Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Time passes by everyone realized the future technology can accomplish

more task than the manual working of human, so the researcher’s project will help

the workers to do their task faster than their previous works. The researcher's

project lessens the task of the workers by utilizing the programmed plant watering

based on the water content of the soil and humidity with a monitoring system. The

water pump will control when the water will out in the tube, the water pump runs

with an electrical motor. It consists of blades in one block attached to the shaft of

an electrical motor, which creates which will throw out water by force. In this circuit,

the pump gets switched on after the command of sensing probes.

The researchers will use the Microcontroller to assemble the device and it

is a part of electronics which will give a command or control the automatic plant

watering system and it is also a programmable device. Another part of the device

are the sensors that will work indoor and outdoor. The Soil moisture sensor can

read the amount of moisture present in the soil surrounding it. It's an ideal for

monitoring an urban garden, or in own plant's water level and the humidity sensor

measures and reports the relative humidity in the air. It therefore measures both

moisture and air temperature. Relative humidity is the ratio of actual moisture in

the air to the highest amount of moisture that can be held at that air temperature.

(T. Bhuvaneswari et al., 2014).

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 The project about robotics is a result of the imagination of the researcher’s

and the combination of the related literature to make the project and challenge the

researcher’s to improve the knowledge about the technology. To test the

capabilities of the mind to make the device work properly. The power source of an

automatic plant watering system it should be plug in the battery and the device will

work, for testing of the device it should be plug into a computer/laptop to monitor if

the device will work properly. Water is one of the most precious resources. Lawns

and gardens make up about half the total water use of an average home. Plants

properly watered are healthy with more blooms, resilient foliage, and an increased

resistance to pests and disease.

The amount and frequency of watering varies and is dependent upon

weather, soil conditions, and type of plant. Plant water needs, irrigation system

design, and components, as well as irrigation scheduling, must all be considered

when creating or modifying the lawn or garden irrigation system. The automatic

plant watering system have shown that many of the lawn and garden irrigation

systems are poorly planned and/or have very inefficient watering schedules or

need repairs.

That problem came into the researcher’s minds and have led to proposing

the study. The researcher’s will do this study to motivate and inspiration to our

studies, and to help everyone who benefits the device and to minimize the number

of withered plants. Technology helps to make life easier and work faster. The

monitoring system displays the status of the soil and humidity of surroundings that

the user can control the water pump manually if the sensor did not work properly.

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Monitoring system displays the information for the benefit of the worker and

detecting situations that require additional data and it will be stored in the database

for the sprinkler log (S. Mathurkar et al., 2014).

The reasons why the proposal of this study has been made is because of

the problem on monitoring of the crops manually since not every time caretakers

can monitor the moisture of the soil. By using the device, it will help caretakers to

identify the humidity and soil moisture easily to maintain crops. Of course,

caretakers can’t have full control to maintain crops and they have to do other plant

care procedures to other crops. Caretakers also not know whether the soil is

already dry after the last time they water the plants. By using this device,

caretakers won’t have any doubt if the crops have enough water moisture or not.

With the help of the sensor, caretakers can easily know if the crops have enough

water moisture, giving the caretakers much more, manageable time to do other

plant care procedures (N. Hassan et al., 2015).

On the other hand, the problem of the researcher’s is how the caretakers

can understand that the proposed study will be better than of the others, and to let

caretakers know the study’s capabilities, the researchers of this study will conduct

a project about watering the plant automatically and monitor the status of the soil.

The device detects the moisture and the humidity of the surroundings of the plant

that will open water pump for watering the plants and monitoring the status of the

soil. The main problem of the study is withering of plant because the caretaker

cannot monitor every time. This study will help to minimize the work of caretaker

and minimize the number of withered plants. The device will also work using

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computer to program the device and monitor the moisture of the soil and humidity

of the surroundings but in the final the device will work via battery.

Statement of the Problem

The proposed device will help to solve the problem when it comes to

watering the plant and enhance the equipment. The main concern of the study is

to develop “Arduino based Automatic Plant Watering using Soil Moisture and

Humidity sensor with monitoring system”. The study led to the following questions:

1. How will the researchers study be constructed?

2. What are the Hardware requirements in developing the study?

3. How the study be evaluated in terms of:

a. efficiency;

b. reliability; and

c. portability?

Significance of the Study

This study intends to provide effective Automatic Watering and monitoring

system which will benefit the following:

Agricultural Industry. this device would help them in saving time and

human resource.

Gardeners. The third who benefits the study is for gardener to minimize

their work and who uses the device can give a big help to owners of flower shops

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in terms of giving them quality flowers and plants, and it can also help reduce the

risk of buying withered plants or flowers to be given to the customers’ relatives.

School. This robot will help the school not only New Era University but any

school that has a big area of garden.

Future Researchers. The study will help the researcher’s in the future. The

study will give the researcher’s new knowledge and improve the skills in

programming. The study will also help the researchers complete the Thesis,

because the study will serve as a requirement to complete the course.

Scope and Delimitations of the Study

This project involves the development of watering the plant and monitoring

system. The structure where the device will place is like a birdhouse made of wood,

inside of the box it contains the battery for the power source of the device and

Arduino board where place in the side of the box also known as the microcontroller

where to control the device and the box has a holes for the wire of the sensor. The

researcher’s will use C/C++ programming language in the Arduino microcontroller

and Java programming language for a user interface of the monitoring system. The

watering system that the researcher’s will create can be used indoor and outdoor

that has the capability to water the plant automatically based on the status of the

soil. The device has a moisture sensor that measures the volumetric water content

in soil, a simple breakout for measuring the moisture in similar materials. The soil

moisture sensor is connected to the microcontroller and will place to the soil where

can detect the water content of the soil and it has also a humidity sensor to detect

5
the moisture of the surroundings of the plant. Because of the humidity sensor, the

functionality of the device will be limited if the weather is rainy because the soil has

a plenty of water. If the humidity of the surrounding is cold and the leaves are wet

the water pump will not open. The sensor used to control the watering system and

serve as an indicator to know if the soil is still wet or already dry and also used to

identify the moisture in the air. The sensor will sense and send feedback to the

microcontroller to know if the water pump should open or not. If the soil is dry, it

eventually activates the relay and the pump to irrigate the soil. The device can also

set the minimum moisture limit and humidity, if the sensor reaches the minimum

moisture and humidity, the water pump will open automatically. The researcher’s

will also create a software for monitoring the time and date of automatic plant

watering, the software will record when the water pump will open and it will show

the water content status of the soil. The monitoring system can get the water

content level and the humidity wirelessly using the Ethernet module and If the

sensor malfunction the user can control the water pump using the software.

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 Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

In this chapter, the researchers found related papers and are summarized

to put in order. The researchers compared the proposed study to each related

literature found to serve a guide for future thesis papers. The researchers conduct

a study using these keywords: Microcontroller, Sensor, Watering System and

User-interface. The keywords help to improve the research by reviewing the

related literature and gain more knowledge in making the device and making a

literature review to analyze critically a segment of a published body of knowledge

through summary, classification, and comparison of prior research studies,

reviews of literature, and theoretical articles. The purpose is to offer an overview

of what is known about the topic and to evaluate the strength of the evidence on

that topic.

Microcontroller

In analyzing the structure and different behaviors of using the PIC

Microcontroller, different researchers used such kind of unit that serves the

decision-making process. Meteorological and electrical parameters were taken as

inputs for the microcontroller. The unit will give the command to the sensors like

soil moisture and humidity sensor that serves as a parameter. The microcontroller

is coded with C programming language. (M.A. Abdurrahman et al., 2015). In

relation to the literature above, other researchers stated that the data processed

7
in the unit has an output document baseline and changing environmental

parameters (S. S. Mathurkar et al., 2014). The researchers also proved that the

PIC Microcontroller is a powerful microcontroller which provides a highly-flexible

and cost-effective solution to many embedded control applications. During the

development of the study, the researchers used an on-chip flash technology that

allows the program memory to be programmed in-system or by a conventional on

volatile memory programmer (A. J. Singh et al., 2014). A researcher also shared

the knowledge that using the PIC microcontroller requires minimal human-

computer interaction (H. Chikiwiro, 2015).

In describing the features of the unit, the researchers described the 8-bit

PIC microcontroller. The microcontroller used has 44 pins and a microchip that has

CMOS FLASH-based technology, which is commonly used in computers (G. Nisha

et al., 2014). To know if the unit is compatible with other hardware, a researcher

then observed the use of PIC microcontroller with the integration of other device.

According to the study, the researcher used PIC microcontroller that can be used

to analyze the data and of course RF transmitter which is the function is to transmit

the data to the receiver below to the user (M. Rahimi, 2008).

Studies have shown that Arduino microcontroller provides multiple inputs

analogs and I/O digitals to made read data sensor. It is stated that it is also an

open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use

hardware and software (D.M. Faris et al., 2014). Other group of researchers used

the microcontroller as the core of the system that enables the switching of the

water pump. It is stated that the microcontroller provides reading and writing data

8
on the output port in real time (S. Koprda et al., 2015). Furthermore, different

groups of researchers stated that the Arduino microcontroller is a board that reads

the sensor values and controls the watering mechanism. It is also a widely used

physical computing platform and has several attractive features. During the

development of the system, the researcher coded the program using the Arduino

IDE as a programming environment (Y. Oomori et al., 2011). On the other hand,

the researchers described the Arduino microcontroller as the heart of the

framework. Such reason is that the researchers observed that the unit reads from

the information at its data ports in the wake of being changed over to an advanced

frame (N. Hassan et al., 2015).

To distinguish whether the Arduino microcontroller is compatible with other

peripherals or not, different groups of researchers used the microcontroller to

connect with other peripherals. One group of researchers used the Arduino

microcontroller as the control system in the main board. The researchers also

observed that it can also be used as a standalone unit and also be interfaced with

other sensors or connected to a computer (T. Bhuvaneswari et al., 2014). Next

group of researchers integrated the Arduino microcontroller with the system to

monitor the process using mobile phone (M. Bhuiyan et al., 2015). In addition,

according to another study, the microcontroller is programmed to water plant two

times per day. The microcontroller is used with a combination with relay control

switch to control the motor and overall functioning (D. Divani et al., 2016).

Aside from using PIC microcontroller and Arduino microcontroller, there are

also different microcontroller units that are used in different studies. Two different

9
groups of researchers are able to express the definition of a microcontroller.

According to the study, a microcontroller is a computer-on-a-chip. It is also stated

that microcontrollers are frequently used in automatically controlled products and

devices, such as automobile engine control systems, remote controls, office

machines, appliances, power tools, and toys (M.I. Jafry, 2007). In supporting the

idea of the previous study, a group of researchers observed that the information

sent by the sensor will be analyzed by the microcontroller, which will decide

whether the plant needs water or not. Microcontroller programs must fit in the

available on-chip program memory. It is also stated that the microcontroller will

receive the calibrated humidity data in form of voltage (Z.B. Rohani, 2012).

