Chapter I

Introduction

Background of the Study

Safety does not come with luck. It has to be planned and thoroughly prepared for.

A person’s well-being relies heavily on how much he or she prioritizes safety. In today’s

society, risks can be found in all forms from natural biological hazards to man-made

hazards that result into accidents such as severe injuries or in a worst-case scenario, death.

Physical harm is also not the only accident that can befall on a person who ignores caution.

There are also instances which can involve material or financial losses wherein a person

can lose money or important belongings due to crime related incidents. The cases are two

separate types of dangerous situations, but both can happen at the same time especially

during burglary.

Burglary is defined as the act of breaking and entering a dwelling at night to commit

a felony (such as theft) or the entering of a building with the intent to commit a crime

(Merriam-Webster Dictionary, n.d.). This has been act has been committed since ancient

times with accounts of burglary usually experienced at night when thieves would break

into houses to steal valuable pots or vases. However, nowadays burglars are no longer just

stealing earthenware but large sums of money and even as far as huge appliances like

refrigerators and televisions. In the Philippines, 2.2 percent or 516,000 families reported

becoming victims of break-ins during 2018 which is fewer from the 3.4 percent or 790,000

1
families reported last 2017. While the survey had a decline in the number of Filipinos who

fear that robbers might break into their homes, a majority still believe that such is likely to

happen with a total of 54 percent of Filipino adults agreeing to the statement: "In this

neighborhood, people are usually afraid that robbers might break into their houses (Merez,

2018). Fortunately, the rise of technology has helped develop ways to halt these crimes

with the use of intruder alarm systems.

Modern alarm systems operate by hindering trespassers through scaring them off

from entering the premises or cause them to escape the crime scene when the alarm is

turned on. They come in many different types: bells-only type, monitoring type or wired

and wireless type. In present time, many types of burglar systems are coming out of the

market. The price range of these alarm systems in the Philippines currently range from

₱1,100.00 to ₱33,500.00, depending on the coverage of the area that it must secure. The

drawback is that some alarms cost too much without performing well.

Most burglar systems are also reliant on electricity and needs to be plugged on an

outlet in order to work. There are also battery-operated ones that should be charged or

replaced with new batteries after a certain period. This dependency on power sources can

be costly as electricity consumption of alarm systems can contribute to electricity bills and

continuously replacing batteries on these devices can be inconvenient and impractical.

However, there are now new ways to generate electricity without needing to connect on a

power source such in the case of the piezoelectric transducer which work on the principle

of piezoelectric effect. This effect occurs when mechanical stress or forces are applied to

some materials along certain planes and produce electric voltage (Bright Hub Engineering,

2019). The voltage produce on a piezoelectric transducer can then be harnessed to provide

2
continuous electricity on certain devices that will help lessen electric consumption power

outlets.

This study further explores idea discussed within this topic by conducting a

research that will make use of the piezoelectric transducer as an efficient alternative to

electricity operated alarm systems that rely on electrical power sources and battery-

operated alarm systems. The piezoelectric transducer will also be utilized as a means of

triggering the intruder alarm system once pressure is applied on the transducers while the

system is switched on. This study addresses whether or not a piezoelectric intruder alarm

system is more efficient and cost-effective than the present commercial alarm systems that

are currently being sold in the market.

Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to enhance and cultivate the use of piezoelectric as a triggering

mechanism and electricity generator to a burglar alarm system particularly for the security

of households and establishments. Furthermore, this study sought to answer the following

questions:

1. How does the piezoelectric alarm system differ from a normal alarm system?

2. Does the use of piezoelectric alarm system offer consumers an affordable cost

than commercial alarm systems?

3. Does the sensitivity of the piezoelectric affect the reaction time of the alarm

system?

3
 4. Does the delay on the program code affect the duration of the alarm system’s

buzzer?

Hypotheses

Hypothesis 1:

The sensitivity of the piezoelectric affects the reaction time of the alarm system.

Hypothesis 2:

The force applied to the door frame affects the kinetic energy received by the

piezoelectric.

Hypothesis 3:

A longer delay command on the Arduino prolongs the duration of the alarm

system's buzzer sound.

4
Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Materials: The piezo transducer An alarm system
Universal PCB Board converts the kinetic that provides safety
energy into electrical and security to the
1 Megaohm Resistor energy from the consumers that
Arduino Uno vibrations on the works without
pressure applied in a consuming
Buzzer doorknob that will electrical power at
act as the triggering an efficient price.
Piezoelectric
mechanism on the
transducer
alarm system.
Power switch
Powerbank

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

The entire alarm system will be triggered using piezoelectric as stimuli. A power

switch controls the flow of electricity on the circuit and will be used to cut the flow of the

current inside the intruder alarm system. The external part of the system, is going to be

attached on the door frame so that it can detect vibrations from the door once a force acts

upon it. The piezoelectric transducer will convert the kinetic energy into electrical energy

from the vibrations made by the contact between a force and the door which will then

transfer vibrations unto the door frame that will be intercepted by the piezoelectric

transducer. The physical stress gathered will then converted into electrical energy. Stress

5
can be a force, pressure, acceleration and touching potential. When the power switch is

ON, pressure or vibration will trigger the piezoelectric transducer and a buzzer on the

intruder alarm system will produce a sound as an indication that there might be a burglar.

