Senior Project in Computer Science

Project in Computer Science

1. Objective:

 To design an automatic stamp dispenser for the Subway customers  In addition, it should meet the following requirements: o Simple to operate. o Compatible with any type of PC. o Easy to maintain. o Low cost.

2. Team Members

a. Waqar Ahmad b. Ali Ammar c. Mun Lee d. Jesse Bales

3. Background:

In order to accomplish the task we have to understand the functioning of the Subway software. The software is compatible only with Windows 98, on which it is currently running. We also have to have a basic idea of the working of RS 232 and its connectivity to the serial port and com ports. The VFD which shall be used for the display box has been bought via the Matrix Orbital Company. IT has 2 lines of display with 24 characters in each line. This connects to the PC via the USB (com 3 port).

4. Equipment Used:

This project requires a computer preferably Pentium III. IT requires an Operating system of Windows 98. Apart from these things the equipments required are.

Description: LK202-24-USB LCD

20 characters x 2 lines Module size: 116.0mm(L) x 37.0mm(W) x 27.5mm(T) Display size: 82.2mm(L) x 18.2mm(W) Character size: 3.20 x 5.55mm RS 232 Serial communication

RS-232 was created for one purpose, to interface between Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and Data Communications Equipment (DCE) employing serial binary data interchange. So as stated the DTE is the terminal or computer and the DCE is the modem or other communications device. The Subway Sample POS

This is the actual subway POS which is used by the cashier. We shall use this just for the final testing of the working model of our automatic stamp dispenser.

The Stamp Dispenser

This is the stamp dispenser which has to be automated. We have bought this stamp dispenser from a Japanese company in Japan. Although the internal width of stamp reel holder is more than the Subway Stamps, we shall use it as long as our project is in the testing phase. Once this project is completed we shall order the exact width required for the Subway stamps. However, if we keep this stamp dispenser it will cause unnecessary jams in the stamp dispenser, hence increasing the maintenance cost.

 Reduced ticket jams  Easy to remove front plate  Covered optic sensor  Ticket feed button for easy ticket loading  Direct compatibility to all major ticket dispensers on the market  Adjustable Ticket Widths (1" or 1 5 /32")  High speed ticket dispensing 3 tickets per second  Virtually Dust Free Ticket Validation with extra deep embossment of tickets for additional security  Diagnostic LED sensors  Fully accessible ticket path with durable stainless steel guide  12 Month Warranty (15 months from date of manufacture)  Ticket Dispenser Doors  Redemption Tickets

The Push Buttons

These are the push buttons which will be used by the customers to enter their option as to whether or not to dispense the stamps. Two of these buttons will be used, one for NO and the other for pressing YES.

4. Procedure Followed:

The actual procedure followed is very simple.

1. Run the source program in the back ground. 2. Start the Subway shop program. 3. The program reads in the stamps from the serial port through which the Subway shop program sends the information. When the enter key is pressed i.e. when it says Total = $xx.xx only then we need to read in the stamps. 4. Once the program reads this it displays it on the VFD for the customer with an option of whether or not to dispense the stamps. 5. If the user chooses to dispense stamps, then the stamps are dispensed via the Stamp dispenser. 6. However, if the user chooses not to dispense stamps, then the stamps are withheld within the Stamp dispenser. The screen is paused for a couple of seconds say like 10 seconds and then displays the message “Welcome to subway”.

5. Issues to be discussed

a. Software Compatibility: i. Currently the Subway software runs on Windows 98. Therefore the whole programming should be done in the Windows 98 operating system.

b. User Screen i. The user is given the option as to how many stamps have they earned. ii. They are also provided with another question as to whether they want their stamps or not. iii. Correspondingly the stamps are either retained in the dispenser or are given out

c. Ticket Dispensing i. Tickets are dispensed based on the user option of (Yes/No) given to the user via the user screen. ii. iii. There is a Keypad or push buttons which will be used as the options of Yes or No. iv. v. These buttons are then interfaced to the PC throwing signals to the Dispenser to rotate a certain amount of rpm to dipense the required number of stamps. d. Error Handling (CONTROL PASSES TO THE CASHIER ) i. What if the push buttons malfunction? ii. What if the question as to whether to dispense the stamps or to retain it is used by another user. This is where the delay comes in to play. iii. What is the Option of Yes or No is not being passed via the PC.

6. References

 http://lcdriver.pointofnoreturn.org/vfds.html\

 http://www.futaba.com/display.modules/index.html

 http://www.ab.com/industrialcontrols/products/push_butto ns/