Microcontroller Based Home Security System with Multimedia Notifications

This project was conducted to develop a Microcontroller-Based Home Security System with Multimedia Notifications. Specifically, the researchers designed a sensing circuit which can be interfaced to a computer with a webcam. It uses a Cellular Technology as a way of accessing the uploaded data from the home computer after receiving the notification which is sent by it. This Microcontroller Based Home Security System with Multimedia Notifications consists of a metal sensor which acts as a triggering device, a Microcontroller acts as a processing device to translate the input into corresponding outputs, a Webcam to capture images, a buzzer to indicate an alarm condition, a broadband to send data through the internet, and a computer system. The researchers used a residential type area which covered only a single door, particularly the main door. The webcam was placed approximately three meters away from the door. The metal sensor was placed at the door of the area and detected intrusion by monitoring the door for opening. The Microcontroller then read the input, tracked the status, and signaled intrusions when the sensor was triggered. Once intrusion was detected, an SMS stating “HOME SECURITY ALERT” was sent to the phone numbers listed, and the webcam automatically captured and recorded the actual footage of the intrusion for approximately 30 seconds. After the recording period, the alerting device (buzzer) sounded to indicate an alarm condition, and at the same time, the recorded video was uploaded and sent to the listed email address. A second SMS was sent to the listed phone numbers indicating “EMAIL ATTACHMENT RECEIVED”. The recorded video was then viewed. The paper has the following recommendations: first, a high-end computer should be used to lessen response time. Second, one should have a stable internet connection for faster data transmission. Lastly, a high quality digital camera or specifically a surveillance camera should be used to capture the images clearly.

Keywords - microcontroller, security system, multimedia, notifications, Philippines.