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Design and Development of Automated Baggage Counter

Using Radio Frequency Identification System

Joed John Agudera, Aaron Edwin Asilo, Louie Okay, Kentjoshua Palonan,

Anthony Oliver Rana, Raymond Ray Saldua, COE, ECE

University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines

Cagayan de Oro City

Abstract-- The study of automated baggage counter is a typical example of

a conveyor system with radio frequency identification program. An initial

structure was designed and built. Automated baggage counter’s materials

and devices specifications were methodically made for a comprehensive

output. Existing energies of dynamic model were observed separately to

generate the model of the automated baggage counter. State - space

model of baggage counter was developed and radio frequency

identification was used as a programming medium according to state-space

model. Automated baggage counter system has some keys parameters

that are directly engaged with system’s performance and response.

Parametric studies were done and system responses were observed by

variations of key parameters. Observed results from parametric studies

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were applied into physical model to improve the automated baggage

counter performance.

Keywords: automated, performance, baggage, medium, radio frequency

identification, conveyor, parameter, output

Introduction

The customer’s expectation follows the traditional way of having the best

services as possible. In addition to this, the establishment’s duty is to give

the best services needed by their customers. However, problems are not an

exception to this where in fact it can be encounter by the customers having

trouble going around the establishment which is necessary for the

establishment to offer a storage counter. Then, as the number of reports of

stolen items increases from the checked luggage it becomes more

prevalent that causes the obvious question to loom: Is your checked

luggage safe? (Bite K.E., 2008) Theft in stored baggage is not new in the

country, even with a strict protocol it is inevitable that there will be few that

still passes through.

There are many transferred baggage that are directed to false

destinations or simply getting lost during traveling procedures. Some of

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these however, get taken away by other passengers by mistake or

intentionally stolen. Irrespective of whether the loss can be attributed to a

human or computer error, it is causing enormous losses for the

establishment. (Polytechnica, 2008) Other than theft, the mishandling of

stored baggage is another issue to be foreseen. Not only that the customers

want their baggage to be there when they come back but also want their

baggage in one piece.

The trust between the establishment and the customer is to be

maintained in order to do so, the management offers a guarantee to give

the most efficient and secured storage they can offer. The installation of

CCTV cameras is the most commonly used countermeasure by some of the

establishments around the country. Monitoring the baggage by security

personnel, the establishment guarantees that the stored baggage is safe

and secured but there are other establishments that do not apply cameras

in the storage area due to security and privacy purposes. (D. Elledge, 2007)

Furthermore, some counter measures used by the establishments along

with having CCTV cameras is the employment of trust worthy personnel

who carefully handles the customer’s baggage with utmost care. These

personnel are trained by the establishment to provide the best service

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available however; the consistency of the output of the employee is not

definite and just based on mere luck. (Haxton, 2011)

Finally, one of the best possible countermeasures done by the

establishment is the strategically placing of the storage area. It is mostly

placed near the security personnel to psychologically prevent against bad

elements while placing the storage in a well-lighted area is also a must. In

fact, having a secure and steady storage area is a requisite to prevent the

mishandling. (K. Earle, 2008)

Framework of the Study

The conceptual framework for Automated Baggage Counter is illustrated

(Figure 1.1) where the completion of the baggage counter can be attained

after assembling the structural components of the machine which would

need a detailed and well calculated structural design then followed by the

connection of the electrical components using the schematic diagram which

would need a detailed schematic diagram, and lastly would be the syncing
PROCESS
and testing of the machine’s response to the arduino software.
 Assembling the
structural components of
the machine

INPUT  Connection of the

electrical components OUTPUT
 Structural using the schematic
Design diagram  Complete
Automate
 Schematic d
Diagram  Syncing and testing of Baggage
the machine’s response Counter
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Figure 1.1 Conceptual Framework

Statement of the Problem

The design and development of the study will provide high productivity

and more efficiency on the industries such as, airlines, ship lines, and other

business industries. It provides academic impact to the students of

Electro-Mechanical Technology of Mindanao University of Science and

Technology. Thus, the study seeks to address the following issues:

1. What are the design parameters that must be considered in

designing an automated baggage counter using radio frequency

identification system?

2. What strategies to be used in developing an automated baggage

counter using radio frequency identification system?

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What are the evaluation parameters to be used in evaluating the

effectiveness and acceptability of the automated baggage counter using

radio frequency identification system?

Methodology

The parts that the researchers focus are the improvement of the

machine functionality and purpose. It must be considered as the

preferences for further and future study of micro-controller in the student

that is taking the course of Bachelor of Science in Electro-Mechanical

Technology. Figure below shows the steps in which the researchers have to

follow in analyzing, designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating

the study.

Results and Discussions

The test and assessment conducted on the development automated

baggage counter reveal that the baggage counter is able to demonstrate

the program that is being downloaded in the micro-controller. The unit uses

Arduino for the program that is being downloaded.

The evaluation of the developed automated baggage counter design

showed that the unit is perceived to have good qualities on the evaluation

parameters.
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The respondents found that the automated baggage counter have good

physical appearance with a mean of 3.6. This value suggests that the

respondents found the baggage counter’s design to be pleasing. The

arrangement and physical outlook parameters were also given a good

rating, reflecting a merely satisfactory evaluation of the way by which the

wires and layout are displayed.

The mean response of the respondents with regards to the technical

functionality, which are generally found to be fair, with an average mean of

3.4. The respondents found the input and output components to be working

in order that the functionality of the input and output components working

together is evident, and that the automated baggage counter functions as it

is programmed.

The average mean rating of the baggage counter based on its

relevance to Mechatronics is 3.6, which means that the respondents found

this parameter to be good. The unique design and working relationship of

the input and output components caused the automated baggage counter

to gain good relevance in the field of Mechatronics. The average mean

rating of the prototype based on its marketability is 3.5, giving this

parameter a good rating overall. The automated baggage counter’s

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appearance and functionality are evaluated to have good effects on the

baggage counter marketability.

Over-all Response of the Prototype Base from the Survey

Table 1: Summary of Overall Mean Results

Parameters Mean

Prototypes Aesthetics 2.9

Prototypes Performance 3.2
Prototypes Automation
3.1
Complexity
Prototypes Marketability 3.5

The Table 1 shows the evaluation of the Automated Baggage Counter with

RFID. The respondents agreed that the baggage counter is physically

presentable, functional, in good performance, and has a good relevance to

Mechatronics which was perceived to be good by the respondents.

Conclusion- Therefore the prototype’s design workmanship is suitable for

enhancements. The respondents also recommend the prototype to be used

as part of the educational facilities in University of Science and Technology

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of Southern Philippines for the students to utilize and heighten the expertise

in relations to Mechatronics.

Recommendation- The respondents therefore recommend that the

following:

a) The thorough canvassing of the whole materials must

be observed from the very beginning.

b) The fabrication of the body and its structure must be

improved as well to increase the overall physical

appearance of the prototype.

c) It is suggested to utilize a power that can supply high

voltage and also can last longer during the operation.

d) The harnessing of wire must be improved.

e) It is suggested to improved and utilize a design for the

basket to be controllable when it is already inside the

prototype.
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