This alarm system that is powered by piezoelectric transducer and battery will be

useful in places that are prone to robbery. The project does not consume electrical power

that makes it different on the other existing security alarm system. It will work on cases

like electrical outage or even within the total absence of electricity itself. Security alarm

systems play a big role in providing safety measures to households and establishments. The

researchers aim to develop a safe and cost-efficient alarm system than the current expensive

security alarm systems in the market. Eventually, safety and security during day and night

time will never be a problem in every household in the future.

Significance of the Study

This study hopes to establish an understanding on the piezoelectric intruder alarm

system. Furthermore, the results of this study could be of importance to the following:

To students. The result of this study will be informative towards students. This can

encourage them to know the importance of exploiting knowledge to improve the

practice of safety and precaution in the society. This study will also fuel their

knowledge about piezoelectricity and its promising effects on the field of science.

To business establishments/owners. The result of this study would be a great

benefit for business establishments. An effective and inexpensive alarm system in

place will aid business establishments to offer their employees a safer working

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environment, particularly if they work late shifts or odd hours, when burglars are

most likely to make a move. Furthermore, by installing an intruder alarm system,

business owners will make their employees feel safe on the job.

To the school administrators. The security of schools has become a growing

concern due to recent changes in our society including terrorist attacks, gun crime,

vandalism, arson, child exploitation and other issues prevalent in our society that

put the safety of children, teachers, staff and parents at risk. The result of this study

may help school administrators to know the importance of having an intruder alarm

system to fully integrate the significance of safety within school premises. This

study will also help school officials as well as the piezoelectricity.

To the Department of Education. The study will hopefully aid the Department of

Education’s in advocating students to develop new innovations not just on

piezoelectricity but as well as other promising ventures in science and technology.

To homeowners. The result of this study will also be beneficial for households.

The growing crime rates across cities reflects the bitter reality. Many people

overlook, ignore, and underestimate the need of taking appropriate home security

measures. The results of this study can prompt home owners to consider having an

alarm system in a house to help lessen or definitely decrease the chances of

intruders and thieves from getting into their homes.

To future researchers. The ideas discussed within this study may be used as a

reference for new researches with the similar topic or in testing the validity of other

related findings. This research will also serve as their cross-reference that provides

7
 future researchers with a background or an overview of the piezoelectric-alarm

system.

Scope and Limitation

This study is experimental in nature and focused on the purpose of developing the

piezoelectric as a mechanism that will convert the vibration to an electrical signal to

provide stimuli to an intruder alarm system. The reaction time of the intruder alarm system

relies on the vibrations acquired from the contact between an external force exerted on the

door and the door frame. The alarm system will only act as an alert by producing high pitch

sounds from a buzzer if there is an intruder and cannot guarantee to completely eradicate

instances of burglary in a household or establishment. The piezoelectric transducers used

as triggering mechanism do not have high durability and can be easily detached from its

connection to the wire. This study will be conducted from January 2019 to March 2019 at

the Electrical Engineering Department, University of the Philippines, Los Baños Laguna.

8
Definition of Terms

1 Megaohm Resistor

A component that is used to resist the flow of current through the circuit and

therefore limits the amount of current that could pass through a component.

Alarm system

A device that signals the occurrence of some undesirable event.

Analog Input

It converts a voltage level into a digital value that can be stored and processed in a

computer.

Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

It is a cross-platform application that is written in the programming language, Java. It is

used to write and upload programs to Arduino board.

Arduino Uno

It is open-source microcontroller board based on the Microchip ATmega328P

microcontroller and developed by Arduino.cc. The board is equipped with sets of digital

and analog input/output pins that may be interfaced to various expansion boards and

other circuits.

Bell Type Alarm

A type of burglar alarm that was design warn of danger or trespassing; in response

of ringing by an alarm when it is triggered.

9
Burglar

A person who illegally enters a building by force to steal things.

Digital Input

Allow a microcontroller to detect logic states

Intruder

A person who intrudes, especially into a building with criminal intent.

Mechanical Stress

A type of force that can be formed through bending or straightening of a strand,

ferrostatic pressure, and bulging or incorrect alignment of the rolls.

Monitoring Type Alarm

A type of alarm that is connected to an external security compan, which monitor

signals received from home owners alarm for a fee.

Piezoelectric transducer

Relating to or involving electric polarization resulting from the application of

mechanical stress. Piezoelectric materials create electrical charge when mechanically

stressed.

Pressure

A continuous physical force exerted on or against an object by something in contact

with it.

10
 Chapter II

Review of Related Studies and Literature

A security alarm system is designed to detect an intrusion within a premise. They

are usually used within residential, commercial, industrial and military properties for

protection against theft, property damage or personal protection from intruder. Through the

years many types of alarm systems have surfaced in the market. From surveillance

equipment to burglar detectors, their wide variety offers a lot of different features that can

suit any type of situation. The range of these systems that are available commercially still

continues to develop more efficient designs to improve its stealth and reaction time when

triggered by burglars.

