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Low cost multi-level home security system for developing countries

Conference Paper · June 2017

DOI: 10.1109/ICCONS.2017.8250522

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 International Conference on Intelligent Computing and Control Systems
ICICCS 2017

Low Cost Multi-level Home Security System For

Developing Countries
Hasan. U. Zaman, Tarafder Elmi Tabassum, Tanha Islam, Nadia Mohammad
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
hasan.zaman@northsouth.edu, elmi94@hotmail.com,
tanha.islam16@gmail.com, nadia_md@live.com

Abstract— With the innovation of various programmed
controls, home security system has turned out to be increasingly
vital nowadays. This paper presents a low cost, simple, effective
and novel method of implementing a multi-level home security
system for developing countries. This system is a microcontroller
based home security system utilizing a unique fingerprint sensor,
PIR motion detector sensors, GSM module and a surveillance
web camera. The system is much less expensive than customary
home security systems, which gives security from different
viewpoints. The goal of this research is to build a straightforward
and reasonable, yet productive home security system.
Keywords— Developing countries; Arduino; Fingerprint
sensor; PIR sensors; GSM module; Surveillance webcam.
I. INTRODUCTION
Innovative technologies are being developed by people to
improve the quality of human lives in this modern age, and all
are using technological advances in many different ways. One
of these ways is security system. Home Security System is an
important feature for both the modern residential and office
setups.
It is paramount for home security systems to be affordable,
genuine and effective at the same time in this fast moving
competitive world. In this omnipresent network society,
individuals can access their information easily anytime and
from anywhere. On the other hand, they face the risk that
others can also hack into their personal and sensitive
information from anywhere and anytime. Due to this risk,
personal identification technology easily can differentiate
between registered authorized users and imposters, is now
generating great interest among people.
Generally, for the sake of security purposes, passwords,
PIN verification, identification card techniques are being used
currently but the disadvantage is that the passwords can be
hacked or guessed and a card may be stolen or lost. This paper
describes the implementation of different features in one home
security system, which provides home security in every
possible way. From keeping track and record of the intruder
from the very first step inside the house until to notify the
owner is ensured in this system.
servomotor to open door lock, GSM to send text to the
authorized person along with a snap taken by the camera but
the project does not have the burglar alarm, which is an
important feature [1].
Mary Lourde R and Dushyant Khosla proposed a system,
which identifies the fingerprint, which is not sufficient for a
home security system [2].
Subhankar Chattoraj, Karan Vishwakarma proposed a well-
planned system which has servo motor to open door lock after
scanning fingerprint, LED to display text, buzzer to make
surroundings aware but it lacks camera [3].
Sadeque Reza Khan Et.al proposed a home security system,
which detects obstacle, touch, heat, smoke, sound. A PIC
microcontroller 16F76 controls the whole system. It collects
information from the sensors and sends SMS to a
corresponding number by using a GSM module [6].
Nathan David et.al proposed a low cost and flexible home
control and environmental monitoring system, which employs
an embedded micro-web server in an Arduino Mega 2560
microcontroller with IP connectivity for access and control
remotely. Their project has very good features but still lacks in
providing full security of home [7].
Viraj Mali et.al proposed a home automation and security
system which is low cost by using motions sensors, PIR
sensors and GSM where Arduino will trigger an alarm and alert
messages will be sent to user’s mobile via GSM module [8].
N. Sriskanthan and F. Tan Karande developed a home
automation system based on Bluetooth wireless technology,
which allows the user to monitor and control different
appliances connected over a Bluetooth in home environment.
This system is complicated for vast usage and has some
limitations for which it cannot provide full home security
system in low cost [10].
Bhavani Annapurna et.al developed a system which is a
password based digital lock where an access control system
allows authorized persons to access a restricted area and the RF
wireless communication technology transmits theft indication
signals to the neighboring houses [11].

