Abstract:

RTC ticketing system and tickets updates to web server through GPRS communication using TCP/IP and HTTP protocols with Hard copy Ticket through Thermal printer.

In these modern days everything is getting automated, thus reducing the manual and effort and save lot of time. Paying bills for home needs is in manual process which takes lot of time and even there are possibilities for human error. In this project we avoid such manipulations and save time. Instead of written signed paper bills, E writing (printing) is the best option to avoid human errors and saving time.  Here in this project we use thermal printer for printing text data on Thermal paper. We could update data to web server wireless protocols. These web connected applications belong to server client relation. TCP, UDP and HTTP protocols are used in this concept. Data transfer to web server through GPRS (General packet radio services) communication. We can transfer long data through this GPRS. Many Embedded Networking applications fall under this model only. This project consists 16X2 LCD and 4X4 keypad. Thermal printer is also connected to microcontroller which is optional. For issuing the ticket, conductor or driver enter details of journey like place of departure, arrival and cost on keypad. We can see the information on LCD. Microcontroller gets this information and develops a TCP stack with standard format. A Thermal printer is used to print the same data on a thermal paper. Also this stack data will be sent to web server. Web server consists of particular IP address and port number. Web server maintains data base of all tickets information with respective time. Owner could see this information on web server from anywhere in the world. This system avoids from ticket manipulation from driver or conductor.   

Here we use 8051 microcontroller with 5V DC Power supply.  Serial (UART) protocol is primary concern here. The main heart of this project is GSM/GPRS modem which works on GPRS AT commands. 16X2 LCD is connected to microcontroller through Digital I/O lines. AT keyboard is interface to microcontroller with PS/2 connection. 4X4 keypad is directly connected to microcontroller. Thermal printer connected to microcontroller serially and it works on ESC/POS commands, but microcontroller has only one serial port so that we have to use serial shift driver (built with relays or driver ics – depends on availability and possibility).

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS

Micro controller         :           AT89x series

Crystal                        :           11.0592 MHz

LCD                            :           HD44780

LED                            :           5mm Red LED

Printer                         :           Thermal printer (miniature)

Basic GPIOs

GSM/GPRS modem   :           Sim300/ Sim 900

RS232 interface          :           ST/MAX: 232

POWER SUPPLY

Transformer                :           12V step down 

Filter                           :           1000uf/25V

Voltage Regulator      :           7805 / 7812

SOFTWARE SPECIFICATIONS

Software tools used

Keil IDE

Proteus VSM

UC flash

Web server

APPLICATIONS

• RTC
• Private travels
• Transport applications
• Parcel ticket issue