To benefit financially, from technical support and added security all peripheral devices, accessories and connections will be purchased from reputable companies whilst researching and selecting the cheapest option.
Once all the products have been purchased and received the preliminary setup time requirements will be approximately one day. The location of the server already posses a fibre optic connection -resulting in no added time costs. Once the software is installed to the server system should be ready to use.
RFID chips/tags & Reader
Our product requires us to find a way of having a unique identification number inside a small electronic computer chip and for this computer chips information to be read with use of a computer chip reader.
We have chosen to go for passive RFID chips rather than the other option of the active RFID chips. Passive tags are generally smaller, lighter and less expensive than those that are active and can be applied to objects in harsh environments, are maintenance free and will last for years and this is the reason we have chosen passive tags.
Size is an important issue with our product because if oversized, it would be hard to implement onto a bracelet or keying, let alone under the skin. Fortunately this isn’t a problem due to companies producing RFID tags as tiny as a grain of rice and even smaller. Hitachi holds the record for smallest RFID at 150 x 150 x 7.5 microns. There are already many products out there with RFID chips already built in. This means buying these products rather than manufacturing them ourselves.
The only part of information on the chip will be the unique ID; this means no personal data at all. Even though criminals won’t be able to do much with these ID numbers due to no having access to the database we will still encrypt the chips for extra security and customer assurance. The memory on each chip will consist of 64 bits. This means that each chip can hold a unique number up to 18,446,744,073,709,551,616 (2 to the power of 64). This give us more than enough space since the World population is estimated at 6,706,993,152 people on June 2008 according to https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/print/xx.html
Each chip on their own will cost 70p-£2.00 depending on your preference i.e. bracelet or keying? We assume price will fall if bought in high quantities.
Pricing link: http://www.trossenrobotics.com/store/c/2964-125-KHZ-EM4102.aspx
For the RFID reader we don’t require long range reading or high speed reading so we can opt for low frequency ranges. This is why 125khz was chosen for a range of 4 inches. Interference from other tags shouldnt be an issue due to only the immediate customer using the reader, so anti-collision software is not necessary. The PCProx USB RFID Reader requires no initial software to implement onto a windows operating systems. It is connected by USB so will be relatively easy. The intial price for this reader is £99.00 but if bought in bulk(per 100) the price goes down to £79.00 and im sure the price can drop further if a contract can be agreed between companies.
This clip reiterates the ease of implementation of the reader onto WIndows XP:
Fingerprint scanners
Fingerprint Basics
Fingerprints are one of those bizarre twists of nature. Human beings happen to have built-in, easily accessible identity cards. You have a unique design, which represents you alone, literally at your fingertips. How did this happen?
People have tiny ridges of skin on their fingers because this particular adaptation was extremely advantageous to the ancestors of the human species. The pattern of ridges and "valleys" on fingers make it easier for the hands to grip things, in the same way a rubber tread pattern helps a tire grip the road.
The other function of fingerprints is a total coincidence. Like everything in the human body, these ridges form through a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The genetic code in DNA gives general orders on the way skin should form in a developing fetus, but the specific way it forms is a result of random events. The exact position of the fetus in the womb at a particular moment and the exact composition and density of surrounding amniotic fluid decides how every individual ridge will form.
So, in addition to the countless things that go into deciding your genetic make-up in the first place, there are innumerable environmental factors influencing the formation of the fingers. Just like the weather conditions that form clouds or the coastline of a beach, the entire development process is so chaotic that, in the entire course of human history, there is virtually no chance of the same exact pattern forming twice.
Consequently, fingerprints are a unique marker for a person, even an identical twin. And while two prints may look basically the same at a glance, a trained investigator or an advanced piece of software can pick out clear, defined differences.
This is the basic idea of fingerprint analysis, in both crime investigation and security. A fingerprint scanner's job is to take the place of a human analyst by collecting a print sample and comparing it to other samples on record. In the next few sections, we'll find out how scanners do this.
Optical Scanners
The heart of an optical scanner is a charge coupled device (CCD), the same light sensor system used in digital cameras and camcorders. A CCD is simply an array of light-sensitive diodes called photosites, which generate an electrical signal in response to light photons. Each photosite records a pixel, a tiny dot representing the light that hit that spot. Collectively, the light and dark pixels form an image of the scanned scene (a finger, for example). Typically, an analog-to-digital converter in the scanner system processes the analog electrical signal to generate a digital representation of this image. See How Digital Cameras Work for details on CCDs and digital conversion.
The scanning process starts when you place your finger on a glass plate, and a CCD camera takes a picture. The scanner has its own light source, typically an array of light-emitting diodes, to illuminate the ridges of the finger. The CCD system actually generates an inverted image of the finger, with darker areas representing more reflected light (the ridges of the finger) and lighter areas representing less reflected light (the valleys between the ridges).
