2010 International Conference on Intelligent Systems, Modelling and Simulation

Electric Field and Ultrasonic Sensor Based Security System

Rohit Sharma, Karandeep Singh Dhingra, Nikhil Pandey, Rahul Garg, Rohit Singhal

Department Of Electronics and Communication Engineering

Jaypee University of Information and Technology,
Solan, Himachal Pradesh-173215, INDIA
Email: rohitsharma@ieee.org

Abstract- This paper proposes an inexpensive solution towards
the safe-keeping of the precious artifacts in museums, art
galleries and private collections by employing an innovative
non-contact based sensing mechanism clubbed with some of
the previously used, well tested and efficient sensor-networks
based on physical parameters. Such security standards are met
by covertly deploying a low level electric field, with intent to
perceive any intrusion by the trespasser for a visual or audio
alert. Further, it explains how this system incorporates with
other sensing devices such as ultrasonic sensors and the control
units like microcontrollers and processors to deliver a fail-safe
security system.
Keywords- Non-contact based sensing, Electric Field Sensing,
Security System, Ultrasonic sensors, Microcontrollers.
I. INTRODUCTION.
Securing artifacts of incalculable worth has been an
arduous task for public museums and galleries. These
institutions cope with a conflicting dilemma of keeping
objects safe, yet permitting millions of visitors to observe
them; which leads to nothing else than an conundrum
regarding the security of these valuables. Undoubtedly, art
theft is among the highest rated crimes in the world as it
deals with the worlds highly appraised possessions like
paintings, jewelries and other valuables. A few systems,
namely, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) [1], laser fence
[2], temperature, biometric [3-4], touch [5-6], pressure
sensors act as the primary equipments with a worldwide
usage. However, they have significant shortcomings in their
practical implementation and use.
The restricted angle for CCTV cameras invariably leaves
some portions unexplored. Laser sweepers and trackers have
a downside that they can be duped by the advanced glasses
which help in locating the lasers. Other sensors like
temperature, biometric, touch and pressure sensors are
specifically employed for the places inaccessible to the
masses with minimal human-system interaction, such as
vault, and therefore may have limited applications for the
proposed purpose.
This paper proposes a novel idea which can be
implemented to further augment existing security systems.
Our primary detection is accomplished via non-contact
based sensing of the disturbance in the electric field, which
would be generated using the IC MC33794 [7] aided by an
array of tin plates which would be installed on to the desired
surface, whereas the secondary detection is achieved using
ultrasonic sensors [8-9].
The extent of the field from the surface as well as the
sensitivity of the disturbance detection can be varied as per
installation requirements. The system proposed being
extremely flexible is provided with the virtue of being used
in conjunction with other systems for the region where it is
not possible to use electric field sensing. Analog signals
though produced by change in the electric field are fed into
a micro-processor. This in turn, controls CCTV sweeps and
is also responsible for alarm activation as well as isolation
of a particular grid.
II. DESIGN CONCEPT.
The basic working principle of the system proposed is
based on generation and detection capabilities of the IC
MC33794 and ultrasonic sensors. MC33794 generates a
low-level electric field and uses feedback to detect the
presence of objects resulting into a non-contact based
mechanism. To implement the desired results we lay out a
grid of plates producing electric field which is shown in the
Figure1 (a). There are four control lines (A, B, C, and D)
that represent the Binary Coded Decimal (BCD)
representation of the sensing electrodes (E1 to E9), along
with the selection of the Ref_A and Ref_B pins, among
other selections as shown in Figure2. By toggling the A, B,
C, and D selection lines, we are able to select the sensing
electrodes whose electrical potential is to be detected. Only
one electrode is selected at a time for processing, although
the order of electrode selection and the amount of gain for
that electrode is up to user. For continuous checking of the
values returned by the electrodes we can program the
microchip as per requirements. When a disturbance is
detected the resultant is passed on to the microprocessor
which, in turn directs our camera to the anticipated
location, also the alarm would be activated and any other
traps would come into motion. This raises a question of
Triggering due to false conditions, So as to lessen the
probability of false alarms we collaborate with the readings
from other physical and biometric sensors.
In the case of ultrasonic sensors, the principle of sensing
revolves around the simple concept based on the use of

978-0-7695-3973-7/10 $26.00 2010 IEEE 423

DOI 10.1109/ISMS.2010.82
sound waves of ultrasonic frequency being thrown from
walls.
Transducers of ultrasonic sensors are placed in a
composite array so as to cover region enclosed within walls
as shown in Figure 3 (which happens to be a tentative
representation of the applied arrangement and the number of
sensors, may vary). Since they are not unidirectional, they
emit from a point and spread as they go, hence, the
placement of transducers is dependent upon the dimensions
of the enclosure. Supposing the time taken for the sound
wave to travel from transducer and reflect back is 'T0'
seconds. In case of any obstruction in its path, the time
taken by the wave to emit from the emitter and to be
perceived is changed to 'T' seconds as shown in Figure 4.
Hence, by monitoring these transducer(s) by
microcontroller(s), we can calculate any amount of time
difference as the speed of sound, 330 ms-1 being negligibly
small in comparison to operational rate of a micro-controller
(0-16 MHz).
In case of positive detection, alarm is triggered. This
removes the possibility of any one going over the region
covered by the electric field.
Another positive aspect of using ultrasonic sensors is
that it does not fall under the audible range which makes it
safe to use for humans and also shields sensors from being
detected by thief.