To apply the acquired knowledge about the definition of microcontroller,

different groups of researchers used different microcontroller units with different

purposes. According to the study, the system used microcontroller to automate the

process of water pumping in an over-head tank storage system and has the ability

to detect the level of water in a tank (E.V. Ebere et al., 2013). Next study observed

that the controlling of a microcontroller is executed based on the measurement of

the soil water tension, soil water suction which all are parameters directly related

to the soil moisture content (B.N. Getu et al., 2015). Then another study used a

microcontroller where the software of the unit can be implemented in assembly

level language or high level language and entered into the program memory.

In developing the functionalities of the system, Kiel compiler is the software

used where the machine language code is written and compiled (N.D. Kumar et

al., 2013). Three different groups of researchers have almost the same

10
observations which will be stated below. A study used a microcontroller unit that

warns the pump failure or sufficient amount of water input with the help of flow

meter. The microcontroller used is an irrigation-based system and the unit proves

to be a real time feedback control system which monitors and controls all the

activities of drip irrigation system efficiently (N. Vijay, 2012). Next study observed

with the use of Automation Controller Unit. The unit has in-built timer that operates

parallel to sensor system (H.A. Mansour et al., 2013).

Another study observed with the use of Smart Irrigation Unit. The unit

utilizes a MCU to calculate and schedule irrigation (K. Öberg et al., 2014). Different

studies stated later used microcontrollers with specific makes and models. A study

observed with the use of Teensy 2.0 microcontroller. According to the source, the

Teensy 2.0 is a complete USB-based microcontroller development system. Only a

standard Mini-B USB cable is needed to connect to a PC or Macintosh. Using the

Teensy 2.0, the purpose of the researcher is for the controlling of the motorized

valves and reading signals from two simple moisture sensing circuit (I. Al-Bahadly

et al., 2015). The next two studies observed with the use of two different models

of microcontrollers made by Atmel respectively. Atmel microcontrollers are highly

compatible with the use of different Arduino units and the advantage of using Atmel

microcontrollers will be stated below.

According to the study, ATmega328 microcontroller is programmed in such

a way that it will sense the moisture level of the plants and supply the water if

required. The ATmega328 on the Arduino Uno comes pre burned with a boot

loader that allows you to upload new code to it without the use of an external

11
hardware programmer (S.V. Devika et al., 2014). Next study also uses

ATmega328 but this time, the unit is attached to Bluetooth module which is used

to send signals to android or windows smart phone (A. Biswas et al., 2015). The

last two studies used different microcontroller units, described with different details.

According to the study, The LPC2148 microcontrollers are based on a 32-

bit ARM7TDMI architecture with real-time emulation and embedded trace support

that combine microcontroller with embedded high speed flash memory up to 512

KB (C. Suhasini et al., 2015). Next study observed with the use of MSP 430

Microcontroller, manufactured by Texas Instruments Inc. The unit incorporates a

16-bit RISC architecture CPU and many digital and analog peripheral modules.

Provides several low power operation modes enables it a good choice for battery

powered portable devices. (J. Tong., 2014)

Sensor

The sensor will give data to the microcontroller, there are many kinds of

sensors. One of those is Soil Moisture Sensor. It is a probe containing electrodes

where it is inserted into the soil and provides information about the water content

of the environment to an irrigation controller. The moisture sensor will detect the

water content of the soil using a pair of the probe made of stainless steel metal.

(M.A Abdurrahman et al., 2015). The probes were connected to the transistor’s

base pin and V that communicates with a microcontroller (I. Al-Bahadly et al.,
cc

2015). Moisture sensor has an ability to measure the resistance between two

copper bars or two small copper boards. (Y. Oomori et al., 2011). Soil Moisture

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probe consists of a plurality of soil moisture sensor which can be inserted into the

soil to measure the soil moisture content (D. Divani et al., 2016) and buried in the

ground at required depth to measure the accurate output of the water content of

the soil and designed to estimate soil volumetric.

The process of the sensor is, once the soil has reached desired moisture

level, the sensors send a signal to the microcontroller to turn on the relays, which

control the valves (N. Vijay, 2012). Measuring the original pulse and not a reflection

from an open metal rod and extracts information from the shape of the pulse, which

gives a good indication of soil conductivity (R.M. Gonzales, 2010). The researchers

minimize their budget for the project VH400 Soil Moisture Sensor good response

time, within the price range and the best documented current consumption (K.

Öberg et al., 2014). The soil moisture sensor is designed to estimate soil

volumetric water content based on the dielectric constant of the soil (N. Dinesh

Kumar et al., 2013).

The water content of the soil and changes detect by moisture sensor can

be used to open irrigation valve or the water pump that control when the water

pump or the irrigation will open. (N. Hassan et al., 2015). Changes in the

environment around the monitoring plant will detect via sensor such as moisture

(S. Sadasivam et al., 2015) and volumetric moisture content readings will be found

for both probes and that multi-sensor capacitance probes can be used to

accurately measure volumetric soil moisture content. (C. A. Bellamy, 2009). The

sensor has the ability to predict the water content in the soil. The requirement of

13
water needs to be mapped for all plant species to create a monitoring system

where a shortage can be predicted with ease (A. Biswas et al., 2015).

The system is capable of measuring, the soil moisture that is needed for

irrigation of plant, and the intensity of light that is applied for greenhouse, and can

display the output in LCD or in a user interface (D. M. Faris et al., 2014). The

sensor is a transducer, a device which measures a physical quantity and converts

it into a signal which can be read by an observer or by an instrument like LCD to

display the output coming from the sensor (A. J. Singh et al., 2014). Because

sensors are a type of transducer, they change one form of energy into another.

For this reason, sensors can be classified according to the type of energy transfer

that they detect (M. I. Jafry, 2007). Sensors measure some physical property that

is related to soil moisture. Being an automated process, this provides accurate

results and is highly efficient. Soil Moisture Sensor will help to measure some

physical property that is related to soil moisture (B. Naik et al., 2012).

The system has all the necessary things that are required for proper growth

of plants through schedule the proper timing for water supply. An electrical

resistance sensing device that provides different voltage reading outputs

corresponding to the amount of soil water tension. (B. N. Getu et al., 2015). The

researchers need to find a better spot to be placed in a crop field area to monitor

the moisture and temperature of the soil in the land. (G. Nisha et al., 2014). The

sensor detects the most suitable amount of water to plant depending on the

coefficient generated. (M. Bhuiyan et al., 2015). And help in determining when

irrigation water should be applied or scheduled so the user can water the plants at

14
the right time (J. Aguilar et al., 2015). Water level sensor that is made with a metal

plate mounted on the reservoir or water tank (E. V. Ebere et al., 2013) for future

study the researchers of this project will apply the water level sensor to avoid losing

of water. When the soil is in damp condition, the amount of current flowing between

the two electrodes will be larger than when the soil in dry condition and inserted in

the soil to sense the existence of water (Z. B. Rohani, 2012).

The humidity sensor is fabricated by three mask process, where the

humidity sensitive polyimide layer is sandwiched between two metal electrodes (B.

Okcan, 2003). The output was measured and compared using a capacitance

sensing circuit, an oscillator circuit, and a standard LCR meter and provide stable

data in a short time with low hysteresis when increasing and decreasing humidity

(Y. Wang, 2013) that shows high sensitivity, fast response times, small hysteresis,

and extraordinary stability and repeatability under high temperatures and in

condensing environment. (Y. Wang, 2010). Alpha-alumina Humidity Sensor the

world’s first drift-free humidity sensor, based on porous polymer films thinner than

millimeters and their sensing principle is quite similar to that of ceramic sensors (J.

Tong, 2014).

The temperature sensor provides a voltage output that is linearly

proportional to the Celsius temperature and sensor will measure temperature with

an electrical output. The voltmeter will sense the output of temperature sensor (T.

Bhuvaneswari et al., 2014). Sensors significantly enhance operating frequency

range of the sensor by adjusting the parasitic capacitance in the Multi-walled

carbon nanotube’s resistor (Y. Feng, 2015).

15
 Temperature Sensor LM35D is readily available and known for higher

precision and a wider range of linear working (L. Bhaskar et al., 2015). The sensor

is placed on the surrounding of the plant to sense the temperature and humidity

values of the plant and analyze its watering needs to make the plant grow healthy

(R. Aswani et al., 2012). In the project of Rahimi use the circuit installed on the roof

and must consist of four main component which is temperature sensor to detect

heat (M. Rahimi, 2008).

Watering System

It comes as no surprise that people are looking for ways to relax and unwind.

Hobbies and entertainment are all gearing towards relaxation of both mind and

body. Most people just want to get away from all of the life’s troubles and be able

to forget these troubles even for a short while. Gardening is a relaxing hobby that

can be enjoyed by people from any age group. The researchers create a device to

help the people to take care of their plants. Automation in the area of irrigation can

lead to water regularly and automatically to crops/plants/garden how much water

is required. It saves a lot of energy both human and electrical energy, maintains

proper water regulation by preventing loss of water and to be placed anywhere

system will need to be powered by batteries (M.A. Abdurrahman et al., 2015).

The watering system optimizes the budget such as money and energy (J.

Aguilar et al., 2015). To further improve production and profit ultimately, the study

on microcontroller-based irrigation system proves to be a real-time feedback

control system which monitors and controls all the activities of drip irrigation system

16
efficiently (N. Vijay, 2012). In watering the plants, it has a correct amount of water.

If the water content of the soil is low, the plants will be withered and if too much

water may starve the plant’s roots of oxygen and cause them to rot. Automatic

watering can supply the correct amount of water in the plants based on the output

of the sensor (I. Al-Bahadly et al., 2015).

Watering systems ease the burden of getting water to plants when they

need it (S. V. Devika et al., 2014) and estimate or measure the existing plant and

then supplies desired amount of water needed by that plant (D. Divani et al., 2016).

The device fully controls it manually and put the electronics out of operation. (S.

Koprda et al., 2015). The water pump tubes was placed in many sides that allow

irrigation to take place in zones where watering is required and automatically feed

plants with water according to their need without farmer’s interference (N. Dinesh

Kumar et al., 2013).

The device manages and control the amount of the water will be needed

(H.A. Mansour et al., 2013). There are two types of watering first the Pump-type

watering mechanism force water to move by using some form of pumping and

another one is Valve-type watering mechanisms control the flow of water with

some sort of valve (Y. Oomori et al., 2011). A small electrical water pump triggered

by a relay is used to deliver water from the on-board water reservoir to the plant

and the water pump will open automatically (R. Aswani et al., 2012). The water

pump will control the watering system to open the water pump.

The water is distributed through a network pipeline under pressure and can

be scheduled when the valve will open such as using water pump that will sprinkle

17
water to the plant according to the timer that has been set (Z. B. Rohani, 2012).

Eliminates the manual switching mechanism used by farmers or users to on/off an

irrigation or similar watering system (B. N. Getu et al., 2015).

User Interface

The user interface will serve as the monitoring system where the user

monitors the moisture level, humidity of surroundings and control the water pump

for watering the plants. (M.A Abdurrahman et al., 2015). GUI had been used

through LabVIEW, the firmware of Arduino as software, where can control the

watering system. GUI is a software designed and create by a programmer (D. M.

Faris et al., 2014). By using GUI application, it is more useful and user-friendly.

