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UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY GRANTS PROGRAM
Campus Sustainability Grant Application – Cover Sheet
PROPOSAL INFORMATION
Project Title: Bulldog Cycle Automated Bike Sharing System
PRINCIPAL STUDENT INVESTIGATOR (PROPOSER) INFORMATION
Name: Kareem Mahmoud
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 678-643-0414
Degree Program / Graduation Date: Finance Major, May 2014 Graduation
FACULTY / STAFF SPONSOR INFORMATION
Name: Kevin M. Kirsche
Email:[email protected]
Phone:
Title / Department: Director, Office of Sustainability
ADDITIONAL PROPOSAL INFORMATION
The proposal includes the following fields (check all that apply):
____
____
____
__X__
Academics / Education
Research
Service & Outreach
Campus Operations
Summary of Budget:
Personnel Funding ………………………………..…….
$1,500.00
Equipment…………………………………………………
$ N/A
Supplies / General Expenses..…….………..…………..
$2,385.00
TOTAL……………………………………………………..
$4,350.00
Campus Sustainability Grant Application Form (2012-2013)
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY GRANTS PROGRAM
Campus Sustainability Grant Application – Compliance Form
Please answer all of the following questions, and explain in full where required.
Will this project require compliance review in any of the following areas?
Please place an “X” on the appropriate line to indicate “Yes” or “No” for all three compliance areas.
1. Animal Use
____ Yes
__X__ No
If “Yes,” please reference the section and page number in the proposal describing animal use:
For more information contact:
Animal Care and Use, http://www.ovpr.uga.edu/acu/index.html
706-542-5933
2. Biohazardous Materials
____ Yes
_X___ No
If “Yes,” please reference the section and page number in the proposal describing biohazardous material use:
For more information contact:
Office of Biosafety, http://www.ovpr.uga.edu/biosafety/index.html
706-542-9876
3. Human Subjects
____ Yes
__X__ No
If “Yes,” please reference the section and page number in the proposal describing human subject use:
For more information contact:
Human Subjects, http://www.ovpr.uga.edu/hso/index.html
706-542-5318
Name: Kareem Mahmoud
Title: Bulldog Cycle Automated Bike Sharing System
Date: 10/20/12
__X__ By placing an “X” on this line, I certify I will fulfill all requirements pertaining to compliance if this grant is
approved.
Campus Sustainability Grant Application Form (2012-2013)
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY GRANTS PROGRAM
Campus Sustainability Grant Application – Budget Sheet
Complete all sections.
I.
Personnel *,**
Number
Contractors 1
Amount/Person
Total Amount
$1500/person
$1,500.00
UGA Staff
UGA Student
$
Other
$
Total Amount: $1,500.00
II.
Supplies/General Expenses**
Type of Supplies
Cost
Comment
1. Rasberry Pi computing system
Main Station Computer Interface
$300.00
2. RFID reader ID-20 module
Responsible for bike check-in/out recognition
$135.00
3. RFID XD10 RFID chip
Identifies each individual bike with a serial #
$110.00
4. Solartech 50 Watt solar panel
Powers and Charges the station. External rig
$480.00
5. Dual Parallel server computer
Allows station-station communications
$250.00
6. Motorolla GSM wireless
communication device
7. LCD reader screens
8. NFC communications module
Allows wireless communications
$140.00
Visual interface at each station. Simple LCD
$45.00
Coordinates RFID interface
$45.00
9. Station metal skeleton work
Station hardware
$500.00
10. Solenoid Locks
Hardware locks for bike security
$250.00
Misc Expenses
Miscellaneous
$150.00
Alpha Prototype Costs
Proof of Concept
$300.00
Total Cost:
$2,825.00
*Acceptable personnel funding include: 1) hiring outside consultants or contractors to perform required project tasks, 2) UGA
Facilities Management Division staff labor charges for project implementation, 3) UGA student workers managed by participating
UGA department to perform required project tasks.
**If more space is needed, please attach a separate document listing specific items and their costs.
Note: All Campus Sustainability Grant funds must be expended before June 30th.
