TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY (MEIKTILA)

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF VEHICLE

VIBRATION ALERT SYSTEM

BY
MA WAI MAR MOE

GRADUATION THESIS

OCTOBER, 2018
MEIKTILA
 i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First, the author would like to express her deep gratitude to Union Minister Dr.
Myo Thein Gyi, Ministry of Education, for opening the Bachelor Degree of
Engineering at Technological University (Meiktila) and his invaluable permission.
The author would like to express her gratitude to Dr. Aung Myo Thu, Pro-
Rector, Technological University (Meiktila), for his kindness and suggestions for
completion of this thesis.
The author is deeply grateful to Dr. Khine Myint Mon, Professor and Head,
Department of Electronic Engineering, Technological University (Meiktila), for her
suggestions, kind encouragements, permission and help till the completion of this
thesis.
The author would like to express special thanks to her supervisor, Dr. May
San Hlaing, Assistant Lecturer, Department of Electronic Engineering, Technological
University (Meiktila), for her patient guidance, constructive comments, criticism,
encouragement and willingness to share ideas during a long period of this thesis.
The author wishes to acknowledge especially to her co-supervisor, Daw Hay
Man Oo, Lecturer, Department of Electronic Engineering, Technological University
(Meiktila), for her guidance, valuable help, encouragement and editing this thesis.
The author is much obliged to the members of the board of examiners and the
groups of checking format and language for the absolute perfection of thesis book, for
their effective suggestions and sharing their valuable experience.
Special thanks go to all the teachers from Technological University (Meiktila)
who has taught her other supporting subjects including English and Mathematics.
Last but not least, the author is deeply grateful to her parents, aunt and brother
for their supports and encouragement to attain her destination without any trouble and
all her friends who help in any situation.
 TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY (MEIKTILA)
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF VEHICLE

VIBRATION ALERT SYSTEM

BY
MA WAI MAR MOE

A THESIS
SUBMITTED TO DEPARTMENT OF
ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIRMENTS
FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
(ELECTRONICS)

OCTOBER, 2018
MEIKTILA
 TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY (MEIKTILA)
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

We certify that we have examined, and recommend to the University Steering

Committee for acceptance of the graduation thesis entitled: “DESIGN AND
CONSTRUCTION OF VEHICLE VIBRATION ALERT SYSTEM” submitted
by Ma Wai Mar Moe, Roll No. VI.EC-2 (December, 2017) to the Department of
Electronic Engineering in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of
Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics).

Board of Examiners:

1. Dr. Khine Myint Mon

B.E.(EC), MTU; M.E.(EC), YTU;
Ph.D.(EC), MTU
Professor and Head
Department of Electronic Engineering ……………………………………
Technological University (Meiktila) (Chairman)

2. Dr. May San Hlaing

B.E.(EC), M.E.(EC), TU(Mandalay);
Ph.D.(EC), MTU
Assistant Lecturer
Department of Electronic Engineering ……………………………………
Technological University (Meiktila) (Supervisor)

3. Daw Hay Man Oo

B.E.(EC), TU (Meiktila); M.E.(EC), MTU
Lecturer
Department of Electronic Engineering ……………………………………
Technological University (Meiktila) (Co-Supervisor)
 ii

ABSTRACT

This thesis investigates the design and construction of vehicle vibration alert
system. In human life, vehicles are playing important role in day to day life while
using vehicle. This system helps the people to secure. This system is designed by
using accelerometer, GPS module, GSM module, 16x2 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
and Arduino UNO. The system presented at finding the occurrence of any accident
and reporting the location of vehicle to the coded numbers. GPS technology is used to
find the location of vehicle with latitude and longitude. The location spot is retrieved
using GPS technology which is a navigational system using a network of satellites
orbiting the earth. Accelerometer detects strongly tilt of vehicle and it command to the
microcontroller. The controller reads the coordinates from GPS module and sends the
alert messages with the location to the predefined number using GSM module and is
also shown on LCD display. In this system, Arduino UNO is the heart of the system,
which controls all the function of the circuit.
APPENDIX
 46

APPENDIX
PROGRAM CODE FOR VEHICLE VIBRATION ALERT SYSTEM

#include <TinyGPS++.h>
#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
#include<LiquidCrystal.h>
static const uint32_t GPSBaud = 9600;
TinyGPSPlus gps;
SoftwareSerial Serial1(2,3);
SoftwareSerial ss(10, 11);
LiquidCrystal lcd(4,5,6,7,8,9);
double latt, logt;
int analogX, analogY, analogZ;
int originalX, originalY, originalZ;
int outX, outY, outZ;
int xValue, yValue, zValue;
void initModule(String cmd, char *res, int t)
{
while(1)
{
Serial.println(cmd);
Serial1.println(cmd);
delay(100);
while(Serial1.available()>0)
{
if(Serial1.find(res))
{
Serial.println(res);
delay(t);
return;
}
 47

else
{
Serial.println("Error");
}
}
delay(t);
}
}
void setup(){
Serial.begin(9600);
Serial1.begin(9600);
delay(2);
lcd.begin(16,2);
lcd.print("Accident Alert ");
lcd.setCursor(0,1);
lcd.print(" System ");
delay(2000);
lcd.clear();
lcd.print("Initializing");
lcd.setCursor(0,1);
lcd.print("Please Wait...");
delay(500);
Serial.println("Initializing....");
initModule("AT","OK",1000);
initModule("ATE1","OK",1000);
initModule("AT+CMGF=1","OK",1000);
initModule("AT+CNMI=2,2,0,0,0","OK",1000);
Serial.println("Initialized Successfully");
lcd.clear();
lcd.print("Initialized");
lcd.setCursor(0,1);
lcd.print("Successfully");
delay(2000);
lcd.clear();
 48

lcd.print("Callibrating ");
lcd.setCursor(0,1);
lcd.print("Acceleromiter");
analogX=analogRead(A1);
delay(2);
analogY=analogRead(A2);
delay(2);
analogZ=analogRead(A3);
delay(2);
originalX=map(analogX, 0, 1023, 0, 255);
delay(2);
originalY=map(analogY, 0, 1023, 0, 255);
delay(2);
originalZ=map(analogZ, 0, 1023, 0, 255);
delay(2);
delay(1000);
lcd.clear();
lcd.print("Waiting For GPS");
lcd.setCursor(0,1);
lcd.print(" Signal ");
delay(2000);
lcd.clear();
lcd.print("GPS is Ready");
delay(1000);
ss.begin(9600);
lcd.clear();
lcd.print("System Ready");
Serial.println("System Ready..");
}
void loop(){
/*if(Serial.available()>0) {
String a=Serial.readString();
if(a=="a"){
sendMessage();
 49

}
}*/
if(ss.available() > 0){
gps.encode(ss.read());
if (gps.location.isUpdated()){
latt=gps.location.lat(),6;
Serial.print(" Longitude= ");
logt=gps.location.lng(),6;
Serial.print(latt);
Serial.print(" ");
Serial.print(logt);
Serial.println();
}
}
analogX=analogRead(A1);
analogY=analogRead(A2);
analogZ=analogRead(A3);
outX=map(analogX, 0, 1023, 0, 255);
outY=map(analogY, 0, 1023, 0, 255);
outZ=map(analogZ, 0, 1023, 0, 255);
xValue=originalX-outX;
yValue=originalY-outY;
zValue=originalZ-outZ;
Serial.print("X Value :");
Serial.print(xValue);
Serial.print(" Y Value :");
Serial.print(yValue);
Serial.print(" Z Value :");
Serial.print(zValue);
Serial.println();
if((xValue>15 && xValue<20) || (xValue<-10 && xValue>-20) && (yValue>15
&& yValue<20) || (yValue>-14 && yValue<-13) || (zValue>20 && zValue<31) ||
(zValue>10&& zValue<25))
{
 50

sendMessage()
}
}
void sendMessage()
{
Serial1.println("AT");
delay(500);
serialPrint();
Serial1.println("AT+CMGF=1");
delay(500);
serialPrint();
Serial1.print("AT+CMGS=");
Serial1.print('"');
Serial1.print("+959978035368");
Serial1.println('"'); //""
delay(500);
serialPrint();
Serial1.print("Latitude:");
Serial1.println(latt);
delay(500);
serialPrint();
Serial1.print(" longitude:");
Serial1.println(logt);
delay(500);
lcd.clear();
lcd.print("Lat:");
lcd.print(latt);
lcd.setCursor(0,1);
lcd.print("Log:");
lcd.print(logt);
delay(2000);
serialPrint();
Serial1.print("http://maps.google.com/maps?&z=15&mrt=yp&t=k&q=");
Serial1.print(latt,6);
 51