With the interpretation of graphical technique, it is easy to understand and lot more

easily to control and manipulate the interface, graphical user interface is a type of

user interface which allows people to interact with electronic devices like

computers (M. I. Jafry, 2007).

The monitoring system is displayed in android mobile or in the computer

when connected to Bluetooth (A. Biswas et al., 2015) and user helps to see the

status of the plant which is being monitored by the hardware device (S. Sadasivam

et. Al., 2015). Using Android application or Computer software which helps the

farmer to ON/OFF the motor without his physical presence in the field (C. Suhasini

et al., 2015). The system has the ability to schedule manually when the water pump

will open, the user will choose what date and time of watering schedule and will be

used in the decision-making process (S. Koprda et al., 2015).

18
 The software will document the changing environmental parameters and

ensures quicker response times to adverse factors and conditions that display in

a thin, flat display device made up of any number of color or LCD (S. S. Mathurkar

et al., 2014). LCD helps to notify the user or the caretaker when they need to water

the plants (L. Bhaskar et al., 2015) and will display real-time measurements

delivered to the irrigation manager through a computer or other handheld

communication devices and monitor the condition of the plant and supply water to

meet its requirement (M. Bhuiyan et al., 2015).

Theoretical Framework

A theoretical framework consists of project concept and, together with their

definitions and reference to relevant related literature and existing theory that is

used for the researcher's particular study. The research problem anchors the entire

study and forms the basis from which the researchers construct the theoretical

framework and the new research data can be interpreted and coded for future

research. Theoretical framework can help guide and improve the development of

the study through the means by which new research data can be interpreted and

coded for future use, response to new problems that have no previously identified

solutions strategy, means for identifying and defining research problems, for

prescribing or evaluating solutions to research problems, ways of discerning

certain facts among the accumulated knowledge that are important and which facts

are not, means of giving old data new interpretations and new meaning, means by

which to identify important new issues and prescribe the most critical research

19
questions that need to be answered to maximize understanding of the issue,

means of providing members of a professional discipline with a common language

and a frame of reference for defining the boundaries of their profession, and means

to guide and inform research so that it can, in turn, guide research efforts and

improve professional practice.

Figure 2.0
Feedback Control (K. Oberg, 2014)

The framework shows that is a typical and effective instrument when

planning a control framework. Criticism circles contemplate the framework yield,

which empowers the framework to conform its execution to meet a sought yield

reaction. y is the level of the data or the output, r the desired level of the data or

reference, e the difference between the desired level and the data that received by

the microcontroller that check for the error and u the subsequent water system

needs. The inconsistency between the wanted and measured is then utilized as

contribution to the controller F which will process the water system needs. With

this framework outline, the point is to minimize water and power use.

20
Conceptual Framework

The researchers used the conceptual framework to describe the structure

and used in research to outline possible courses of action or to present a preferred

approach to an idea or thought, and it also used the framework to clarify concepts

and propose relationships among the concepts in a study. It helps to express

abstractly through word models, a conceptual framework is the conceptual basis

for many theories, such as communication theory and general systems theory and

defined as a system of ideas and shows the objectives that lead to the creation of

a consistent set of rules and standards

Figure 2.1
Feedback Control Model of AUTOWAT

The conceptual framework (Figure 2.1) shows the battery serve as the

power supply of the device. The Microcontroller will be the heart of the research

and give commands to the sensor and display status in the GUI, and the sensor

will get the data or status of the soil and surroundings. The user controls the device

21
wirelessly and monitor the status of the place using Ethernet module. The

researchers use Soil moisture sensor for capacitance to measure the water

content of soil by measuring the dielectric permittivity of the soil, which is a function

of the water content. Simply insert this rugged sensor into the soil to be tested, and

the volumetric water content of the soil is reported in percent. The Humidity sensor

are gaining more significance in diverse areas of measurement and control

technology. The particular task of Arduino Mega microcontroller to be a general-

purpose data processing platforms and the Ethernet shield which allows an

Arduino board to connect to the internet and send a data to the user interface of

monitoring system.

The framework shows the feedback control loop first the user gathered data

from the sensor and it will serve as the input that the soil moisture will detect the

water content of the soil and humidity sensor is for detection of humidity of the

surroundings, after gathering the data the microcontroller will decide for continuing

the process data if the sensor meets its requirements, but if the sensor did not

meet the requirement the process will repeat until the required data meet. After

receiving all the required data, the Ethernet shield will send the validated data to

the monitoring system to monitor the status of the soil and surroundings and

continue on the output of the system.

22
Hypothesis

The following are the tentative answer to the research problem:

1. To construct an Automatic Watering System based on water content of the

soil and humidity of the surroundings.

2. To achieve the minimum requirement in developing the study and that will

work properly.

3. The proposed study evaluated based on efficiency, reliability and portability.

AUTOWAT is a creation of the imagination of the researchers that consist of

Arduino Microcontroller, Soil Moisture Sensor, Humidity Sensor, Water Pump and

a Java-based monitoring system. The researchers create AUTOWAT to minimize

the working time and human effort for watering the plants by using the device, it

can water the plant based on the water content in the soil and the humidity of the

surroundings. The device microcontroller is Arduino is an open-source platform

used for building the researchers project and Arduino boards are relatively

inexpensive compared to other microcontroller platforms. Arduino is easy to

understand thru the help of the tutorial for beginner user of Arduino microcontroller

and designed to make applications, interactive controls, or environments easily

adaptive.

The user can insert command by inserting codes to the microcontroller

using the Arduino IDE, it is simple and clear programming environment it is easy

to use and yet flexible enough for advanced users to take advantage of as well.

Programmers are one in that environment will be familiar with how the Arduino IDE

23
works. The AUTOWAT project has also a soil sensor and humidity sensor that

send data to the microcontroller and monitoring system, the java-based monitoring

system displays the daily records for the water content of the soil and humidity and

shown in the line graph of the monitoring system.

AUTOWAT can be also used indoor, outdoor or in any kind of weather and

the project of the researchers are very useful in agriculture businesses and a large

plant area of Universities. AUTOWAT is not only limited to water the plant

automatically based on the readings of the sensor but also to prevent withering of

plants and to conserve water by watering the plant in the right amount of water in

the soil.

Definition of Terms

The terms used are conceptually and operationally defined for a better

understanding of the readers are:

Arduino. is an open-source prototyping platform based on easy-to-use

hardware and software, and serve as the control unit.

C/C++. a programming language that use in microcontroller.

Sensor. is a device that detects and responds to some type of input from

the physical environment.

IDE. stands for Integrated Development Environment. IDE is an application

that developers use to create computer programs.

Microcontroller. embedded inside some other device so that they can

control the features or actions of the product, and served as the control unit

24
 Robotics. A reprogrammable, multifunctional manipulator designed to

move specialized devices through various programmed motions for the

performance of a variety of tasks.

Water Pump. a device that control when to on/off any kind of liquid

substance.

GUI. Graphical User Interface is a software where the user and the device

communicate and visualize the indicators to interact with electronic devices.

UART. A universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter is a block of circuitry

responsible for implementing serial communication.

ICSP. In-Circuit Serial Programming is the ability of some programmable

logic devices, microcontrollers, and other embedded devices to be programmed

while installed in a complete system, rather than requiring the chip to be

programmed prior to installing it into the system.

25
 Chapter 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This part will discuss the methods, the different data gathering tools and

techniques, and system development model, and research design used in order to

complete this study. To be able to gather the necessary data, the researchers used

the related literature. The researchers combined all the keywords to come up with

better result of research. Using design and development creates well-defined

information of the study.

Project Design

Specifying the methods and procedures for collecting and analyzing the

data. It is a strategy or blueprint that plans the action for carrying through the

research project data. A research design involves a series of rational decision-

making choices depending upon the various options available to the researchers.

The direct observation used to give a complete snapshot of a case that is being

studied. It is useful when not much is known about a phenomenon. Uses few

subjects.

The researchers use descriptive research design that provides accurate

interpretation of related studies. The descriptive method to describe the nature of

a condition, as it takes place during the time of the study and to explore the cause

or causes of a particular condition it also determine who will benefit the study, what

are the features and why the researchers create the project.

26
 Developmental research design use to assess changes over an extended

period of time. In the related studies the researcher creates a device that are

almost the same to the current project so the researcher developed the past

research.

Figure 3.0
Phases of the Project.

The first Phase of the project is the configuration of the hardware, the

researchers install the Arduino ide for giving a command to the Arduino Mega 2560

and connected to the Soil moisture sensor and Humidity Sensor, also the sensor

are connected to the water pump. The sensors and microcontroller is configured

using C++ programming language.

Phase II is the Software Development of the project the pin of the sensor

initialized where analog pin is connected, the pin analog will read by the monitoring

system and shows the gathered data from specific object. After configuring the

27
hardware, the monitoring system will be test and find the error or bugs in the

system by the researchers. The monitoring system will upload to the computer of

the user.

The final phase shows the connection between the Arduino and the

monitoring system, the researchers tools needed to connect the Arduino to

monitoring system are Arduino IDE and Eclipse IDE, the researchers also install

the packages for the connection and connect via cable.

Project Development

The basic idea here is that instead of freezing the requirements

before a design or coding can proceed, a throwaway prototype is built to

understand the requirements. This prototype is developed based on the currently

known requirements. By using this prototype, the client can get an “actual feel” of

the system, since the interactions with prototype can enable the client to better

understand the requirements of the desired system.

Figure 3.1

Prototyping Model (J. Rabaca et Al., 2010)

28
 Prototyping is an attractive idea for complicated and large systems for which

there is no manual process or existing system to help determining the

requirements. The prototype are usually not complete systems and many of the

details are not built in the prototype. The goal is to provide a system with overall

functionality.

Requirement Gathering. It is an essential part of any project and project

management. Understanding fully what a project will deliver is critical to its

success.

Quick Design. It is a creational design pattern in software development. It

is used when the type of objects to create is determined by a prototypical instance,

which is cloned to produce new objects.

Building Prototype. One of the essential early steps in the inventing

process is building a prototype which, simply defined, is a three-dimensional

version of a person’s vision.

Customer Evaluation. Customer evaluation is a term that describes the

process of obtaining a customer’s opinion about a prototype. It provides owners

with insight that they can use to improve their prototype for overall customer

satisfaction.

Refining Prototype. The purpose of the prototype is to resolve a technical

issue, the prototype is refined to the point where a solution, or insurmountable

problem, is found.

29
 Engineer Product. The process of designing and developing a device,

assembly, or system such that it be produced as an item for sale through some

production manufacturing process.

Advantages of prototype model are such that users are actively involved in

the development. Since in this methodology a working model of the system is

provided, the users get a better understanding of the system being developed.

Errors can be detected much earlier. Quicker user feedback is available leading to

better solutions. Missing functionality can be identified easily. Confusing or difficult

functions can be identified, and has requirements validation, quick implementation

of, incomplete, but functional, application.

Project Components

The project components describe the function of each hardware that the

researchers used in constructing the proposed study and what are the specification

of the hardware to work properly. It also describes the software used in developing

the study.