II. EXISTING SYSTEM III. SYSTEM DESIGN

There are many existing papers related to home security
systems as individual devices or few limited features but none
comes with a great combo in such low cost.
B. Anubala et.al proposed a fingerprint recognition system,
which performs verification where the system compares an
input fingerprint to the enrolled fingerprint of a specific user to
determine if they are from the same finger. It also has
The system is divided into two parts. They are:
A. External part
This part contains a fingerprint sensor, door lock, LCD
keypad shield, keypad and a webcam. Here, keypad and
fingerprint sensor are the inputs of the system. Webcam, door
lock and LCD keypad shield are the outputs of the system. This

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 International Conference on Intelligent Computing and Control Systems
part works using Arduino Uno microcontroller. It is a
fingerprint based door lock to restrict the entry of unwanted
visitors. Besides, to enhance the level of security, we have used
a webcam to monitor the house.
B. Internal part
This part contains PIR motion detector sensors, GSM
shield, buzzer and lights. We have used an Arduino Mega
microcontroller for the internal mechanism. Here, PIR sensors
are used to detect any unwanted movement inside the house. If
the sensors find any interruption, immediately the lights turn on
automatically and trigger the buzzer. At the same time, the
GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) module
sends an SMS instantly to the owner to notify the unwanted
movement inside the house.
The whole system design is shown in Fig.1.
Fig. 1. Complete design of the system
IV. HARDWARE COMPONENT DESCRIPTION
The entire multi-level system consists of these components
below:
A. Fingerprint Sensor
Fingerprints are unique. We could use a passcode system
for the entrance security, but as fingerprints are more secure,
we have used the fingerprint sensor.
We have used FPM10A fingerprint module (shown in Fig.
2) for our project. The user can store around 200 fingerprint
data in this module. We have connected our fingerprint module
to an Arduino Uno.
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ICICCS 2017
Fig. 2. FPM10A fingerprint module
B. PIR sensor
We have used PIR sensors to ensure security when the
owner is out of home. The PIR (passive infrared sensor) detects
motion through heat detection. When warm bodies like a
human or animal passes by, it first intercepts one-half of the
PIR sensor, which causes a positive differential change
between the two halves and vice versa[4]. It detects movement
in 120-degree direction up to 7 meters.
We could have chosen ultrasonic sensors but it detects
every particle in motion but we need a sensor, which can only
detect human’s movement. Each room has a PIR sensor
attached in the ceiling. The setup is shown in Fig. 3.
Fig. 3. Setup for PIR sensors
C. Buzzer
A buzzer works as an audio signaling device for alarm
devices. In our project, we have previously used a 5-V buzzer,
which was implemented to get an output. If any intruder enters
in the home is detected by the PIR motion sensors. The normal
buzzer alarms would not be heard from far clearly, which is
required for the system. That is why we have used the 5-V
speaker as alarm, which is compatible with the Arduino.
D. Communications
GSM shield is used to communicate with the owner if
any intruder breaks into the house.
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 International Conference on Intelligent Computing and Control Systems
Fig. 4. SIM 900 GSM shield
We have used SIM 900 GSM SHEILD in the system which
was placed on the Arduino. We have firstly used the A6 GSM
MODULE which had few drawbacks such as poor signal, not
being able to send SMS in real time, delay or no response etc.
For the betterment of the system, we have used SIM 900 GSM
shield (shown in Fig. 4), which has better functionality and real
time response with no delay at all.
E. Door Lock
We have used a 12-volt solenoid electric door lock in this
project. When the fingerprint sensor detects a registered
fingerprint, it sends signal to the Arduino Uno to unlock the
main door of the house.
F. Arduino Uno
The Arduino Uno is a microcontroller. We have used it
because it is reasonable and user friendly. The external part is
Arduino Uno based shown in Fig.7.
Fig. 5. Arduino Uno setup
G. Relay
Relay is a switch. We have used relay in this system to
maintain the voltage level between Arduino Uno and electric
door lock. Arduino Uno passes 5-volt voltage but door lock
needs 12 volts to turn on. Relay solves this issue in the system.
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ICICCS 2017
H. Keypad
We have used keypad to add more security to the system.