(a) (b)

Figure 1. Visual Explanation of Electrode Current

-- Ultrasonic sensor.

1 2 3 Figure 3. Tentative representation of ultrasonic

sensor array.

M
C
3 A
4 5 6 3
7 B
9 Ultrasonic T0
4
C sensor
D T
7 8 9

Ref_B Ref_A
Wall
Figure 2. Visual Explanation of Electrode
Selection. Figure 4. Visual representation of change in time in
case of any obstruction

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 III. WORKING PRINCPLE OF THE PROPOSED SYSTEM. V. APPLICATION OF THE PROPOSED SYSTEM.
A. MUSEUMS and ART GALLERIES.
A. SENSING.
The above referred system would be applied mainly to
The concept of sensing is grounded upon the amount of
the roof section and the ventilation section of the museums
current recorded by the IC across the plates. In the Zero-
and art galleries as these places are inevitably used by the
Intrusion state, the current recorded across the plates be I
intruders. At these places there is a very minimal amount of
amperes and in case of any intrusion let it be IR, as explained
external electric field interference, thus any kind of
in the Figure 1, so as,
disturbance would be easily sensed. Further they can also be
I = IR + IH (1)
inserted in the restricted places such as adjacent to the
Whenever, any manner of interference is encountered by
artifacts and other valuables. As soon as there is any
intrusion in the defined boundaries of the electric field. The
intrusion, alarm will blow off indicating that there is an
disturbance creates a change in the feedback of current. The
attempted trespassing or theft.
output of the MC33794 is the LEVEL or SIGNAL pin. The
output at this pin is the output of the internal low-pass RC
filter with capacitance set by the capacitance to the LPF pin
Start
filtered.
The processed signal is presented at the LEVEL pin.
Alternatively, we can look at the gained, but detected and Calibrate Electrodes
unfiltered, output signal at the SIGNAL pin. In either case,
the detected voltage it that sensed at one of the eight Cycle and activate Electrodes
electrodes, which are selected for processing by setting the one at a time.
sense electrodes BCD value at the A, B, C, or D inputs. At
this point, the users application may digitize the value or
use it in real time to compare to a threshold and trigger the Calculate difference between
calculated reading and calibrated
alarms only if the value meets the threshold criteria. readings.
The sensitivity and the threshold would be determined
by the nature of the place to be protected. For example, if
the place is opened to the public then at viewing hours use Determine maximum reading and
of CCTV would be necessitated, allowing for the system to corresponding electrode.
be less sensitive. Whereas, in case of non-viewing hours
when the artifacts are more liable to theft and highly secured
places, the sensitivity of the sensors would be increased.
The grounds to elect Electric Field as a surface primary Ultrasonic
sensor happens to be a well observed phenomenon that sensor Max value > Threshold?
No
when any substance such as conductor, insulator or
Yes
dielectric comes in contact the electric field, it causes a
change in it which can be conveniently detected and
appropriate actions can be taken. It also provides a contact
less sensing mechanism. Whereas, the grounds to elect
Send signals to
ultrasonic sensors as means of aerial primary detection are Microcontroller for further
firstly, not being in audible range. Secondly, being invisible Processing.
to all kinds of cameras (in contrary to Lasers and Infra red
detectors).

B. CONTROL SYSTEM.
Microcontroller is the main logical part of the device
which processes the signals which are send to it once the
sensing is done by the electrodes. The logic defined in the
controller is responsible for the activation of all the alarms
and other sensors. The calibrated data from both the
ultrasonic and the electric field sensor is fed into the
microcontroller. Figure 5, explains the working of the
system through the use of a flow chart.
Trigger Alarm
Figure 5. Flowchart for Control System.
B. BANK VAULTS.
After the working hours of the banks these sensors
could be activated in order to keep a check if someone has
encroached into the restricted premises or the vault.

425
 VI. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE SCOPE.
This paper happens to be one of the most innovative
ideas with high feasibility and focuses on the application of
electric field sensing and ultrasonic sensing to design a
fail-safe security system. The future scope of this paper is
beyond all the above elucidated applications,
As the sensors can be used for sensing where any kind of
check is anticipated. Advancement in the electric field
sensing clubbed with ultra sonic sensor could lead us to
entirely new horizons of non touch based keyboards as they
could provide a complete 2-d coordinates of the element
creating the disturbance.
If we could make our device precise enough then we can
use all the keys of the "qwerty" keyboard without even
touching it. We can also use these types of locks where we
want our codes to be entered as the persons will just have to
move the fingers in the field thus helping us to keep the
locks more secure. Another horizon in which these could
find a variant application is the field of the zoology where
these could be used as the presence and movement sensing
device and thus we would be able to monitor the exact
movements the animals in the restricted area.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We are really thankful to Anupam Chahar and Nitish
Paliwal for providing their precious time and advice in
development of this paper.
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