Team Members

Priyam Shah/pps2 (ECE 110)

Timothy Jian Lan/tjlan2 (ECE 120)

Ankur Mehta/ankurm2 (ECE 110)

Final Report

Introduction

Statement of Purpose

The problem with many security systems is the “one size fits all” idea. While a basic security system usually is integrated to alert the owner, scare off the intruder, and/or perform other functions, they do not incorporate simultaneous securities. More expensive security systems will be able to have multiple layers of security with additional costs incurred.

We plan to enhance and make a general security system by using photocells  to detect shadows of considerable size for detection, an proximity sensor to detect general movement, and construct an Arduino thermal sensor to detect human movement.

Background Research

Without any security system, homes are up to 300% more likely to be broken into. The type of tools are used to break in usually consist of a screwdriver, pliers, pries bars, and small hammers.¹

Security systems will vary from place to place, but a typical home security system provides a good example of one. It may include a control panel, door and window sensors, motion sensors, wired/wireless security cameras, a high-decibel siren or alarm. Security systems do not have to be complicated; it could be as simple as putting a yarn sign or window stickers warning intruders of the consequences of entering unintended.²  

Security systems may even have motion limitations, such as Xfinity's Security System. In an article written on WIRED on January 2016, security researcher Philip Bosco found vulnerabilities in their system including false positives and failure to detect an intruder's motion.³

With our design, our hardware will combat motion limitations as well as add extra functions to cover the limitations of traditional security systems.

Design Details

Block Diagram/Flow Chart

System Overview

The Arduino will take results from the sensors to determine if there is an intruder. The proximity sensor will be attached to a window or door. The thermal sensor will be looking for a change in temperature that signifies a person. This is a proof of concept, so we will experiment with various distances to determine the effectiveness of basic sensors in the future. The photocell will attempt to see if a person casts a shadow in the building. During the daytime, the sun will be able to cast shadows for the light sensor to work, but with no sun in the night-time, this sensor would not work. We have averted this problem by utilizing a manual light source just underneath the roof of the house, and sensing whether or not that light is blocked. Conceptually, the light will be at human height so small objects such as animals and leafs will not block a significant portion of the light and cast a big shadow. The Arduino will use a logic circuit with these inputs to determine if an alarm should be triggered or a text sent, and with more allotted time, may have extra logic gates incorporated for each type of sensor.

Parts

• Arduino

• Mini Photocell, LED

• Sparkfun Infrared Temperature Breakout - TMP006

• Arduino Infrared Sensor (Infrared Proximity Sensor - Sharp GP2Y0A21YK)

• Potentially Infrared connector for the sensors

• Wires

• Resistors

• Power Supply(computer or battery)

Possible Challenges

• Budget

• Accuracy and Sensitivity of Sensors

• Developing appropriate alarm system

• Coordinating results from different parts of system

References

[1]"Home Security Statistics", Safeguardtheworld.com, 2016. [Online]. Available: http://www.safeguardtheworld.com/statistics.html. [Accessed: 22- Sep- 2016].

[2]"What is a security system and how does it work? | SafeWise", Safewise.com, 2016. [Online]. Available: http://www.safewise.com/home-security-faq/how-do-security-systems-work. [Accessed: 22- Sep- 2016].

[3]K. Zetter, "Xfinity’s Security System Flaws Open Homes to Thieves", WIRED, 2016. [Online]. Available: https://www.wired.com/2016/01/xfinitys-security-system-flaws-open-homes-to-thieves/. [Accessed: 22- Sep- 2016].