Local Related Literature

Nowadays, locks on doors and the presence of domestic pets are no longer enough

to provide security for a household. Door knobs can be easily picked by intruders and

animals are not always reliable as a means to alert homeowners of any burglary. In the

Philippines, about 1.8% or 431,000 families were victimized by burglary and 0.5% or

around 52,000 by robbery (Gita, 2018). Burglary is rampant especially in slum areas

wherein houses are closely built from each other. Households located in private villages

and subdivisions are also not safe from the aforementioned crime and this incidents offer

11
in. when thieves break into houses, they are most likely concerned with the material

possessions that they may steal than the welfare of those living on the premises. One

example would be the painter and performance artist based in Bacolod City that was

stabbed by the burglar she caught robbing her (Interaksyon, 2018). Unfortunately, petty

thieves are unlikely to be apprehended unless a theft is discovered immediately. Thus,

security systems in the Philippines have slowly entered the limelight.

Local Related Studies

It is advisable that modern homeowners turn to electronics in order to ensure a

security system installation (Castillo et al., 2013). Many households in the Philippines only

have little efforts when it comes to making sure that their homes are safe against thieves or

dangerous individuals. Often, dogs are deployed outside to scare burglars and alert

homeowners of the latter. The downside is that these pets cannot accurately distinguish the

difference between a passer-by and a criminal. Thus, the fact that they may bark on

innocent strangers might lead homeowners to diminish their distress calls in the event of a

robbery.

Big businesses and establishments also rely less on traditional security protocol and

use security systems of all shapes and sizes more than they do in the past. Bank robberies

and burglary on establishments hurt many Filipino businesses in the country. The loss of

goods for businesses can entail more expenses for the owners that can hurt the flow of

profit. They will also be held accountable for any employee that may get hurt on the vent

of the crime. Furthermore, companies that are involved in safekeeping of personal data

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from customers such as social security system or credit card companies may lose customers

if they experience any form of robbery. Potential inventors may also feel hesitancy to risk

their money on ventures wherein crime is rampant for the fear of getting bankrupt.

Alarm systems greatly aid these situations because it provides another layer of

precaution for many home and business owners. This sense of protection allows people to

feel secure without the fear of dangerous strangers that may hurt them. With the onset of

many technological advances, many alarm systems are now sold with a much wider array

of specifications to prevent burglary. As Rodriguez (2010) imposes, the more advanced

security system is, the better quality of security may be achieved. However, safety comes

with a price. Home security systems, particularly the automated ones, are very expensive.

The price range of these systems is from Php 2,000 to over P18, 000 which is way beyond

what minimum wage Filipinos earners can afford.

Figure 2.1 Php 17, 368 Practical YA-500-GSM-23 Wireless GSM Security Home Burglar
Alarm System (right) vs Php 2,720 Home Security Burglar Alarm System Auto Dialer
Call 433MHz PIR Infrared Detector

13
Foreign Related Literature

The desire for protection and security dates back thousands of years ago. As early

as 386 B.C., historians noted that the Romans used geese to alert them of danger (Back to

Basics: Where Did the Burglar Alarm Come From?, 2011). These animals would be kept

near the entrance to a dwelling, so that they may alert their masters when a burglar comes.

In the mid-1700s, an English inventor by the name of Tildesley designed a series of chimes

that were mechanically linked to the door lock. This system served as the very first attempt

to develop an intruder alarm system. Two centuries later, Augustus Russell Pope made

steps towards creating an alarm system by improving Tildesley’s concept. His system

relied on electricity, magnets and a bell which was operated by a battery. Russell’s creation,

when it was used, would make electric currents surge through a magnet and cause

vibrations from to a bell that he placed on top of a door frame in the wall. Wires from to

the spring in the door were connected to a circuit breaker which would allow the current to

sound repeatedly when the spring was tripped.

The home alarm systems that we know of today was not given attention to until

the early 1900s, when telephone lines were in use. It was during that home alarms were

developed to not just alert homeowner but as well as law enforcement, to provide

immediate action in the onset of a burglary. Cities had then made phone lines that were

solely for the purpose of sending alerts to fire and police departments. A phone call was

automatically placed to the police once an alarm was tripped and they can see which phone

line had placed the call thereby responding to the right address. This method became the

foundation of modern central monitoring stations nowadays.

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 Home alarms where not developed much from the early 1900s to the 1970s, which

saw the invention of the motion sensor. In the past, if an intruder successfully breached a

house of an establishment, he had free rein inside. But now, there was an entirely new level

of protection (The History of Alarm Systems, 2016). Home security would stay the same

for the next 40 years until video monitoring was put in the picture. Smart home automation

began during 2010 and it made the security market become one of the first to embrace this

technology.

According to How Does a Burglar Alarm Work? (2017), most burglar alarms work

by a series of similar steps:

o When a door or window is shut, the contact of the door or window in the

frame is detected by door and window sensors.

o If this contact is disturbed and the circuit is broken, the alarm countdown is

then triggered.

o If an abort code is not inputted, the alarm will sound.

Motion sensing, which has been used in the past as previously stated, is a common

feature of intruder alarm systems. These sensors are positioned strategically around an area

inside or outside a dwelling that can detect motion, and trigger the alarm countdown. An

internal sounder is also connected to alert any occupants of a building that there has been

a detected event, and also acts to deter the intruder. Security systems on the other hand,

comprise of installed components including sensors that are linked to a control panel. Users

can both activate and deactivate the alarm system using a panel, either through a fob or a

numbered code.

