Aquino, Aaliyah May A. Camus, Jr. Ernesto F. Fisalbon, Niccole D. Isisdro, Chielo Marie P. Naguit, Eingel Marvic Emmanuelle E. opena, Ralph Christopher F. 4 0
PortPulse: a cloud-based real-time tracking system for enhanced luggage management. 6 6 - - - 92 pp. 28 cm. - - - - - . - . - 0 . - . - 0 .
Undergraduate Thesis : (Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering) - Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, 2024.
5
ABSTRACT: STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Air travel provides fast and convenient global connectivity, but the mishandling of luggage remains a significant concern. In 2022, 26 million bags were mishandled, intensified by the complexities of connecting flights. Such issues often stem from human errors in bustling airports or aircraft constraints, leading to passenger anxiety and potential security issues. As technology advances, integrating IoT into airport system emerges as a solution. The PortPulse project utilizes IoT to enhance luggage handling and tracking, aiming to reduce lost luggae incidents and enhance the travel experience. It offers a cloud-based real-time baggage tracking, allowing both travellers to stay updated and authorities to ensure security and efficiency in airport operations. Thus, as we proceed into the design of portPulse, critical questions arise: 1. How can PortPulse utilize IoT technology and Cloud Computing Technology to establish an efficient real-time tracking system, addressing the prevalent challenge of mishandled luggage, particularly during connecting flight transfers? 2. How can the infrastructure be designed toi seamlessly integrate the PortPulse system, ensuring travellers have real-time insights into the whereabouts and status of their luggae, thus providing them with the necessary information and reassurance? 3. What factors contribute to the overall satisfaction of users with the PortPulse system and how can these insights be utilized to enhance the user experience and further optimize luggage tracking efficiency? RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: The procedure outlines the systematic development of PortPulse, a luggage tracking system. Both the hardware and software were planned, built, tested, and analyzed. The objective was to enhance passenger satisfaction by providing real-time luggage tracking, user-friendly interfaces and smoother luggage handling. Various scenarios were tested, and the system was deployed gradually, with continuous improvements based on user feedback to ensure effectiveness in airport environments. For the hardware component, a Microcontroller (Wemos ESP8266 (DI Mini) and GPS technology (Neo 6m) were utilized in a compact keychain-like device. The system was released incrementally, with ongoing enhancements for improved usability. The software development followed a systematic approach, focusing on user requirements, system robustness, and intuitive interface design. Close collaboration between hardware and software teams ensured seamless integration and adherence to security standards. User testing, compliance checks, and pilot deployments at select airports contributed to continuous refinement based on user input, establishing PortPulse as a reliable luggage tracking solution. `Data gathering involves simulating and testing the device around Intramuros, Manila and the use of Google Forms to gather feedback on passenger satisfaction, luggage issues, and interest in PortPulse. Surveys were refined based on trial runs and shared via social media platforms like Facebook and Messenger. System integration into airline infrastructures emphasized modular architecture and standardized communication protocols to ensure compatibility. Security measures such as access controls and encryption were prioritized to safeguard data integrity and privacy. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: The primary aim of this study is to develop an integrated system that will enhance the experience of airline customers by reducing the possibility of luggage loss. The researchers technology, PortPulse, combines hardware that transmit the data (coordinates of the luggage pieces) from a satellite to the database with software designed to allow customers to follow their luggage in real-time. As a result, the cucial issues raised in Chapter I of the research served as the foundation for the success measures. This is a concise summary of the findings that highlights important information: From a functional perspective, PortPulse operates as a cohesive unit where the software interface serves as the primnary point of interaction for end-users while the hardware device delivers the information of the luggage coordinates to the database. Additionally, the software interface provides an easy-to-use monitoring tool that lets passengers know exactly where their luggage is at all times, giving them a sense of security and peace of mind when they're travelling. Moreso, the accuracy, usability, and user satisfaction of the PortPulse system were all considered during testing and validated accordingly in order to confirm the system's effectiveness. In the simulation, comparative results against Google Maps showed that PortPulse outperformed in terms of consistency and regularly reported position accuracy. Although it was noted that complete accuracy cannot be determined from this, it shows the efficacy of the system. Furthermore, the results of surveys leans towards the consensus that the system has an easy-to-use interface that is accessible to all users, regardless of their level of technological proficiency. All things considered, the implementation of PortPulse shows that the research and technical efforts undertaken in this project were successful in developing an integrated system that tracks and reports location instantaneously. By developing a device with a GPS tracker that