Serial1.print("+"); //28.612953, 77.231545 //28.612953,77.2293563

Serial1.print(logt,6);
Serial1.write(26);
lcd.clear();
lcd.print("Sending SMS");
delay(2000);
Serial.println("Sent.");
serialPrint();
Serial.print(latt);
Serial.print(" xxxx ");
Serial.print(logt);
/* lcd.clear();
lcd.print("Lat:");
lcd.print(latt);
lcd.setCursor(0,1);
lcd.print("Log:");
lcd.print(logt);
delay(1500);*/
lcd.clear();
lcd.print("System Ready");
delay(1500);
Serial.println();
}
void serialPrint()
{
while(Serial1.available()>0)
{
Serial.print(Serial1.read());
}
}
 iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT i
ABSTRACT ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS iii
LIST OF FIGURES vi
LIST OF TABLES viii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ix

CHAPTER TITLE
1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1. Introduction to Vehicle Vibration Alert System 1
1.2. Aim and Objectives 2
1.3. Scope of Thesis 3
1.4. Implementation Programs 3
1.5. Outline of Thesis 3
2 LITERATURE REVIEW 4
2.1. Previous Work on Vehicle Vibration Alert System 4
2.2. Intelligent Public Transport Management Using Embedded
Technology 4
2.3. User Alert System for Vehicle Accident Detection System 6
2.4. Accident Detection and Surveillance System Using Wireless
Technologies 7
3 HARDWARE COMPONENTS OF VEHICLE VIBRATION
ALERT SYSTEM 11
3.1. Required Components 11
3.2. Overview to Arduino 11
3.2.1. Types of Arduino Boards 12
3.2.2. Arduino UNO 12
3.2.2.1. Summary of technical specification 13
3.2.2.2. Pin specification of Arduino UNO 14
3.3. Global Positioning System 19
3.3.1. NEO6M GPS Module 16
3.3.2. Pin Specification of GPS 17
 iv

3.3.3. Features of GPS Module 17

3.4. Global System for Mobile Communication 17
3.4.1. SIM900A 19
3.4.2. Pin Specification of GSM SIM900A Module 20
3.4.3. Feature of GSM 21
3.5. Accelerometer 21
3.5.1. ADXL335 Accelerometer 22
3.5.2. Pin Specification of ADXL335 Accelerometer 23
3.5.3. Features of ADXL335 Accelerometer 23
3.6. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 24
3.6.1. LCD Work 24
3.6.2. Advantages of LCD 25
3.6.3. Disadvantage of LCD 25
3.6.1. Applications of Liquid Crystal Display 25
3.6.2. 16x2 Liquid Crystal Display 25
3.6.3. Pin Specification of 16x2 LCD Display 26
3.6.7. Features of LCD 27
4 HARDWARE IMPLEMENTATION OF VEHICLE VIBRATION
ALERT SYSTEM 28
4.1. Vehicle Vibration Process 28
4.2. Proposed System Design 29
4.3. Overall Circuit Diagram
4.4. Pin Connection of Vehicle Vibration Alert System 30
4.5. Overall Circuit Operation 31
4.6. Overall System Flowchart 32
4.6.1. Algorithm 33
4.7. List of Components 33
5 TEST AND RESULTS OF VEHICLE VIBRATION ALERT
SYSTEM 34
5.1. Test of Vehicle Vibration Alert System 34
5.2. Result of Vehicle Vibration Alert System 34
5.2.1. Initializing the GSM Module 35
5.2.2. Reading Accelerometer X, Y and Z Values for
Vehicle Stable 36
 v

5.2.3. Reading X-axis with Vehicle Tilt 36

5.2.4. Reading Y-axis with Vehicle Tilt 37
5.2.5. Reading Z-axis with Vehicle Tilt 38
5.2.6. Output Message Received in Mobile 39
5.2.7. Reading Vehicle Location on Google Map 40
5.2.8. Showing Location of Vehicle on LCD 40
5.3. Test and Results of Overall System 41
6 DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSION 42
6.1. Discussions 42
6.2. Conclusion 42
6.3. Further Extension 43
REFERENCES 44
APPENDIX 45
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1. Introduction to Vehicle Vibration Alert System

With the growing population the use of vehicles has become superfluous and
this has led to increase the traffic hazards and the road accidents, which causes huge
loss of life because of poor emergency facilities. The main aim of vehicle vibration
alert system is to give rescuing people from dangerous conditions. This is improved
security system for vehicles. The purpose of this thesis is to find the vehicle where it
is and locate the vehicle by mean of sending a message using a Global Positioning
System (GPS) which is placed inside of vehicle. This new technology, popularly
called vehicle vibration alert system which created many wonders in the security of
the vehicle. This hardware is fitted onto the vehicle in such a manner that it is not
visible to anyone who is inside or outside of the vehicle. Thus, it is used as a convert
unit which continuously or by any interrupt to the system, sends the location data to
the monitoring unit. Most of time is not be able to find accident location because no
one to know where accident is happening. This proposed system detect vibrations in
significantly less time and send the basic information to the first aid center within a
few seconds which includes vehicle’s latitude and longitude of a particular position
and this alert message help in saving the human lives.
If a vehicle meets with an accident immediately, vibration sensor detects the
signal and sends it to Arduino microcontroller. The message is send through the GSM
module and the location of the vehicle is detected with the help of the GPS module.
GPS used in vehicle vibration alert system to get the information regarding the place
of accident and to notify nearby police station and hospitals for emergency care. The
vibration is detected precisely with the help of both accelerometer and vibration
sensor. An accelerometer used in a car alarm application so that dangerous driving is
detected. Accelerometer detect the sudden change the axes of the vehicle. It is also be
used as a crash or rollover detector of the vehicle during and after a crash. The advent
of technology has also increased the traffic hazards and the road accidents take
 2

place frequently which causes huge loss of life and property because of the lack of
best emergency facilities available in many countries.
Vehicle vibration alert system is used GPS module, GSM module and
accelerometer. Accelerometer detects the sudden change in the axes of the vehicle and
GSM module sends the alert message to owner’s mobile phone with the location of
the vibration. Location of the vehicle is seen form Google Map link, derived from the
latitude and longitude from GPS module. This application provides the optimum
solution to poor emergency facilities provided to the road vibration in the most
feasible way. Figure 1.1 shows the overall block diagram of vehicle vibration alert
system.

16x2 LCD

GPS GSM
Arduino UNO Mobile
Module Module

Accelerometer

Figure 1.1. Overall Block Diagram of Arduino Based Vehicle Vibration Alert System

1.2. Aim and Objectives

The main aim and objectives of this thesis are as follows:
 To study the parameters such as GPS module, GSM module, 16x2 LCD,
accelerometer and Arduino UNO
 To improve the security of the vehicle
 To increase the security, safety and transportation system
 To recognize the location of the accident and easily to reach the location
 To reduce the vehicle’s dangerous conditions
 To get the information regarding the place of accident and to notify nearby
police station and hospitals for emergency case
 3

 To study the hardware implementation of vehicle vibration alert system

1.3. Scope of Thesis
The goal of this thesis is to design and constructing of vehicle vibration alert
system by using Arduino. Accelerometer is used for detection the vehicle vibration,
GPS module for vehicle’s location and GSM module for sending alert message to
owner’s mobile. This proposed system is inserted in every vehicle that is easily
detects the vehicle’s tilt and location.

1.4. Implementation Programs

The programs to be implemented are:
 Searching and studying the background theory and knowledge of vehicle
vibration alert system
 Collection the necessary data for vehicle vibration alert and selecting the
required books, research papers, journal and literature reviewing
 Finding the technique and operation for every part of circuits which contain in
the system
 Designing and constructing of the vehicle vibration alert system
 Implementation and testing all parts of the circuit

1.5. Outline of Thesis

This thesis consists of six chapters. Chapter one explains the introduction to
vehicle vibration alert system, aim and objectives, scope of thesis, implementation
programs and the outline of the thesis. Chapter two focuses on literature reviews of
the vehicle vibration alert system. Chapter three describes hardware components of
vehicle vibration alert system. Chapter four presents hardware implementation of
vehicle vibration alert system. Chapter five discusses the test and results of vehicle
vibration alert system. Chapter six includes discussions and conclusion.
 CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. Previous Work on Vehicle Vibration Alert System

This chapter describes the literature review on previous work for vehicle
vibration alert system. There are various methods of vehicle vibration alert based on
their type and application. This chapter is also contained the theory of components,
equipment and the programming language that is used in the previous research.