Before comparing the print to stored data, the scanner processor makes sure the CCD has captured a clear image. It checks the average pixel darkness, or the overall values in a small sample, and rejects the scan if the overall image is too dark or too light. If the image is rejected, the scanner adjusts the exposure time to let in more or less light, and then tries the scan again.
If the darkness level is adequate, the scanner system goes on to check the image definition (how sharp the fingerprint scan is). The processor looks at several straight lines moving horizontally and vertically across the image. If the fingerprint image has good definition, a line running perpendicular to the ridges will be made up of alternating sections of very dark pixels and very light pixels.
If the processor finds that the image is crisp and properly exposed, it proceeds to comparing the captured fingerprint with fingerprints on file.
In order for our customers to have an easy convenient and always accessible way to carry their µID around, we devised two methods. The first method is to have a small robust keyring or wristband that would stay on the person at all times. And the other was to have an RF chip implanted into the persons arm.
However, for the initial launch of the program, we decided to focus on the easiest and cheapest way to implement this. We chose the keyring and wristband option. Not only is this option cheaper and easier to implement, but it makes prototyping much simpler for demonstration purposes. The hope is to get people on board, before scaring them with the idea of a microchip implant.
In today’s highly technological world, plastics and rubber have become a cheap commodity which is easy to manufacture and as a result, cheap. In doing research, several UK based companies were reviewed and it was found that the sector that produces plastics is a large one. Similarly, the number of companies that build keyrings and wristbands is also large. This instantly gives our project a couple of advantages. The first being the companies are UK based. This means that production cost is very small as all the raw materials are already in the country and need not be shipped from elsewhere. Secondly, the factories that produce the plastics, or the keyrings & wristbands are also based locally, reducing shipment costs further and bringing the manufacturing closer to home. This can also be used as a marketing ploy, as many UK nationals prefer products that are build in their homeland.
Specifications
The type of keyring we would be most interesting in getting for our project would need to meet special specifications in order to be presented on the market.
• The main criteria would be for the keyring to be small and of no consequence or hindrance to the user and his/her keys and other keyrings.
• The second criteria would be for the keyring to be robust. This in all essence means that it will be able to take a beating as it will need to in order to be a feasible form of ID.
• The keyring must be easily removed to be switched from key to key like any other keyring.
• Another criterion would be for the key ring to be easily replaced. This would necessary as it would be rather infeasible to have the µID inside the keyring replaced rather than just replace the whole assembly.
• The fourth and important criteria, is that the keyring be sealable. The µID inside while robust should be kept from environmental hazards such as dirt, water, and babies.
There are two types of keyrings that meet these specifications. The first being a standard transparent type with the chip placed inside:
And the second being a silicone strap, varying in colour, with the chip embedded inside of it:
For the bracelet, there are two possible specifications we would like to use. The first being a silicone wristband, which comes in a variety of colours, and the second, a smaller version of the first, that fits the finger. The following are the specifications for the wrist and finger bands:
• The bands must be comfortable and hypoallergenic. This means the user must be able to wear the bands constantly as part of their normal apparel.
• The band must be easily removed. Users must be able to take the band off whenever they please with ease.
• The band must be robust enough to withstand everyday use. Being rubber it must be flexible enough with the µID installed to withstand daily movement.
• Another criterion would be for the band to be easily replaced. This would necessary as it would be rather infeasible to have the µID inside the band replaced rather than just replace the whole assembly.
• The band should be able to withstand environmental hazards such as dirt, water, sweat, and babies.
The typed of bands that are being reviewed are shown below:
Pricing
Now let us talk about price. Since our project is merely using products that are already ready-made, there is no need to consider the manufacturing cost. Just the product’s native cost. Research of several UK companies shows that to buy our products in bulk and ship them to our project base would be relatively cheap.
This puts our cost for an initial rollout of £255 for starting material.
Database
The main focus of our product is unifying multiple accounts and forms of identity into a single item. Instead of having to remember reward cards, ID for proof of age, and payment cards when you go shopping, you take one item (options already discussed) that links them all to you. This will be done using a database linking all relevant information to the user.
All that the item will need to store in terms of information is a number assigned to the owner. It could also hold vital information to help uphold law or inform paramedics in an emergency but these will be decided later. This will allow for maximum security should the item fall into the wrong hands.
Our database will contain a minimal amount of information too so unauthorised access will hold minimum risk. Every user will have a unique number assigned to them when they sign up, as well as sufficient finger print information should they need to make a secure transaction. Every company or store that has information on the user will also be given a unique number that we will store. Then it will be a case of connecting the ID numbers where the company or store holds information about the user. We won't store details such as account numbers or personal information.
Our database then becomes a 'middle man' when this information needs to be accessed. For example; a user making a purchase at a store that has a reward scheme. The user will wave their item holding their µID near the scanner. The ID for the store and the users ID are then sent to our database. Once the users ID is found, their records are searched for a match with the store's ID. If there is a match one of two things may happen. If the information that the store is trying to access is protected then a request will be sent back to the store where the user will be asked to supply a finger scan and what is trying to be accessed by the store. The user will then either say 'yes' by scanning their finger, which also acts like a password, or say 'no' by pressing a separate cancel button if they are concerned about what is being requested or have changed their mind. The result of the finger print scan is then sent back to our database. What happens next is the same as if a finger print is not needed. The users ID is then sent to the store's database where it has been linked to the account made with the store. The relevant information is read or updated and then brought back to the store to display to the user and continue the transaction.