sends real-time coordinates to the database, the researchers were able to combine IoT with cloud computing. PortPulse is sufficiently scalable that it has the potential to be integrated into actual airline systems, even through the technology was only evaluated in simulations. Finally evaluations of its usability, user flow, and user satisfaction demonstrate its potential to improve user experience by lowering the possibility of misplaced or improperly handled luggage. CONCLUSION: In summary, the research findings suggest that the PortPulse system has promising potential for improving luggage tracking in air transportation. Although it has some limits, like focusing only on checked-in luggage and testing in simulated environments, it shows potential for accurately tracking luggage in real-time. Even though there are small changes in GPS data, the PortPulse tracker stays pretty steady in showing where luggage is. Also, its easy-to-use interface and connection to cloud technology could help passengers keep track of their luggage better, possibly reducing lost or mishandled bags and making travel experiences better. But, more testing and improvements might be needed to fix any issues and make it work even better. RECOMMENDATIONS: Based on the finaly analysis of the result and discussion, the following are the recommendations to further enhance PortPulse for future research: . QR C ode Technology: Adding QR codes alongside device IDs can improve security and streamline processes. This was tested on the server by the researchers but not deployed due to time and compatibility issues. It could enhance security and user experience. . Better GPS Tracker: The current GPS module, Neo 6m, is accurate but lacks communication with cellular towers. Considering other GPS modules with this feature could improve reliability, especially as the system scales. . Battery-Powered Trackers: Exploring battery-powered GPS trackers would add flexibility. Currently, PortPulse device relies on an external power source due to microcontroller limitations, but redesigning for battery power could offer convenience. . Data filtering and Validation: Implementing filters and improving data validation in the web application can enhance usability for operators. This includes filtering by flight and adjusting charts and tables for better viewing . . Track Feature Search: Simplifying the luggage tracking process for passengers by adding a search component can improve user experience. . Alert Notifications: Incorporating alert notifications, such as SMS or email, when luggage passes certain checkpoints, can increase passenger awareness of luggage location. . API Structures: Optimizing the Google API calls in the web application can improve the real-time tracking feature. Adjusting intervals between calls could lead to better performance although it may incur additional costs.
5
2 = =
2
2 --0------
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--20------
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/ 2
/ 2
/
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PortPulse: a cloud-based real-time tracking system for enhanced luggage management. 6 6 - - - 92 pp. 28 cm. - - - - - . - . - 0 . - . - 0 .
Undergraduate Thesis : (Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering) - Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, 2024.
5
ABSTRACT: STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Air travel provides fast and convenient global connectivity, but the mishandling of luggage remains a significant concern. In 2022, 26 million bags were mishandled, intensified by the complexities of connecting flights. Such issues often stem from human errors in bustling airports or aircraft constraints, leading to passenger anxiety and potential security issues. As technology advances, integrating IoT into airport system emerges as a solution. The PortPulse project utilizes IoT to enhance luggage handling and tracking, aiming to reduce lost luggae incidents and enhance the travel experience. It offers a cloud-based real-time baggage tracking, allowing both travellers to stay updated and authorities to ensure security and efficiency in airport operations. Thus, as we proceed into the design of portPulse, critical questions arise: 1. How can PortPulse utilize IoT technology and Cloud Computing Technology to establish an efficient real-time tracking system, addressing the prevalent challenge of mishandled luggage, particularly during connecting flight transfers? 2. How can the infrastructure be designed toi seamlessly integrate the PortPulse system, ensuring travellers have real-time insights into the whereabouts and status of their luggae, thus providing them with the necessary information and reassurance? 3. What factors contribute to the overall satisfaction of users with the PortPulse system and how can these insights be utilized to enhance the user experience and further optimize luggage tracking efficiency? RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: The procedure outlines the systematic development of PortPulse, a luggage tracking system. Both the hardware and software were planned, built, tested, and analyzed. The objective was to enhance passenger satisfaction by providing real-time luggage tracking, user-friendly interfaces and smoother luggage handling. Various scenarios were tested, and the system was deployed gradually, with continuous improvements based on user feedback to ensure effectiveness in airport environments. For the hardware component, a Microcontroller (Wemos ESP8266 (DI Mini) and GPS technology (Neo 6m) were utilized in a compact keychain-like device. The system was released incrementally, with ongoing enhancements for improved usability. The software development followed a systematic approach, focusing on user requirements, system robustness, and intuitive interface design. Close collaboration between hardware and software teams ensured seamless integration and adherence to security standards. User testing, compliance checks, and pilot deployments at select airports contributed to continuous refinement based on user input, establishing PortPulse as a reliable luggage tracking solution. `Data gathering involves simulating and testing the device around Intramuros, Manila and the use of Google Forms to gather feedback on passenger satisfaction, luggage issues, and interest in PortPulse. Surveys were refined based on trial runs and shared via social media platforms like Facebook and Messenger. System integration into airline infrastructures emphasized modular architecture and standardized communication protocols to ensure compatibility. Security measures such as access controls and encryption were prioritized to safeguard data integrity and privacy. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: The primary aim of this study is to develop an integrated system that will enhance the experience of airline customers by reducing the possibility of luggage loss. The researchers technology, PortPulse, combines hardware that transmit the data (coordinates of the luggage pieces) from a satellite to the database with software designed to allow customers to follow their luggage in real-time. As a result, the cucial issues raised in Chapter I of the research served as the foundation for the success measures. This is a concise summary of the findings that highlights important information: From a functional perspective, PortPulse operates as a cohesive unit where the software interface serves as the primnary point of interaction for end-users while the hardware device delivers the information of the luggage coordinates to the database. Additionally, the software interface provides an easy-to-use monitoring tool that lets passengers know exactly where their luggage is at all times, giving them a sense of security and peace of mind when they're travelling. Moreso, the accuracy, usability, and user satisfaction of the PortPulse system were all considered during testing and validated accordingly in order to confirm the system's effectiveness. In the simulation, comparative results against Google Maps showed that PortPulse outperformed in terms of consistency and regularly reported position accuracy. Although it was noted that complete accuracy cannot be determined from this, it shows the efficacy of the system. Furthermore, the results of surveys leans towards the consensus that the system has an easy-to-use interface that is accessible to all users, regardless of their level of technological proficiency. All things considered, the implementation of PortPulse shows that the research and technical efforts undertaken in this project were successful in developing an integrated system that tracks and reports location instantaneously. By developing a device with a GPS tracker that sends real-time coordinates to the database, the researchers were able to combine IoT with cloud computing. PortPulse is sufficiently scalable that it has the potential to be integrated into actual airline systems, even through the technology was only evaluated in simulations. Finally evaluations of its usability, user flow, and user satisfaction demonstrate its potential to improve user experience by lowering the possibility of misplaced or improperly handled luggage. CONCLUSION: In summary, the research findings suggest that the PortPulse system has promising potential for improving luggage tracking in air transportation. Although it has some limits, like focusing only on checked-in luggage and testing in simulated environments, it shows potential for accurately tracking luggage in real-time. Even though there are small changes in GPS data, the PortPulse tracker stays pretty steady in showing where luggage is. Also, its easy-to-use interface and connection to cloud technology could help passengers keep track of their luggage better, possibly reducing lost or mishandled bags and making travel experiences better. But, more testing and improvements might be needed to fix any issues and make it work even better. RECOMMENDATIONS: Based on the finaly analysis of the result and discussion, the following are the recommendations to further enhance PortPulse for future research: . QR C ode Technology: Adding QR codes alongside device IDs can improve security and streamline processes. This was tested on the server by the researchers but not deployed due to time and compatibility issues. It could enhance security and user experience. . Better GPS Tracker: The current GPS module, Neo 6m, is accurate but lacks communication with cellular towers. Considering other GPS modules with this feature could improve reliability, especially as the system scales. . Battery-Powered Trackers: Exploring battery-powered GPS trackers would add flexibility. Currently, PortPulse device relies on an external power source due to microcontroller limitations, but redesigning for battery power could offer convenience. . Data filtering and Validation: Implementing filters and improving data validation in the web application can enhance usability for operators. This includes filtering by flight and adjusting charts and tables for better viewing . . Track Feature Search: Simplifying the luggage tracking process for passengers by adding a search component can improve user experience. . Alert Notifications: Incorporating alert notifications, such as SMS or email, when luggage passes certain checkpoints, can increase passenger awareness of luggage location. . API Structures: Optimizing the Google API calls in the web application can improve the real-time tracking feature. Adjusting intervals between calls could lead to better performance although it may incur additional costs.
5
2 = =
2
2 --0------
6 --0-- 2 --------
0 2 --
--20------
--------20--
--------20--
----2
/ 2
/ 2
/
/