15
Foreign Related Studies

Home alarm systems have seen dramatic increases in technology but it does not

guarantee total security. In fact, the concept of alarm systems is simply to “alarm” a person.

Any events after such are entirely dependent to how a person will respond to the burglary

if the intruder is persistent to commit the crime. Thus, purchasing high end alarm systems

may not be the best option when it comes to practicality. If a person does indeed want to

take precautionary steps by installing an alarm system, it is more convenient to put up an

alarm system that is not too expensive but effectively works.

In this study, the proposed alarm system will incorporate the concept of a much

inexpensive way of making an alarm system through piezoelectric sensors. There

transducers work in a similar fashion as motion sensors. The difference is that, instead of

movement, piezoelectric sensors detect pressure through contact from one surface to

another.

Piezoelectric transducer work because of what is known as the “piezoelectric

effect”. In this manner, the piezoelectric effect is detected by a sensor and from this

measurements can be made on changes in pressure, acceleration, and force that are

displayed in the form of an electrical charge (Kaur, 2012). Mechanical sensors are made of

a sensing element known as a diaphragm, a rod, a three-terminal resistor that acts as a

voltage divider, and a direct current voltage source. During the application of pressure, the

diaphragm component to the piezoelectric sensors displaces the connecting rod which

activates the potentiometer component to the sensor that generates an output voltage

(Figure 2.2).

16
 Figure 2.2 The mechanical piezoelectric effect

Piezoelectric instruments are no strangers when it comes to the field of security. In

fact APC International (2014) states that from home security to homeland security, APC

International piezoelectric components are used by their clients from all around the world.

Audio sound transducers (buzzers) which are important component of piezoelectric home

alarms come with oscillating buzzers, multi-tone sound generators as well as sirens and

buzzers without signal generators. These buzzers are small enough that they can be

mounted on printed circuit boards. However, the usage of piezoelectric components on

these alarm systems remains to be anchored on the mechanism of sound detection and

electricity generation only.

Piezoelectric alarm system works by consisting of at least one piezoelectric sensor

in electrical communication with a conductor wire. When it is compressed or stressed, a

voltage is generated within the sensor which is proportional to the amount of force

compressing or stressing the cable. A processing device receives this voltage and converts

17
it to a local activity signal. This signal is then differentiated with other signals stored in the

system's memory in order to identify the type of entity causing the voltage across the cable.

If the entity is perceived as a security threat then an appropriate response such as a siren or

other alert is made.

There are many new discoveries on the usage of piezoelectric sensors. One example

is the piezoelectric sensor switch. These piezoelectric sensor switches have many

advantages when it comes to durability and actual performance. First, they are weather

proof. Since piezoelectric switches are completely sealed from the environment and usually

underneath a hard surface, being broken due to natural conditions such as rain or intense

heat is not a problem. Second, stainless steel is used for construction of piezo sensor

switches so they can withstand the damage and are resistant to heavy use.

The piezoelectric sensor switch is an alternative for impact or vibration detection

and momentary switch applications (A Brief Introduction to Piezoelectric Sensor Switch

And its Working Procedure, 2014). Strain is induced on the laminated piezo film sensor

element due to the direct contact of the force applied to the stainless steel cantilever beam.

Its elements will then generate an output that activates a normally opened, built-in circuit.

Once the circuit is activated, it will resemble a contact switch closure and due to corrosion,

bouncing and pitting the contact points exhibits.

This leads us to another advantage of piezoelectric sensor switches which is its

improved reliability and elasticity of the piezoelectric sensor element, making it suitable

for applications demanding reliability and consistency in performance for tens of millions

of cycles of operations. The pressure is applied to the surface of the piezoelectric sensor

switch that deflects about 2microns. The pressure exerted is then converted into an

18
electrical signal by the piezoelectric crystal. This electrical signal generated by the sensor

material is given to the electronics embedded in the piezoelectric sensor switch housing for

amplification.

This study then incorporates this concept to design an alarm system that will be

triggered using piezoelectric sensors as a stimulus. All the ideas and discussion that is

stated in this chapter which relevant to the experiment in order to utilize the usage of

piezoelectric sensors as a stimuli mechanism to develop an alarm system will be used as

much practical approach that offers both the security and performance that the present high

end burglar systems can. This study further elaborates different methods and concepts used

by other researchers in order to improve the specifications of the alarm system that uses

piezoelectric as a stimulating mechanism in terms of size, dimension, reaction time and

sound intensity.

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 Chapter III

Methodology

In this chapter, the research methodology explains how the proposed study will be

fulfilled. Likewise, this chapter presents the various procedures in identifying the necessary

information on the analysis and evaluation of the burglar alarm system using piezoelectric

as a stimuli. Thus, this part of the study specifies the materials and procedures to make a

prototype of an intruder alarm system using piezoelectric as a stimuli.