Campus Sustainability Grant Application Form (2012-2013)
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY GRANTS PROGRAM
Campus Sustainability Grants Program - Application Form 2011-2012
Attach the following additional proposal components to this application:
Project Overview (Attach; 2-page limit)
Implementation Plan (Attach; 4-page limit)
Communications Plan (Attach; 1-page limit)
Faculty / Staff Sponsor Letter of Support (Attach; 1-page limit)
Additional Supporting Documents &/or Recommendations for Future Support (Attach; optional)
Report of Grant Project Expenses and Metrics (Attach anticipated project metrics, 1-page limit)
(Note: completed Report required upon completion of awarded projects)
Thank you for applying for a Campus Sustainability Grant.
We look forward to reviewing your application!
Campus Sustainability Grant Application Form (2012-2013)
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY GRANTS PROGRAM
Project Overview
Introduction
The purpose of this grant proposal is to take steps towards bringing a campus-wide, automated bike
sharing system on the University of Georgia Campus. The current system, dubbed Bulldog Cycle, is a
manual system that involves bike check-in and check-out to be done via a UGA employee. The core focus
of the grant proposal is to introduce one automated bike station in each of the three bike check-in areas
that would function either in conjunction or independently of the Bulldog Cycle system. The three
stations would be communicating with a central server which would allow for bike checkout and check in
across all three stations with efficient data logging and bike security. Comprehensive bike sharing
systems offer a great solution for all of the issues we as students face on the University of Georgia’s
campus. For one, this concept has been proven successful on several different campuses including Texas
Christian University, University of Kentucky, Ohio State, Georgia Tech, University of Texas at Austin, and
dozens of others across the nation. These campuses were introduced to the idea of Bike Sharing by
bright students as well. This project has incredible potential, as it would answer every transportation
issue from the crowded buses, to excessive traffic and congestion, to the reduction of greenhouse gases
and emissions, to even a greater sense of convenience for the typical student. Furthermore because this
is a public business venture founded by a University of Georgia student for the University of Georgia, the
University of Georgia would shine as a beacon of entrepreneurship and this project would serve as a
living example of just how entrepreneurship can positively affect the lives of others and change the
social dynamic in which we live in.
Mission Statement
To bring a reliable, convenient, and easily accessible bike sharing system to the University of Georgia
Campus, beginning with the Automation of Bulldog Cycle
Target Audience
University of Georgia students, faculty and staff, local and national philanthropic organizations
The Image
A heavily innovative, social, philanthropic image that’s edgy, sophisticated, and pretty cool. We are
projecting the image that through a vision we are changing the world around us.
Bike Sharing Model
Website- Put in your information, link up 810# verification and use UGA student accounts for payment.
Once account is created, you are granted a 5-digit pin #.
Capital Structure- Utilizing a small semester sustainability fee as well as a late fee for bikes not returned
on time. Missing bike fee- Bike cost+20%; everything is billed to UGA student accounts for maximum
Campus Sustainability Grant Application Form (2012-2013)
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY GRANTS PROGRAM
convenience. Incorporation of UGA accounts system done via Heterogeneous could-based computing
system discussed in the Implementation Overview document.
Bikes- Feature an on-board RFID chip. The bikes communicate directly with the bike stations. They
would look normal and modern. The only alteration necessary to the existing Bulldog Bikes would be to
add a small RFID tag towards the front of the bike to allow for station interface.
Bike stations- would feature numbered bike racks with a pin pad. Would also feature locks at every rack,
as well as an NFC interface. Bike stations would feature cell transmitter technology to communicate with
a dual-parallel server. Bike stations would be powered via externally rigged solar panels to power 8
lithium batteries per station. The entire system is a very low power application, requiring at most 10-15
watts of power in full operation. The station hardware itself is very minimalistic, yet secure given the
current location and application of the Bulldog Cycle bikes. The dual-parallel server connecting the bike
stations will be cloud-based, meaning that it can be downloaded on any authorized PC. This also means
that there is no need for an expensive IT specialist to monitor the system. Theft incentive would be zero,
given the fact that upon checking out the bike, user and bike information is logged on the server.
Locking System- Each dock on the station would feature a solenoid lock interface which interacts directly
with the RFID tag on the bikes. Upon keying the PIN*RACK# into the keypad, the solenoid lock would
disengage; upon returning the bike a NFC interface would scan the RFID tag to verify the bike and thus
re-engage to lock the bike. To unlock a bike, you key in (PIN*RACK #). Once rack lock is unlocked, station
pairs your account with the RFID and notifies the server that the bike is in use, which starts a timer.
Once you return and lock the bike, the system identifies that the specific bike has checked in and you’re
off the grid.
