CHASE- IT ALARM CLOCK

NORTHWEST SAMAR STATE UNIVERSITY

Calbayog City

BETHUEL L. FRESNIDO
TROY C. LABIAN
TROY N. MASECAMPO
KG DANIEL F. UY
May 2020

i
 Republic of the Philippines
NORTHWEST SAMAR STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Engineering and Technology
Rueda Street, Brgy. Balud, Calbayog City, Western Samar 6710 . Tel No. PLDT-(055) 209-3657
Email: main@nwssu.edu.ph

CHASE- IT ALARM CLOCK

A Baby Thesis
Presented to

MA. AIMEE B. FLOR, ECE., ECT

College of Engineering and Technology
NORTHWEST SAMAR STATE UNIVERSITY
Calbayog City

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in

ECETECH - 2

By:
BETHUEL L. FRESNIDO
TROY C. LABIAN
TROY N. MASECAMPO
KG DANIEL F. UY
May 2020

ii
 Acknowledgement

The making of this study has been a painstaking job and would not be possible without

the support and guidance of others. The researchers wish to express their wholehearted

gratitude and profound appreciation to the following persons who helped made this

project possible.

Above all, to GOD ALMIGHTY, who makes all things possible.

Mrs. Aimee Flor, the researchers’ current project adviser, for her practical lessons,

constant supervision and untiring support for each and every one of the researchers.

Mr. Joseph Marian Romano, the researcher’s ECETECH – 1 adviser, for providing

the researchers primary knowledge regarding electronics.

Ms. Emily Mopas, for providing the researchers with the initial insights regarding the

processes of making a project related to electronics.

Fifth – Year NWSSU ECE Students, for the pieces of advice regarding the hardware

of electronic devices whenever the researchers needed it.

Researchers’ parents, for their love, patience and understanding that generated in

the researchers’ determination, courage, and inspiration to finish this work.

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 Abstract

Acquiring healthy sleep is necessary for proper brain functioning. Over time, time-

keeping devices dedicated to regulating proper sleep have been continuously developed.

Alarm clocks have since been studied and improved. But only a fraction of that effort is

dedicated to the development of techniques that would actually make a person get up

and out of bed. Due to this reason, the researchers conducted a study that focused in

developing an alarm clock that incorporates the technique of getting the user out of bed

– making them chase it. The researchers aimed to conceptualize and analyze the design

of the device both in the software used and the hardware structure of it. The researchers

made use of an Arduino program, and upload it to a line-folllowing car. The line-following

car is then utilized by the researchers. A digital alarm clock was strategically attached to

it. A proximity sensor circuitry is incorporated to the over-all system of the device. The

researchers then analyzed the concept of design and found out that the materials utilized

harmonizes with the software used. Furthermore, the proximity sensor circuitry does was

not affected by the program even if it is already part of the system. The researchers were

satisfied with the findings, providing that it answered the objectives of the study. The

researchers, therefore concluded that the addition of a proximity sensor, a line-following

device, and the over-all concept of having the user chase the alarm clock is an effective

technique on the part of the time-keeping device and a significant improvement.

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 Table of Contents

Cover Page i

Title Page ii

Acknowledgement iii

Abstract iv

Table of Contents v

Chapter 1

Introduction 1

Objectives of the Study 4

Significance of the Study 5

Scope and Delimitations 6

Theoretical Framework 7

Conceptual Framework 9

Definition of Terms 10

Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature 12

Review of Related Studies 14

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Chapter 3

Methodology 17

Materials and Testing 22

Technical Discussion 28

Circuit Diagram 30

Flow Chart 32

Chapter 4

Results and Findings 34

Chapter 5

Conclusion 35

Recommendation 36

Bibliography 37

Appendices

Appendix A 39

Appendix B 40

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 Chapter 1

Introduction

Sleep is food for the brain. Although the function or functions of sleep are still

unresolved, great progress has been made in understanding the brain mechanisms that

control sleep and wakefulness. An understanding of these mechanisms is of paramount

importance to our society (Brown et al., 2012). According to The Sleep Foundation

(2020), during sleep, important body functions and brain activity occur. While skipping

sleep can make you look bad, feel moody, and perform poorly, it can also be harmful —

even deadly. A number of aspects of health and quality of life are linked to sleep, and

these aspects are impaired when a person experiences sleep difficulties. It is therefore

needless to say that sleep is not just an imperative to a human being but also making a

proper one is a requirement for a healthy living.

Countless studies have been conducted in relation to sleep. These are further

subdivided to the ones focusing on numerous sleep difficulties. One of such is

oversleeping. As defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, oversleeping is to sleep longer

than one intended to and so wake up late. Although the physiological pathways and risks

associated with “too short sleep” (<5 hours/day) have been well demonstrated, little is

known about “too much sleeping” (Léger et al.,2014). Studies have been conducted

aimed to attain deeper understanding on the underlying causes, effects and treatment of

oversleeping and in general, the difficulty of waking up in time. Lacking proper

wakefulness and healthy sleeping pattern can prove to be a problem for a person thriving

on a society. With jobs, school and other responsibilities, waking up by a set time remains

a must for the majority of us (Osmun, 2017). Knowing such undeniable conditions enabled

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humans to think of ways to regulate their sleeping patterns. Devices were also invented

in purpose of aiding proper and desired wake time. One of such devices is the alarm

clock.

