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CampusGuard Connect is a robust, cost-effective, and efficient communication and location tracking system for campus security patrols. The system leverages Meshtasticon Seeed Studio Wio Tracker L1 E-ink devices. It provides real-time location visibility of security personnel to the command centre and enable two-way text communication and task assignment directly to the guards' devices. The integrated E-ink display ensures low power consumption and clear readability in all lighting conditions (E-Ink can be viewed even under direct sunlight), enhancing situational awareness and operational efficiency without the high costs of traditional cellular-based or walkie-talkie systems.
2. ObjectivesEnhance Situational Awareness: Provide the command centre with real-time location data of all patrolling security guards on a live map.
- Enhance Situational Awareness: Provide the command centre with real-time location data of all patrolling security guards on a live map.
Improve Communication: Establish a reliable, low-power text-based messaging system between guards and the command centre for alerts, updates, and instructions.
- Improve Communication: Establish a reliable, low-power text-based messaging system between guards and the command centre for alerts, updates, and instructions.
Streamline Patrol Management: Allow dispatchers to send specific checkpoints or tasks directly to a guard's device.
- Streamline Patrol Management: Allow dispatchers to send specific checkpoints or tasks directly to a guard's device.
Increase Operational Efficiency: Reduce radio traffic and miscommunication by using precise, text-based messages and location data.
- Increase Operational Efficiency: Reduce radio traffic and miscommunication by using precise, text-based messages and location data.
Ensure Guard Safety: Enable quick location identification and dispatch of assistance if a guard fails to check in or sends a distress signal.
- Ensure Guard Safety: Enable quick location identification and dispatch of assistance if a guard fails to check in or sends a distress signal.
Core Components:
Seeed Studio Wio Tracker L1 E-ink:
Microcontroller: ARM Cortex-M4 CPU for processing.
- Microcontroller: ARM Cortex-M4 CPU for processing.
GNSS: Built-in GPS, BeiDou, and Galileo support for accurate location tracking.
- GNSS: Built-in GPS, BeiDou, and Galileo support for accurate location tracking.
Communication: LoRa® (Long Range) radio for Meshtastic communication (868/915MHz or 433MHz).
- Communication: LoRa® (Long Range) radio for Meshtastic communication (868/915MHz or 433MHz).
Display: 2.13” E-ink screen. Perfect for displaying text and simple graphics with ultra-low power draw (only uses power when the screen updates).
- Display: 2.13” E-ink screen. Perfect for displaying text and simple graphics with ultra-low power draw (only uses power when the screen updates).
- Viewability: E-ink screen viewable even under direct sunlight, unlike LCD screen.
Battery: rechargeable 1200mAh Li-ion battery, ideal for long shifts.
- Battery: rechargeable 1200mAh Li-ion battery, ideal for long shifts.
Durability: IP64 rated enclosure, suitable for outdoor patrol use.
- Durability:t
Meshtastic Protocol & Firmware:
What it is:This is an open-source project that enables encrypted text messaging and GPS location sharing over long-range, low-power LoRa radio.
- enables encrypted text messaging and GPS location sharing over long-range, low-power LoRa radio.
How it works: Devices form a "mesh" network. Each device can relay messages for others, extending the network's range across the entire campus without needing cell towers or Wi-Fi.
- How it works: Devices form a "mesh" network. Each device can relay messages for others, extending the network's range across the entire campus without needing cell towers or Wi-Fi.
Features: End-to-end encryption, low power consumption (devices can last days on a single charge), and live location sharing.
- Features: End-to-end encryption, low power consumption (devices can last days on a single charge), and live location sharing.
Command Centre Software:
Meshtastic Web Interface: A computer at the command centre will run the Meshtastic web client, connected to a Meshtastic device via USB.
Live Map: This interface displays the real-time location of every guard carrying a device on a Google Maps or OpenStreetMap backdrop.
Messaging Console: Allows dispatchers to send messages to individuals or all guards simultaneously
4. System Architecture & WorkflowWorkflow Example:
A guard patrols their designated zone. The Wio Tracker periodically sends its GPS coordinates into the mesh network.
These coordinates are relayed by fixed nodes across campus until they reach the command centre node.
The dispatcher sees the guard's icon on the live map.
The dispatcher needs the guard to check on a specific building. They type a message: "Proceed to Science Bldg, Room 205 for unlocked door report."
The message is sent via the mesh network directly to the guard's Wio Tracker.
The guard's E-ink screen updates with the new message and the specific task. They acknowledge and proceed to the location.
5. Implementation PlanPhase 1: Pilot Testing (4-6 Weeks)
Procurement: Acquire 2x Wio Tracker L1 devices.
Firmware Flashing: Install the latest Meshtastic firmware on all devices.
Network Planning: ideally we need to identify key locations for placing 2-3 stationary, solar-powered Meshtastic nodes to ensure full campus coverage. for this project, only use 1 node.
Testing: Conduct field tests with a small team of guards to evaluate range, battery life, screen readability, and usability.
Phase 2: Full Deployment (4 Weeks)
Procurement: Acquire devices for the entire security team role play (2 in total).
Node Installation: Permanently install and weatherproof stationary relay nodes on campus buildings. We only use one as illustration
Training: Conduct training sessions for security dispatchers and guards on using the system.
Deployment: Distribute devices and integrate the live map into daily operations.
Phase 3: Monitoring & Optimization (Ongoing)
Monitor system performance and battery life.
Gather feedback from users for iterative improvements.
Create documentation and troubleshooting guides.
6. Benefits & AdvantagesCost-Effective: No monthly cellular or data subscription fees. Hardware is a one-time cost. for cellular, it cost around RM15 per sim card per month
Long Battery Life: E-ink screen and LoRa technology ensure the device lasts multiple shifts on a single charge.
Excellent Readability: The E-ink screen is perfectly visible in direct sunlight, unlike LCD/LED screens.
Enhanced Reliability: Mesh network operates independently of cellular/Wi-Fi infrastructure, which can fail during emergencies.
Improved Accountability: Digital record of all patrol locations and communications.
7. Budget EstimateSeeed Studio Wio Tracker L1 E-ink
Note: Software (Meshtastic) and command centre interface are open-source and free. We need handle labour costs for setup and installation
8. ConclusionThe CampusGuard Connect system presents a modern, efficient, and fiscally responsible solution to the challenges of managing a mobile security force across a large campus. By leveraging the power of Meshtastic and the purpose-built Wio Tracker hardware, we can significantly enhance communication, safety, and operational control for the entire security department.
next step: proceeding with Phase 1: Pilot Testing to validate the system's effectiveness on our specific campus environment.
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