Fingerprint based Bank Locker System using RFID

Abstract

This paper presents the development and implementation of a microcontroller-based smart locker security system that integrates RFID and fingerprint biometric technologies to ensure secure and controlled access. The system utilizes an RFID module for administrative override and a fingerprint sensor for user authentication, combined with a servo motor to control the physical locking mechanism. An I2C LCD provides real-time feedback to users, and a buzzer offers audio alerts for system events. The built-in EEPROM of the Arduino Uno is used to store authorized fingerprint IDs, ensuring data persistence across power cycles. A button-controlled menu system allows administrators to enroll, delete, or reset fingerprint data upon successful RFID verification. Security features include a lockout mechanism after multiple failed attempts and an RFID-based recovery system for system reset. The proposed design is low-cost, scalable, and suitable for applications in banking, educational institutions, and personal security lockers. Experimental validation demonstrates high reliability and fast response time, making it a practical solution for secure access management.

Introduction

Overview:
As the need for secure and convenient access systems grows, traditional mechanical lockers are being replaced by smart lockers. This research presents a dual-authentication smart locker system that combines RFID and fingerprint recognition to improve security and user convenience. It targets applications in banks, schools, gyms, and offices.

System Design & Features:

• Authentication Mechanism:

  • RFID: Contactless ID using MFRC522; includes a master tag for admin access.

  • Fingerprint Recognition: Biometric access using an optical sensor; stores up to 127 fingerprints in EEPROM.

• Interface & Controls:

  • 16x2 I2C LCD for real-time display

  • Tactile buttons for menu navigation

  • Buzzer and LED for alerts and feedback

• Security Protocols:

  • System lockout after 3 failed attempts

  • Anti-spoofing measures

  • EEPROM for persistent fingerprint storage

• Platform:

  • Based on Arduino Uno

  • Uses servo motors for locking mechanism

  • Power via USB or battery with TP4056 charging module

Technical Methodology:

• Feature Extraction:

  • RFID UID detection for admin override

  • Fingerprint templates stored by ID in EEPROM

  • Button states control system navigation

  • Attempt counter tracks failed entries

• Model Training:

  • Fingerprint data preprocessed using contrast enhancement and edge detection

  • Minutiae points used for template matching

  • Evaluation metrics include FAR, FRR, EER, and processing time

Results & Evaluation:

• Performance Metrics:

  • Authentication Accuracy: >90%

  • False Acceptance Rate (FAR): Very low

  • False Rejection Rate (FRR): Minimal

  • Anti-Spoofing: 93% success against fake fingerprints

  • RFID Override Accuracy: 100%

• User Testing:

  • 20 users performed multiple enrollment and authentication actions

  • System consistently performed well across different scenarios

Challenges & Limitations:

1. Sensor Sensitivity: Fingerprint issues with wet/dirty fingers

2. RFID Cloning Risks: Can be mitigated with high-frequency encrypted tags

3. Storage Limits: 127 fingerprints max due to EEPROM and MCU limitations

4. No Logging or Time Tracking: No RTC or access logs

5. Power Constraints: Performance issues under load from USB power

6. Menu Complexity: Limited buttons slow down navigation

7. Environmental Factors: Humidity/dust can affect sensor performance

Comparison with Other Systems:

Conclusion

This research presents a reliable, low-cost, and modular smart locker security system that integrates RFID and fingerprint-based authentication using an Arduino microcontroller. The system successfully combines multiple access control technologies to provide dual-layer security, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access the locker. A manager RFID tag enables administrative privileges, such as enrolling or deleting fingerprints and resetting the system after security lockouts. The use of EEPROM for storing fingerprint IDs ensures data persistence, while the LCD interface and navigation buttons provide a user-friendly menu system for smooth interaction. The integration of a buzzer and LED indicators adds real-time feedback, enhancing usability and security awareness. Through extensive prototyping and testing, the system demonstrates fast response times, high recognition accuracy, and effective handling of invalid access attempts. Its compact and scalable design makes it suitable for applications in banks, educational institutions, offices, and personal storage solutions. Future improvements could include remote monitoring via IoT, GSM alerts, access logging with timestamps, and integration of facial recognition for enhanced security. With continued development, such smart systems can revolutionize how we approach secure physical storage in both public and private sectors.

References

[1] R. Kumar and A. Sharma, “Smart Biometric Locker System Using RFID and Fingerprint,” International Journal ofEngineering Research & Technology (IJERT), vol. 9, no. 5, pp. 182–185, 2020. [2] A. Singh and S. Verma, “Secure Locker Using Arduino with Biometric and RFID Authentication,” Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Systems, pp. 112–117, 2019. [3] P. Singh, “Design and Implementation of Biometric Locker System Using Embedded Technology,” International Journal of Computer Applications, vol. 132, no. 12, pp. 25–28, 20

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Ravi Kumar, Leona Dutta, Sayandeep Das, Arghya Naskar, Saumyadip Pramanik, Partha Pratim Mondal, Koushik Pal, Antara Ghosal. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.