Hardware

Arduino device are also known as the microcontroller is a single

integrated circuit govern the operation of embedded systems in motor of the

AUTOWAT. The Arduino Mega 2560 is a programmable logic controller which will

be the brain of the whole project and set a command to the other device like

sensors and water pump. The microcontroller already has the power and reset

circuitry setup as well as to program and communicate with the microcontroller

30
over USB. In addition, the I/O pins of the microcontroller are typically already fed

out to sockets/headers for easy access.

Figure 3.2
Arduino Mega 2560
It has 54 digital input/output pins (of which 15 can be used as PWM outputs),

16 analog inputs, 4 UARTs (hardware serial ports), a 16 MHz crystal oscillator, a

USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header, and a reset button. It contains

everything needed to support the microcontroller; simply connect it to a computer

with a USB cable or power it with an AC-to-DC adapter or battery to get started.

Figure 3.3
Soil Moisture Sensor HL-69

31
 The Soil Moisture Sensor is a device that detects the water content in the

soil and the output is generally a signal that is converted to human readable display

at the sensor location. The sensor will get the data from the soil and after the data

gathered the sensor will send the data to the microcontroller also called as the

Arduino Mega 2560, that sends the command to the sensor. The project suggests

as soil moisture sensors can result in water savings, potentially saving millions of

gallons of water across the country. Soil moisture sensor control technologies will

take the guesswork out of watering and help improve irrigation system efficiency.

The required voltage to the sensor is 3.3V-5V and the power indicator is a

red LED while the digital switching output is green LED. The panel PCB Dimension

is approximately 3cm x 1.5cm while the soil probe dimension is approximately 6cm

x 3cm and connected with a cable.

Figure 3.4
Humidity Sensor DH11

32
 DH11 measures and reports the relative humidity in the air. It, therefore,

measures both moisture and air temperature. Relative humidity is the ratio of

actual moisture in the air to the highest amount of moisture that can be held at that

air temperature.

This sensor senses the field humidity and is connected to the

microcontroller but it changeable according to the climate and the type of soil.

There is also a very basic chip inside that does some analog to digital conversion

and spits out a digital signal with the temperature and humidity.

The digital signal is fairly easy to read using any microcontroller. The 3 pin

connector is perfect to get it going fast, and extremely easy to use with our 3 pin

sockets expansion boards. Reliable and inexpensive with plenty of documentation

and projects online for references.

Figure 3.5
Water Pump

33
 The mini water pump will get the water from the pale of water and sends the

water to the plants. The pump is connected directly onto motor’s drive shaft and

the pump case is bolted to the motor so that it looks like a single unit. The water

typically enters the pump through a suction inlet centered on one side of the pump,

and exits at the top.

Figure 3.6
Circuit Diagram of Automatic Watering
The circuit diagram shows the connection into GND, VCC, and Input/output

pin between microcontroller and sensor to the water pump.

34
 The step by step procedure in making the AUTOWAT and how the connection

of the sensor to the Arduino microcontroller. The soil moisture sensor and the

humidity/temperature sensor are integrated to the microcontroller of the study.

1. The soil moisture sensor VCC is connected to the 5v pin in the Arduino

mega 2560 microcontroller and the also the GND is connected to the

microcontroller, the gathering data output will be the A2 of the Arduino.

2. The Humidity/Temperature sensor has also a VCC, GND analog input that

connects in the A0 of the Arduino Microcontroller.

3. The water pump is connected to the breadboard and place in the base of

the transistor while the VCC is connected in collector of the transistor.

4. The Arduino Mega 2560 is connected in the laptop using USB cable, that

supply the power for the entire project of the researchers.

Software

The class diagram for the Automatic watering system based in soil moisture

and humidity shown in figure 3.7.

Soil_and_Humidity

soilmoisture: String

WATERPIN: String

dht_apin: String

value: int

Figure 3.7
Class Diagram

35
 The AUTOWAT has a Soil_and_Humidity class name for watering system

it includes in the diagram are Hygrometer: String, WATERPIN: String, dht_apin:

String and value: int. All the diagram has each own pin input for soil moisture is A2

analog input in the Arduino mega 2560 microcontroller while the

humidity/temperature sensor is A0 analog input. Value will represent the

alternative name for the soil moisture sensor where the data convert in to right

output. It will print the gathered data from the desired place of the sensor, the code

used in Arduino IDE is c++ programming language.

The object Humidity sensor shows that connected to the A0 pin of the

Arduino microcontroller and the Soil Moisture connects in A2 pin while the water

pump is connected to the number 53 pin, after the connection of the object it will

display the data that the sensor gathered in soil and surroundings.

Figure 3.8
Pseudocode of AUTOWAT

36
 If the water content of the soil is low the water pump will open and start

watering the plants after the soil meets the right water content the water pump will

automatically turn off. The other process in automatic watering is based on the

Humidity sensor readings if the surroundings have a lot of moisture the water pump

will not open.

The software used in creating the function of the watering system is the

Arduino IDE contains a text editor for writing code that can be used in Arduino

Mega 2560 and the programming language that are compatible in Arduino IDE is

C++ language.

Figure 3.9
Arduino IDE

37
 Java eclipse IDE used in developing the Graphical user interface of the

monitoring system for the automatic plant watering system and It contains a base

workspace and an extensible plug-in system for customizing the environment.

Figure 4.0
Eclipse IDE

Testing and Operation

AUTOWAT testing and operation, the researchers study the flow and all the

functionality of each hardware used in the project. The Arduino IDE used to

program the functionality of each sensor and water pump, the researchers used

the trial and error technique for the hardware and software development. It is a

method reaching a correct solution or satisfactory result by trying out various

means or theories until error is sufficiently reduced or eliminated. The Soil Moisture

used in the project was checked by the researcher if it is working properly so that

38
the data will display to the Arduino IDE and also the Humidity Sensor sends data

to the compiler. The researchers encountered a problem in gathering data and

finds a way how to fix the problem.

White Box Testing is a software testing method in which the internal

structure/design/implementation of the item being tested is known to the tester.

The tester chooses inputs to exercise paths through the code and determines the

appropriate outputs. Programming know-how and the implementation knowledge

is essential. White box testing is testing beyond the user interface and into the

nitty-gritty of a system. Such testing can be commenced at an earlier stage. One

need not wait for the GUI to be available. Testing is more thorough, with the

possibility of covering most paths. On the other hand, since tests can be very

complex, highly skilled resources are required, with thorough knowledge of

programming and implementation. Test script maintenance can be a burden if the

implementation changes too frequently. Since this method of testing is closely tied

with the application being testing, tools to cater to every kind of

implementation/platform may not be readily available.

Table 1
TCER: White Box Testing
Description Result Status
Each part of the system
Unit Testing Completed
functions.
The syntax (codes) of the
Integration Testing Completed
system is correct.
Each part of the system
System Testing Completed
cooperates with each

39
 Black Box Testing is a software testing method in which the internal

structure/design/implementation of the item being tested is not known to the tester.

These tests can be functional or non-functional, though usually functional. This

method is named so because the software program, in the eyes of the tester, is

like a black box; inside which one cannot see. This method attempts to find errors

in incorrect or missing functions, interface errors, errors in data structures or

external database access, behavior or performance errors, initialization and

termination errors. Such tests are done from a user’s point of view and will help in

exposing discrepancies in the specifications. Tester need not know programming

languages or how the software has been implemented. Tests can be conducted

by a body independent from the developers, allowing for an objective perspective

and the avoidance of developer-bias. Test cases can be designed as soon as the

specifications are complete. On the other hand, only a small number of possible

inputs can be tested and many program paths will be left untested. Without clear

specifications, which is the situation in many projects, test cases will be difficult to

design. Tests can be redundant if the software designer/ developer has already

run a test case.

In testing the operation of the project, the researchers used Black Box

Testing. Usually in a robotics project, novice robotics developers have limited

knowledge on what is inside of each part of the system and how does each part

works. By using Black Box Testing, the researchers used Trial-and-Error Method,

which is a fundamental method of problem solving. It is characterized by repeated,

40
varied attempts which are continued until success, or until the agent stops trying.

By using such method, the researchers are able to test and are able to make the

system work, with the help of gathered data from Trial-and-Error Method.

Table 2
TCER: Black Box Testing
Scenario Test Case
Scenario 1.0 Home Page
Scenario 2.0 Soil Moisture Page
Scenario 1.0
Test Case Expected Result Actual Result Status
The window showing the The window showing the
1.1 Minimize home page minimizes to home page is minimized Completed
taskbar. to taskbar.
The window showing the The window showing the
1.2 Exit Completed
home page terminates. home page is terminated.
The window shows the The Soil Moisture Page is
1.3 Soil Moisture Soil Moisture Page when showed after button is Completed
button is pressed. pressed.
Scenario 2.0
Test Case Expected Result Actual Result Status
The window showing the The window showing the
1.1 Minimize home page minimizes to home page is minimized Completed
taskbar. to taskbar.
The window showing the The window showing the
1.2 Exit Completed
home page terminates. home page is terminated.
The window goes back to The Home Page is
1.3 Home Home Page when button showed after button is Completed
is pressed. pressed.

Sampling Technique

An appropriate sampling strategy is adopted to obtain a representative, and

statistically valid sample of the whole. There are a risks pertaining to the possibility

that when a test is conducted to a sample, the results and conclusions may be

different from the results and conclusions when the test is conducted to the entire

population. Sampling is concerned with the selection of a subset of individuals from

within a statistical population to estimate characteristics of the whole population.

41
The three main advantages of sampling are that the cost is lower, data collection

is faster, and the accuracy and quality of the data can be easily improved. The

researchers use convenience sampling technique for interviewing ECE students

of New Era University and Gardener/Florist.

Convenience sampling. convenience sample is usually used because it

allows the researcher to obtain basic data and trends regarding the study without

the complications of using a randomized sample and a specific type of non-

probability sampling method that relies on data collection from population

members who are conveniently available to participate in study.

Respondents of the Study

The researchers find evaluator for the project of automatic plant watering

and the 10 gardener/florist in Fairview Quezon City are the ones who are

knowledgeable about plants and give the recommendation for enhancing the

researcher's project. They answered the questionnaire that the researchers gave

them which supplies the information the researchers need.

Statistical Treatment of Data

Statistical treatment of data is essential in all experiments, whether social,

scientific or any other form. Statistical treatment of data greatly depends on the

kind of experiment and the desired result from the experiment. Statistical treatment

of data is made easy for the researcher as he would already have a lot of back up

theory in this aspect.

42
Weighted Mean

The researchers gained increased prominence in theoretical, applied, and

computational settings, finding appropriate methods for averaging has become an

important task. It helps in computing the evaluation using the formula of weighted

mean.

The formula is:

𝜺𝒙𝒏𝒘
Wm= 𝑵

Figure 4.1
Weighted Mean Formula

Where:

Wm = weighted mean

Xn = score or item value

W = weight of score

N = total number of respondents

Rating Scale

The 4-Point Rating Scale is the most broadly utilized way to deal with

scaling reactions as a part of review exploration and respondents indicate their

level of understanding or contradiction on a symmetric concurs differ scale for a

43
progression of articulations. It is use to evaluate the evaluation form that the

researchers provide.