2.2. Intelligent Public Transport Management Using Embedded Technology

In 2015, Bhavya and K.Raghava Rao from department of electronics and
computer engineering carried out the intelligent public transport management using
embedded technology. In this system, a vehicle monitoring system is proposed by
using the embedded system technology, which gives the intelligent management of
public transport. This design includes the Global Positioning System (GPS), General
Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Advanced RISC Machine (ARM), Embedded Linux
operation system etc. The proposed design provides the scheduling of communication,
location tracing and stops broadcasting, video monitoring and also counts the number
of public transport vehicles. The proposed design is prototype for desired application.
Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) and GPS modules are controlled
by Microcontroller Unit (MCU) LPC2148. Figure 2.1 shows LPC2148 board.

Figure 2.1. LPC2148 Development Board [15Bha]

 5

LPC2148 is one of the most widely used IC of ARM-7 families which are
manufactured by NXP semiconductors formerly known as Philips. It uses the
Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) architecture and Harvard architecture.
Harvard architecture has separate bus line for both program memory and data memory
which is used for fast data transfer. It has many features like it is having 64 General
Purpose Input and Output (GPIO) pins high performance ARM microcontroller. It has
two ports and each port consists of 32 pins. In that 3 pins are reserved for future
applications and 16 pins are hidden which is used to boost up the remaining pins
operation. Pins are available up to nine edge or level sensitive external interrupt.
There are only 45 GPIO pins which use for input and output applications. It
has 512kB of flash program memory and 32kB of static RAM data memory. It has
two Universal Asynchronous Receiver and Transmitter (UART) which is used for
serial communication between two modules. It is and interface width of 128 bit which
enables the operating frequency of 60MHz. It is low power consumption with
operating voltage of 3.3V. It has four stages of pipe line which is used make a
sequence flow of execution. Crystal operating frequency of up to 60MHz because it
consists of Phased Lock Loop (PLL).
In this research, this intelligence counting system is mainly consists of 32 bit
ARM RISC based Harvard architecture microcontroller and Infrared Sensor (IR). This
system consists of two infrared sensors, one is placed at the front of the vehicle and
another one is placed at the back of the vehicle. Figure 2.3 shows experimental results
of the system.

Figure 2.2. Experiment Results of the Intelligent Public Transport Management

System [15Bha]
 6

If the person is entering into the bus, infrared sensor which is present at the
front of the vehicle gets activated; microcontroller external interrupt gets enabled and
counts the person as a passenger. If the person gets down from the bus infrared sensor
which is present at the back side of the vehicle gets activates and decreases the
passenger with -1. If the front infrared sensor in activation mode, it going to be in
increment mode +1 or ++. If the back infrared sensor in activation mode, it going to
be in decrement mode -1 or in this proposed system the microcontroller plays a key
role for the desired application i.e. this is controlled the entire modules. This proposed
system is used for the efficient transport system management in desired manner
[15Bha].

2.3. User Alert System for Vehicle Accident Detection System

In July 2015, R. Thrivikraman, C. Kaarthikeyan, C. Mageshkumar, Dr. J.
Rajeshkumar and N. Akash from SNS College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil
Nadu carried out the user alert system for vehicle accident detection system. This
paper presented at finding the occurrence of any accident and reporting the location of
accident to the previously coded numbers. The form of latitude and longitude
coordinates through SMS using GSM technology is used to intimate the vehicle
position is too identified. The location spot is retrieved using Global Positioning
System (GPS) which is a navigational system using a network of satellites orbiting the
earth.
Such as vibration and fire detectors detect signal in case of an accident
occurrence and send a signal to the connected microcontroller. The controller in turn
operates the relay to blow the airbag and automatically lock the brakes. Meanwhile a
message reaches to the necessary help and thus ambulance service and required aid
reach in the shortest time possible. This system is also aid companies in the rental
vehicle business to keep a track of the vehicular activity by sending message at
regular intervals to the authorized numbers.
This proposed system aimed to avoid accident during car driving. The vehicle
which has undergone to an accident is identified by using tracking technology without
any delay. The immediate medication provided to the accident victims in the remote
areas. The proposed work seeks to develop a system which facilitates accident
notification to the appropriate agencies and in tracing the vehicle in case of an
accident. The main objectives of this proposed system are to enable the accident
 7

notification to appropriate user family and send the basic information with
geographical coordinates. The proposed system is also embedded with Google Maps
so by clicking coordinates it directed to the accident location. In this research,
Arduino is used for controlling whole the process with a GPS receiver and GSM
module. Figure 2.4 shows output message received in mobile. GPS receiver is used
for detecting coordinates of the vehicle, GSM module is used for sending the alert
SMS with the coordinates and the link to Google Map. Micro Electromechanical
System (MEMS) sensor is used for detecting sudden vibration change in a vehicle.
GPS module used here is SIM28ML and GSM module used here is SIM900A. Buzzer
is used to alert the user. Single pole single throw switch is used to off the system.

Figure 2.3. Output Message Received in Mobile [12Thar]

In this proposed system, the idea of combining the accident detection and alert
system with urban for smart cities [12Thr].

2.4. Accident Detection and Surveillance System Using Wireless Technologies

In April 2014, Purva Javale, Shalmali Gadgil, Chinmay Bhargave and Yogesh
Kharwandikar from Information Technology, Pune University, India carried out the
accident detection and survelliance system using wireless technologies. This paper
presented a system prototype especially designed to detect and provide faster
assistance to traffic accident victims. The proposed system required each vehicle to be
 8

endowed with a Control Unit (CU) responsible for detecting accident and Onboard
Unit (OBU) reporting accident location for providing the necessary resources for the
rescue operation.
The proposed application is developed for the Android based smart phones. In
particular, the system relies on the microcontroller to sense accident event and GPS
technology to find the exact location of the accident. With the use of bluetooth
module, eliminates the need for physical connection, making it more robust against
hardware damages. Since a data communications channel between the smart phone
and server is required, it is established using Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP). Mobile telephony services such as SMS are used. The system is
configured to send an Short Message Service (SMS) about accident information, such
as current GPS coordinates of accident location, to emergency service providers.
Figure 2.5 shows general system.

Figure 2.4. General System of Accident Detection and Surveillance System Using
Wireless Technologies [14Pur]

On sensing the collision, microcontroller sends a signal triggering an accident

event. This signal is then send via bluetooth. Then accident location (longitude and
latitude) is send to server through smart phone via TCP/IP. The server then search for
the nearest hospitals, police and victim’s family members and calculate their distance
from accident location. A list is created according to minimum distance, to provide
the emergency assistance as soon as possible. Figure 2.6 shows architecture of
accident detection and surveillance system.
Hardware consists of power supply, microcontroller (IC AT 89s25), RS232
module and bluetooth module. Wireless bluetooth serial trans receiver module HC06
 9

is used for bluetooth communication for serial communication IC MAX232 is used.

Relay is used as sensor. Hardware sensed accident and transfer bit to android smart
phone via bluetooth but due to compatibility issue laptop’s bluetooth is used to
receive accident bit. Program in laptop used to forward the same information to smart
phone via TCP/IP. The Control Unit (CU) is responsible for sending accident event to
the OBUs. CU sends only a true bit indicating the occurrence of accident. CU receives
input from sensors. But if accident is simulated using relay, CU received input when
relay is fully compressed.
In proposed system, onboard unit is a device, enriched with facilities of GPS
and internet connectivity. This is a display device installed on dash board. The main
objective of Offshore Business Unit (OBU) is to obtain current location coordinates.
It is an Android application installed in OBU, which is responsible for receiving data
from control unit. This application sends accident location information in terms of
latitude and longitude to the server via internet. After receiving latitude and longitude
from OBU, server calculates the distance between accident location and location of
hospitals and police station which is manually stored in database. Then server sent
accident location information to nearest hospital, police and relative via SMS. It
provided User Interface (UI) for Admin to add and update location information of
police station and hospital and for users to add and update location information of
relatives and friends. Admin and users add the location of required people with the
help of map.