When owner adds his or her fingerprint, or wants to delete the
previously saved fingerprints, this keypad is used to access and
keep that information secured through a specific password. We
are using 4x4 matrix membrane keypad. This keypad is
connected to the Arduino Uno and attached to main door of the
house.
I. LCD keypad Arduino shield
We have used LCD keypad Arduino shield in this
system to show the several menus of the fingerprint
mechanism. The user can easily understand the functions after
putting the fingerprint on the fingerprint modules. We have
used 16x2 LCD keypad shield. The functions of the LCD
display are shown in Fig. 5.
Fig. 6. Functioning of the LCD keypad display
J. Veroboard
We have replaced the internal part’s initial setup with Vero
board, which minimizes the wiring hassles. The Vero board
connects the buzzer and LED lights to motion sensors. The
setup is shown in Fig.6.
Fig. 7. Setup for vero board
K. Webcam
We have used the webcam to monitor the entrance area
24/7. We have placed the webcam on the top of the door so that
every entry is recorded.
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 International Conference on Intelligent Computing and Control Systems
L. Arduino Mega
The Arduino Mega is a microcontroller board based on the
AT mega 1280. It consists of fifty-four input/output pins that
helped us to implement the system smoothly according to our
need. We have used the Arduino Mega in the burglar alarm
system. We could use Arduino Uno but it has limited pins. All
the PIR sensors are connected to the Arduino Mega using Vero
board. Whenever the PIR sensors in the rooms detect any
motion, a signal is sent to the Arduino Mega. Then it sends the
signal to the LED light pin set up in the rooms as well as the
buzzer pin. The buzzer pin lights begin to blink and
immediately the alarm starts to buzz for three seconds with
intervals. Arduino mega setup is shown on Fig.8.
Fig. 8. Arduino Mega setup
V. PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
There are two parts in the whole system. The working
principle of each part is described here.
A. External part
This part is an Arduino Uno based which includes a
fingerprint based door lock and a webcam. When the system
starts, it shows ‘Fingerprint Door Lock system’ on LCD screen
after 3 seconds it shows the menu with two options named
admin and user. Admin option is for the owner of the system
who can manually add or delete the fingerprints. In a word,
owner controls the entry of the house and initialization of the
device. After saving the fingerprint by the owner, it goes to the
user option, which can be operated by all of the people in the
house or outside. Admin option is secured with a specific
password which only admin can access with password.
When the owner tries to access the ‘Admin’ option, he/she
has to put the password using keypad to get into the next menu.
If the password is correct, it shows ‘Matched’ on the LCD
screen or else it shows ‘Incorrect’. After getting into the next
menu, LCD display shows another menu bar ‘1. Add
fingerprint and 2. Delete fingerprint’. New fingerprint is added
with a specific code. Again, the owner can delete any stored
fingerprint from the device.
All the authorized persons’ fingerprints can be saved into
fingerprint sensor memory. Whenever an authorized person
attempts to unlock the door, he/she has to select the second
option which is ‘2.user’. Immediately ‘put your finger’ appears
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ICICCS 2017
on the LCD screen and then the person has to put their finger
on the fingerprint sensor. It compares the fingerprint with the
stored data in the system. When it is accepted by the system, it
displays a pre-programmed ‘Welcome Home!’ message on the
LCD screen and the door unlocks. Otherwise, for a random
fingerprint, it shows ‘not accepted’ message on the LCD screen
and door remains locked. The entire working procedure is
shown on Fig. 9.
There is a camera installed in the house which monitors
24/7 surveillances.
Fig. 9. Working procedure of fingerprint based door lock
B. Internal part
The second part is Arduino Mega Controlled Burglar alarm
system with GSM shield. This part’s function is to detect
intruder when the owner of the house is outside and notifies
him/her immediately via SMS or call.
Each of the rooms has PIR sensors and lights attached to
the ceiling. Whenever an intruder tries to break into the home,
PIR sensor senses the disturbance and sends a signal to the
Arduino Mega. The LED lights blink and the alarm
immediately starts to buzz for three seconds with intervals to
aware the surroundings. The respective lights of the certain
rooms also get turned on.
After the buzzer is triggered, GSM sends an SMS to the
owner to notify immediately. Therefore, at the same time,