The origin and invention of the alarm clock can be traced back to the ancient times.

And as technology progresses over time, devices that deemed necessary in everyday

lives are especially given much attention. With the advent of ‘Smart devices’, walking up

with the aid of alarm clocks is easier and more efficient. New smart alarm clocks for 2020

offer not only reliability but also unique and interactive features that make waking up and

going to bed much more comfortable (Rawes, 2020). The latest alarm clocks further

improves usability and efficiency. Some of such devices include user-friendly interfaces

such as LCD displays that projects time, the ability to stream media, and the ability to surf

the internet. Some make use of different features designed to wake a person up, ranging

from incorporating very loud speakers to simulating sunlight and pleasant nature sounds

for a gentle wake (Ullman, 2019). But even with these devices gradually improving

themselves with more features overtime, very little effort is often intended to improve the

actual techniques that would make a person not just enter a wakeful state but also literally

get out of bed. Only then would a person get the initiative to proceed with the day’s

activities. Conventional alarm clocks that are in the market now are not any more effective

in forcing heavy sleepers out of bed and their effectiveness have dropped as they can

often be turned off easily if they are within reach of the user (Kien Ee et al., 2015). Best

needed is an alarm clock, though devoid of certain modern interfaces, but nevertheless

gives attention to the purpose of making a person get up and out of bed.

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 Some of the most advanced alarm clocks that considers techniques in urging a

person to get out of bed utilizes the ability of producing motion. One such design was

originally conceived by Nanda Gauri in 2005, the inventor of an alarm clock that requires

the user to chase it to turn it off. The device is officially named “Clocky”. The device moves

around a space such as a bedroom. This specific design gives the alarm clock the ability

to move and run around in random directions once the alarm goes off making the user

the inevitable move of chasing it down to turn it off. This design takes into consideration

the build of the clock that could also sustain a maximum drop height of up to 3 feet

therefore making it efficient in running around the space surrounding the user. But it still

causes disadvantages. In a way, even if it is programmed to change directions a few

times, because the motion of the device is random, it can easily get stuck on crowded

places in the room or house. Considering also the randomness of its motion, it can also

bump into certain things and can cause ranges and varieties of accidents and unintended

situations one of which is the user easily catching the run-away clock once it is stuck. On

the other hand, the device could also travel to certain places unintended for it to be there.

A solution to this concern involves the addition of sensors.

This study was aimed to create a new design of alarm clock which make uses of

the already existing concept of having the user chase it to turn it off. This design

incorporates the use of sensors to detect the distance between the alarm clock and the

user therefore determining whether or not it is far enough to make the user chase it and

get out of bed. This design also utilizes sensors that detect the path of the alarm clock in

order for it to prevent getting stuck, lost or easily caught. The purpose of this study is to

generate a design for a handy alarm clock that serves its specified purpose efficiently

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Objectives of the Study

This study aimed to develop an Arduino-Run alarm clock with built-in sensors and

motor, automatically controlled by a response system that runs away from the user the

moment the alarm goes off.

Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions;

1. What is the design of the product in terms of its:

1.1 Program used; and

1.2 Hardware structure?

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Significance of the study

This study was able to contribute significant development to the existing concept-

design of modern alarm clocks. The society in general can make inferences regarding

this development.

More specifically this study shall be beneficial to the groups of people.

Manufacturers. May it be an individual, a capable group, or a company. The

findings of this study led up to a development of a new design of alarm clock. Generating

a physical device and testing it will be taking the design steps further.

Technological researchers. Those who specialize in the field of developing

technological designs can make use of the findings of this study to make improvements

to it.

Sleep pattern researchers. Those who specialize in studying the fields relating

to the behavioral pattern of sleep can make use of the design developed by this study to

make inferences regarding its actual effects to the psychological and emotional aspects

of the alarm clock user.

Researchers. Researchers in other fields of study can use the findings and data

produced in this study as references.

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Scope and Delimitation

The study utilized the developmental design/ method of research and was focused

on creating developments on the existing concept-design of an alarm clock. The

aforementioned existing design was originally conceived in 2005 and the alarm clock

product based on that design is named “Clocky”. It requires the user to chase it in order

to turn it off. The present study was mainly aimed in improving the path and motion of the

alarm clock’s design. The researchers did not cover other alarm clock designs and only

focused on improving Clocky’s.

Furthermore, the study delimited itself to make improvements only to the path and

behavioral motion of Clocky’s design. This is by incorporating sensors in the design for

specific functions. The present study does not touch other aspects of the existing design.

The conception of the idea and primary proposals took place in Northwest Samar

State University, Calbayog City, and the process of completion took place in each of the

residences of the researchers. The entire study took the span of time from March 3, 2020

to present date.