The Key here is maximum convenience and usability.
Statistics and Viability
-
58% of students do not own a vehicle on campus and as a result must depend on the bus
system or walking
Personal surveys with students- the system would greatly help them get around
Bike Sharing systems have been brought to hundreds of campuses nationwide, including UT
Austin, Georgia Tech, Emory, NCSU, Coastal Carolina University, and many more
Modifications to the existing Bulldog Cycle system would be minimal, given the added
benefit of convenience and automation
Marketing
This project would be using the University of Georgia as the main means of advertising. This includes but
is not limited to: the UGA transit system, UGA dining halls, UGA website advertising, and UGA sponsored
philanthropy events. Based on project success, external advertising revenue would be sought as well,
Campus Sustainability Grant Application Form (2012-2013)
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY GRANTS PROGRAM
primarily focusing on Monster, Coca Cola, Nike, New Balance, as well as local businesses. In essence, the
bike sharing system would sponsor and champion local and national businesses.
Implementation Plan/Metrics/Expenses
The Basics
This project will have a three-stage implementation strategy. The first stage is the development of the
alpha prototype, which entails the basic station design and core functionality as a proof-of-concept. The
second stage of the project will be the beta stage which entails modifications to the alpha prototype for
real-time usage and data logging. At this stage, the system will be fully operational but on a very limited
scale. The final stage is the finished automated system which will be polished off based on usage data
and statistics, as well as convenience and aesthetic modifications. The final model will be a fully scalable
model consisting of the three automated stations and the central dual-parallel server.
Cost Estimates
Rasberry Pi computing system- $100 per station, $300 total
RFID reader ID-20 module- $45 per unit, $135 total
XD10 RFID chip- $4.99 per unit. Total depends on bike amount. Assuming $110 total
Solartech 50 Watt solar panel- $160 per unit, $480 total
Dual Parallel server computer- $250 per unit, $250 total
Motorolla GSM wireless communication device, $35 per unit, $140
Wiring- $30 total
LCD reader screens- $15 per unit, $45 total
NFC communications module- $45
Software/firmware development- $1500 (estimate)
Station metal skeleton work- $500
Solenoid locks- $250
Misc expenses- $150
Alpha Prototype costs- $300
Total expenses- $4235.00
This is a general estimate. In reality, costs are projected to be approximately $300.00 lower than this
value.
Alpha Prototype
Description- The Alpha prototype will consist of a 1:2 scale model of the real station, retaining full
functionality of the beta model. The prototype will consist of three docks, the onboard computer,
keypad, LCD interface, as well as a solar charged lithium ion pack. The system will function exactly as
outlined in the “Project Overview” document.
Campus Sustainability Grant Application Form (2012-2013)
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY GRANTS PROGRAM
Tasks
-
11/9/12- Funding granted
11/17/12- Order alpha prototype materials from sourced suppliers
12/31/12- Alpha Prototype completion and presentation
Beta Model
Description- The Beta Model consists of three automated stations and a central dual-parallel server for
communication between the stations. The core functionality of this station will be very similar to the
final product.
Tasks
-
1/17/12- Server computer and Station materials ordered
2/29/12- Construction and completion of Automated stations
3/20/12- Completion of software and firmware for server interface and communications
3/20/12- Limited scale beta testing starts, data logged.
3/31/12- Beta testing ends
Final product
Description- The final automated bike sharing system will be a fully scalable system that can be
expanded to accommodate the entire campus. The key focus at this stage is to consolidate the model
into a very secure, efficient system. Due to the cloud-based nature of the server communications, this is
the stage where UGA systems would be able to heterogeneously interact with the systems. Raspberry Pi
OS runs Net BSD, a freely available, open-source OS known for stability and reliability. Designed for
embedded systems like this one, it’s perfect. Connects via AT&T 3G tunneled through VPN, and then to
Windows Azure, which serves as the middle-man between the server and the station. A heterogeneous
computing solution: local SQL databases synchronize with Azure.
Tasks
-
4/1/12- Implementation of security system and heterogeneous system configuration
4/20/12- Final station interface is set, aesthetics set in stone.
The timeline between April through June is to be discussed at the end of the Alpha prototype
presentation.
