Smart Data Vendor Using Raspberry Pi

Akshatha H.A. Prerana H.R. Priyanka G. Chalikar

Dept. of Electronics and Dept. of Electronics and Dept. of Electronics and
Communication Engineering Communication Engineering Communication Engineering
The National Institute Of Engineering The National Institute Of Engineering The National Institute Of Engineering
Mysuru, Karnataka, India Mysuru, Karnataka, India Mysuru, Karnataka, India
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Suchitra P. Vishwanath M. K.
Dept. of Electronics and Assistant Professor
Communication Engineering Dept. of Electronics and
The National Institute Of Engineering Communication Engineering
Mysuru, Karnataka, India The National Institute Of Engineering
[email protected] Mysuru, Karnataka, India
[email protected]

Abstract— In today's fast-paced world, managing will be hosted on a local server, that occupies the PI's ROM
information has become chaotic for everyone, including and its domain need not be purchased, making it more
students, professors, and staff members. In the context of accessible and cost-effective. To display the website on an
education, this challenge is further compounded by the need to LCD screen, we will use a single-board computer called
manage multiple sources of information across various Raspberry PI. This computer will provide output at the micro
departments. With multiple apps and a common website for all HDMI port, which can be connected to a monitor, and it also
departments, students have to check several notifications from provides storage space for the files that support the website.
different accounts. To address this issue, we have come up with This project showcases Raspberry Pi's capabilities to handle
a solution. We propose creating a website dedicated to a specific
large amounts of data traffic coming from a functional
department, such as electronics and communications, which will
provide students with easy access to all important information
website.
related to their department in one place. This information The project will involve the development of a robust
includes important updates, student achievements, timetables, backend infrastructure powered by Django, a Python-based
placement information, college YouTube channel links, and web framework known for its scalability, flexibility, and
other relevant college information. Creating a department- security features. The backend infrastructure will facilitate
specific website will help to integrate multiple environments seamless data manipulation, storage, and retrieval, enabling
without the need to purchase a domain name, using an
organizations to manage vast volumes of data efficiently.
inexpensive single-board computer (SBC) like Raspberry Pi, a
website is to be created for the department. This approach will Our project will feature a dynamic frontend interface
provide for a website without the need to purchase a domain crafted using HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language), CSS3
name as the code runs on the SBC and the website can be (Cascading Style Sheets), and JavaScript, ensuring a
accessed on an LCD (Liquid Crystal display) display This will responsive and intuitive user experience across desktop and
not only simplify the information management process but also mobile devices.
create a more personalized experience for students, as they will
have access to information that is most relevant to their In conclusion, the proposed department-specific website
department. for electronics and communications engineering will help
address the inefficiencies and inconveniences associated with
Keywords— Django framework, Web development, traditional educational websites. With a user-friendly interface
Raspberry Pi, Text-to-speech and easy accessibility, this website will make it easier for
students to access the information they need, ultimately
I. INTRODUCTION improving their academic experience.
"The Smart Data Vendor Using Raspberry Pi" is an
advanced platform that utilizes the power of Raspberry Pi, a II. SYSTEM SOFTWARE DESIGN
versatile and compact computing device, to transform the The software components required for the project were
learning experience for electronics and communication meticulously selected and integrated to ensure optimal
engineering (ECE) students. This innovative project offers a functionality and user experience. HTML5 served as the
comprehensive educational tool catering to students and foundation for structuring the app's content, providing
external stakeholders. The website's features include
semantic markup for accessibility. CSS3 played a crucial role
academic schedules, faculty information, placement data,
in styling the user interface and enhancing visual appeal and
Floor plan of the department and other relevant updates. The
system's architecture is designed for scalability, ensuring usability.
future expansions and updates without compromising The Django framework, powered by Python, was chosen for
performance. its robustness and scalability for backend development.
Leveraging Django's built-in features such as URL routing,
The creation of a department-specific website for
database interactions, and user authentication streamlined
electronics and communications engineering, will be
specifically designed to cater to the needs of students studying backend development, ensuring efficient handling of requests
