Trackstar

A discrete bike theft detection and prevention device that sends real-time alerts to your phone with GPS tracking capabilities.

Problem Statement

More than 50% of property crimes reported to the University of California involve bicycle theft. This project aims to address this critical issue affecting UC students by providing a discrete theft detection, prevention, and tracking system. By helping students protect their bikes, we're contributing to campus safety and justice, ensuring students can focus on their education without the financial and emotional burden of bike theft.

Overview

Trackstar consists of a hardware device and mobile app:

• Hardware Device: A small, discrete device that attaches to your bike and monitors for unauthorized movement
• Mobile App: Receive instant alerts when motion is detected, view your bike's location on a map, and remotely trigger an alarm
• Real-time Tracking: When theft is detected, the device automatically sends GPS coordinates so you can track your bike's location

How It Works

1. Pair Your Device: Scan a QR code to pair the hardware device with your phone
2. Activate Watch Mode: After parking your bike, activate "Watch" mode through the app
3. Get Alerts: If your bike detects unexpected movement, you'll receive a push notification from the app
4. Track & Deter: View your bike's location on an integrated map and trigger an alarm to deter thieves

Extra Features

• Motion History: View a log of all motion detection events
• Dark/Light Mode: Choose your preferred app theme
• Low Power: Efficient embedded design for extended battery life

App States

Idle

• Device is in low power mode
• Tap the button to activate "Watch" mode when you park your bike

Watch

• Device actively monitors for movement
• If motion is detected, you'll be notified immediately
• View motion detection history anytime

Theft Detected

• You receive an alert when motion is detected
• Confirm if the movement was you or not
• If not you: View GPS location on map and trigger alarm
• Device automatically returns to Watch mode after 10 seconds of no movement

Components

Hardware

• ESP32 microcontroller with WiFi connectivity
• Accelerometer for motion sensing
• GPS module for location tracking
• Buzzer for alarm functionality
• LiPo Battery for portability

Software

• Mobile App: React Native app using Expo for cross-platform compatibility. Handles user authentication, device pairing via QR code scanning, and real-time status monitoring. Features a clean UI with dark/light mode support, push notifications for motion alerts, and integrated Google Maps for GPS tracking with a native map modal that matches the main app UI design.
• Backend: Node.js/Express REST API with PostgreSQL serving as the central communication hub. Authenticates both users and devices (via device ID/secret pairs), stores device state and GPS coordinates, and manages the command queue that devices poll. Handles motion events and GPS coordinates from devices, and integrates Expo's push notification service to send real-time alerts to users when motion is detected.
• Device Firmware: Embedded logic running on the hardware device. Implements motion detection using accelerometer data, manages WiFi connectivity for HTTP communication with the backend, and handles GPS coordinate reading and transmission. Controls device states (Idle/Watch/Theft Detected) and manages alarm activation.