Jaison Dasika Upgrades His Colorful Smart Door
Last year, we covered Jaison Dasika's colorful smart door. Now he is back with a number of upgrades to the project.
About a year ago, Jaison Dasika posted a YouTube video showcasing his smart door project. That was a biometric door lock combined with LED lighting around the door frame, which improved both security and style. I covered that project at the time and may have got a detail or two wrong. But Dasika just released a new video that sets the record straight and that demonstrates several upgrades made over the last year. Let's take a look!
Let's start with my big mistake from the original article: person detection. I guessed that Dasika used an ultrasonic rangefinder to detect a person approaching the door. But as Dasika pointed out in the new video, I was wrong. Sorry, buddy! It turns out that he actually used a TF-Luna LiDAR module, which is more accurate than an ultrasonic sensor and has a longer range, too.
While Dasika made a number of improvements, the basic concept is the same. The system sees visitors as they walk up to the door and it lights up LEDs around the door frame in response. When that person reaches the door, they can attempt to unlock the deadbolt using a fingerprint sensor. If they have access, then they can unlock the door and walk in. If not, the lights start flashing red — something that will probably scare off casual burglars.
But Dasika further increased the security with some active protocols. If the lock wiggles back and forth (like it might if somewhere were picking the lock), the system will hold the deadbolt closed. If someone unlocks the door without first getting biometric clearance, the system will immediately lock the door again — hopefully before the intruder barges in. Some quality-of-life upgrades include an indication when the door isn't fully closed and the ability to pause automatic locking.
Most of the other improvements were made to streamline and polish the system. Dasika redesigned the 3D-printed parts, sourced a more reliable fingerprint sensor, and switched to a Seeed Studio XIAO development board. Dasika chose parts that others would be able to source, in case anyone wants to build their own smart door.
If that possibility does interest you, Dasika posted all of the necessary files on GitHub. He is also testing the waters regarding selling kits, so fill out this form to let him know if that is something you would want.