in this field and will provide them with a user-friendly and data management. SQLite was adopted as the database
interface that is easy to navigate. Additionally, this website management system due to its lightweight nature and
suitability for the project's scale. This combination of frontend To view the Raspberry Pi OS desktop environment, a screen
and backend technologies facilitated the creation of a feature- is needed, and a cable to link the screen and the Raspberry Pi.
rich web application tailored to the specific needs of the ECE The screen used is the Waveshare 7" Capacitive Touchscreen
department. In addition to these core technologies, various display. The Raspberry Pi has two micro-HDMI output ports
other tools and technologies were used to enhance the web which are used to connect to the output display. It also has a
application. Bootstrap, a popular CSS framework, provided standard Ethernet port for connection and a wired LAN. It
pre-designed UI components and responsive layout utilities, also supports IEEE 802.11 standards with its built-in Wi-Fi
simplifying front-end development by offering a consistent module. Its affordability, low power consumption, and
grid system, typography, forms, buttons, and navigation versatility make it an ideal choice for this project. The web
components. Additional libraries and plugins such as AOS application created is deployed on the Raspberry Pi, utilizing
(Animate On Scroll), GLightbox, Swiper, Boxicons, its computing power and connectivity to run it and interface
Venobox, and PureCounter were integrated to enhance the with peripherals such as the display, mouse, keyboard, and
user experience by adding animations, lightbox speaker.
functionalities, sliders, icons, video pop-ups, and animating
numerical data display. The Waveshare 7-inch HDMI LCD offers an immersive
The project also utilized Django's built-in authentication viewing experience with its IPS display panel and a screen
system for user registration, login, logout, password resolution of 1024 x 600. Featuring a capacitive touch-type
management, and access control. Visual Studio Code served screen and a toughened glass touch panel with 6H hardness,
as the primary Integrated Development Environment (IDE) it ensures durability and responsiveness. The display in the
for coding and development, providing features such as Smart Data Vendor project serves as the primary interface
syntax highlighting, code completion, debugging, version through which users interact with the application. Integrated
control integration, and extension support. with the Raspberry Pi 4, the display provides visual output
Furthermore, various static assets and libraries, including and supports touch functionality, enabling users to navigate
Bootstrap, AOS, Lightbox, Swiper, and Box icons, were through the web application interface, input data, and interact
integrated to ensure a consistent and engaging user interface with its features.
across different devices. These software components Speaker: The Portronics in Tune 3 Portable USB Wired
collectively contributed to the creation of an engaging and Soundbar is a compact and versatile speaker designed for use
intuitive user interface for the Smart Data Vendor. with PCs, desktops, laptops, and other devices. The speaker
connects via a 3.5mm audio jack and features a volume scroll
III. SYSTEM HARDWARE DESIGN button for easy adjustment of audio levels. In this project, the
There are several models of Raspberry Pi, and the one used Portronics in Tune 3 speaker serves multiple roles. It is used
here is the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B. It is the newest, fastest, to enhance the audio experience when accessing multimedia
and easiest to use, and comes with 4GB of RAM. To power content such as videos, presentations, or online tutorials
up the Raspberry Pi, a USB-C cable is required with a steady through the Smart Data Vendor application. Additionally, it
5-volt DC power supply. The power supply must provide at provides audio feedback or alerts for notifications,
least 3A of current. The Raspberry Pi needs an SD card with announcements, or other interactive elements within the
a capacity of at least 8GB to store all its files and the application, enhancing user engagement and accessibility.
Raspberry Pi OS operating system, Raspbian. The one used Keyboard and Mouse: The keyboard and mouse are standard
here has a 32GB ROM storage. Powered by the Broadcom peripheral devices used for interacting with the Raspberry Pi
Quad-core Cortex-A72 64-bit SoC clocked at 1.5GHz, the Pi and accessing the Smart Data Vendor app by facilitating user
4 boasts substantial processing power, enabling smooth input and navigation. These peripherals are connected to the
multitasking and efficient handling of diverse computing Raspberry Pi to serve as the primary user interface for
tasks. Its inclusion of 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz IEEE 802.11ac interacting with the Smart Data Vendor web application and
wireless, alongside Bluetooth 5.0, ensures versatile and high- to navigate and interact with various features.
speed wireless communication capabilities.
IV. IMPLEMENTATION
The design implementation of the project follows a
structured approach, integrating software and methodologies
to create a comprehensive data access system for the ECE
department. Below is an in-depth description of the key
components and aspects of the design implementation:
A. Web Development
1) Backend Development:

Framework Selection: Django, a high-level Python web

framework, is chosen for backend development due to its
built-in features and scalability. It simplifies the development
process by providing tools for URL routing, database
management, and user authentication. Database Management:
SQLite, the default database in Django, is employed for data
Fig. 1. The Raspberry PI Model 4B storage. Its lightweight nature makes it suitable for small-scale
deployments while offering robust features for managing
relational data. Python Libraries: Pyttsx3 is integrated to Vendor project encompasses various features and
enable text-to-speech functionality, enhancing accessibility functionalities tailored to meet their specific needs and
and user experience. A scheduler is utilized for scheduling enhance their academic experience. Breakdown of the key
tasks and background jobs, allowing for automated components and considerations is provided below:
notifications and updates. Django REST Framework is
optionally incorporated for creating RESTful APIs, providing TABLE I. DESIGN IMPLEMENTATION FEATURES PROVIDED FOR
flexibility for future expansions or integrations. STUDENTS:
S.N. Feature Description
2) Frontend Development: 1 User Interface The frontend interface is designed with
Design students in mind, prioritizing simplicity,
intuitiveness, and accessibility.
User Interface Design: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are
utilized to design the frontend user interface. Bootstrap, a 2 Dashboard Students are greeted with a personalized
popular CSS framework, is employed for responsive design, dashboard upon login, displaying relevant
information such as upcoming events, recent
ensuring the application's compatibility across various devices notifications, and quick-access links
and screen sizes. Interactivity: jQuery is optionally used to
enhance frontend interactions and enable AJAX requests, 3 Timetable A dedicated section provides students with
access to their class timetables, allowing them
facilitating dynamic content loading and seamless user
to view schedules for different courses,
experience. semesters, and sections
4 Placements Information regarding internship and
3) Development Environment: placement opportunities is easily accessible,
with details on upcoming recruitment drives,
IDE Selection: Developers can choose from a range of company profiles, and application procedures.
Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) such as 5 Library Students can access library-related
PyCharm, Visual Studio Code, or their preferred Python IDE. Services: information, including book availability,
These IDEs offer features for code editing, debugging, and borrowing status, and reservation options.
version control integration, enhancing productivity and 6 . Notifications Real-time notifications keep students informed
collaboration. Operating System Compatibility: The project is about important announcements, deadlines,
designed to be platform-agnostic, ensuring compatibility with and campus events.
different operating systems such as Windows, Linux, or 7 User Secure user authentication mechanisms ensure
macOS. This flexibility allows for seamless deployment Authentication the privacy and confidentiality of student data.
across diverse environments. Version Control: Git is utilized
for version control and collaboration, enabling developers to
track changes, manage codebase revisions, and facilitate The table provides a glimpse of the numerous features
teamwork effectively. available on the website for ECE students.

4) Backend Logic:

Scheduled Task Implementation: Functionality is

implemented to schedule text-to-speech notifications based on
user input date and time. This feature leverages Pyttsx3 for
text-to-speech conversion and a scheduler for task scheduling.
The implementation involves creating Python scripts
integrated into the Django environment, allowing for
automated and timely delivery of notifications to users.

5) Admin Panel:

Customized Administration: The Django admin panel is

customized to facilitate efficient management of website
content and functionality. Admin users are provided with a
user-friendly interface for performing CRUD operations
(Create, Read, Update, Delete) on various data entities such as
notifications, updates, timetables, placements, and user
accounts. Customizations are made to enhance usability, Fig. 2. Flowchart of the prepared design
accessibility, and administrative control, ensuring effective
administration and maintenance of the Smart Data Vendor Design Implementation Features Provided For Faculty:
app. The project aims to address the unique requirements and
challenges of the educational environment by carefully The design implementation for faculty members within the
selecting, integrating, and customizing components. This will Smart Data Vendor project focuses on providing
provide stakeholders with a seamless and efficient platform comprehensive tools and resources to support teaching,
for accessing and managing essential information and
resources. research, and administrative tasks such as User Interface
Design, Dashboard, Quick access links to essential tools and
Design Implementation For Features Provided For Students resources, Course Management, Research Support
Administrative Tools, Communication Channels etc.
The design implementation for students within the Smart Data
 TABLE II. DESIGN IMPLEMENTATION FEATURES PROVIDED FOR 3 speaker added audio functionality, enriching the user
FACULTY:
experience with immersive sound. The website was made to
S.N. Feature Description run on the LCD by installing the VS Code code editor from
1 User Interface he frontend interface for faculty members the built-in web browser, Chromium. The necessary packages
Design prioritizes functionality, efficiency, and ease were installed using the pip install command, and the
of use.
directories were directly imported. The software components
2 Dashboard Upon login, faculty members are presented were configured to run efficiently on the Raspberry Pi. The
with a personalized dashboard featuring
relevant information such as class schedules,
back-end logic, implemented using Django, was optimized for
upcoming meetings, pending tasks, and resource usage and performance. SQLite was configured as
announcements. the backend database system for efficient data storage and
3 Course A dedicated section allows faculty members retrieval within the constrained hardware environment.
Management to manage their courses, including course Peripherals were seamlessly connected to the Raspberry Pi,
materials, syllabi, assignments, and enabling users to navigate the app and interact with its features
assessments. Integration with learning
management systems (LMS) enables
effortlessly.
seamless access to course-related resources Thorough testing and validation were conducted following
and student submissions.
4 Research Faculty members can access resources and
deployment to ensure the functionality and usability of the
Support support services related to research and Smart Data Vendor on the Raspberry Pi-based monitor
scholarly activities, including funding system. Through effective hardware and software integration,
opportunities, grant applications, research the Smart Data Vendor app was successfully deployed,
publications, and collaboration platforms. offering a centralized hub for data access.
5 Administrative Tools for administrative tasks such as
Tools attendance management, grading, and student
evaluation streamline administrative
workflows and reduce manual effort.
6 Communication Dedicated communication channels such as
Channels messaging systems, discussion forums, and
virtual meeting rooms facilitate collaboration
and communication among faculty members.
7 Faculty Profiles Each faculty member has a customizable
profile showcasing their expertise, research
interests, publications, and accomplishments.

B. Setting Up The Raspberry Pi

To set up the Raspberry Pi, you first need to download the
Raspberry Pi OS (Operating System) onto an SD card. The
Raspberry Pi operates in the open-source ecosystem, running Fig. 3. Interfacing I/O devices with the Raspberry Pi
Linux and its main supported operating system, Pi OS, which
V. RESULTS
is open-source and runs a suite of open-source software. You
will need an empty SD card for the process, which you then The implementation of the Smart Data Vendor project in the
insert into the Raspberry Pi. Power up the Pi using the 5-V ECE department yielded significant results, revolutionizing
DC supply. To display the OS, use a 7-inch touch-screen data access and management. Key outcomes included
display. Connect the HDMI port of the display to the micro enhanced data accessibility, improved user experience,
HDMI port of the Pi, and then turn on the "backlight" switch. efficient data management, seamless hardware integration,
Connect the USB port of the LCD to the USB port of the Pi. and positive feedback and adoption. These outcomes
This sets up the Pi for its first usage. The desktop can be underscore the project's success in addressing the
customized as needed. The system configuration parameters, department's data access needs and providing a valuable
traditionally edited and stored using a PC's BIOS, are instead resource for students and faculty alike.
stored in an optional text file named config.txt. This file is read
by the GPU before the ARM CPU and Linux are initialized
and must be located on the first (boot) partition of your SD
card, alongside bootcode.bin and start. elf. This file is
normally accessible as /boot/firmware/config.txt from Linux
and must enable the HDMI, which is done with hdmi_drive=1.
C. Integrating The Software and Hardware
The Smart Data Vendor project focused on integrating
hardware components, specifically the Raspberry Pi 4, to host
the app. The Raspberry Pi was chosen for its affordability, low
power consumption, and versatility. It was connected to
peripherals such as a display, mouse, keyboard, and speaker
to serve as the primary user interface.
The Raspberry Pi served as the platform for hosting the
application, while the display provided an interactive interface Fig. 4. The UI Of The Website As Obtained On The Display
for users. Additionally, the inclusion of the Portronics in Tune
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Raspberry Pi platform. Emphasizing user experience,
scalability, and security, the project is dedicated to delivering
a sophisticated solution tailored to the specific requirements
of its stakeholders. The successful integration of frontend and
backend technologies, along with seamless hardware
integration, sets the stage for a transformative change in how
data is accessed and shared within the ECE community.

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