Campus Sustainability Grant Application Form (2012-2013)
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY GRANTS PROGRAM
System Sustainability
-
The current Bulldog Cycle system relies on manual check-in and check-out of bikes at each
station. With this system, one system administrator would be needed to oversee the system’s
operations and integrity. Due to the resilience of the selected materials and computing devices,
the stations would only have to be serviced once every several months with occasional firmware
upgrades. The solenoid lock system in place on each station allows for a nearly unbreakable
locking system to secure each bike from theft and vandalism. The Dual parallel server allows for
the system to run at all times of the day, every single day due to the fact that if one thread fails,
there is another thread running the same tasks which would be able to keep the system running
as a failsafe. In short, there have been several months of careful planning to ensure the system’s
feasibility.
Theft
-
Given the hardware and software security that this system would sport, levels of theft would be
virtually zero. The solenoid lock system works on a triple fail-safe application which means that
it cannot be disengaged to release a bike as long as the computer, the central server, and the
RFID module confirm the user’s identity. In essence, the bike users would have ample incentive
to return the bikes due to the fact that their information is logged as well as the bike id for the
bike they are using. If for any reason a bike is not returned for 24 hours, a charge of the bike
cost+20% will be charged on their student account.
Marketing Strategies
-
-
Marketing strategies will begin approximately 1 month before the final product is nearing
completion. Primary means of advertising will be through the University of Georgia’s transit
system, website, email announcements, and dining commons. Ideally I am looking to create an
incentive based system to allow the system to gain popularity among students and staff as an
alternate, green form of transportation. All registration would be done online through the
Department of Sustainability’s website.
Advertising through Terry’s UGA Entrepreneurship program: The system’s implementation
strategy, vision, and outreach would serve as inspiration for aspiring business professionals in
the Terry program. I have been meeting with Chris Hanks, head of the UGA Entrepreneurship
program for mentoring and assistance in this regard.
Philanthropy Ideas
-
Bike Week: A 2 day long biking event with many local and national sponsors, with all proceeds
going to UGA Miracle, UGA Heroes, St. Judes, or many of the local charities.
Campus Sustainability Grant Application Form (2012-2013)
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY GRANTS PROGRAM
-
-
Percentage days- For every minute a bike is used, a specific amount of money is donated to a
local charity.
PanHellenic Sorority support- Georgia PanHellenic is one of the most philanthropically oriented
organizations on the University of Georgia Campus. Individually tailored philanthropy events
would be possible each specific sorority.
The possibilities are endless!
Campus Sustainability Grant Application Form (2012-2013)
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY GRANTS PROGRAM
Communications Plan
The Basics
The three stages of this project will be completed and implemented under close supervision of Mr. Kevin
Kirsche and the UGA department of Sustainability. Every step of the project will be in close coordination
with the department.
Alpha Prototype Presentation Details
As discussed in the Implementation Overview document, upon completion of the Alpha Prototype, there
will be a presentation of the Alpha Prototype’s functionality to the Department of Sustainability.
Terry Entrepreneurship Details
Upon completion of the project, I will be seeking the support of Christopher Hanks, Director of
Entrepreneurship to help with advertising and Terry related.
http://www.terry.uga.edu/directory/profile/hanks/
Contact- 706-542-3724
Further details will be discussed upon presentation of Alpha Prototype.
Campus Sustainability Grant Application Form (2012-2013)
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY GRANTS PROGRAM
Additional Information
Overview
-
This is the outline of how exactly the system will work. All hardware and software is
feasible in the incorporation of the bike sharing system.
The system software is cloud based, meaning that it can be downloaded to any
authorized PC. This also means that no IT specialist is required.
With this system, theft/vandalism incentive would be virtually zero.
-
SERVER
4-Server receives stop
timer indicator. If late
fee is assessed, server
sends information to
billing system. If not,
stored account/bike
RFID data is stored until
bike is checked out
again.
2- Server receives
information and begins
timer. User account pin and
matching bike RFID are
logged until bike is returned
and the bike is checked out
again. If anything happens
to the bike, we know who
used it last.
1-User keys in
ACCT#*RACK#, Station
computer unlocks bike,
matches Bike RFID to
student Account and
sends information to
server. Station number
is also sent to server.
Station 1
3-User returns bike to
different station. Once
bike is locked again,
computer matches bike
RFID to the bike rack
number and assigns the
new station #. This
allows correct future
PIN entry.
Station 2
Bike
Bike
Bike
Bike
Bike
Bike
Bike
Bike
Bike
Bike
Campus Sustainability Grant Application Form (2012-2013)