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Theoretical Framework

In this study, the researchers used the following theories. The Consumer Behavior

Theory, developed by numerous economists and psychologists, was first officially

formulated by the decision-model by Howard in 1963 (Du Plessis,Rousseau et al. 1991).

This theory was used by the researchers as aid in understanding the mental inclination

of a person as a consumer to choose and utilize products that best fits one’s needs not

just by a process of elimination and conformity but also by the actual preference of the

consumer based on the need to improve the quality of life. Jeff Bray comprehensively

explains the theory in his ‘Consumer Behaviour Theory: Approaches and Models’ :

Contemporary research on Consumer Behaviour considers a wide range of factors

influencing the consumer, and acknowledges a broad range of consumption activities

beyond purchasing. These activities commonly include; need recognition, information

search, evaluation of alternatives, the building of purchase intention, the act of

purchasing, consumption and finally disposal. This more complete view of consumer

behaviour has evolved through a number of discernable stages over the past century in

light of new research methodologies and paradigmatic approaches being adopted.

As such, the researchers firmly acquired the concept on which a consumer’s

preferences of a certain products could easily be understood. Clearly, the quality and

efficiently of products directly correlates to it being termed “enhanced” or “modern”. This

caters to the need for improvement especially on devices that are used daily.

Another theory that gives light to the discernable characteristics in which

consumers prefer their products is the utility theory. Peter Fishburn in his research

analysis ‘Utility Theory’, published in 1968, summarizes the theory’s backbone of

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understanding: Utility theory is interested in people's preferences or values and with

assumptions about a person's preferences that enable them to be represented in

numerically useful ways. This basic concept has since been used by manufacturers and

designers to make designs with the intention of making it a part of daily living. Utility theory

views the consumer as a ‘rational economic man’ (Zinkhan, 1992). It is nevertheless

understandable why technological devices are rapidly advancing over time. It is always

catering to the need of an individual rather than the community as a whole. The

understanding of this urged the researchers to focus on developing a device capable of

meeting the need of an individual considering one’s specific need rather than tackling all

the other numerous roundabout approaches to it.

This study was anchored to the previously stated theories. In sum, the rapid

increase and enhancement of technological devices follows the concept of specific needs

that are unique to certain behaviors of individuals as well as their preferences. Creating

new designs and improving existing ones is an imperative to every advancement in

technology. Such concept is being applied by the present study.

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Conceptual Framework

Figure 1 below illustrates the conceptual framework of the study. The paradigm

presents the variables that will be considered in the study.

Design of the product in

terms of:
Newly Developed Design of
1. Program used; Alarm Clock
2. Hardware structure

Fig. 1 The Conceptual Framework of the Study

The design of the product will be described in the study in terms of the following

variables: (1) program used; and (2) hardware structure. In this study, these variables are

inseparable to one another and are both necessary in coming up with the final product –

a newly designed alarm clock. This hypothesized relationship is represented by a one-

way arrow connecting the variables being used in the study and the outcome of the study.

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Definition of Terms

The following terms from the study are defined conceptually and operationally.

Alarm clock: An alarm clock is defined as a clock that you can set to wake you up

at a particular time with a loud noise (Cambridge Dictionary, 2020). In this study, the same

definition has been used.

Arduino: It has been defined as an open-source electronics platform or board and

the software used to program it (Technopedia, 2020). In this study, the researchers made

use of the Arduino uno board, its corresponding components, and the required computer

programs.

Cost – effective: The term is defined as producing good results without costing a

lot of money (Merriam-Webster, 2020). In this study, the term is used as a variable testing

the final outcome of the study. Specifically, it compares the over-all cost of making the

final product to the cost of Clocky.

Clocky: According to Word Finder (2020), Clocky is a brand of alarm clock

outfitted with wheels, allowing it to hide itself in order to force the owner awake in an

attempt to find it. In this study, the researchers attempted to improve the concept-design

of clocky by incorporating additional electronic components.

Design: It is generally defined as the process of envisioning and planning the

creation of objects, interactive systems, buildings, vehicles, etc. (Strate School of Design,

2018). In the present study, this variable has been used to pertain to both the programs

used in creating the product and the corresponding hardware structure of it.

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 Hardware: It is defined as the components that compounded or added to any

electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, ebooks, wearables, televisions,

music players, robots or space probes among other examples (The What Is Website,

2020). In this study, the variable is used to define the physical components of the final

product.

Program: According to TechTerms (2008), a program is executable software that

runs on a computer. The present study made use of the variable pertaining to all the

computer programs used in designing and providing codes for execution of the final

product.

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 Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature and Studies

A presentation of the related literature and studies used as sources of background

information for the basis of this study.

Related Literature

An understanding on the importance of proper sleep is fundamental in this study.

Over the past years, there has been an increasing interest in the investigation of sleep in

adolescents as well as adults. Growing evidences suggest that sleep plays a crucial role

in healthy adolescent development, particularly in the regulation of important daily

functions such as behavior, emotion and attention (Schochat T.,et.al, 2013).