Table 3

Description Scale

Strongly Agree 3.26-4.00

Agree 2.56-3.25

Disagree 1.76-2.50

Strongly Disagree 1.00-1.75

44
 Chapter 4
RESULT AND FINDINGS

The final result discusses in this section also the description of the project and

the capabilities of the AUTOWAT. It also discussed the limitation of the watering

system and the evaluation of the project.

Project Description

The project can water the plant automatically based on the water content of

the soil and the humidity of the surroundings and the project also known as the

AUTOWAT is developed using hardware for the prototype and the software for the

monitoring system. The water pump will water the soil of the plant based on the

water content of the soil and minimize the number of withered plants by watering

the plants in a right time.

AUTOWAT is Arduino based automatic watering system. The

microcontroller will be the brain of the project where the researcher creates a

command to the humidity and soil moisture sensor, after the sensor get the data

the microcontroller give the output when the water pump will open.

The AUTOWAT uses Arduino Mega 2560 for the main board of the

hardware, it has a number 2 to 13 Pulse Width Modulation, or PWM, is a technique

for getting analog results with digital means and 32 digital output while the analog

input is only 16. The VCC is the 5v where always the positive in the battery or in

the sensor while GND is the negative in battery and sensor. The soil moisture

sensor has a VCC for 5v, GND, Digital output and Analog output. The analog

45
output is connected to the A2 while the digital output remains with no connection.

The humidity sensor has also VCC, GND and Analog output., the Analog output

are connected in the A0 of the Arduino mega 2560 microcontroller. After all the

sensor connect in the Arduino microcontroller the VCC and GND are plot in the

breadboard to get a power for the water pump and the transistor place in the

breadboard to give the output of the soil moisture sensor to water pump and it is

connected to the digital output number 53 of Arduino Mega 2560. The sensor print

the real-time readings of the data gathered from the specific object.

Project Structure

The AUTOWAT hardware structure shows in the figure 5.0, It shows where

the sensors are placed and how the microcontroller connected to the sensors and

to the water pump. The hardware used in making the AUTOWAT are Arduino

mega 2560 microcontroller, Soil Moisture Sensor, Humidity and Temperature

Sensor. Male to Female Cable, Male to Male Cable, Water Pump and Breadboard.

Figure 5.0
AUTOWAT Prototype

46
 The Arduino is connected to the computer to send the data and the sensor

are also connected to the Arduino, the researchers used a breadboard to give the

output of the sensor to the water pump to get a water from the bottle to the soil of

the plant.

Figure 5.1
AUTOWAT Final Prototype
The prototype shows the sensor can get the data from the soil and the

humidity of the surroundings, the water pump is an improvised water pump

because of the malfunction of the original water pump. In the final implementation

the microcontroller and water pump will place near in the plants. The Humidity

sensor complex with a calibrated digital signal output. Its single-bus operation,

extremely small size and low consumption, the color blue and has a red LED is the

Humidity sensor while the soil moisture sensor is the two large exposed pads

function as probes for the sensor, together acting as a variable resistor. The more

water that is in the soil means the better the conductivity between the pads will be

and will result in a lower resistance, the soil moisture sensor is placed in the soil.

The water pump is attached to the wood near where the bottle of water placed.

47
Project Capabilities and Limitations

The project AUTOWAT has a capability of detecting the water content of

the soil and humidity/temperature of the surroundings by using the two sensors,

soil moisture sensor is placed in the soil of the plant and the humidity sensor placed

near on the plant. The soil moisture sensor is a simple breakout for measuring the

moisture in soil and similar materials that contains a two probe which will be the

one that gets the data from the soil and send the output to the microcontroller while

the Humidity/Temperature sensor is detecting changes that alter electrical currents

or temperature in the air, according to sensors readings. The sensors are low cost

so that the user can minimize the budget in AUTOWAT. The limitation of the

AUTOWAT if the sensor fails to read the data correctly the user can open the pump

manually. In the project, the researchers used only one soil moisture sensor. It

can’t detect the water content of the soil, if the soil area is too large the only way

to solve that problem is to used more sensor for the soil and the project has no

water level sensor, if the water from the bottle or pale are empty the caretaker of

the plant will not notify to refill the water, the user will always check the pale if there

is a water for the plant. The Statement of the problem number 2 will answer shown

in table 4.

48
 The AUTOWAT hardware has a recommended requirement to make the

project works properly

Table 4
Hardware Recommended Minimum Used

Arduino Mega  7-12V  6-20V  5V

2560  128 KB  128 KB  128 KB
memory of memory of memory of
which 4 KB which 4 KB which 4 KB
used by used by used by
bootloader bootloader bootloader
 SRAM is  SRAM is  SRAM is
8KB 8KB 8KB

Soil Moisture  3.5-4V  3.3V-5V  4.5V

Sensor  Output  Output  Output
voltage 0 - voltage 0 - voltage 0 -
3.0VDC 3.0VDC 3.0VDC

Humidity Sensor /  3.5-4V  3.3V to 5V  4.5V

DHT11  Current:  Current:  Current:
35mA 35mA 35mA
 Output  Output  Output
voltage 0 - voltage 0 - voltage 0 -
4.2V 4.2V 4.2V

Water Pump  6v  4v-12V  4.5V

The researchers checked the requirement used in the project. First the main

board of the project will be the Arduino mega 2560 that has the recommended

input voltage is 7-12V and the memory for Arduino should be 128KB, the

bootloader will use the 4KB. The ram consumption of the Arduino is 8KB and the

projects contains two sensors first the soil moisture sensor which will used also a

49
recommended voltage and that is 3.5-4V as same as in Humidity sensor while the

water pump will need 6v to works property.

Project Evaluation

The researchers create an evaluation form for the Automatic watering

system and give the form to the seller of the plants to evaluated the AUTOWAT.

The evidence for the evaluations are shown in the figure 5.2. The researchers

explained the functionality of the hardware and software and also the capabilities

of the AUTOWAT.

Evaluation process of the project, first the researcher will make a survey for

the end user and other tester of the project. The researcher will create an

evaluation for the project.

Table 5
Evaluation Result
Category Weighted Mean Description

Efficiency 3.4 Very Good

Reliability 3.4 Very Good

Portability 3.4 Very Good

The table 3 shows the category of the evaluation form and the weighted

mean of each category in evaluating the project, it is evaluated by end user and

project expert. The category is, Reliability, Efficiency and Portability are used in

50
the category for the evaluation of the project. For the Efficiency the researcher’s

computation for the weighted mean is 3.4 and the value description is very good

also the same with the reliability and portability, the weighted mean is from the

evaluation of the user of the project.

The researcher conducts an evaluation for the project called AUTOWAT an

Arduino based automatic watering system based on the sensor readings.

Figure 5.2

Evaluation of the Project

The figure shows the proof of evaluating the project AUTOWAT. The

researcher interviews the caretaker of the plant like how many times they water

51
the plant once a day, how many plants withered because of the dryness of soil in

a month and many more. The withering of plants it has a big impact to the owner

of the plant business and the device can help to minimize their problem in taking

care of the plants.

Figure 5.3

Evaluation of the Project (2)

The AUTOWAT is explained to the caretaker how the project will work, the

functionality of each part of the prototype and also discussed the benefits of the

user in using the AUTOWAT project, the evaluation of the project was in 27 th of

January year 2017

52
Efficiency

Q1 Wm = (7)(4) + (3)(3) = 28 + 9 = 37 = 3.7

------------------ ---------- -----
10 10 10

Q2 Wm = (4)(4) + (6)(3) = 16 + 18 = 34 = 3.4

------------------ ---------- -----
10 10 10

Q3 Wm = (1)(4) + (9)(3) = 4 + 27 = 31 = 3.1

------------------ ---------- -----
10 10 10

EFFICIENCY

9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Question 1 Question 2 Question 3

Very Good Good Bad Very Bad

Figure 5.4
Efficiency Graph

The graphs are the output of the result in the questions how efficient is the

study and it is evaluated by 10 end user of the project.

53
Reliability

Q1 Wm = (7)(4) + (3)(3) = 28 + 9 = 37 = 3.7

------------------ ---------- -----
10 10 10

Q2 Wm = (5)(4) + (4)(3) + (1)(1) = 20 + 12 = 33 = 3.3

---------------------------- ---------- -----
10 10 10

Q3 Wm = (5)(4) + (4)(3) + (1)(1) = 20 + 12 = 33 = 3.3

---------------------------- ---------- -----
10 10 10

RELIABILITY

0
Question 1 Question 2 Question 3

Very Good Good Bad Very Bad

Figure 5.5
Reliability Graph

The graphs are the output of the result in the questions how reliable is the study

and it is evaluated by 10 end user of the project.

54
Portability

Q1 Wm = (3)(4) + (7)(3) = 12 + 21 = 33 = 3.3

------------------ ---------- -----
10 10 10

Q2 Wm = (7)(4) + (3)(3) = 28 + 9 = 37 = 3.7

------------------ ---------- -----
10 10 10

Q3 Wm = (4)(4) + (6)(3) = 16 + 18 = 34 = 3.4

------------------ ---------- -----
10 10 10

PORTABILITY

0
Question 1 Question 2 Question 3

Very Good Good Bad Very Bad

Figure 5.6
Portability Graph

The graphs are the output of the result in the questions how portable is the study

and it is evaluated by 10 end user of the project.

55
56
 Chapter 5

DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION

The discussion of the study will show in this chapter and also the

recommendation for the researcher’s project.

Discussion

In the daily living the plants is one of the important things in our life. The

plants have a benefits to human like reducing the carbon dioxide level, increasing

humidity, reducing levels of certain pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, keeping air

temperature down and many more. Most residential and commercial property

owners use excessive amounts of water to keep their grass and landscape green

and fresh, costing them more money than necessary. Watering systems are more

efficient than any other form of watering. No more watering sidewalks or missing

patches of green turf. An irrigation system will put the exact amount of water, in

the exact spots, exactly when it is needed.

AUTOWAT is evaluated by the 10 end user in the project to test the watering

system if it can help the problem in caring the plants. AUTOWAT is automatic

watering system that best suit in needs of daily living that can save time and

money, when watering using hand more than 50% of the water is wasted in runoff

and evaporation.

The researchers conduct a circuit diagram to explains the connection for

automatic watering of plants soil and the hardware requirement for the projects to

work properly.

57
Recommendation

Watering seems like such a simple task that many are surprised to learn

that improper watering is the number one cause of houseplant demise. Plants take

up water through their roots. Water is used as plants photosynthesize and

transpire, and it is lost through evaporation. The researchers recommend to add

more soil moisture sensor to maximize the whole space of the soil and detects

properly the water in the soil

58
References

Al-Bahadly, I., & Thompson, J. (2015). Garden Watering System Based on

Moisture Sensing. Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

Bhuvaneswari, T., & Yao, J.T.H. (2014). Automated Greenhouse. Multimedia

University, Jalan Ayer Keroh Lama, 75450 Melaka, Malaysia.

Nisha, G., & Megala, J. (2014). Wireless Sensor Network Based Automated
Irrigation and Crop Field Monitoring System. Velammal Institute of Technology,
Chennai, India.