Figure 2.5. Architecture of Accident Detection and Surveillance System [14Pur]

 10

The development of a low cost prototype shows that it is feasible to

incorporate this system in existing vehicles. Like smart phones, an in future car also
gets smarter. At that time, this system proved play important role in making cars
smarter [14Pur].
 11

CHAPTER 3
HARDWARE COMPONENTS OF VEHICLE VIBRATION ALERT
SYSTEM

3.1. Required Components

The required components of the proposed system are:
 Arduino UNO
 Accelerometer
 GPS Module
 GSM Module
 16x2 liquid crystal display

3.2. Overview to Arduino

Arduino is an open source platform used for building electronics projects.
Arduino consists of both a physical programmable circuit board (often referred to as a
microcontroller) and a piece of software or Integrated Development Environment
(IDE) that runs on computer, it used to write and upload computer code to the
physical board. The Arduino board also consists of on board voltage regulator and
crystal oscillator. They also consist of two serial adaptors using which the Arduino
board is programmed using USB connection. The Arduino platform has become quite
popular with people just starting out with electronics and for good reason. Unlike
most previous programmable circuit boards, the Arduino does not need a separate
piece of hardware (called a programmer) in order to load new code onto the board is
simply use a USB cable. Additionally, the Arduino IDE uses a simplified version of
C++, making it easier to learn to program. Finally, Arduino provides a standard form
factor that breaks out the functions of the microcontroller into a more accessible
package.
Arduino boards are generally based on microcontrollers from an Atmel
corporation like 8 bit, 16 bit or 32 bit Advanced Virtual RISC (AVR) architecture
based on microcontroller. Microcontrollers are small computing. The microcontrollers
 12

consists of microchips on a circuit board with read write capabilities, memory, inputs
and outputs. The Arduino hardware and software was designed for artists, designers,
hobbyists, hackers, newbies and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or
environments. Arduino drive motors, LEDs, buttons, speakers, GPS units, GSM units,
camera, LCDs and other components. There are many types of Arduino boards
available in the markets but all the boards have one thing in common; they are
programmed using the Arduino IDE. The reasons for different types of boards are
different power supply requirements, connectivity options and their applications etc.
The recommended voltage for most Arduino models is between 6V and 12V [18Ano].

3.2.1. Types of Arduino Boards

There are many types of Arduino boards available in the market but all the
boards have one thing in common: they programmed using the Arduino IDE. They
come in different shapes and sizes, with different processing power, digital Input and
Output (IO) and other capabilities.
 Arduino UNO
 Arduino DUEMILANOVE
 Arduino ESPLORA
 Arduino NANO
 Arduino PRO
 Arduino ROBOT
 Arduino YUN [18Ano]

3.2.2. Arduino UNO

Figure 3.1. Arduino UNO Board

Figure 3.1 shows the Arduino UNO board. Arduino UNO is a single board
microcontroller meant to make the application more accessible which are interactive
 13

objects and its surroundings. Arduino UNO is the basic and inexpensive Arduino
board and is the most popular of all Arduino boards with a markets share of over 50
%. The hardware features with an open source hardware board designed around an 8
bit Atmel AVR microcontroller or a 32 bit Atmel ARM. It has 14 digital input and
output pins in which 6 are used as Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) outputs, a 16MHz
ceramic resonator, an ICSP header, a USB connection, 6 analog inputs, a power jack
and button. The Arduino UNO board is a microcontroller based on ATmega328. This
contains all the required support needed for microcontroller. In order to get started,
they are simply connected with a USB cable or with an AC to DC adapter or battery.
Current models consists a USB interface [18Ano].

3.2.2.1. Summary of technical specification

Figure 3.2 shows the pin specification of Arduino UNO board.

Digital Digital I/O

Ground Pins (2_13)
Serial Out (TX)
Analog Reference Pin Serial In (RX)
Reset
Button
USB
Plug
In Circuit
Serial Programmer
ATmega328
External Microcontroller
Power
Supply
Reset Pin Analog In
3.3V Power Pin Pins (0_5)
5V Power Pin Voltage In
Ground Pins

Figure 3.2. Pin Specification of Arduino UNO Board

 Microcontroller: ATmega328
 Operating voltage: 5V
 Input voltage (recommended): 7V to 12V
 Input voltage (limits): 6V to 20V
 Digital input and output pins: 14 (of which 6 provide PWM output)
 14

 Analog input pins: 6

 DC Current per input and output pin: 40mA
 DC Current for 3.3V pin: 50mA
 Flash Memory: 32kB of which 0.5kB used by bootloader
 SRAM: 2kB (ATmega328)
 EEPROM: 1kB (ATmega328)
 Clock speed: 16MHz [18Ano]

3.2.2.2. Pin specification of Arduino UNO

Table 3.1 shows the pin specification of Arduino UNO.

Table 3.1. Pin Specification of Arduino UNO

Pin category Pin Name Details
Power Vin, 3.3V, 5V, Vin: Input voltage to Arduino when using an
GND external power source.
5V: Regulated power supply used to power
microcontroller and other components on the
board.
3.3V: 3.3V supply generated by on board
voltage regulator. Maximum current draw is
50mA.
GND: Ground pins.

Reset Reset Resets the microcontroller.

Analog pins A0 to A5 Used to provide analog input in the range of 0

to 5V

Input/output Digital Pins 0 to Can be used as input or output pins.

pins 13

Serial 0 (Rx), 1 (Tx) Used to receive and transmit TTL serial data.

External 2, 3 To trigger an interrupt.

interrupts
PWM 3, 5, 6, 9, 11 Provides 8 bit PWM output.
 15

SPI 10(SS), 11 Used for SPI communication.

(MOSI),12
(MISO) and 13
(SCK)

Inbuilt LED 13 To turn on the inbuilt LED.

TWI A4 (SDA), A5 Used for TWI communication.

(SCA)

AREF AREF To provide reference voltage for input voltage.

3.3. Global Positioning System (GPS)

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite based navigation system
made up of at least 24 satellites. It provides reliable positioning, navigation and
timing services to worldwide users on a continuous basis in all weather, day and
night, anywhere on or near the earth which has an unobstructed view of four or more
GPS satellites. GPS is made up of three segments: space, control and user. The space
segment is composed of 24 to 32 satellites in medium earth orbit and also includes the
boosters required to launch them into orbit. The control segment is composed of a
master control station, an alternate master control station and a host of dedicated and
shared ground antennas and monitor stations. The user segment is composed of
hundreds of thousands of U.S and allied military users of the secure GPS precise
positioning service and tens of millions of civil, commercial and scientific users of the
standard positioning service. GPS has become a widely used aid to navigation
worldwide and a useful tool for map making, land surveying, commerce, scientific
uses, tracking and surveillance. GPS has become a mainstay of transportation systems
worldwide, providing navigation for aviation, ground and maritime operations.
Disaster relief and emergency services depend upon GPS for location and timing
capabilities in their life saving missions.
GPS satellites circle the earth twice a day in a precise orbit. Each satellite
transmits a unique signal and orbital parameters that allow GPS devices to decode and
compute the precise location of the satellite. GPS receivers passively receive satellite
 16

signals; they do not transmit. GPS receivers use this information and trilateration to
calculate a user's exact location. Essentially, the GPS receiver measures the distance
to each satellite by the amount of time it takes to receive a transmitted signal. With
distance measurements from a few more satellites, the receiver determine a user's
position and display it electronically to measure running route, map a golf course and
a way home or adventure anywhere The GPS signal allows repeating this calculation
every 6s. Many GPS units show derived information such as direction and speed,
calculated from position changes. To calculate 2D position (latitude and longitude)
and track movement, a GPS receiver is locked on to the signal of at least 3 satellites.
With four or more satellites in view, the receiver can determine 3D position (latitude,
longitude and altitude). GPS module sends the data related to tracking position in real
time and it sends so many data in National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA)
format [17Ruc].

3.3.1. Ublox NEO_6M GPS Module

Ublox NEO_6M GPS module has built in EEPROM and comes with ceramic
antenna. It engine on this board is a quite good one, with high precision binary output.
EEPROM is used for saving all configuration data. The antenna is connected to
module through ufl cable. The Ublox GPS module has four pins: TX, RX, VCC and
GND. It use RS232 TTL interface and operates on 3V to 5V supply with default baud
rate of 9600bps. These make it powerful to use with cars and other mobile
application. Figure 3.3 shows Ublox NEO_6M GPS module [17Sar].