Chris Idzikowski (2013) presented the needs of sufficient amount of sleep on his

book "The Expert Guide to Sleeping". The book was published aiming to bring together

the true essence of sleep that Idzikowski learned. It aims to give information about the

nature of sleep, also guidance on actions the readers can take to maintain sleeping

management that leads to a better quality of life. Age, genetics, health, the season and

the amount racked up sleep all help determine the number of hours each of us needs.

The danger of having too little sleep and the conditions associated with too little sleep,

are well publicized, but less well known are the adverse effects and association of too

much sleep (Idzikowski, 2013). According to Idzikowski, the effects associated with too

much sleep includes obesity, back pain, headaches, depression and increased mortality.

Tackling on his book "The Good Sleep and Wake Habits- Setting your Sleep and Wake

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Cycle”, Idzikowski gives the necessity of having and setting alarm clock for effective

conditioning of the body. “Set your alarm clock for 7 AM and make sure that it's on its

loudest setting so that it wakes you straight away. Put the alarm clock out of reach so you

have to get out of bed to stop it's noise." (Idzikowski, 2013). In order to overcome

problems associated with too much sleep and less sleep, it is important for a person to

be able to practice effective sleep timing. This perception is vital to the present study that

proposes an alarm clock device as an aid for a healthy sleep.

The article titled ”The Role of Alarm Clocks in Getting Better Sleep” by Rosie

Osmun (2020) aims to discover if the Alarm Clock, known as a common fixture in most

bedroom, actually do help a person in getting better sleep. It’s stated in the article that

“the utility of Alarm Clock is undeniable and many would probably have a hard time doing

work every day without one”, but there are also potential downsides that are encountered

such as the alarm clock sometimes causing counterproductive effects to overall health

and for getting enough sleep. The present study aimed to create a better version of an

existing alarm clock while taking into consideration the importance of making one with the

user’s well-being kept in mind.

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Related Studies

Multiple studies have been conducted regarding not just the determinants of proper

sleep, but also on the role of time-keeping devices such as alarm clocks and on various

ways of developing them.

M.A Tulker and W.Fishbein (2009) conducted a study on "The impacts of Sleep

Duration and Subject Intelligence on Declarative and Motor Memory Performance: How

much is Enough?” This study is set out to address two central issues by assessing the

effects of sleep duration on processing of declarative and motor memory tasks, and by

examining the relationship between subject intelligence, task acquisition and memory of

enhancement following sleep. Upon experimentation, the observation suggested that

while sleep is important for processing of memories from multiple domains, greater

amount of sleep may not be required for optimal performance. This also suggest that day-

time 90 minutes containing Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep or active sleep is

equivalent to the performance after sufficient full night sleep. Overall, this study gives the

idea that extended periods of sleep are not necessary for optimal sleep related memory

gains and motor performance. It also suggest that, while intelligence is associated clearly

with the ability to acquire declarative information, it does not appear to be a subject

variable that modulates oversleep memory enhancement. The study "The Impacts of

Sleep Duration and Subject Intelligence on Declarative and Motor memory Performance:

How much is enough? " shows the need of exact amount of sleep to acquire better body

performance in every person's day to day living. Proper sleep management and timing is

found to be an important variable in acquiring enhanced performance, leading to the

necessity of the proposed device of this study which is significant in proper sleeping time

14
management. Aiming to promote practice sufficient sleep timing and effective time

management to gain proper function of the body.

The study ”The effects of Multisensory Notifications on Users Reactivity” by

Nicholas A. Croce published in 2017, focuses on determining if the reactivity of the person

is dependent to the number of notification(s) sense during the alarm. The study utilized

participants who woke to both uni-sensory & multi-sensory notifications and tested with

different types of sensory notification(s). By collecting the reaction time to determine the

differences, the study concludes that the person is more comfortable with what they are

used to, either uni-sensory or multi-sensory notifications. Reactivity is one of the concerns

of the present study and alarming the user is part of the necessary process for this

solution to be realized.

The study “Human Factors Design Consideration of Alarm Clocks” concerns on

technology peripheral to become more affordable and useable. This study by Raymond

W. Lim and Michael S. Wogalter (2002), aimed to examine the desirable and various

features that have or could be incorporated into alarm clock. Both studies are in regards

on incorporating potential features to an alarm clock. Since the present study is to

innovate an existing concept-design of an alarm clock model, the researchers had to

obtain and investigate the categories of features of alarm clocks of the present

technological generation.

15
 A study by Kien Ee et al., titled Bedrunn3r: An Intelligent Running Alarm Clock,

published in 2015, aimed to study the problems associated with sleep that are often faced

by people and develop an intelligent moving alarm clock that implements the application

of Artificial Intelligence. Along the process of the study, the authors made mention of the

current progress of the present technological generation of alarm clocks, specifically the

moving types. Among the mentioned was Clocky, the original alarm clock that made use

of the concept-design being studied and developed in the present study: ‘Clocky is a

moving alarm clock that was created by Nanda Home. It moves by rolling on its two

wheels that are located at the side of its body. Clocky is activated once the user presses

the snooze button for the second time and move by using a random algorithm to

determine its direction of movement. Clocky moves randomly around the room while

sounding the alarm and forces the user to find them to turn off the alarm.’ This paved way

for the researchers of the present study in finding a solution to the randomized movement

of Clocky to maximize efficiency and usability.