Gathering of Materials

Programming of Arduino UNO

Testing Electrical Components Using a Breadboard

Slotting

Connecting Parts and Soldering

Making the Alarm System

Placing the Alarm System on the Prototype Door Frame

Figure 3.1 Summary of the Research Process

20
A. Gathering of Materials

The materials of the study were selected based on the thorough literature review of

making a burglar alarm system. The following materials were listed down below as well

as their usage:

1. Universal PCB Board

- This is used to mechanically support and electrically connect electronic

components using conductive pathways, tracks, or signal traces

2. Piezoelectric Transducer

- This is a device that uses the piezoelectric effect, to measure changes in

pressure, acceleration, temperature, strain, or force by converting them to

an electrical charge.

3. Arduino Uno

- A physical programmable circuit board (often referred to as a

microcontroller) and a piece of software, or IDE (Integrated Development

Environment) that runs on the computer to write and upload computer codes

to the physical board

4. 1 Megaohm Resistor

- A passive two-terminal electrical component that implements electrical

resistance as a circuit element.

5. Power Switch

- A device that is used to start or break an electrical circuit manually or

automatically.

21
B. Programming of Arduino Uno

Install the Arduino Programmer

Connect your Arduino to the USB port of your

computer

Input the program codes for the intruder alarm

system

Upload program codes to the Arduino.

Disconnect from the computer and integrate it to

the project.

Figure 3.2 Method of Programming the Arduino Uno

1. Install the Arduino Programmer, also known as the integrated development

environment (IDE).

2. Connect your Arduino to the USB port of your computer. This may require a

specific USB cable.

3. Set the board type and the serial port in the Arduino Programmer.

4. Test the microcontroller by using one of the preloaded programs, called

sketches, in the Arduino Programmer.

5. Open one of the example sketches, and press the upload button to load it. The

Arduino should begin responding to the program.

6. Use the Arduino programming language, create the program codes for the

intruder alarm system.

7. Type in the following codes:

22
 Figure 3.3 Programming of the Arduino Uno using Arduino IDE

The first block of code initializes all of the values needed by the Arduino. Since the

positive lead of the buzzer connects to analog pin A0 of the Arduino board, the pin,

speakerPin is initialize to 7 and vibratethreshold is set to 15. The purpose of this alarm

system is to immediately alert homeowners. Thus, it has to be set off even from the slightest

vibration in the door frame. Only when there is a significant vibration will the circuit be

triggered. Therefore, the buzzer on the alarm system will only be producing a sound when

the vibration is above a certain threshold. In this case, the data of the threshold is set to 15.

By decreasing the value, the circuit will trigger for smaller vibrations and becomes highly

sensitive to any contact force on the door

8. Once the new sketch to the Arduino is uploaded, disconnect it from the

computer and integrate it into the project.

23
C. Testing Electrical Components Using a Breadboard

1. Analyze the circuit diagram.

2. Get the required components for the circuit below:

1. NPN Transistor (BC 547)

2. Resistor

3. Piezoelectric

4. Male to male jumper wires

3. Refer on the circuit board diagram for connecting the male to male jumper wires

from the Arduino to the breadboard. Connect the other electrical components

one component at a time.

Figure 3.4 Schematic diagram of Piezo-based Alarm System

24
 4. Connect the Arduino to the power bank.

5. Test the circuit by tapping the piezoelectric to trigger a sound from the buzzer.

D. Slotting

1. Place the electronic components and Arduino connector pins according to their

position on the schematic circuit diagram.

2. Connect the wires of the switch in between the wire of the piezoelectric.

E. Connecting Parts and Soldering

1. Arrange and position the wires of the buzzer and resistor in the PCB board.

2. Secure them into the PCB board by soldering it using soldering iron.

3. Cut the excess pinout of transistor and lead of resistor using wire cutter.

F. Making the Alarm System

1. Gather all the materials needed and make sure that they are in a good condition.

Place it near the working area.

2. Attach the buzzer and switch on the side of the prototype alarm system box.

Figure 3.5 Dimensions of the box of the Intruder Alarm System

25
 3. Place the circuit board inside the designed alarm system box and secure it using

an adhesive.

4. Place the Arduino UNO adjacent to the circuit board and secure it with an

adhesive.

5. Place the power supply on the side of the box and connect the Aduino to its

USB port.

6. Secure all internal wires using adhesive to prevent them from entangling with

each other.

7. Attach the cover of the prototype alarm system box.

G. Placing the Alarm System on the Prototype Door Frame

1. Secure the piezoelectric sensor on the door frame adjacent to the door knob.

Figure 3.6 Dimension of the Prototype Door

2. Attach the wire connecting the piezoelectric sensor to the alarm system around

door frame to hide them. Make sure that the wires are placed correctly.

26
 3. Secure the wires to the door frame using wire clips.

4. Close the door.

5. Test the system by switching the alarm system ON and opening the door.

Other Materials Used:

1. Soldering Iron

- This will be used to supply the heat which will solder the electronic

components unto the PCB board to form permanent circuit board connections.

2. Soldering Lead

- This is melted to act as the connecting material between components into the

PCB board.

3. Multitester

- This is a device that measures the voltage, current and resistance of the wire.

4. Electrical tape

- This is a type of pressure-sensitive tape used to insulate electrical wires and

other materials that conduct electricity.

5. Wire Clips

- Used to secure the wires on the model walls.

