CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

In the past many systems that are designed by man are normally

operated manually. This mode of operation is accompanied with many

defects or disadvantages. Some of the disadvantages involve stress

undergone by the operator; the operator is also exposed to health hazards

when carrying out his or her duties. These health hazards might be in terms

of electrocution skin burn or bruises.

To overcome the above mentioned disadvantages that are

associated with manual operation of systems the recent systems are

designed with mechanisms that enable them to carry out the required

operations automatically. To this effect the system carries out the required

operation by them. The mechanism of the system can only be altered

during servicing of the machine. With automatic operation of systems the

stress involved with handling the systems are reduced drastically.

The automatic gate control system is one of the systems that operate

automatically. The system simply detects the presence of object at the front

of the gate and then opens the doors of the gate automatically. It

incorporates sensors that are mounted at strategic positions and which has

the capability of detecting objects. These systems are used in public offices

where people often make use of the doors.

1.2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

The main aim of the design is to practically obtain a system that

opens and closes a given gate automatically when there is presence of

cars or persons. The system is designed in such a way that it has sensors

that senses the presence of people.

1.3 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

The design and implementation of microcontroller based automatic gate

controller utilizes the characteristic operation of both passive and active

electronic components such as resistors capacitors and integrated circuits.

The circuit is designed in a prototype forms and it is only meant for indoor

demonstration of how the system works. The system also uses a

programmable integrated circuit in its control unit. Meanwhile this project

microcontroller based automatic gate control has sub units such as:

Power supply unit

The control section

The gate drive section

The sensor unit

1.4 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Voltage regulation: this is simply the control of voltage as needed

by the design. Voltage regulation ensures that a specific and steady

voltage supply is provided for the system operation.

Electromagnetic switch: this is the contact making that exists

between terminal of electronic components. These switches are

carried through a process known as electromagnetic induction.

Examples of devices that can perform this action is the relay.

Erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM): this is a

type of memory device which can be programmed. The device also

has program erasing ability if it is to be reprogrammed.

1.5 PROJECT REPORT ORGANIZATION

Five chapters were covered in the course of design and development

of this project. The chapters and their contents are as follows:

Chapter one is the introductory chapter that gives the background of the

project aim and objective the scope and organization of the project.