Bhaskar, L., Koli, B., Kumar, P., & Gaur, V. (2015). Automatic Crop Irrigation
System. Amity University, Noida, India.

Hassan, N., Abdullah, S. I., Noor, A. S., & Alam, M. (2015). An Automatic
Monitoring and Control System inside Greenhouse. BRAC University, Dhaka,
Bangladesh.

Mathurkar, S. S., Lanjewar, R. B., Patel, N. R., & Somkuwar, R. S. (2014). Smart
Sensors Based Monitoring System for Agriculture using Field Programmable Gate
Array. International Conference on Circuit, Power and Computing Technologies,
India.

Singh, S.A.J., Raviram, P., & Kumar, K.S. (2014). Embedded Based Green House
Monitoring System using PIC Microcontroller. R.V.S College of Engineering &
Technology.

Vijay, N. (2012). Application of Sensor Networks in Agriculture. Vivekanandha

College of Technology for Women, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu, India.

Biswas, A., & Prakash, S. (2015). Farming Technology for India Agricuture Based
Sensorics and Indicative Systems. MIT Manipal, Manipal, India.

Divani, D., Patil, P., & Punjabi, S. K. (2016). Automated Plant Watering System.
SIES Graduate School of Technology, Navi Mumbai, India.

Oomori, Y., Nagai, K., Kawasaki, N., & Nagumo, H. (2011). Work in Progress - Soil
Watering Systems as Teaching Materials for Technology Education in Junior High
Schools. Frontiers in Education Conference, Rapid City, SD.

Getu, B. N., & Attia, H. A. (2015). Automatic Control of Agricultural Pumps Based
on Soil Moisture Sensing. American University of Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al
Khaimah, UAE.

59
Abdurrahman, M. A. et al. (2015). Sensor Based Automatic Irrigation Management
System (Mekelle University, 2015). Tigray, Ethiopia: International Journal of
Computer and Information Technology.

Koprda, S. et al. (2015). Proposal of the Irrigation System using Low-cost Arduino
System as Part of a Smart Home (Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra,
2015). Subotica, Serbia: IEEE 13th International Symposium on Intelligent
Systems and Informatics.

Dinesh Kumar, N. et al. (2013). Intelligent Irrigation System (Vignan Institute of

Technology & Science, 2013). Pradesh, India: International Journal of Agricultural
Science and Research.

Aguilar, J. et al. (2015) "Irrigation Scheduling Based on Soil Moisture Sensors and
Evapotranspiration," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports:
Vol. 1: Iss. 5.

Bhuiyan, M. et al. (2015). Development of an Automatic Plant Monitoring System

(International Islamic University, 2015). Switzerland: Trans Tech Publications.
Faris, D. M. et al. (2014). Data Acquisition of Greenhouse Using Arduino
(Technical College of Mosul, 2014). Journal of Babylon University/Pure and
Applied Sciences.

Al-Bahadly, I. et al. (2015). Garden Watering System Based on Moisture Sensing

(Massey University, 2015). New Zealand: 9th International Conference on Sensing
Technology.

Bhuvaneswari, T. et al. (2014). Automatic Greenhouse (Multimedia University,

2014). Melaka, Malaysia: IEEE International Symposium on Robotics and
Manufacturing Automation.

Hassan, N. et al. (2015). An Automatic Monitoring and Control System Inside

Greenhouse (BRAC University, 2015). Dhaka, Bangladesh: IEEE.

Mathurkar, S. S. (2014). Smart Sensors Based Monitoring System for Agriculture

using Field Programmable Gate Array (Government College of Engineering,
Amravati, 2014). Amravati, India: International Conference on Circuit, Power and
Computing Technologies.

Getu, B. N. et al. (2015). Automatic Control of Agricultural Pumps Based on Soil

Moisture Sensing (American University of Ras Al Khaimah, 2015). Ras Al
Khaimah, UAE: IEEE.

Oomori, Y. et al. (2011). Soil Watering Systems as Teaching Materials for

Technology Education in Junior High Schools (Joetsu University of Education,
2011). Rapid City, SD: 41st ASEE/IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference.

60
Bhaskar, L. et al. (2015). Automatic Crop Irrigation System (Amity University,
2015). Noida, India: IEEE.

Divani, D. et al. (2016). Automated Plant Watering System (SIES Graduate School
of Technology, 2016). Navi Mumbai, India: International Conference on
Computation of Power, Energy Information and Communication.

Vijay, N. (2012). Application of Sensor Networks in Agriculture (Vivekanandha

College of Technology for Women, 2012). Tamilnadu, India: Third International
Conference on Sustainable Energy and Intelligent System.

Devika, S.V. et al. (2014). Arduino Based Automatic Plant Watering System
(Hyderabad Institute of Technology and Management, 2014). Hyderabad, India:
International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and Software
Engineering.

Nisha, G. et al. (2014). Wireless Sensor Network-based Automated Irrigation and

Crop Field Monitoring System (Velammal Institute of Technology, 2014). Chennai,
India: 6th International Conference on Advanced Computing.

Singh, A. J. et al. (n.d.). Embedded-based Green House Monitoring System using

PIC Microcontroller. (RVS College of Engineering & Technology).

Naik, B. et al. (2012). Hardware Implementation of Soil Moisture Monitoring

System. (National Institute of Technology, Rourkela).

Biswas, A. et al. (2015). Farming Technology for India Agricuture Based Sensorics
and Indicative Systems (MIT Manipal, 2015). Manipal, India: IEEE International
Conference on Technological Innovations in ICT for Agriculture and Rural
Development.

Sadasivam, S. et al. (2015). Smart Plant Monitoring System. (Technische

Universität Darmstadt).

Bellamy, Christopher, "Sensor-Based Soil Water Monitoring to More Effectively

Manage Agricultural Water Resources in Coastal Plain
Soils" (2009).

Aswani, R. et al. (2012). Plant Watering Autonomous Mobile Robot (Master's

thesis, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, 2012). Noida, India:
International Journal of Robotics and Automation.

Yang, K. B. (2008). Plant Watering System. (Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 2008).

Rahimi, M. (2008). Temperature Monitoring System. (Universiti Malaysia Pahang,

2008).

61
Ebere, E. et al. (2013). Microcontroller-based Automatic Water Level Control
System (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, 2013). Awka, Nigeria: International Journal of
Innovative Research in Computer and Communication Engineering.

Rohani, Z.B.M. (2012). Automated Irrigation System for Home Plant. (Universiti
Teknologi Malaysia, 2012).

Suhasini, C. et al. (2015). GSM and Wireless Sensor Network-based Smart

Automated Irrigation System (SRM University, 2015). Chennai, India: International
Journal of Innovative Research in Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation and
Control Engineering.

Jafry, M.I.B. (2007). Automatic Greenhouse Watering System and Monitoring.

(Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 2007).

62
APPENDIX A

63
NEW ERA UNIVERSITY – UNIVERSITY Date Submitted:
RESEARCH CENTER (URC) Signature:
#9 Central Avenue, New Era Quezon City

RESEARCH PROJECT PROPOSAL FORM

Research Project Proponent/s:

Hilarie, Clark Kent S.
Sadorra, Dan Andrei S.

College/Department/unit
College of Computer Studies
Major Field of specialization/discipline
Computer Science
PROJECT TITLE
AUTOWAT: AN ARDUINO BASED AUTOMATIC PLANT WATERING USING SOIL
MOISTUREAND HUMIDITY SENSOR WITH MONITORING SYSTEM

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of the study is to develop a software for soil moisture and
humidity monitoring system using java as its programming language that can monitor the
status of the researcher’s project, the other objective of the study is to validate the capability
of the software to display data from the Arduino microcontroller and integrated with sensor.
RESEARCH
PROJECT
AUTOWAT is a creation of the imagination of the researchers that consist of Arduino

Microcontroller, Soil Moisture Sensor, Humidity Sensor, Water Pump and a Java-based

monitoring system. The researchers create AUTOWAT to minimize the working time and

human effort for watering the plants by using the device, it can water the plant based on the

water content in the soil and the humidity of the surroundings. The device microcontroller

64
is Arduino is an open-source platform used for building the researchers project and Arduino

boards are relatively inexpensive compared to other microcontroller platforms. Arduino is

easy to understand thru the help of the tutorial for beginner user of Arduino microcontroller

and designed to make applications, interactive controls, or environments easily adaptive.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The proposed device will help to solve the problem when it comes to watering

the plant and enhance the equipment. The main concern of the study is to develop “Arduino

based Automatic Plant Watering using Soil Moisture and Humidity sensor with monitoring

system”. The study led to the following questions:

4. How will the researchers study be constructed?

5. What are the Hardware requirements in developing the study?

6. How the study be evaluated in terms of:

d. efficiency;

e. reliability; and

f. portability?

65
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Significance of the Study

This study intends to provide effective Automatic Watering and monitoring system

which will benefit the following:

Agricultural Industry. this device would help them in saving time and human

resource.

Gardeners. The third who benefits the study is for gardener to minimize their work

and who uses the device can give a big help to owners of flower shops in terms of giving

them quality flowers and plants, and it can also help reduce the risk of buying withered

plants or flowers to be given to the customers’ relatives.

School. This robot will help the school not only New Era University but any school

that has a big area of garden.

Future Researchers. The study will help the researcher’s in the future. The study

will give the researcher’s new knowledge and improve the skills in programming. The study

will also help the researchers complete the Thesis, because the study will serve as a

requirement to complete the course.

RELATED LITERATURE

AUTOMATED IRRIGATION SYSTEM FOR HOME PLANT

By
Zawani Binti Mohd Rohani
This project was developed in conjunction with the „Save the Earth‟ campaign that was
endorsed by the government. In order to help the citizen support campaign, a water-saving
irrigation system was proposed. This system will provide an irrigation system that will ease

66
the burden of the citizen to take care of the plant. This system will run automatically by
referring to the level of soil moisture. As the name itself is a water-saving system, this
system will only start irrigating when the level of moisture is below the sufficient level for the
plant to grow healthily. It will automatically stop when the moisture level is reached. The
brain of the system is the microcontroller. This is the place where all the activities are done.
The sensor connected to the microcontroller is soil moisture sensor. The information send
by the sensor will be analyzed by the microcontroller, which will decide whether the plant
needs water or not. The level of moisture will be displayed on the LCD screen to inform the
user on their plant condition. The irrigation will be provided by a pump that is also connected
to the microcontroller. The pump will be activated until the moisture level has reached its
sufficient level. This system will continue running until the user press the OFF button.

