Title
An Intelligent Security Post
Microcontroller for parking control
Technologies used

Microcontroller

Industrial sector (PRODCOM code)
    28 Mechanical Product Design
    29 Machinery
    31 Electrical Products
    34-35 Transportation Services
Abstract
Frogability Limited is a young, expanding company specialising in the design, manufacture and supply of remotely operated, motorised security products for the domestic and commercial market. The Frogability Post is one of the company's main products, and is a road mounted security post designed to prevent vehicle theft and unauthorised car parking. The simple control offered by the current electromechanical relay technology used in this product introduces several disadvantages in terms of the product's features.

The objective of this application experiment is to integrate microcontroller technology into the Security Post to enable the inclusion of the following features:

1. Automatic detection of obstructions to the post during opening or closing operations, so as to meet emerging legislation in many foreign markets, and to reduce the damage potential to the user or to vehicles.
2. Expand the number of transmitters able to operate the Security Post to allow family or business use of the Security Post, and to add extra security features for the radio control link not available with commercial transmitters.
3. Provide detection facilities for intruder detection and low battery charge states, and warn the user using audible and visual alarms.

The improvements have enabled the continued sales of the product in export markets, and are facilitating export sales to the USA. Furthermore, the application experiment has resulted in a significant and sustained increment in the company's technical and management capabilities that will be utilised in the re-development of other products to meet emerging customer and legal requirements. The company learned valuable lessons in the management of electronic design work programmes, especially in the area of subcontractor interfacing.

The FUSE programme funded the development cost to prototype stage for the improved Security Post. This cost was 41,000 ECU, and the development activity took 8 months from the start date of 29th. October 1996.

The product improvements realised increased sales resulting in a payback period of 8.5 months for the development costs incurred. The return on investment (ROI) over the product lifetime, which is assumed to be four years before the product must be upgraded, is at least 450%.
Company
Frogability Ltd
5 The Courtyard
D'arcy Business Park
Llandarcy,
Neath SA10 6EJ
Detailed information
You can also benefit from microelectronics

Microcontroller technology provided Frogability Ltd with the means of improving its products and enhancing its market position. You can also achieve significant benefits by acquiring the right microelectronics technology and utilising it in your product or manufacturing process. You can get help from FUSE to realise this.

FUSE is a technology transfer programme, funded by the European Commission to stimulate the wider use of microelectronics technologies by European enterprises to increase their competitiveness and enhance their economic growth. The demonstrator described here is one of many examples in the public FUSE portfolio covering the whole spectrum of microelectronics technologies and spanning a wide range of applications and industry sectors.

FUSE provides you with:

  • Best practice in acquiring specific microelectronics technologies and conducting full development projects through the FUSE portfolio of real life demonstrator documents.
  • Local training and expert support to plan your innovation realistically and help you conduct your project successfully.

Further information and support relating to this and other demonstrators can be obtained from the addresses below.
Further information   Guiding Technology Transfer Node
For further information and support regarding this case study, please contact a Technology Transfer Node (TTN) in your region.
Homepage: http://www.fuse-network.com

Univercity of Glamorgan
Mid Glamorgan
Pontypridd CF37 1DL
United Kingdom