27
 Table 1. Materials Expenditure

Materials Quantity Price (Php) Amount

1. Universal PCB Board

1 pc 20.00 20.00

2. Piezoelectric
1 pc 8.00 8.00
Transducer

3. Arduino Uno R3 1 pc 830.00 830.00

4. 1 Megaohm Resistor 1 pc 6.00 6.00

5. Buzzer 1 pc 60.00 60.00

6. Power Switch 1 pc 10.00 10.00

As the table shows, the total expenditure of the project was 934 pesos excluding

the other materials that were used in making this alarm system.

Data Analysis

1. Determination of Reaction Time

The prototype door was placed in a horizontal surface maintaining a flat

surface and the piezoelectric transducer was attached to the prototype door frame.

Reaction time was measured at five (5) different set-ups on different threshold

values using different kind of loads: (1) 100g was dropped near the door knob, (2)

200g was dropped near the door knob, (3) 300g was dropped near the door knob,

(4) 400g was dropped near the door knob and (5) 500g was dropped near the door

28
 knob. The reaction time was recorded for every three (3) trials with the same height

of five (5) inches converted into meter.

The following formula was used to gather the needed data:

F = mg

Where:

F is the force (N)

m is the mass of an object (kg)

g is the gravity (m/𝑠 2 )

2. Determination of Kinetic Energy from Force

The basis in getting the Kinetic Energy is the formula 1/2mv^2 and the

speed through the square root of 2gh. The mass was set into 5 different weights:

0.10kg, 0.20kg, 0.30kg, 0.40kg and 0.50kg. The loads dropped underwent the

experiment with the same height of five (5) inches and was converted into meter.

The following formulas were used to gather the needed data:

𝐾𝐸 = √1/2𝑚𝑣^2

𝑣 = √2𝑔ℎ

Where:

K.E is the kinetic energy gained from an object

vibrating (J)

v is the velocity (m/s)

h is the height of an object (m)

29
3. Determination of Sound Interval

The threshold of the arduino uno was set up into 10mV, 15Mv and 20Mv.

The delay was set up first with one (1) second delay and three (3) trials recording

the sound interval were conducted in each threshold. Then the delay was set up with

two point five (2.5) seconds delay and three (3) trials recording the sound interval

were conducted in each threshold. Lastly, the delay was set up with five (5) seconds

delay and three (3) trials recording the sound interval were conducted in each

threshold.

The formula of percent error was used to determine the precision of the

conducted experiment. The one (1) second delay, two point five (2.5) seconds delay

and the five (5) seconds delay were the accepted value (𝐴𝑣 ) and the recorded sound

interval for three (3) set up of thresholds were used as the experimental value (𝐸𝑣 ).

The following formula was used to gather the needed data:

𝐴𝑣 −𝐸𝑣
% Error = | 𝐴𝑣
| × 100%

Where:

𝐴𝑣 is the accepted value

𝐸𝑣 is the experimental value

4. Determination of Sound Duration

In getting the time duration of the alarm system, three (3) trials was

conducted in different set ups on delay. On the first trial; the delay time was set up

to one (1) second delay and three (3) trials were conducted. On the second trials;

the delay time was set up to two point five (2.5) second delay and three (3) trials

30
were conducted. Lastly, on the last trial; the delay time was set up to five (5) second

delay and three (3) trials were conducted. The recorded time in each trial was added

up and divided by the total number to get the average.

The following formula was used to gather the needed data:

∑𝑥
𝑥̅ = 𝑁

Where:

̅
𝒙 is the mean

∑𝑥 is the sum of value

N is the number of values

31
 Chapter IV

Results and Discussion

This chapter briefly discusses the results of the tests done using piezoelectric as

stimuli for an intruder alarm system. The results were observed and analyzed using tabular

representation.

The researchers’ conducted a test that determined on how fast the alarm system

would react upon exerting a force that could triggered the system. The test used different

loads to assure that the exerted force were all equal.

Table 2. Force exerted by each load

Mass (kg) Force (F=mg)
0.10 kg 0.98
0.20 kg 1.96
0.30 kg 2.94
0.40 kg 3.92
0.50 kg 4.90

To obtain the force exerted by the loads on the door, the researchers’ computed the

force of each load by multiplying the weight of the loads with gravitational acceleration

(9.8 m/s2).

32
 Table 3.1 Kinetic Energy (Causing Vibrations) Applied to Door

Speed (v) Kinetic Energy

Force (F=mg) 𝟏
(𝒗 = √𝟐𝒈𝒉) (𝑲𝑬 = 𝟐 𝒎𝒗𝟐 )

0.98 1.411155555 0.099568

1.96 1.411155555 0.199136
2.94 1.411155555 0.298704
3.92 1.411155555 0.398272
4.90 1.411155555 0.497840

The researchers computed the kinetic energy on the force that comes in contact with

the door frame. The kinetic energy of the force determines the amount of energy that the

piezoelectric acquires for its crystals to vibrate. This vibration causes the kinetic energy to

transform into electrical signals which would trigger the alarm. Based on the results on the

table above, he greater the exerted force applied, the higher the kinetic energy generated.

Therefore, there is a direct relationship between the applied force and the acquired kinetic

energy.