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 Chapter 3

Methodology

Methods for the Software

To make the necessary program for the SMART Aquarium, the researchers uses

the Arduino IDE software in the latest version that is available for download in the official

Arduino website. The researchers first copies an open source program made by Surajit

Majumdar for a line following car using Arduino.

Table 1. Program of the Line Following Car

//ARDUINO LINE FOLLOWING CAR//

// YOU HAVE TO INSTALL THE AFMOTOR LIBRARY BEFORE UPLOAD THE CODE//
// GO TO SKETCH >> INCLUDE LIBRARY >> ADD .ZIP LIBRARY >> SELECT AF MOTOR ZIP FILE //

//including the libraries

#include <AFMotor.h>

//defining pins and variables

#define left A0
#define right A1

//defining motors
AF_DCMotor motor1(1, MOTOR12_1KHZ);
AF_DCMotor motor2(2, MOTOR12_1KHZ);
AF_DCMotor motor3(3, MOTOR34_1KHZ);
AF_DCMotor motor4(4, MOTOR34_1KHZ);

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void setup() {
//declaring pin types
pinMode(left,INPUT);
pinMode(right,INPUT);
//begin serial communication
Serial.begin(9600);

void loop(){
//printing values of the sensors to the serial monitor
Serial.println(digitalRead(left));

Serial.println(digitalRead(right));

//line detected by both

if(digitalRead(left)==0 && digitalRead(right)==0){
//Forward
motor1.run(FORWARD);
motor1.setSpeed(150);
motor2.run(FORWARD);
motor2.setSpeed(150);
motor3.run(FORWARD);
motor3.setSpeed(150);
motor4.run(FORWARD);
motor4.setSpeed(150);
}

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//line detected by left sensor
else if(digitalRead(left)==0 && !analogRead(right)==0){
//turn left
motor1.run(FORWARD);
motor1.setSpeed(200);
motor2.run(FORWARD);
motor2.setSpeed(200);
motor3.run(BACKWARD);
motor3.setSpeed(200);
motor4.run(BACKWARD);
motor4.setSpeed(200);

}
//line detected by right sensor
else if(!digitalRead(left)==0 && digitalRead(right)==0){
//turn right
motor1.run(BACKWARD);
motor1.setSpeed(200);
motor2.run(BACKWARD);
motor2.setSpeed(200);
motor3.run(FORWARD);
motor3.setSpeed(200);
motor4.run(FORWARD);
motor4.setSpeed(200);

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 //line detected by none
else if(!digitalRead(left)==0 && !digitalRead(right)==0){
//stop
motor1.run(RELEASE);
motor1.setSpeed(0);
motor2.run(RELEASE);
motor2.setSpeed(0);
motor3.run(RELEASE);
motor3.setSpeed(0);
motor4.run(RELEASE);
motor4.setSpeed(0);

This program is solely for making the line following car run and follow its path. It

will then be uploaded to the Arduino Uno board. It is the only Arduino program needed

for the device.

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Methods for the Hardware

To complete the whole package of the Chase-it Alarm Clock. The researchers are

to build and construct first a line following car and place the desired path on the floor of

the user in which the alarm clock will travel. After the construction of the car, the

researchers are to methodically attach a light-weight alarm clock on to the car. A proximity

sensor - with its circuit - that detects the user will then be attached to the car and will

determine the on-off function of the car.

21
 Materials and Testing

A. Construction of the Line- following Car

The materials needed for the line following-car are the following: one (1) Arduino

UNO R3 ATmega16U2, one (1) Motor Driver Shield L293D Mega, four (4) Robot car

tyre wheels, four (4) DC 3V-6V DC 1:120 Gear Motor, three (3) Infrared Obstacle

Avoidance Sensor, two (2) INR18650-30Q 3000mah 20A Flat Top Protected Power

18650 Li-ion Battery, one (1) DC 7.4V 2 Slot Double Series 18650 Battery Holder, female

jumper wires, an acrylic sheet, and a DC Power Switch. (Appendix B provides a brief

specification of all materials used in making the final product).

Table 2. Materials for the Line-following Car.

Description Image
Arduino UNO R3 ATmega16U2

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 Motor Driver Shield L293D

Robot car tyre wheels

DC 3V-6V DC 1:120 Gear Motor

Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Sensor

23
INR18650-30Q 3000mah 20A Flat Top
Protected Power 18650 Li-ion Battery

DC 7.4V 2 Slot Double Series 18650

Battery Holder

Female jumper wires

Acrylic sheet

24
 DC Power Switch

B. The Alarm Clock

The researchers chose to prefer a lightweight, durable, LCD Display alarm clock

by OEM with dimensions: 11.2 x 4.6 x 6.5 cm. The clock runs on three (3) AAA 1.5V

batteries. The alarm clock will be attached to the line following car with a strong adhesive

glue.

