Security System Project: Key Factors & Best Practices
IEM RoboticsTable of Content
- Working Principle and System Components
- Key Elements and Functions
- Benefits of the System
- Limitations and Challenges of the security system project
- Results and Discussion of security system project
- Home Security Alarm System Project
- Conclusion
The security system project aims to develop an effective, low-budget security system with laser and light-dependent resistor (LDR) technology. The system is designed to sense intrusions by checking the continuity of a laser beam, which, when broken, sounds an alarm. The project aims to increase security for residential homes, businesses, and restricted areas by offering a simple, effective, and easy-to-install security solution.
This project is especially significant with the growing demand for low-cost and reliable security systems. It uses optoelectronic devices, operational amplifiers, and a 555 Timer IC to provide rapid and accurate intrusion detection.
Working Principle and System Components
The security alarm system project has a straightforward yet effective mechanism:
● A laser beam is always aimed at an LDR.
● The LDR has low resistance while the beam is intact.
● As soon as an object or human being intercepts the beam, the resistance of the LDR rises, creating a voltage drop.
● This deviation is detected by an Operational Amplifier (Op-Amp LM358), employed as a comparator, and provides the signal to the IC 555 Timer.
● The IC 555 Timer, operated in bi-stable multivibrator mode, receives the signal and activates the buzzer alarm to alert the users.
Key Elements and Functions
● Laser Diode – Emits a narrow beam of light as the sensing medium.
● LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) – Listens for light changes and adjusts the resistance.
● Op-Amp LM358 – Compares the voltage gradient of the LDR and determines whether or not to sound the alarm.
● IC 555 Timer – Deciphers the signal and sounds the buzzer when an intruder is present.
● Buzzer – Provides a voice signal to indicate a violation.
● Transistor (BC547) – Utilized as a switch to control the alarm circuit.
● Resistors and Capacitors – Control the circuit and voltage levels.
● Power Source (9V Battery): The battery provides the necessary voltage for powering the system, ensuring functionality even during a power outage.
The circuit design is straightforward and can be implemented using a breadboard or printed circuit board (PCB) for enhanced durability.
Benefits of the System
The Home Security Alarm System has the following benefits:
● Cost-Effective – Utilizes low-cost electronic components, thus a cheaper option than commercial security products.
● Easy Installation – The circuit is straightforward and can be installed with little technical knowledge.
● Low Power Consumption—It runs on a 9V battery, which makes it efficient and allows it to continue functioning even during power outages.
● High Sensitivity—The system can immediately detect any break in the laser beam and provide an instant response.
● Scalability – Expandable using more lasers and mirrors to monitor more significant areas.
Limitations and Challenges of the security system project
With its plus point, there are limitations of the security alarm system project:
● Limited Coverage
There is limited space covered by one beam. An unlimited area requires numerous beams of multiple lasers for entire coverage of wider places.
● Bypass Possibility
Invaders who know the system would try to evade detection by climbing over or crawling under the laser beam.
● Environmental Conditions
Heavy light sources in the surrounding area, dust accumulation, or fog can hinder LDR detection accuracy.
● False Alarms
Pets, insects, or moving objects can cause unnecessary alarms, lowering reliability.
Results and Discussion of security system project
1. Intrusion Detection and System Response
● The system detected intrusions when the laser beam was blocked by an object within the detection field.
● When obstructed, the LDR creates an output voltage, which the circuit amplifies, giving an alarm.
● The buzzer was always activated, giving a sound signal whenever an intruder intruded into the laser beam.
● The experimental setup was constructed based on the circuit diagram, and the system performed as anticipated without any faults.
2. Accuracy and Performance
● The system responded quickly, instantly activating the alarm when an obstruction was detected.
● During testing, the buzzer consistently activated whenever the laser beam was obstructed, validating the design's success.
● The security system project had low power consumption, making it suitable for extended use with a 9V battery.
3. Environmental Factors
● For the LDR to not experience interference, it had to be mounted in the dark or sheltered from stray light sources.
● Extremely bright general light or sunshine exposure had an impact on the LDR sensitivity that occasionally destabilized the level of detection precision.
● DUST deposits upon the LDR or the light source may negatively impact its overall performance over time, so periodic cleaning could be necessary.
● Precise alignment of the laser beam and firm positioning of mirrors (if employed) provided uniform operation.
Home Security Alarm System Project
The home security alarm system project introduces a two-factor authentication (2FA) security system for home doors, integrating smartphone-based fingerprint verification and RFID authentication.
1. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Security
● The system combines fingerprint authentication and RFID authentication for added security.
● Users can be authenticated by scanning their fingerprints or typing a password on a mobile application.
● If authenticated, an RFID-based open command is sent to the security system to open the door.
2. Hardware and IoT Integration
● The home security system project includes a NodeMCU (Wi-Fi module), a servo motor, a vibration sensor, and a power source.
● NodeMCU checks the Reference ID before unlocking the door using the servo motor.
● If the door is opened or closed, it sends the status to CloudDB for real-time monitoring.
3. Intrusion Detection and Alert System
● The vibration sensor can identify forced opening attempts or random door tampering.
● If the door experiences harsh vibrations, the user receives an alert notification via their mobile application.
4. Cost-Effective Security Solution
● Rather than buying expensive fingerprint sensors, the system exploits smartphone biometric authentication.
● Having a mobile application and CloudDB minimizes hardware expenses while upholding security effectiveness.
5. Real-Time Alerts and Data Storage
● All data on authentication, door access, and alerts is stored in CloudDB.
● The mobile app offers real-time history review and receiving of notifications for users.
6. Smart Home Integration
● The home security system project integrates IoT technology, smartphone authentication, and cloud storage for a contemporary smart home security system.
● It provides secure access control in addition to remote monitoring capabilities.
Conclusion
The security system project clearly illustrates an affordable and effective security system with laser and LDR technology. The project successfully couples elementary electronic components to implement a working intruder detection system. While the system has limitations, adjustments like multi-level detection, intelligent connectivity, and auto-reset can vastly improve its performance.
This project emphasizes the need for cost-effective security solutions and provides a starting point for continued innovation in home security technology. The system can be enhanced and diversified for wider-scale applications, making it an asset to electronic security as a field of study.