Figure 3.3. Ublox Neo_6M GPS Module [17Sar]

 17

3.3.2. Pin Specification of GPS

Table 3.2 shows pin specification of Ublox NEO_6M GPS module.

Table 3.2. Pin Specifications of GPS

Pin Name Description

VCC Supply Voltage

TX Receive Pin of the Module

RX Transmit Pin of the Module

GND Ground

3.3.3. Features of GPS Module

Features of GPS module are as follow:
 Cold start time of 38s and hot start time of 1s
 Supply voltage: 3.3V
 Configurable from 4800 baud to 115200 baud rates (default 9600)
 Super sense indoor GPS: -162dBm tracking sensitivity
 5Hz position update rate
 Operating temperature range: -40°C to 85°C
 UART TTL socket
 EEPROM to save configuration settings
 Rechargeable battery for backup
 Separated 18x18mm GPS antenna
 Dimension: 22mmx30mmx13 mm
 Weight: 12g [17Dro]

3.4. Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM)

GSM shows in Figure 3.4, it is the most popular the wireless cellular
communication technique, used for public communication. The GSM standard was
developed for setting protocols for second generation (2G) digital cellular networks.
The GSM device consists of SIM slot in which a SIM is inserted which has a unique
number, this unique number is used for contact. The idea of GSM was developed at
Bell Laboratories in 1970. It is widely used mobile communication system in the
 18

world. It initially started as a circuit switching network but later packet switching was
implemented after integration General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) technology as
well. GSM is an open and digital cellular technology used for transmitting mobile
voice and data services op 900MHz, 1800MHz and 1900MHz frequency bands. The
transmission speed is 270kbps.
GSM system was developed as a digital system using Time Division Multiple
Access (TDMA) technique for communication purpose. Most widely used of the three
digital wireless telephone technologies are TDMA, GSM and CDMA. A GSM
digitizes and reduces the data then sends it down through an each in its own particular
time slot. The digital system has an ability to carry 64kbps to 120Mbps of data rates.
There are various cell sizes in a GSM system such as macro, micro, Pico and umbrella
cells. Each cells various as per the implementation domain.
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is a packet oriented mobile data service
on the 2G and 3G cellular communication system's GSM was originally standardized
by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) in response to the
earlier packet switched cellular technologies. It is now maintained by the Third
Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) GPRS usage is charged based on volume of
data. This contrasts with circuit switching data, which is typically billed per minute of
connection time, regardless of whether or not the user transfers data during that period
[12Nju].

Figure 3.4. Structure of GSM Module [12Nju]

 19

3.4.1. SIM900A
GSM modern RS232 is built with dual band GSM engine SIM900A, works on
frequencies 900MHz and1800MHz. The modem is coming with RS232 interface
which allows connecting PC as well as microcontroller with RS232 chip (MAX232).
The baud rate is configurable from 9600 to 115200 through AT command. The GSM
modem is having internal TCP and IP stack to enable to connect with internet via
GPRS. It is suitable for SMS, voice as well as data transfer application in M2M
interface. The onboard regulated power supply allows connecting wide range
unregulated power supply. Using this modem, it is make audio calls, SMS, read SMS
and attends the incoming calls and internet through simple AT commands. Figure 3.5
shows the SIM900A IC chip.

Figure 3.5. SIM900A IC Chip [17Ano]

This is actual SIM900A GSM module which is manufactured by SIM card.

Designed for global market, SIM900 is a quad-band GSM/GPRS engine that works
on frequencies GSM 850MHz, EGSM 900MHz and PCS 1900MHz, SIM900A
features GPRS multi-slot class 10/class 8 (optional) and supports the GPRS coding
schemes CS-1, CS-2, CS-3 and CS-4. With the tiny configuration of the
24mmx24mmx3mm. SIM900A can meet almost all the space requirements in user’s
applications, such as M2M, smart phone, PDA and other mobile devices [17Ano].

3.4.2. Pin Specification of GSM SIM900A Module

Table 3.3 shows pin specification of GSM SIM900A module.

Table 3.3. Pin Specification of GSM SIM900A Module

Pin Name Description
VCC Supply voltage
 20

3VT Transmit (Output, 3 V)

3VR Receive (Input, 3V)

5VT Transmit (Output, 5V)

5VR Receive (Input, 5V)

DB9-2 RS232 TX (Output)

DB9-3 RS232 RX (Input)

GND Ground

3.4.3. Features of GSM

Features of GSM module are as follow:
 Dual Band GSM GPRS 900MHz and 1800MHz
 RS232 interface for direct communication with computer or MCU kit
 GPRS multi slot class 10/8 GPRS mobile station class B
 Complaint to GSM phase 2/2+class 4 (2W at 850MHz and 900MHz)
 Class 1 (1W at 1800MHz and 1900MHz)
 Control vai AT commands
 Low power consumption: 1.5mA (sleep mode)
 With Stub antenna and SMA connector
 Dimensions: 24mmx24mmx3mm
 Weight: 3.4g
 Operation temperature: - 40 °C to + 80 °C
 Input voltage: 5V to 12V
 Configurable baud rate
 SIM card holder
 Inbuilt powerful TCP and IP protocol stack for internet data transfer over
GPRS [17Ano]

3.5. Accelerometer
An accelerometer is a device that measures proper acceleration. Proper
acceleration is being the acceleration of a body in its own instantaneous rest frame, is
 21

not the same as coordinate acceleration, being the acceleration in a fixed coordinate
system. For example, an accelerometer at rest on the surface of the earth measure an
acceleration due to earth’s gravity, straight upwards of g = 9.81 m/s2.
Accelerometers have multiple applications in industry and science. Highly
sensitive accelerometers are components of inertial navigation systems for aircraft and
missiles. Accelerometers are used to detect and monitor vibration in rotating
machinery. Accelerometers are used in tablet computers and digital cameras so that
images on screens are always displayed upright. Accelerometer is used in drones for
flight stabilization. Coordinated accelerometers are used to measure differences in
proper acceleration, particularly gravity, over their separation in space; i.e., gradient
of the gravitational field. This gravity gradiometer is useful because absolute gravity
is useful because absolute gravity is a weak effect and depends on local density of the
earth which is quite variable.
Single and multi-axis models of accelerometer are available to detect
magnitude and direction of the proper acceleration, as a vector quantity and are used
to sense orientation, coordinate acceleration, vibration, shock and falling in a resistive
medium. Micro Electromechanical System (MEMS) accelerometers are widely used
systems that are used to detect and measure the three dimensional static or dynamic
forces that tend to change the momentum of a rigid body [16Her].

3.5.1. ADXL335 Accelerometer

The ADXL335 is a small, thin, low power, complete three axis accelerometer
with signal conditional analog voltage outputs. It has 6 pins, 3 pins is for x, y, z axis.
First pin for power supply (VCC), second pin for ground (GND) and the last one for
Self Test (ST). The product measures acceleration with a minimum full scale range of
+/-3g. It is measure the static acceleration of gravity in tilt sensing applications, as
well as the dynamic acceleration resulting from motion, shock or vibration and
corresponding analog values through x, y, z axis pins.
The user selects the bandwidth of the accelerometer using the CX, CY, and CZ
capacitors at the XOUT, YOUT and ZOUT pins. Bandwidths are selected to suit the
application, with the range of 0.5Hz to 1600Hz for the x and y axes and a range of
0.5Hz to 550Hz for the z axis. Figure 3.6 shows the functional block diagram of
ADXL335 accelerometer [16See].
 22

Figure 3.6. Functional Block Diagram of ADXL335 Accelerometer

3.5.2. Pin Specification of ADXL335 Accelerometer

Table 3.4 shows pin specification of ADXL335 accelerometer module.