Figure 2. OEM Alarm Clock

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 C. The Proximity Sensor

For the circuitry of the proximity sensor that is to detect the distance between the

user and the alarm clock, the following materials are needed: one (1) BC547 transistor,

one (1) 220 ohm resistor, one (1) 100 ohm resistor, one (1) infrared led, one (1) photo

diode, and one (1) red led. (Appendix B provides a brief specification of all materials

used in making the final product).

Table 3. Materials for the Proximity Sensor Circuitry

Description Image
BC547 transistor

220 ohm resistor

100 ohm resistor

26
Infrared led

Photo Diode

Red Led

3.7v Battery

27
 Technical Discussion

The software of the Chase-it Alarm Clock is mainly the program of the line-

following car uploaded to the Arduino Uno board. The hardware however, involves three

separate processes in the over-all development of the final product namely, constructing

the line-following car, attaching the digital alarm clock, and adding the proximity sensor

circuitry. The following technical discussion will cover all three processes.

A. Construction of the Line – Following Car

The construction follows a technical and careful process. First, the acrylic sheet is

to be cut to a rectangle with dimensions approximately 20 cm by 9 cm. Jumper wires are

then soldered and attached to the gear motors. All motors are then glued to the acrylic

sheet and positioned to the four corners of the sheet with their axles facing outwards for

the wheels to be inserted. The wheels are then inserted to the motors. The next step is

to place and screw the Arduino board on the middle top of the sheet. Then the motor

driver is placed on top of the Arduino board. After then, attach the jumper wires that are

connected to the motors to the motor driver. The infrared sensors are then glued to the

front of the sheet and are facing down. Using cables, one infrared sensor is attached to

the motor driver with the OUT to AO, GND to GND, and VCC to 5V. The other infrared

sensor is then attached to the driver with VCC to +5V, GND to GND, and OUT to A1.

After then, the program is uploaded to the Arduino board by connecting it to a PC

via USB cable. The next step involves the power source of the car. Connect and join the

DC switch with the battery holder. After then, the battery holder is glued to the top of the

acrylic sheet, to the left of the Arduino board. The DC switch is then connected to the

28
motor driver with the positive to positive and negative to GND. Finishing the process is

placing the batteries to the battery holder.

B. The Alarm Clock

The digital alarm clock is then positioned and glued on top of the acrylic sheet to

the right of the Arduino board facing outwards. When viewed from the back of the car,

the positioning of the clock is a little bit to the right, this is to give space for the circuitry

of the proximity sensor.

C. The Proximity Sensor

The BC547 transistor is prepared, with its CBE wire slightly apart. The positive of

the photo diode is soldered and connected to the B of the transistor. The negative of the

IR led is then soldered to the E (emitter) of the transistor. The other end of the 100 ohm

resistor is then soldered to the negative of the photo diode and the other end to the

positive of the IR led. A 220 ohm resistor is then soldered to the C (collector) of the

transistor, and the other end of the resistor is soldered to the negative of a red led. The

positive of the red led is then soldered to the end of the 100 ohm resistor. The circuit is

then connected to a 3.7v battery.

After then, the proximity sensor circuitry is added to the line following car. After the

whole circuit is placed and glued beside the digital alarm clock on top of the acrylic sheet,

he DC switch of the car is then connected to the circuit of the proximity sensor. If the

switch of the car is on, the car won’t start running yet. It will only be then powered when

the proximity sensor detects movement.

29
Circuit Diagram

The following circuit diagrams are visual representations of the two circuits the

researchers made use in this study. The first one is a diagram by Surajit Majumdar , the

author of the codes used in programming the Arduino board of the line-following car. And

the second circuit diagram is for the circuitry of the proximity sensor.

Figure 3. Circuit Diagram of the Line Following Car

30
Figure 4. Circuit Diagram of the Proximity Sensor

31
 Flow Chart

The following flow chart represents the process- response system of the Chase –

it alarm clock.
START

INPUT TIME

CALCULATE T-MINUS

PLAY BUZZER

DECIDE: Yes
No
HUMAN
NEARBY
?

STANDBY MOVE AWAY

No DECIDE: Yes

TAPPED?

MOVE AWAY END BUZZER

STOP

32
Figure 5. Flow Chart of Chase-it Alarm Clock.
 The system process of the Chase-it alarm clock starts with the input of time the

alarm will go off on the digital alarm clock. After the alarm goes off, the clock device will

detect if there is a person nearby. If there isn’t, the device will stay and if there is a person

detected approximately a meter away, the device will begin traveling down its path and

move away from the person. If the device is outran and the button of the digital alarm

clock is pressed, the device will stop running, otherwise it won’t.

33
 Chapter 4

Results and Findings

1. Program Design Analysis

The alarm clock’s software design was aimed to incorporate the necessary

settings for the device to function according to the hypothesized design. The

researchers used Arduino IDE software in uploading a sketch provided for the line

following robot and successfully labeled it entirely for the actual design considering

the addition of the proximity circuit.