To test the sensitivity of the piezoelectric from the force exerted on the door frame,

the threshold value on the Arduino program was adjusted by an interval of five (5) and

each interval were subjected to tests. The forces of the loads were exerted parallel to the

doorknob for three (3) trials and their average was computed to determine the reaction time.

The results of the test are shown below.

33
 Table 3.2 Reaction Time of Three Different Thresholds with .98 Newtons
0.98 Newtons
TRIALS Threshold: 10 Threshold: 15 Threshold: 20
1 0.003 0.020 0.060
2 0.001 0.018 0.030
3 0.030 0.018 0.030
AVERAGE 0.011 0.019 0.040

Based on the data above, the reaction time of the intruder alarm system is 0.008

seconds faster when the piezoelectric is set to detect 10mV compared to 15mV and 0.029

seconds faster when the piezoelectric is set to detect 20mV when a force of 0.98 Newtons

comes in contact to the door frame.

Table 3.3 Reaction Time of Three Different Thresholds with 1.96 Newtons
1.96 Newtons
TRIALS Threshold: 10 Threshold: 15 Threshold: 20
1 0.006 0.018 0.090
2 0.002 0.021 0.140
3 0.003 0.016 0.060
AVERAGE 0.004 0.018 0.097

Based on the data above, the reaction time of the intruder alarm system is 0.014

seconds faster when the piezoelectric is set to detect 10mV compared to 15mV and 0.093

seconds faster when the piezoelectric is set to detect 20mV when a force of 1.96 Newtons

comes in contact to the door frame.

34
 Table 3.4 Reaction Time of Three Different Thresholds with 2.94 Newtons
2.94 Newtons
TRIALS Threshold: 10 Threshold: 15 Threshold: 20
1 0.003 0.015 0.060
2 0.002 0.013 0.030
3 0.003 0.018 0.030
AVERAGE 0.003 0.015 0.040

Based on the data above, the reaction time of the intruder alarm system is 0.012

seconds faster when the piezoelectric is set to detect 10mV compared to 15mV and 0.037

seconds faster when the piezoelectric is set to detect 20mV when a force of 2.94 Newtons

comes in contact to the door frame.

Table 3.5 Reaction Time of Three Different Thresholds with 3.92 Newtons
3.92 Newtons
TRIALS Threshold: 10 Threshold: 15 Threshold: 20
1 0.005 0.011 0.060
2 0.003 0.013 0.060
3 0.001 0.011 0.060
AVERAGE 0.003 0.012 0.060

Based on the data above, the reaction time of the intruder alarm system is 0.009

seconds faster when the piezoelectric is set to detect 10mV compared to 15mV and 0.057

seconds faster when the piezoelectric is set to detect 20mV when a force of 3.92 Newtons

comes in contact to the door frame.

35
 Table 3.6 Reaction Time of Three Different Thresholds with 4.90 Newtons
4.90 Newtons
TRIALS Threshold: 10 Threshold: 15 Threshold: 20
1 0.003 0.011 0.020
2 0.003 0.011 0.030
3 0.003 0.012 0.060
AVERAGE 0.003 0.011 0.037

Based on the data above, the reaction time of the intruder alarm system is 0.008

seconds faster when the piezoelectric is set to detect 10mV compared to 15mV and 0.034

seconds faster when the piezoelectric is set to detect 20mV when a force of 4.90 Newtons

comes in contact to the door frame.

Table 4.1 Sound Interval and Percent Error of Three Thresholds with 1 Second
Delay
ONE (1) SECOND DELAY
THRESHOLD: THRESHOLD: THRESHOLD:
10mV 15mV 20mV
Trials
Sound Percent Sound Percent Sound Percent
Interval Error Interval Error Interval Error
1 1.16 16% 1.13 13% 1.19 19%
2 1.17 17% 1.11 11% 1.13 13%
3 1.11 11% 1.13 13% 1.17 17%
Average 1.147 14.67% 1.123 12.33% 1.163 16.33%

The expected seconds the program has to wait until moving on to the next line of

code is within one (1) second but the test done on the alarm system show that the average

interval for the piezoeclectric to be ready again to sense any change in pressure becomes

slower as its sensitivity decreases.

36
 Table 4.2 Sound Interval and Percent Error of Three Thresholds with 2.5
Seconds Delay
2.5 SECONDS DELAY
THRESHOLD: THRESHOLD: THRESHOLD:
10mV 15mV 20mV
Trials
Sound Percent Sound Percent Sound Percent
Interval Error Interval Error Interval Error
1 2.69 7.6% 2.68 7.2% 2.88 15.2%
2 2.61 4.4% 2.68 7.2% 2.74 9.6%
3 2.61 4.4% 2.61 4.4% 2.85 14%
Average 2.637 5.47% 2.657 6.27% 2.823 12.93%

The expected seconds the program has to wait until moving on to the next line of

code is within two point five (2.5) seconds but the test done on the alarm system show that

the average interval for the piezoeclectric to be ready again to sense any change in pressure

becomes slower as its sensitivity decreases.