Table 3.4. Pin Specification of ADXL335 Accelerometer Module

Pin Name Description
VCC 5V supply
X-OUT Analog output in x direction
Y-OUT Analog output in y direction
Z-OUT Analog output in z direction

ST Set sensitivity of sensor

GND Ground

3.5.3. Features of ADXL335 Accelerometer

Features of ADXL335 accelerometer module are as follow:
 Three axis sensing
 Small, low profile package
 4mm x 4mm x 1.45mm LFCSP
 Low power: 350µA (typical)
 Supply range: 3V to 5V
 10,000g shock survival [16Mat]
Figure 3.7 shows ADXL335 accelerometer module.
 23

Figure 3.7. ADXL335 Accelerometer Module [16Mat]

3.6. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

Liquid crystal display is the technology used for displays in notebook and
other smaller computers. Like Light Emitting Diode (LED) and gas plasma
technologies, LCDs allow displays to be much thinner than Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
technology. LCDs consume much less power than LED and gas display because they
work on the principle of blocking light rather than emitting it.
An LCD is made with either a passive matrix or an active matrix display grid.
The active matrix LCD is also known as a Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display. The
passive matrix LCD has a grid of conductors with pixels located at each intersection
in the grid. A current is sent across two conductors on the grid to control the light for
any pixel. An active matrix has a transistor located at each pixel intersection,
requiring less current to control the luminance of a pixel. For this reason, the current
in an active matrix display switched on and off more frequently, improving the screen
refresh time.
Some passive matrix LCD has dual scanning, meaning that they scan the grid
twice with current in the same time that it took for one scan in the original
technology. However, active matrix is still a superior technology [12Ano].

3.6.1. LCD Work

The principle behind the LCD is that if an electrical current is applied to the
liquid crystal molecule, the molecule tends to untwist. This causes the angle of light
which is passing through the molecule of the polarized glass and also cause a change
in the angle of the top polarizing filter. As a result a little light is allowed to pass the
 24

polarized glass through particular area of the LCD. Thus that particular area becomes
dark compared to other. The LCD works on the principle of blocking light. While
constructing the LCD, a reflected mirror is arranged at the back. An electrode plane is
made of indium tin oxide which is kept on top and a polarized glass with a polarizing
film is also added on the bottom of the device. The complete region of the LCD has to
be enclosed by a common electrode and above it can be the liquid crystal matter
[16Tar].
Next comes to the second piece of glass with an electrode in the form of the
rectangle on the bottom, on top and another polarizing film. It is considered that both
the pieces are kept at right angles. If there is no current, the light passes through the
front of the LCD it is reflected by the mirror and bounced back. As the electrode is
connected to a battery the current from it is caused the liquid crystals between the
common plane electrode and the electrode shaped like a rectangle to untwist. Thus the
light is blocked from passing through. That particular rectangular area appears blank.

3.6.2. Advantages of LCD

The advantages of LCD are as follow:
 LCD is consumes less amount of power compared to CRT and LED
 LCDs are consist of some microwatts for display in comparison to some mill
 Watts for LED’s
 LCDs are of low cost [16Tar]
 LCDs are thinner and lighter when compared to cathode ray tube and LED

3.6.3. Disadvantages of LCD

The disadvantages of LCD are as follow:
 Require additional light sources
 Range of temperature is limited for operation
 Low reliability
 Speed is very low
 LCD needs an AC drive [16Tar]

3.6.4. Applications of Liquid Crystal Display

Liquid crystal technology has major applications in the field of science and
engineering as well on electronic devices.
 25

 Liquid crystal thermometer

 Optical imaging
 The liquid crystal display technique is also applicable in visualization of the
radio frequency waves in the waveguide
 Used in the medical applications [16Tar]

3.6.5. 16 x2 Liquid Crystal Display

LCD screen is an electronic display module and find wide range of
application. A 16x2 LCD display is basic module and is very commonly used in
various devices and circuits. These modules are preferred over seven segments and
other multi segment LEDs. The reasons are being: LCD are economical; easily
programmable; have no limitation of displaying special and even custom characters,
animations and so on. Some of the most common LCDs connected to the controllers
are 16x1, 16x2 and 20x2 displays. This means 16 characters per line by 1 line and 20
characters per line by 2 lines, respectively.
A 16x2 LCD it is display 16 characters per line and there are 2 such lines. In this
LCD, each character is displayed in 5x7 pixel matrix. This LCD has two registers,
namely, Command and Data. The command register stores the command instructions
given to the LCD. A command is an instruction given to LCD to do a predefined task
like initializing it, clearing its screen, setting the cursor position, controlling display
etc. One of the most common devices attached to a controller is an LCD display. The
data register stores the data to be displayed on the LCD. The data is the ASCII value
of the character to be displayed on the LCD [12Ano].

3.6.6. Pin Specification of 16x2 LCD Display

Pin descriptions of 16x2 LCD display are as follow. Figure 3.8 shows pin
diagram of 16x2 LCD display.
 Pin1 (VSS): Ground pin of the LCD module.
 Pin2 (VCC): Power of LCD module (+5V supply is given to this pin)
 Pin3 (VEE): Contrast adjustment pin. This is done by connection the ends of a
10kΩ potentiometer to +5V and ground and then connecting the slider pin to
the VEE pin. The voltage at the VEE pin defines the contrast. The normal
setting is between 0.4 and 0.9.
 26

 Pin4 (RS): Register select pin: The JHD162 A has two registers namely
command register and data register. Logic HIGH at RS pin selects data
registers and logic LOW at RS pin selects command register.
 Pin5 (R/W): Read and Write modes. This pin is used for selecting between
read and write modes. Logic HIGH at this pin activates read mode and logic
LOW at this pin activates write mode.
 Pin6 (E): This pin is meant for enabling the LCD module. A HIGH to LOW
signal at this pin will enable the module.
 Pin (DB0) to Pin14 (DB7): These are data pins. The commands and data are
fed to the LCD module though these pins.
 Pin15 (LED+): Anode of the black light LED. When operated on 5V, a 560Ω
resistor should be connected in series to this pin. In Arduino based projects the
back light LED can be powered from the 3.3V source on the Arduino board.
 Pin16 (LED-): Cathode of the black light LED [12Ano].

Figure 3.8. Pin Diagram of 16x2 LCD Display [12Ano]

3.6.7. Features of 16x2 LCD

Features of 16x2 LCD are as follow:
 Operating Voltage is 4.7V to 5.3V
 Current consumption is 1mA without backlight
 Alphanumeric LCD display module, meaning can display alphabets and
numbers
 Consists of two rows and each row can print 16 characters.
 Each character is built by a 5×8 pixel box
 1/16 duty cycle
 Built in controller
 Working on both 8 bit and 4 bit mode
 27

 It is also display any custom generated characters

 Available in green and blue backlight [12Ano]
 28

CHAPTER 4
HARDWARE IMPLEMENTATION OF VEHICLE VIBRATION ALERT
SYSTEM

4.1. Vehicle Vibration Process

Start

If vehicle strongly tilt, accelerometer detect

vehicle’s x, y and z values and command to Arduino

GPS get updated latitude and longitude and

command to Arduino

Vehicle’s latitude and longitude displayed on LCD

GSM send alert message to mobile

END

Figure 4.1. Vehicle Vibration Alert Process

Figure 4.1 shows vehicle vibration alert process. This process created many
wonders in the security of the vehicle. In this process, initializing the start and if the
vehicle’s vibration sudden change, accelerometer detects the sudden changes the axes
of vehicle. In this saturation, if vehicle’s axes causes strongly tilt, accelerometer
detect vehicle’s x, y and z direction values. This accelerometer x, y and z direction
values command to the microcontroller and checks if any changes in any axes. Global
Positioning System (GPS) is used for getting the vehicle’s latitude and longitude. This
module gives to know the vehicle’s real position. The GPS module gets updated
latitude and longitude of the vehicle in every time.
 29

If any changes occur then Arduino reads coordinates from GPS module.
Vehicle’s latitude and longitude is shown on Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). And then,
Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) sends the alert message to the
predefined number with the location of vehicle place. Mobile technology services
such as SMS are used. GSM module is only used in this process for sending the SMS
to the mobile. This message includes the Google Map link from which people is
known vehicle’s position by opening the Google Map with the help of the internet
connection. The advent of this process has also increased the poor emergency
facilities in many countries. And then, the process is ending.