2. Hardware Structure Analysis

The researchers made use of a simple existing design of a line following

car. The design is evidently efficient when put to hardware construction. The car

is fast and light but also durable, suitable for a running alarm clock.

The digital alarm clock is light and durable and can supposedly sustain falls.

Its shape and size is matched to the over-all design of the device. Its positioning

on the line-following car provides the user easy access whenever the user is about

to turn it off.

The proximity sensor incorporated to the circuitry of the line-following car

detects up to a meter of distance. The researchers found this to be just right

considering the speed of the car and the actual accuracy of the sensor.

34
 Chapter 5

Conclusion and Recommendations

Conclusions

After conceptualizing and analyzing the software and hardware design of the

device, the researchers were able to successfully answer this study’s objectives.

Therefore, the researchers arrived at the following conclusion.

The sketch program uploaded to the Arduino board of the Chase-it alarm clock is

sufficient enough to make it run and follow the path intended for it. The codes does not

affect the circuitry of the proximity sensor even if it is partially included in the over-all

system.

The line-following car is a suitable platform for the design of the Chase-it alarm

clock. It does not only provide sufficient speed but also durability and simplicity, making

the over-all device handy in a sense.

The digital alarm clock suits well with the design and effective enough to provide

a startling noise for the user and urge them to chase down the device.

The proximity sensor circuitry is well built into the whole system. It acts well as the

necessary switch for the running device.

35
Recommendations

Although the researchers have been successful in conceptualizing and analyzing

the device’s design both in software and physical structure therefore meeting its aim, the

following are still recommended for future researches that may be related to this:

Actual R&D and multiple prototypes of the design provided by this study. Future

researches could include numerous tests that challenges the credibility of the present

design.

More powerful line-following robots. Faster and more accurate designs of line-

following devices can be used with the use of the design founded and provided by this

study.

More accurate and powerful proximity sensors. More expensive proximity sensors

can be used in place of the one used in this study. More complicated circuitry can also be

useful in improving the current limited function of the present design.

36
 Bibliography

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May 16, 2020 from
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/10107/1/Consumer_Behaviour_Theory_-
_Approaches_%26_Models.pdf

Brown et al., (2012). Control of sleep and wakefulness. Physiol Rev 92: 1087–1187, 2012
doi:10.1152/physrev.00032.2011.

Cambridge Dictionary Website (2020). Alarm Clock. Retrieved on May 16, 2020 from
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/alarm-clock

Cambridge Dictionary Website (2020). Oversleep. Retrieved on May 16, 2020 from
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/oversleep
Fishburn, Peter (1968). Utility Theory. Management Science, Vol. 14, No. 5, Theory
Series (Jan., 1968), pp. 335-378.

Kien Ee et al., (2015, December). Bedrunn3r: an intelligent running alarm clock. ARPN
Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Léger et al., (2014, September 16). The Risks of Sleeping “Too Much”. Survey of a
National Representative Sample of 24671 Adults (INPES Health Barometer).
Retrieved on May 16, 2020 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
pmc/articles/PMC4165901/
Merriam Webster Website (2020). Cost-effective. Retrieved on May 16, 2020 from
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cost-effective

Osmun, Rosie (2016, April 15). The Role of Alarm Clocks in Getting Better Sleep.
Retrieved on May 16, 2020 from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-role-of-alarm-
clocks-in-getting-better-sleep_b_9676870
Ozenc, Fatih & Jeong, Bong-keum & Shih, Nina & Au, Karen & Zimmerman, John. (2007).
Reverse Alarm Clock: a research through design example of designing for the self.
10.1145/1314161.1314196.

Rawes, Erika (2020, April 12). The best alarm clocks for 2020. Retrieved on May 16, 2020
from https://www.digitaltrends.com/home/best-alarm-clocks/
Sleep Foundation Website (2020). Teens and Sleep. Retrieved on May 16, 2020 from
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/teens-and-sleep

Strate School of Design Website (2018). What is Design? Retrieved on May 16, 2020
from https://www.strate.education/gallery/news/design-definition

37
Technopedia Website (2020). Arduino. Retrieved on May 16, 2020 from
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/27874/arduino

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https://techterms.com/definition/program

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2005, November). Your Guide to
Healthy Sleep. NIH Publication No. 11-5271
Ullman, Michelle (2019, December 31). The Best Alarm Clocks. Retrieved on May 16,
2020 from https://www.businessinsider.com/best-alarm-clock.

What is Info Website (2020). What is Hardware. Retrieved on May 16, 2020 from
https://www.what-is.info/what-is-hardware.html

Word Finder Website (2020). What is “Clocky”. Retrieved on May 16, 2020 from
https://findwords.info/term/clocky

38
 Appendix A

Manual of Operation of the System: Installation and Operation

Chase-it Alarm Clock

This device makes use of an actual functioning digital alarm clock as part of its

over-all structure. Aside from the buttons on the digital alarm clock, the device is equipped

with only one switch, a switch used to turn on and off the ability of the device to detect

motion.