MEASUREMENT AND MODELING OF HUMIDITY SENSORS

By
Jingbo Tong
We can find humidity everywhere on earth, even in extremely dry areas, but there are cases
when traces of water vapor could cause problems in some applications, and it’s
measurement has become increasingly important in industrial, laboratory and process
control applications by allowing improvements in quality of products reducing the cost, and
increasing human comfort [1]. In the tobacco industry, properly control the humidity level
can greatly improve tobacco product quality. In warehouse humidity control can protect
corrosive or humidity sensitive products, such as coils of steel, food, and dried milk. One
example for cost saving application is paper dryer, if we monitor the humidity in the dryer,
we are able to shut down the dryer as soon as the humidity has reached a specified level.
This could save a large amount of money in energy compared to the traditional way of
running the dryer for a sufficient length of time to assure that the product is dry enough.
There are also may examples of dew point relating to human comfort, such as humidity-
controlled operating rooms, incubators, air-conditioning, and many other areas, table 1.1
from Wikipedia shows the relation between dew point and human comfort. The humidity
measurement is more difficult than that of most other properties such as pressure,
temperature and flow. One of the reasons is that it covers an extremely broad measurement

67
range, which could start from as low as 1 part-per-billion or less 2(-112°C frost point) to
saturated steam at 100°C, this covers the dynamic range of about 109. Another reason
is that the measurement has to be made under widely varying atmosphere. That is, under
a large span of temperatures and in the presence of all kinds of contaminants, of particulate
and/or chemical nature.

EVALUATION OF SOIL MOISTURE SENSORS FOR IRRIGATION SCHEDULING OF

STRAWBERRIES
By
Sajjad Ali
Horticultural producers are in need of efficient and timely techniques for determining crop
water requirements. The question of when and how much to irrigate, termed irrigation
scheduling, is particularly important for high-value crops such as strawberries (Fragaria
ananassa). During the growing season, irrigation scheduling decisions are influenced by
climatic variables such as rainfall, temperature and humidity, which directly impact soil
moisture levels. A field study was therefore conducted to evaluate two soil moisture
sensors for irrigation scheduling of commercial strawberries on a farm in Simcoe,
Southern Ontario. Strawberries were grown on raised beds with plastic mulch under two
management practices –open field and plastic high tunnels. For each practice, two soil
moisture sensors based on time domain reflectometry (TDR) were evaluated. The sensors,
Campbell Scientific‘s water content reflectometer (WCR) and ESI‘s Gro-point (GP)
monitored soil moisture continuously over the growing season (May to October2007). Soil
samples were collected to obtain volumetric water content as a unit of reference for the
purpose of comparison and evaluation of the two sensors. Equivalent water depths (EWD)
were calculated for an effective strawberry rooting depth of 0.3m. The calculated EWDs
were compared with the grower‘s irrigation scheduling practices. The study found that the
WCR and GP reliably recorded continuous trends in soil moisture throughout the growing
season. For the WCR sensor, gravimetric analyses of soil samples showed excellent
correlation, resulting in R2 of 0.94 and 0.97 for the open field and plastic high tunnel,
respectively. The R2 for the GP sensor was good at0.88 for the open field but poor for
the plastic high tunnels, due to a malfunctioning sensor. The EWDs for the two plots

68
were calculated to be699 mm for the open field and 711mm for the plastic high tunnels. A
significant finding of the study is the importance of selection of the location of the sensors
with respect to the irrigation dripper, and depth of installation depending on crop type.
Gravimetric samples must be taken in close proximity to the sensor. Moreover, site-specific
calibration can improve performance of the sensors.

SOIL MOISTURE ESTIMATION USING ACTIVE AND PASSIVE MICROWAVE

REMOTE SENSING TECHNIQUES
by
Sonika Sharma
The moisture content in the surface layers of the soil is an important parameter for many
applications in hydrology, agriculture and meteorology. Soil moisture is one of the
few directly observable hydrological variables that play an important role in the water
and energy budgets necessary for climate studies. In agriculture point of view, soil
moisture information is essential for many applications like irrigation scheduling, plant
stress and improving crop yield. Soil moisture also determines the partitioning of net
radiation into latent and sensible heat component in the field of meteorology. Therefore,
accurate and reliable soil moisture estimates are essential in several applications as to
examine the effect of climate change on land surface hydrological variables such as
soil moisture, infiltration fluxes, runoff and surface temperature caused by changes in
heat fluxes; to characterize changes in the simulated and observed planetary boundary
layer depths due to variations in the surface temperature, soil moisture and heat
fluxes; to quantify the amount and variability of regional water resources in water
limited regions of the world on seasonal and annual time scale; and to examine the impact
of assimilation of the derived land surfaces variables on predictive capabilities of meso-
scale and global circulation models

References
Rohani(2012, June). All about: Automated Irrigation System for Home Plant. Retrieve from
http://portal.fke.utm.my/fkelibrary/files/zawanibintimohdrohani/2012/ 188_ZAWANI
BINTIMOHDROHANI2012.pdf

69
 J. Tong(2014, November). All about: Measurement and Modeling of Humidity Sensor
Retrieve from http://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1061
&context=ece_etds

S. Ali (2009, July). All about: Evaluation of Soil Moisture Sensor for Irrigation Scheduling of
Strawberries. Retrieve from http://digitool.library.mcgill.ca/webcli
ent/StreamGate?folder_id=0&dvs=1472137429239~835

S. Sharma(2006, March). All about: Soil Moisture Estimation Using Active and Passive
Microwave Remote Sensing Techniques. Retrieve from https://www.iir
s.gov.in/iirs/sites/default/files/StudentThesis/thesis.pdf

Recommended by: Recommended by: Endorsed by: Recommending Approved by:

for Approval:

Research Coordinator Dean Director University Vice University

President President/Chairman
Research Counsil

70
APPENDIX B

71
Gantt Chart

Figure 6.0
GanttChart

72
APPENDIX C

73
EVALUATION FORM

New Era University

College of Computer Studies
Computer Science Department

Dear Mr./ Ms.

We, 4th year BSCS students taking up our Thesis, would like to request an evaluation of
our study entitled: Autowat: An Arduino based Automatic Plant Watering using Soil Moisture and
Humidity Sensor with Monitoring System. Rest assured, all your answers will be treated with
confidentially. Thank you very much.

Hilarie, Clark Kent S. Sadorra, Dan Andrei S.

Very Very
QUESTIONS Bad Good
Bad Good
1 2 3 4
Efficiency
1. Power provider
2. Simplicity
3. Cost
Reliability
4. Proper functioning.
5. Monitors Gathered Data.
6. Sensor Reading Data.
Portability
1. User-Friendliness
2. Economical friendly
3. Ease of use.
Name (optional): Age:
Course/Job: Year:
Instruction: Check the criteria below, 1 as the lowest and 4 as the highest. The result of
this evaluation will be use in our study to get the statistical data of how the system
determine if it passed the criteria given

74
APPENDIX D

75
Data Gathering Procedure

These are the instruments or tools for gathering data in research used as

basis for drawing conclusions or making inferences. Some of these tools are

questionnaires, interviews, empirical observations, research and analysis used by

the proponents as they conduct the proposed study.

Interview. The researchers use this technique to gather information the

expert in the project automatic watering system.

Observation. This technique is used when the researcher cannot secure

adequate or valid data through the use of the questionnaire or some other

technique. It is considered to be the most direct means of studying people in so far

as their overt behavior is concerned.

Evaluation. An evaluation is done properly and should not come across as

opinionated. Instead, the evaluation should seem reasoned and unbiased. The

key to making this happen, and therefore the key to a good investigative essay, is

establishing clear and fair criteria, judgments, and evidence.

76
APPENDIX E

77
Business Model
Activities involved in defining what a business entity does, who is

responsible, to what standard a business process should be completed, and how

the success of a business process can be determined and business solution

approach which views a business as a set of processes or workflows.

Figure 6.1
Business Model

Key Partners. The network suppliers and partners that make the business

model work. Companies forge partnerships to optimize their business models,

reduce risk, and/or acquire resources.

78
 Key Activities. Activities that a company must engage in to make its

business model work. Every business model requires Key Activities, and they

naturally differ depending on the business model type.

Key Resources. The building block describing the most important assets

needed to make a business model work. Every business model requires them, and

it is only through them that companies generate Value Propositions and Revenues.

Value Propositions. The products and services that create value for a

specific customer. They do so by solving a customer problem or satisfying a

customer need.

Customer Relationships. The building block that describes the types of

relationships a company establishes with specific Customer Segments. Customer

relationships may be driven by one or more of three motivations which are,

customer acquisition, customer retention, and increased sales.

79
APPENDIX F

80
Research Paradigm

Figure 6.2

Research Paradigm

Context Analysis and Evaluation. Provide a comprehensive

understanding of the automatic plant watering and help other to lessen the working

time. It builds on the related literature and provides a framework for further

analysis.

Input Analysis and Evaluation. Discussed how the project will work and

how the researchers develop and experiment the device. A set of related methods

which show how the parts of a system are affected by a change in one part of that

system.

81
 Process Analysis and Evaluation. Examining the problem in society and

to develop finding the solution to the problem. Process analysis is designed to add

value by transforming inputs into useful outputs.

Product Analysis and Evaluation. A product may need analyzing so that

the design can be improved. Sometimes a prototype or model may be analyzed.

In this way, improvements can be made before the full sized, costly product is

manufactured and analyze the efficiency, reliability, and usability of the project.

82
APPENDIX G

83
Project Cost

The cost of the project that the researchers used is shown in table 6.

Table 6
Materials Price

Arduino Mega 2560 1100

Jumper Cable 100

Breadboard 150

Soil Moisture Sensor 200

Humidity Sensor 265

Water Pump 550

Total 2365

84
APPENDIX H

85
SOURCE CODE

Watering System

#include <dht.h>

#define dht_apin A0

dht DHT;

#define soilmoisture A2

#define WATERPIN 53

int value ;

void setup(){

Serial.begin(9600);

pinMode(soilmoisture, INPUT);

pinMode(WATERPIN, OUTPUT);

delay(500);//Delay to let system boot

Serial.println("DHT11 Humidity & temperature Sensor\n\n");

delay(1000);

void loop(){

DHT.read11(dht_apin);

Serial.print("Current humidity = ");

Serial.print(DHT.humidity);

86
 Serial.print("% ");

Serial.print("temperature = ");

Serial.print(DHT.temperature);

Serial.println("C ");

value = analogRead(soilmoisture);

value = constrain(value,400,1023);

value = map(value,400,1023,100,0);

Serial.print("Soil Moisture: ");

Serial.print(value);

Serial.println("%");

if (value <= 50)

Serial.println("The soil is dry, start watering");

digitalWrite(WATERPIN, HIGH);

delay(500);

else{

digitalWrite(WATERPIN, LOW);

delay(500);

delay(5000);

87
Monitoring System

MainMenuForm Class

package com.autowat.ui;

import java.awt.BorderLayout;

import java.awt.Cursor;

import java.awt.Font;

import java.awt.event.ActionEvent;

import java.awt.event.ActionListener;

import java.sql.Connection;

import java.sql.DriverManager;

import javax.swing.BorderFactory;

import javax.swing.ImageIcon;

import javax.swing.JButton;

import javax.swing.JFrame;

import javax.swing.JLabel;

import javax.swing.JOptionPane;

import javax.swing.UIManager;

import javax.swing.UIManager.LookAndFeelInfo;

import javax.swing.border.TitledBorder;