4.2. Proposed System Design

This proposed system is designed and construction of vehicle vibration alert
system by using ADXL335 accelerometer, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), Global
Positioning System (GPS) and Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM)
technology. Accelerometer is used to detect the sudden change axes of vehicle. GPS
module is used to get updated latitude and longitude of the vehicle. GSM module is
used to send the alert message to the predefined number. In this system, Arduino
UNO is used for controlling the overall process of the vehicle vibration alert system
with ADXL335 accelerometer, 16x2 LCD, GPS module and GSM module.
GPS module is used in this system for detecting coordinates of the vehicle.
GSM module sends the alert message to the predefined number with the location of
vehicle place. Since a data communications channel between the smart phone and
server is required, it can be established using TCP/IP. GSM module is only used for
sending the alert SMS to the mobile. Accelerometer detects the sudden change the
axes of vehicle. When the vehicle causes strongly tilt, accelerometer detect vehicle’s
x, y and z direction values any changes in any axes. And an optional 16x2 LCD is
also used for displaying status message or coordinate.
Now whenever there is an accident, the vehicle gets tilt and accelerometer
changes x, y and z axis values. These values read by Arduino and checks if any
change occurs in any axis. If accelerometer’s any x, y and z values strongly tilt occurs
then Arduino reads coordinates from GPS module and send SMS to the predefined
number to the police station or family member with the location coordinates of
vehicle tilt place. The development of low cost prototype is flexible to incorporate this
 30

system in existing vehicles. Like smart phones, in future cars are also getting smarter.
At that time, this system plays important role in making smarter. The proposed
application is developed for the Android based smart phones.

4.3. Overall Circuit Diagram

LCD

VDD
VEE

VSS
RW
5 D7
14 D6
D5
12 D4
10 D3
D2
D1
7 D0
6 RS
+L
-L

E
16
15

13

11

4
3
2

8
RV1
10k

GND
13
Reset 12
3.3V 11 GND
+5V 10 Vcc
GND Arduino
Arduino 9 GPS Module
Tx
GND UNO 8
VIN Rx
7
A0 6
Vcc 5
A1
x A2 4
ADXL335 y 3 Rx
z A3
A4 2 Tx
1 SIM900A GSM
GND A5 Vcc
0
GND

Figure 4.2. Circuit Diagram of Vehicle Vibration Alert System

4.4. Pin Connection of Vehicle Vibration Alert System

Table 4.1. Pin Connection of Vehicle Vibration Alert

Pin Name Arduino UNO’s Pin

x A1
y A2
z A3
 31

Rx D10 (GPS module’s Rx pin)

Tx D11 (GPS module’s Tx pin)
Rx D3 (GSM module’s Rx pin)
Tx D2 (GSM module’s Tx pin)
D4 D6
D5 D7
D6 D8
D7 D9
RS D4
E D5
VSS, RW GND
LEDA, VDD +5V
LEDK GND
VCC +5V (Accelerometer’s VCC pin and GSM
module’s VCC pin)

VCC +3.3V (GPS module’s VCC pin)

GND GND (Accelerometer’s GND pin, GPS module’s

GND pin and GSM module’s GND pin)

Table 4.1 shows circuit connection of vehicle vibration alert system. These
pins are connected to the Arduino pin for the hardware system.

4.5. Overall Circuit Operation

Vehicle vibration alert system is widely used for the emergency service.
Vehicle vibration alert system made various techniques and different sensors. In this
thesis, ADXL335 accelerometer is used for detection sudden change in any axis of the
vehicle. In this system, accelerometer’s techniques are mainly applied to know the
sudden change the axis of the vehicle.
If the hardware system ready, it installed at vehicle and power it up. Whenever
there is an accident conditions, the car gets tilt and accelerometer changes axis values.
These values command to Arduino. If strongly tilt values occur then Arduino reads
coordinates from the GPS module. The vehicle’s latitude and longitude is displayed
on LCD panel and sends the alert message to the predefined number through the GSM
 32

module. This message also contains a Google Map link, so that location is easily
tracked. If people receive the message then only need to click the message link and go
to the Google Map and then it is seen the exact location of the vehicle.

4.6. Overall System Flowchart

Figure 4.3 shows the overall process of vehicle vibration alert system.

Start
Start

Initialize
Initialize GSM
GSM Module
Module

No
No If
If OK
OK
GSM?
GSM?

Yes
Yes
Calibrate
Calibrate Accelerometer
Accelerometer

Get
Get the
the initial
initial position
position of
of
vehicle
vehicle

Initialize
Initialize GPS
GPS Module
Module

Get
Get Updated
Updated Lat
Lat and
and Lon
Lon

No
No Over
Over Specific
Specific
Range?
Range?
Yes
Yes
Get
Get Lat
Lat and
and Lon
Lon

Print
Print LCD
LCD

Send
Send Message
Message

Mobile
Mobile

END
END

Figure 4.3. Flowchart of Vehicle Vibration Alert System

 33

4.6.1. Algorithm
The algorithm used in the flowchart.
Step1: Start.
Step2: Initializing the GSM Module.
Step3: Check GSM is OK? If GSM is activate go to step4 otherwise step2.
Step4: Callibration process the accelerometer.
Step5: Get initial position of vehicle.
Step6: Initializing the GPS module.
Step7: Get updated latitude and longitude.
Step8: Check over specific range. If over range go to step9 otherwise step7.
Step9: Get updated latitude and longitude.
Step10: Print vehicle’s latitude and longitude on LCD.
Step11: Send alert message through GSM module to predefined number. This
message contains a Google Map Link.
Step13: Exit.

4.7. List of Components

Table 4.2 shows the components list of the vehicle vibration alert system.

Table 4.2. List of Components

Component Number
Arduino UNO 1
ADXL335 Accelerometer 1
Ublox NEO_6M GPS Module 1
SIM900A GSM Module 1
16x2 LCD 1
 34

CHAPTER 5
TEST AND RESULTS OF VEHICLE VIBRATION ALERT SYSTEM

5.1. Test of Vehicle Vibration Alert System

This system is constructed with GPS module, GSM module, accelerometer
and 16x2 LCD. First of all, this system placed on a board all together and they
connected with connection each other. After placed all together, programming code
was put on Arduino and powers it up. Before the message is not send to the system,
LCD was displayed “System Ready”. GPS module received coordinates from satellite
and then Arduino read it and match coordinates from GPS module data. So Tx and Rx
pin of GPS module connected with digital pin of 10 and 11. GPS is only received data
from satellite and important for this thesis.
In this system, GSM module is also important because it sends SMS to another
GSM numbers. An Accelerometer is added in this system for detecting an accident
and its x, y and z-axis ADC output pins are directly connected to Arduino ADC pin
A1, A2 and A3.

.
Figure 5.1. Testing of Vehicle Vibration Alert System

5.2. Results of Vehicle Vibration Alert System

The system detects accident from a vehicle and sends message through GSM
module. Firstly, this system had to wait a little second to active GSM module,
 35

accelerometer and GPS module. After active system, it shows the result on serial
monitor. The loop function of GSM module found message and sent to mobile. If this
system received activates SMS, the results show LCD and serial monitor. The
proposed systems have been simulated and practically design by the use of hardware
components and the results are satisfied with the expectation. Figure 5.2 shows the
result for the active system.

Figure 5.2. Result for the Active System

5.2.1. Initializing the GSM Module

Figure 5.3 shows the serial monitor for initialize the GSM module. Firstly,
initializing the GSM module. AT and OK is show on the serial monitor for checking
the GSM module. AT+CMGF=1 and OK are used for checking SMS sending mode.
AT+CNMI and OK are used to obtain notifications of newly received SMS message
and then initialized successfully.

Figure 5.3. Serial Monitor for Initialize the GSM Module

 36

5.2.2. Reading Accelerometer’s x, y and z Value for Vehicle Stable

Figure 5.4 shows testing the accelerometer’s x, y and z values for vehicle
stable. This x, y and z values are reading from the serial monitor according to the
accelerometer.

Figure 5.4. Testing the Accelerometer’s x, y, z Values for Vehicle Stable

5.2.3. Reading X-axis with Vehicle Tilt

Figure 5.5 shows the testing x-axis with vehicle tilt for positive. If the vehicle
tilt according to the x-axis, x value is changed then send the SMS that this saturation
is shown on serial monitor.

Figure 5.5. Testing X-axis with Vehicle Tilt (for positive)

 37

Figure 5.5 shows the testing x-axis with vehicle tilt for negative. If the vehicle
tilt according to the x-axis, x value is changed then send the SMS that this saturation
is shown on serial monitor.

Figure 5.6. Testing X-axis with Vehicle Tilt (for negative)

5.2.4. Reading Y-axis with Vehicle Tilt

Figure 5.7 shows the testing y-axis with vehicle tilt for positive. If the vehicle
tilts according to the y-axis, y value is changed then sends the SMS that this saturation
is shown on serial monitor.