Table 4.3 Sound Interval and Percent Error of Three Thresholds with 5
Seconds Delay
5 SECONDS DELAY
THRESHOLD: THRESHOLD: THRESHOLD:
10mV 15mV 20mV
Trials
Sound Percent Sound Percent Sound Percent
Interval Error Interval Error Interval Error
1 2.68 7.2% 2.88 42.4% 5.41 8.2%
2 2.68 7.2% 2.74 45.2% 5.51 10.2%
3 2.61 4.4% 2.85 43% 5.48 9.6%
Average 2.657 6.27% 2.823 43.53% 5.467 9.33%

The expected seconds the program has to wait until moving on to the next line of

code is within five (5) seconds but the test done on the alarm system show that the average

37
interval for the piezoelectric to be ready again to sense any change in pressure becomes

slower as its sensitivity decreases.

Table 5. Sound Duration when Delay is Increased

SOUND DURATION
one (1) second two point five (2.5) seconds five (5) seconds
Trial
delay delay delay
1 0.69 2.68 4.91

2 0.79 2.68 4.88

3 0.72 2.61 4.86

Average 0.73 2.66 4.88

Based on the data above, the test done on the alarm system show that the average

duration of the buzzer’s sound increases when the delay time increases.

38
 Chapter V

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

This chapter presents the summary of the findings, so conclusions drawn from the

findings and the corresponding recommendations. This study was taken with the general

objective of designing and developing and intruder alarm system that uses a piezoelectric

transducer as stimuli.

Summary of Findings

1.1 Force and Kinetic Energy

The greater the exerted force applied, the higher the kinetic energy generated. Thus, there

is a direct relationship between the applied force and the acquired kinetic energy.

1.2 Sensitivity and Reaction Time

The reaction time of the intruder alarm system becomes faster when sensitivity of the

piezoelectric is increased or when threshold value is decreased.

1.3 Delay on the system

The interval for the piezoelectric to be ready again to sense any change in pressure

becomes slower when its sensitivity is increased.

39
1.4 Duration of the sound

The duration of the alarm system’s sound increases when the delay time is

prolonged.

Conclusion

The piezoelectric alarm system uses a piezoelectric as a stimulus unlike to a normal

alarm system that uses other motion sensors, but the detection of the piezoelectric based

alarm system is more concerned on the contact force between a possible intruder and the

door. The piezoelectric alarm system is small, so it is more discreet than the commercial

alarm systems. This alarm system also costs less than the commercial. The threshold value

on the Arduino UNO program codes is set to give a transmission of an electrical current in

response to detecting a change in pressure or vibration by these elements. When the

sensitivity of the piezoelectric is adjusted to become higher using Arduino UNO IDE, the

reaction time of the alarm system is faster and vice versa. However, the change in reaction

time became smaller when the sensitivity was reduced by 10mV and the system still

functions well despite the increase on the threshold value. The delay on the program code

is the numerical representation of the time in milliseconds that the program has to wait

until moving on to the next line of code. The tests done on the alarm system show that the

average duration of the buzzer’s sound has a direct relationship with the amount of time

that the system has to prepare again in order to sense another electrical signal on its external

40
environment. Furthermore, the interval for the piezoeclectric to be ready again to sense any

change in pressure becomes slower as its sensitivity decreases.

Recommendation

After doing all the needed procedures, the following recommendations are hereby

given:

1. The future researchers should try to use different buzzer to compare if there are

discrepancies in terms of loudness and range of area that sound can be heard.

2. One should assess how to make the alarm system audible despite the

environmental factors affecting it.

3. The future researchers should try using a decibel meter to have an accurate

measurement how loud the buzzer can be.

4. The future researchers should try to improve the design of the system in order to

make the piezoelectric less prone to damage by making it more durable.

41
 APPENDIX A

A. MATERIALS USED

PIEZOELECTRIC TRANSDUCER 1 MEGAOHM RESISTOR

BUZZER UNIVERSAL PCB BOARD

42
 ARDUINO UNO R3 MULTITESTER

POWERBANK

43
 APPENDIX B
A. TESTING ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ON BREADBOARD

B. SLOTTING AND SOLDERING

44
C. PLACING THE COMPONENTS INSIDE THE BOX OF THE ALARM SYSTEM

D. PLACING THE BOX OF ALARM SYSTEM INTO THE PROTOTYPE DOOR

45
E. EXPERIMENT USING DIFFERENT GRAMS OF LOADS

46
 APPENDIX C

Laguna College
San Pablo City

January 22, 2019

ENGR. MELVIN ILANG-ILANG
The Director/Department Head

Dear Sir Ilang-Ilang:

Good day! We, the students from Laguna College, would like to consult a faculty or staff
of your good office regarding our Science Investigatory Project entitled “Design and
Development of an Intruder Alarm System using Piezoelectric as a Stimuli”. We assure
you that your approval would be a huge help for the completion of our project.

We hope that you will grant our request at your most convenient time. Thank you for
your kind consideration.

Respectfully yours,

Aira C. Babor
Approved by:

Kevin R. Del Mundo

_____________________
Mrs. Niela G. Maghirang Christian Andrei D. Lustre
Work Immersion Adviser

Noted by: Paolo C. Ramiro

_____________________ Hannah Mae R. Reynes

Ms. Aurora S. Baldrias
High School Principal Paula Jeyel T. So

47
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49