Abstract:
The project involves the development and implementation of a
remote status request alarm system on a personal computer. The
systems consists of hardware and software components that serve as
an alarm system and whereby the status can be communicated to
the user on request. The hardware and software components include
the following:
Hardware:
• The sensor interface and output driver: Used for two-way
communication between the computer and extemal equipment.
• The dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) receiver: The user can send a
status request instruction to the computer to obtain the status of the
system. It is important to obtain the status of the system before the
premises is entered. Existing commercial alarm systems are
developed in such a manner that the user, in most cases, must
obtain the status from the control panel. If communication
between a portable transmitter/receiver and the alarm system can
be accomplished, it will be possible to determine the status from a
point outside the perimeter, and thus a possible dangerous situation
can be avoided. • Telephone/cellular telephone attachment: To communicate with
the alarm system via the Public Switching Telephone Network
(PSTN) .
Software:
• The software consists of a single program and its function is to
determine the input and to respond with a suitable output.
Evaluating the system: The correct operation of the system was tested
by integrating the different components. Satisfactory results were
obtained when different input combinations were applied.
Conclusion: Remote control of the computer can be accomplished.
The status can be obtained accordingly without entering the
premises, and the danger of entering the premises can be avoided.
Particular knowledge regarding the following has been obtained:
• Computer hardware.
• Computer programming.
• DTMF signalling.
• Alarm system sensors.
• Telephone and cellular interfacing.
• Radio interfacing.
• Developing of alarm system hardware.