The store will already have the ID scanner programmed to search for which information is relevant. If the store has multiple reward schemes, like nectar points on top of a store specific scheme, then the users µID account will be searched for all of these in turn, eliminating the chance to forget to claim reward points.
We will initially only allow reward schemes to be linked to the µID but eventually try to incorporate payment methods. After finding reward information, the user will be asked how they would like to pay. The users account will then be searched for all available payment methods since they may have debit and credit cards. Paying in cash will remain an option. Choosing which account to pay with will repeat the secure method above, with a finger scan replacing the 'chip and pin' method.
Very quickly, securely and effortlessly, the user has made their purchase and gained all their rewards. Fiddling with cards in wallets or purses will be a thing of the past.
Use Case Scenarios
Medical
Anyone that needs to be assisted by a paramedic could have their chip scanned and information such as the patient's medical history and allergies would be instantly available to them.
Chemists could also have readers installed so that when the chip is scanned, employees at the pharmacy could have the patient's prescription displayed to them.
Blood
Clinics which tag its patients also tag blood to make sure the right blood reaches the right patient. Nurses will be able to scan the tags using reader-equipped PDAs or tablet PCs and check that the blood data matches the information held on an RFID-tagged bracelet worn by the patient.
Banking
Chips could eventually take the place of debit/credit cards, increasing security as pin numbers would no longer be used. As chip and pin is used in a variety of places, such as supermarkets, banks and most retail outlets the potential for the simplification of monetary transactions is huge. Also, many elderly people have a hard time dealing with numbers that need to be remembered, or remembering to carry bank cards at all. Our product would greatly simplify this.
Government
Identification such as Passports and driving licenses could also be implemented into the database. The use of the chip with regards to the passport would enforce border controls and could even be used to combat illegal immigration. Since the chip cannot be removed without significant effort, this would be the perfect ID. Police cars could have readers installed and people caught committing a driving offence could have their chip scanned. This would stop people from giving false names and documents to the police who have pulled them over. This would be of great assistance to them as they often waste lots of time trying to track down the real identity of someone who has lied to them. At border control, such as airports, an ID which cannot be faked such as one that is placed under the skin would be very beneficial in the fight against terrorism.
Personal
Reward schemes that are run by many different chain stores such as nectar could be replaced by the chip and reader. Anyone who is a member of even just a few schemes would appreciate the simplicity of not having to carry around a handful of cards. Sensitive products sold at retail outlets such as Knives, cigarettes etc, could require the customer’s chip to be scanned. This process would make it impossible for underage customers to obtain age-related products.
Corporate
High security companies which have restricted access areas use ways of identifying employees who can and can’t use these areas. The chip and reader could be implemented for this purpose requiring employees to scan their chip and only grant access to those who have sufficient authorisation. With an implanted chip, it would enable more convenience, and enhance security as employees would not be able to lend their cards to their colleagues.
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Simulations, prototypes and user surveys
We conducted a full survey of 20 random members of the public. The results are shown below.....
The above graph clearly demonstrates peoples willingness to accept the fingerprint as a possible for of indetification. Even with issues surronding the publics personal data being held on large databases the added security and safety is clearly an overpowering factor for the public. This shows a great uptake and demonstrates the possiblity of our product being a success.
The pie chart shows a very positive public effect for intergrating all their reward cards into one simple unified solution. The chart is clear evidence that our product could improve the quality of life of our customers,.
This chart is a clear expression of our most difficult and hard to implement section of our product. The graph is evidence that the implementation of an RFID CHIP under the skin could be a controversial idea and may prove very complicated to put into practice. This region of the product make cause adverse effects on the product. The factors explained above have forced us to make the decision to remove the under-the-skin RFID chip from the product until social attitude and morals change.
The above two graphs clearly display the public's requirement to use reward card schemes - a great prospect for our product to succeed. The frequent use and amount of cards that are used produces an automatic necessity for them to be organised in a structured manner. Our product will be there solution to this necessity.
Prototypes
Above is a real life example of how the system would function. In this scenario, a book is being borrowed from the university library. In order for this to be done, the library customer must provide identification, and prove that they hold a library account. If the person also possesses a reward card for books borrowed, the reward card would also need to be provided. Our system would completely integrate these into one convenient key ring or wristband. In the photo, the scanner being used by the cashier can be seen scanning the key ring. This would then link to our database which would provide the university with all the identification and reward schemes that person has.
In the future. That key ring would become a embedded chip in the skin. Thus increasing the convenience and security of the entire system.
Below is a picture of a mock database that shows the association of the different entities for a person who has a RFID chip account.
