Inspiration

Finding a seat in the library can be frustrating. Students often walk in hoping to study only to find the library full. While students already scan their ID cards for entry, that data is not used to provide real-time occupancy information. We wanted to turn this everyday action into a tool that helps students save time and plan their study sessions efficiently.

What it does

Locked In is a box that records student check-ins and check-outs using ID scans. Each scan updates a live system that shows real-time occupancy online. Students can see how full the library is before they go and even find where their friends are studying. This helps them plan their visit, avoid crowded times, and find a seat faster.

How we built it

  • Hardware: A box that reads student ID cards when scanned
  • Backend: Firebase stores check-in and check-out data with timestamps
  • Frontend: A web interface displays real-time occupancy
  • Integration: Python scripts extract names from ID scans and update Firebase ## Challenges we ran into ## Accomplishments that we're proud of

What we learned

What's next for Locked In

  • Expand to multiple libraries across campus
  • Complete the lock mechanism
  • Use RFID to scan in IDs
  • Add analytics to track peak hours and popular study spots
  • Integrate tool with USC security
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