@SuppressWarnings("serial")

public class MainMenuForm extends JFrame implements ActionListener

88
 private JButton graphB, exitB;

private GraphStatusPanel graphStat;

public MainMenuForm()

setTitle("Main Menu");

setDefaultCloseOperation(EXIT_ON_CLOSE);

setExtendedState(JFrame.MAXIMIZED_BOTH);

setResizable(false);

setLocationRelativeTo(null);

setUndecorated(true);

setLayout(new BorderLayout());

JLabel background=new JLabel(new ImageIcon("C:\\Users\\Clark

Kent Hilarie\\Documents\\"

+ "4th Year-2nd Sem\\Thesis\\Monitoring

System\\Picture\\logo1.png"));

graphStat = new GraphStatusPanel();

graphStat.setVisible(false);

graphStat.setBounds(100, 50, 1150, 600);

graphStat.setBorder(BorderFactory.createTitledBorder(null, "",

TitledBorder.DEFAULT_JUSTIFICATION,

TitledBorder.DEFAULT_POSITION, new Font("Times

New Roman", 0, 13)));

89
 ImageIcon graph = new ImageIcon("C:\\Users\\Clark Kent

Hilarie\\Documents\\4th Year-2nd Sem\\Thesis"

+ "\\Monitoring System\\Picture\\graphBTN.png");

graphB = new JButton(graph);

graphB.setRolloverIcon(new ImageIcon("C:\\Users\\Clark Kent

Hilarie\\Documents\\4th Year-2nd Sem"

+ "\\Thesis\\Monitoring

System\\Picture\\graphBTN1.png"));

graphB.setActionCommand("Graph Status");

graphB.setToolTipText("Click Here to open Graph Status!");

graphB.setBounds(310,675,90,90);

graphB.setBorderPainted(false);

graphB.setFocusPainted(false);

graphB.setContentAreaFilled(false);

graphB.addActionListener(this);

ImageIcon exit = new ImageIcon("C:\\Users\\Clark Kent

Hilarie\\Documents\\4th Year-2nd Sem"

+ "\\Thesis\\Monitoring

System\\Picture\\exitBTN.png");

exitB = new JButton(exit);

exitB.setRolloverIcon(new ImageIcon("C:\\Users\\Clark Kent

Hilarie\\Documents\\4th Year-2nd "

90
 + "Sem\\Thesis\\Monitoring

System\\Picture\\exitBTN1.png"));

exitB.setBounds(740,675,90,90);

exitB.setActionCommand("Exit");

exitB.setToolTipText("Exit Program");

exitB.setBorderPainted(false);

exitB.setFocusPainted(false);

exitB.setContentAreaFilled(false);

exitB.addActionListener(this);

graphB.setCursor(new Cursor(Cursor.HAND_CURSOR));

exitB.setCursor(new Cursor(Cursor.HAND_CURSOR));

add(graphStat);

add(exitB);

add(graphB);

add(background);

setVisible(true);

public static void main(String args[])

try

for(LookAndFeelInfo n:

UIManager.getInstalledLookAndFeels())

91
 {

if(n.getName().equalsIgnoreCase("Nimbus"))

UIManager.setLookAndFeel(n.getClassName());

catch(Exception e)

e.printStackTrace();

new MainMenuForm();

public void actionPerformed(ActionEvent e)

if(e.getActionCommand().equalsIgnoreCase("Graph Status"))

System.out.println("Okay Graph");

graphStat.setVisible(true);

else if(e.getActionCommand().contentEquals("Exit"))

int selectedOption = JOptionPane.showConfirmDialog(null,

"Do you want to close the system?", "Exit Monitoring System!",

JOptionPane.YES_NO_OPTION);

92
 if (selectedOption == JOptionPane.YES_OPTION)

System.exit(ABORT);

GraphStatusPanel

package com.autowat.ui;

import java.awt.BorderLayout;

import java.awt.event.ActionEvent;

import java.awt.event.ActionListener;

import java.util.Random;

import java.util.Scanner;

import javax.swing.JButton;

import javax.swing.JComboBox;

import javax.swing.JFrame;

import javax.swing.JLabel;

import javax.swing.JPanel;

import org.jfree.chart.ChartFactory;

import org.jfree.chart.ChartPanel;

import org.jfree.chart.JFreeChart;

import org.jfree.chart.axis.DateAxis;

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import org.jfree.chart.plot.XYPlot;

import org.jfree.data.xy.XYSeries;

import org.jfree.data.xy.XYSeriesCollection;

import com.fazecast.jSerialComm.SerialPort;

import javafx.scene.chart.NumberAxis;

public class GraphStatusPanel extends JPanel

static SerialPort chosenPort;

static int x = 0;

private XYPlot plot;

private NumberAxis yAxis;

private DateAxis xAxis;

public GraphStatusPanel()

setSize(600, 400);

setLayout(new BorderLayout());

JComboBox<String> portList = new JComboBox<String>();

JButton connectButton = new JButton("Connect");

JPanel topPanel = new JPanel();

topPanel.add(portList);

topPanel.add(connectButton);

add(topPanel, BorderLayout.NORTH);

SerialPort[] portNames = SerialPort.getCommPorts();

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 for(int i = 0; i < portNames.length; i++)

portList.addItem(portNames[i].getSystemPortName());

XYSeries series = new XYSeries("Soil Moisture Readings");

XYSeriesCollection dataset = new XYSeriesCollection(series);

JFreeChart chart = ChartFactory.createXYLineChart("Water

Content", "Time (seconds)", "Readings", dataset);

add(new ChartPanel(chart), BorderLayout.CENTER);

connectButton.addActionListener(new ActionListener(){

@Override public void actionPerformed(ActionEvent arg0) {

if(connectButton.getText().equals("Connect")) {

// attempt to connect to the serial port

chosenPort =

SerialPort.getCommPort(portList.getSelectedItem().toString());

chosenPort.setComPortTimeouts(SerialPort.TIMEOUT_SCANNER,

0, 0);

if(chosenPort.openPort()) {

connectButton.setText("Disconnect");

portList.setEnabled(false);

Thread thread = new Thread(){

@Override public void run() {

Scanner scanner = new

Scanner(chosenPort.getInputStream());

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 while(scanner.hasNextLine()) {

try {

String line =

scanner.nextLine();

int number =

Integer.parseInt(line);

series.add(x++,

1023 - number);

repaint();

} catch(Exception e) {}

scanner.close();

};

thread.start();

} else {

chosenPort.closePort();

portList.setEnabled(true);

connectButton.setText("Connect");

series.clear();

x = 0;} }});

96
APPENDIX I

97
Curriculum Vitae

HILARIE, CLARK KENT SANCHEZ

Blk14 lot29 C Camia St. Almar Subd, Camarin Caloocan City

Email: [email protected]
Contact No: 09354154610

CAREER OBJECTIVES
 A dedicated student aiming to help achieve organizational goals and take
on more responsibility as quickly as possible.
 Develop IT skills with collaboration with others in achieving organization’s
goals;
 Work independently and be a part of a team;
Organize, prioritize, manage time, and applying skills.
 To strive for excellence, to work in such an environment that will enhance
my knowledge and career.

SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE

 Documented case studies by using Lucidchart diagramming tool for

flowcharts, entity-relationship diagrams (ERD), use-case diagrams, system
sequence diagrams, sequence diagrams, and class diagrams.
 Developed a Lan-Based Network Inventory Belcam Motorcycle
Management System.
 Developed Seat reservation using Java Eclipse
 Developed a web-based page of shawarma and dessert using PHP, HTML,
CSS and JavaScript.

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  Designed a website using HTML,PHP,CSS,JAVASCRIPT.
 Thesis: An Arduino Based Automatic Plant Watering Using Soil Moisture
and Humidity Sensor with Java Based Monitoring System

SKILLS
 Basic knowledge with the following programming languages:Java, HTML,
CSS, Javascript, PHP, Visual Basic 6.0 and Arduino
 Adept in using MS Office products (Powerpoint, Word, Access, Excel);
 Basic knowledge in editing photo and video.
 Help in creating test plans, procedures and test cases/scenarios to ensure
that overall quality is delivered.
 Participate in reviewing system functional requirement.
 Identify and document all bugs or defects found during functional,
regression and compatibility.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

BS in Computer Science
 June 2013- present
 New Era University

SEMINARS

Game Developer Experience

New Era University
Quezon City, Philippines
February 11, 2015

99
Big Data & Analytics
New Era University
Quezon City, Philippines
February 11, 2015

Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN)

Globe Labs, Globe Telepark, Valero St.,
Salcedo Village Makati City
November 2015

Write Shop
New Era University
Quezon City, Philippines
July 07, 2016

Tools For Web Development

New Era University
Quezon City, Philippines
September 03, 2016

Data Communication and Network Principles

New Era University
Quezon City, Philippines
September 09, 2016

Introduction of EDI
New Era University
Quezon City, Philippines
September 13, 2016

100
Information Security
New Era University
Quezon City, Philippines
September 15, 2016

GIT: A Tool for Code Versioning

New Era University
Quezon City, Philippines
September 17, 2016

Web Development and GitHub

New Era University
Quezon City, Philippines
September 20, 2016

Big Data and Analytics

New Era University
Quezon City, Philippines
September 24, 2016

Software Development Guidelines

New Era University
Quezon City, Philippines
September 30, 2016

Open Source Web Development

New Era University
Quezon City, Philippines

101
 October 1, 2016

Web Development
New Era University
Quezon City, Philippines
October 5, 2016

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Date of Birth : June 25, 1997

Place of Birth : Caloocan City
Age : 18years old
Civil Status : Single
Height : 5’1”
Weight : 50kg
Citizenship : Filipino

102
Dan Andrei S. Sadorra
446 Quarry Condo, T. Sora Ave., Brgy. New Era, Quezon City, PH 1107

(+63) 926 309 4664 | [email protected]

Objective
· Develop IT skills in collaboration with others in achieving organization’s goals;
· Work independently and be a part of a team;
· Organize, prioritize, manage time, and apply skills in software development;

Education
BACCALAUREATE DEGREE | 2013–PRESENT | NEW ERA UNIVERSITY
· Major: Computer Science
· Certification:
· IBM DB2 Academic Associate: DB2 Database and Application Fundamentals
· IBM Corporation PH
· UP–Ayala Land TechnoHub, Commonwealth Ave., Quezon City, PH
· April 10, 2015

Skills & Abilities

· Knowledgeable in computer programming as implemented in JAVA, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and
Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP);
· Knowledgeable in Object-oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD) as implemented in JAVA;
· Implementation of database design using IBM DB2 Express-C 10.5;
· Documentation of case studies by using Lucidchart and Microsoft Visio for flowcharts, entity-relationship
diagrams (ERD), sequence diagrams (SD), system sequence diagrams (SSD), and class diagrams (CD);
· Adept in using Microsoft Office products (Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Publisher, Visio, Word);
· Adept in using photo editing products (Adobe Photoshop CC, PhotoScape);
· Adept in computer software troubleshooting

Personal Information
· Date of Birth: August 26, 1996
· Place of Birth: Brgy. New Era, Quezon City, PH
· Age: 19 y/o
· Civil Status: Single
· Height: 5 ft. 11 in.
· Weight: 50 kg.
· Citizenship: Filipino
· Religion: Iglesia Ni Cristo

103