neighbors and the owner of the house get to know if there is
anyone in his home without his absence. The overall design of
internal part is shown on Fig.10.
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 International Conference on Intelligent Computing and Control Systems
Fig. 10. Design of Internal part
VI. IMPLEMENTATION COMPARISON
Our system consists of multiple features and also is cost
effective at the same time. We have seen so many security
providing systems on the internet that are costlier than our
system and does not provide sufficient security like ours.
Comparison between similar systems and our system is shown
in Fig. 11. Our system is unique which provides more features
than the existing ones and comes in low costing.
Fig. 11. Comparison table of existing systems
VII. RESULTS
We have effectively implemented the prototype of entire
system. The whole system has two main parts and we
combined them to make the system more efficient. In Fig. 12, it
is shown how the external part works. It controls the access to
the house so that any unknown person can not enter in the
house. Only owner of the house can access the Admin option.
Owner can add the fingerprint of the desire person on the
device. Because of using fringerprint sensor on the door lock,
the lock opens at that time when given fingerprint maches with
the saved fingerprint. Though this system owner can easily
restrict the entry of the house.
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ICICCS 2017
Fig. 12. Layout of the external part
If the theif breaks the door and enters into house, the
internal part of the system will active. In the internal part, the
PIR sensors are installed inside which detect abrupt changes in
temperature and the alarm triggers to notify the surrounding. At
the same time, the respective lights get turned on inside the
room. The GSM module is connected with the pir sensors. it
notifies the designated person via SMS in real time. In Fig.13 it
is shown what the message is received by owner when PIR
sensors sense any movement.
Fig. 13. Messaged recieved by owner of the system
The whole system is implemented in a layout shown in Fig.
14. This is a prototype of a two-storied building. Our internet
part’s circuit box is placed inside it and 3 sensors and lights are
placed on the corners of it. The sensors are connected with
GSM module. The internal part activates when unwanted
movement is detected. The main door of the house has a
fingerprint sensor, LCD keypad shield and door lock. A
webcam is placed on the top of the door in the entrance. The
external part activates when someone tries to enter the house
through the main gate and uses the door lock.
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 International Conference on Intelligent Computing and Control Systems
Fig. 14. Layout of the whole system
VIII. CONCLUSION
It has been successfully proven through the prototype
that this home security system works perfectly. The fingerprint
door lock gives the highest security ever that no other unknown
person can come inside the house. Again, the internal part also
gives protection to the house when no one is at home. It also
gives more security by sending messages to the owner if
anyone tries to break into the house. Besides this, the system is
cheap compared to other systems and it has many features
altogether. Thus, this home security system can be an efficient,
one of a kind system for developing countries.
IX. FUTURE WORK
We have built up the entire system effectively. However it
has some minor issues that need to be tackled. We have a plan
in place to work on the webcam part. We need to enhance it in
a way that when an unauthorized person tries to get into the
house by putting an incorrect fingerprint, the webcam will take
snapshots of the intruder. By implementing our work on this
further, the system will be much more robust and homes will
be more secured. Again, we need to chip away at the GSM
part. Presently the system sends an SMS to owner on the off
chance that the PIR sensor senses any unsettling influence.
However, we need to supplant the instant message with an
email, phone call and MMS. By applying these changes, our
system will provide a more efficient and powerful security.
978-1-5386-2745-7/17/$31.00 ©2017 IEEE
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ICICCS 2017
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The project was done under capstone senior design project
at Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, North
South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The research work was
supervised by our faculty Dr. Hasan U. Zaman. We are very
much grateful to our department and our faculty for this
opportunity.
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