Figure 5.7. Testing Y-axis with Vehicle Tilt (for positive)

 38

Figure 5.8 shows the testing y-axis with vehicle tilt for negative. If the vehicle
tilts according to the y-axis, y value is changed then sends the SMS that this saturation
is shown on serial monitor.

Figure 5.8. Testing Y-axis with Vehicle Tilt (for negative)

5.2.5. Reading Z-axis with Vehicle Tilt

Figure 5.9 shows the testing z-axis with vehicle tilt for positive. If the vehicle
tilts according to the z-axis, z value is changed then sends the SMS that this saturation
is shown on serial monitor.

Figure 5.9. Testing Z-axis with Vehicle Tilt (for positive)

 39

Figure 5.10 shows the testing z-axis with vehicle tilt for negative. If the
vehicle tilts according to the z-axis, z value is changed then sends the SMS that this
saturation is shown on serial monitor.

Figure 5.10. Testing Z-axis with Vehicle Tilt (for negative)

5.2.6. Output Message Received in Mobile

Figure 5.11 shows result for the GSM module sending SMS message to
mobile with latitude and longitude and Google Map Link.

Figure 5.11. Result for the GSM Module Sends SMS to Mobile
 40

5.2.7. Reading Vehicle Location on Google Map

Figure 5.12 shows result for vehicle location on Google Map.

Figure 5.12. Result for Vehicle Location on Google Map

5.2.8. Showing Location of Vehicle on LCD

Figure 5.13 shows result for showing location of vehicle on LCD.

Figure 5.13. Result for Showing Location of Vehicle on LCD

 41

5.3. Hardware Design of the Proposed System

Figure 5.14 shows overall design of the proposed system.

Figure 5.14. Overall Design of the Proposed System

 42

CHAPTER 6
DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSION

6.1. Discussions
This thesis demonstrates construction of vehicle vibration alert system using
Arduino, accelerometer, GPS and GSM module. In this system, ADXL335
accelerometer is used to detect the axes of the vehicle, GPS Module is used to get the
location, GSM Module is used to send the exact location of the vehicle and Arduino
serves as the main controller. Vehicle vibration alert systems are becoming
increasingly important for the emergency services. In human life vehicles are playing
an important role in day to day life while using vehicle there is not avoid accident
occur. This system may help the people to secure. Vehicle vibration alert system
focuses on increasing the safety, automatic accident detection, emergency assistance
and road hazard warning dissemination. The proposed system is designed to improve
the emergency assistance services which offer automated detection using wireless
communication technologies. This system does not focus on reducing the number of
accidents but improving emergency assistance with fast and efficient management of
the available resources, thereby increasing the chances of survival for people injured
in traffic accidents.
The proposed system requires installing the hardware system in the vehicles
for detecting accidents and notifying it to owners. The main objectives of the
proposed system are to enable accident notification to appropriate user family and to
send the basic information with geographical coordinates. The proposed system is
also embedded with Google Maps. By clicking coordinates, it directed to the accident
location.

6.2. Conclusion
The proposed application is developed for the Android based smart phones.
Like smart phones, in future cars are also get smarter. At that time, this system plays
important role in making cars smarter. In particular, the system relies on the
 43

microcontroller to sense accident event from accelerometer, GPS technology is used

to find the exact location of the accident and GSM technology is used to send the
exact location of the vehicle. This system is designed to give complete solution for
transport related problems such as accident alert and vehicles surveillance. So in the
coming years, the vehicle vibration alert system is going to play a major role in
people’s day to day life for the security.
The proposed system is developed to provide the information about the
accident occur and the location of the accident. It helps to easily provide the assistant
and help to the victim of the accident. This system uses GPS module to locate the
vehicle. GSM is used to provide the information of accident. The results of the
proposed systems are satisfactory.

6.3. Further Extension

Advanced technology can be used to protect the vehicle to alert the owner. A
warning light or a loud horn can be interfaced with the circuit which is turned on in
case of an accident, which draws the attention of the people nearby to the site of the
accident. IR sensors can be added to this system, which will alert the driver by the
buzzer if the driver is about to collide with the vehicle. PIC, temperature sensor,
alcohol sensor and eye blink sensor can be used to improve the performance of the
system.
 ix

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

Abbreviation Description
AREF Analog Reference
ARM Advanced RISC Machine
AT Attention
AVR Advanced Virtual RISC
CDMA Code Division Multiple Access
CRT Cathode Ray Tube
CU Control Unit
EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only
Memory
ETSI European Telecommunication Standards Institude
GPIO General Purpose Input and Output
GPP Generation Partnership Project
GPRS General Packet Radio Service
GPS Global Positioning System
GSM Global System for Mobile Communication
IC Integrated Circuit
ICSP In Circuit Serial Programming
IDE Integrated Development Environment
IR Infrared
LCD Liquid Crystal Display
LED Light Emitting Diode
MCU Microcontroller Unit
MEMS Micro Electromechanical System
MISO Master In Slave Out
MOSI Master Out Slave In
NMEA National Marine Electronic Association
OBU Onboard Unit
 x

PC Personal Computer
PDA Personal Digital Assistant
PLL Phased Lock Loop
PWM Pulse Width Modulation
RISC Reduced Instruction Set Computer
SIM Subscriber Identity Module
SMS Short Message Service
SPI Serial Peripheral Interface
SRAM Static Random Access Memory
SS Slave Select
ST Self Test
TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol
TDMA Time Division Multiple Access
TFT Thin Film Transistor
TTL Transistor Transistor Logic
TWI Two Wire Interface
UART Universal Asynchronous Receiver and Transmitter
UI User Interface
USB Universal Serial Bus
 vi

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page
1.1. Overall Block Diagram of Arduino Based Vehicle Vibration Alert System 2
2.1. LPC2148 Development Board 4
2.2. Experiment Results of the Intelligent Public Transport Management System 5
2.3. Output Message Received in Mobile 7
2.4. General System of Accident Detection and Surveillance System Using Wireless
Technologies 8
2.5. Architecture of Accident Detection and Surveillance System 9
3.1. Arduino UNO Board 12
3.2. Pin Specification of Arduino UNO Board 13
3.5. Ublox NEO6M GPS Module 20
3.6. Structure of GSM Module 21
3.7. SIM900A IC Chip 22
3.8. Functional Block Diagram of Adxl335 Accelerometer 23
3.9. ADXL335 Accelerometer Module 24
3.10. Pin Diagram of 16x2 LCD Display 26
4.1. Overall System Process 27
5.1. Testing of Vehicle Vibration Alert System 35
5.2. Result for the Active System 36
5.3. Serial Monitor for Initialize the GSM Module 36
5.4. Testing the Accelerometer’s X, Y and Z Values for Vehicle Stable 37
5.5. Testing X-axis with Vehicle Tilt (for positive) 37
5.6. Testing X-axis with Vehicle Tilt (for negative) 38
5.7. Testing Y-axis with Vehicle Tilt (for positive) 39
5.8. Testing Y-axis with Vehicle Tilt (for negative) 39
5.9. Testing Z-axis with Vehicle Tilt (for positive) 40
5.10.Testing Z-axis with Vehicle Tilt (for negative) 40
5.11. Result for the GSM Module Sends SMS to Mobile 41
5.12. Result for Vehicle Location on Google Map 41
5.13. Result for Showing Location of Vehicle on LCD 42
5.14. Result for Overall System 42
5.10. Testing Z-axis with Vehicle Tilt (for negative) 39
 vii

5.11. Result for the GSM Module Sends SMS to Mobile 40

5.12. Result for Vehicle Location on Google Map 40
5.13. Result for Showing Location of Vehicle on LCD 41
5.14. Result for Overall System 41
 viii

LIST OF TABLES

Title Page
3.1. Pin Specification of Arduino UNO 14
3.2. Pin Specification of GPS 17
3.3. Pin Specification of GSM SIM900A Module 20
3.4. Pin Specification of ADXL335 Accelerometer Module 23
4.1. Pin Connection of Vehicle Vibration Alert System 31
4.2. List of Components 33
VEHICLE VIBRATION ALERT

SYSTEM

MA WAI MAR MOE (VI EC_2) &

MA SANDAR HTUN (VI EC_11)

OCTOBER, 2018
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