International Journal of Engineering and Technology

This paper deals with the design and implementation of a building automation and security system which facilitates a healthy, flexible, comfortable and a secure environment to the residents. The design incorporates a SIRC (Sony Infrared Remote Control) protocol based infrared remote controller for the wireless operation and control of electrical appliances. Alternatively, the appliances are monitored and controlled via a laptop using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) application built in C#.NET. Apart from automation, this paper also focuses on indoor security. Multiple PIR (Pyroelectric Infrared) sensors are placed within the area under surveillance to detect any intruder. A web camera used to record the video footage is mounted on the shaft of a servo motor to enable angular motion. Corresponding to which sensor has detected a motion; the ARM7 LPC2148 microcontroller provides appropriate PWM pulses to drive the servo motor, thus adjusting the position and orientation of the camera precisely. OpenCV libraries are used to record a video feed of 5 seconds at 30 frames per second (fps). Video frames are embedded with date and time stamp. The recorded video is compressed, saved to predefined directory (for backup) and also uploaded to specific remote location over the internet using Google drive for instant access. The entire security system is automatic and does not need any human intervention.