The installation of the device includes putting the path of the device on the floor

wherever the user desires. The path is just a black line on the floor and can be a drawing

or a tape neatly placed on the floor. Other than that, the only preparation left is on the

device itself.

In order to use the device, the user must set first the time the alarm must go off on

the digital alarm clock. After then, before sleeping, the user must place the device on the

starting line of its path, then turn its switch on. Right about then, the device can actually

sense and detect motion.

The moment the alarm goes off, the device won’t run off yet. The device will start

following its path the moment the user attempts to turn it off. The only way to turn it off is

by chasing it and pushing the button on the digital alarm clock. The user must then turn

off the switch of the device.

39
 Appendix B

List of Materials and Specifications

Description Image Specification

Arduino UNO R3 The Arduino Uno R3 is a
ATmega16U2 microcontroller board
based on a removable,
dual-inline-package (DIP)
ATmega328 AVR
microcontroller. It has 20
digital input/output pins
(of which 6 can be used
as PWM outputs and 6
can be used as analog
inputs)
Motor Driver The Arduino Motor
Shield L293D Shield is based on the
L293D, which is a Half-
bridge driver designed to
drive inductive loads
such as relays, solenoids,
DC and stepping motors

Robot car tyre Wheel for robots and

wheels robotic vehicle -Elegant
design
-Strongbuild quality

40
 DC 3V-6V DC Features: Strong
1:120 Gear Motor magnetic,Anti-
interference
Model: 1A120-
1812L(Prefer
Torque)
Rated voltage:
3V/6V
Current:
≤180mA/≤250mA
Speed:
45±10%r/min
90±10%r/min
Torque: 0.45±10%kgf.cm
0.85±10%kgf.cm
Infrared Obstacle There is an
Avoidance Sensor obstacle, the
green indicator
light on the
circuit board
Detection
distance: 2 ~
30cm
Detection angle:
35 °
Comparator chip:
LM393
3mm screw holes for easy
mounting
INR18650-30Q For Samsung INR18650-
3000mah 20A Flat 30Q 18650 3000mah 20A
Top Protected 3.7V rechargeable high
Power 18650 Li- drain battery with flat top
ion Battery

41
 DC 7.4V 2 Slot Rated voltage: DC
Double Series 7.4V
18650 Battery Material: ABS
Holder polystyrene
Product
certification:
ROHS
Size: 77.7 X 40.21 X
21.54mm

Female jumper Jumper wires typically

wires come in three versions:
male-to-male, male-to-
female and female-to-
female. The difference
between each is in the
end point of the wire.
Male ends have a pin
protruding and can plug
into things, while female
ends do not and are used
to plug things into.
Acrylic sheet Acrylic sheet is used in
everything from windows
and wall partitions to
lighting fixtures and
canopies. Acrylic for
Transportation
Applications– Acrylic is
used throughout the
transportation industry in
instrument panels,
windows, windshields,
and mirrors.
DC Power Switch Alternating Current (AC)
changes direction every
“cycle”, Direct Current
(DC) flows in one
direction and remains
constant. A spark (arc)
occurs as the switch
contacts make or break
contact.

42
OEM Digital Alarm 100% new quality
Clock goods
Item: Alarm clock
Material: Plastic
Color: Yellow,
Red, Green, Blue
Size:(approx.)
11.2*4.6*6.5cm
Conversion: 1
inch=2.54cm or
1cm=0.393inch
BC547 transistor The BC547 transistor is an
NPN transistor. ... A small
current of the base
terminal of this transistor
will control the large
current of emitter and
base terminals. The main
function of this transistor
is to amplify as well as
switching purposes. The
maximum gain current of
this transistor is 800A.
220 ohm resistor A resistor is a passive two-
terminal electrical
component that
implements electrical
resistance as a circuit
element. Resistors act to
reduce current flow, and,
at the same time, act to
lower voltage levels
within circuits.
100 ohm resistor The main function of
resistors in a circuit is to
control the flow of
current to other
components. Take an LED
(light) for example. If too
much current flows
through an LED it is
destroyed. So a resistor is
used to limit the current.

43
Infrared led An IR LED (infrared light
emitting diode) is a solid
state lighting (SSL) device
that emits light in the
infrared range of the
electromagnetic
radiation spectrum. IR
LEDs allow for cheap,
efficient production of
infrared light, which is
electromagnetic
radiation in the 700 nm to
1mm range.
Photo Diode A photodiode is a
semiconductor device
that converts light into an
electrical current. The
current is generated
when photons are
absorbed in the
photodiode. Photodiodes
may contain optical
filters, built-in lenses, and
may have large or small
surface areas.
Red Led Red lights are used in
photography dark rooms,
military bunkers,
submarines, and
anywhere you might find
yourself working in the
dark. It gives you light to
see by, while at the same
time keeping your eyes
adjusted for the dark.
3.7v Battery Voltage: 3.7 V
Current Rating:
3000 mAh
Charging
environment
temperature
range: 32° to 113°
F
In use
temperature
range: -4° to 140°
F
Size: 0.73″

44
 Diameter x 2.56″
H
Weight: 0.1 lbs.

45