DMI student develops security system

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Frank Kasambara

Amid increase in crime rate in Malawi, a fifth year student from DMI-St John the Baptist University has developed a security system that detects criminal activity in locations.

Intelligent Multi-alert Security System (I-MASS) provides innovative step in deterring incidences of crime and attempts to achieve a crime free society by getting real-time alerts on intrusion.

Frank Kasambara
Frank Kasambara the brains behind the system.

Speaking in an interview with Malawi24, the student Frank Kasambara who is studying towards a Bachelor of Software Engineering at the university said the system comprises technology that deters acts of theft and vandalism.

“The system instantly alerts users to effect corrective interventions within seconds of the act being perpetuated.

“The alerts are received as a phone call or Short Messages (SMs) on either the client’s mobile phone or their security service provider or even any police unit that may be connected to the system, loud siren and outdoor beams turning on within the premises under attack,” said Kasambara.

He added that the system sets on a loud siren, call the property owner through mobile phone, and switch on the outdoor beams whenever an intrusion is detected.

The invention is slated to decrease crime rate in Malawi due to its effective security provision, thereby having a positive impact on the economy of the country.

I-MASS uses a Passive Infrared Sensor (PIR) as an input device. A PIR works by measuring infrared light radiating from objects in its field of view.

The PIR sensor detects the change in the infrared light waves within a range of 7 meters radius and a span of 180 degrees.

The sensor then passes a signal to ATmega 328 Aduino Uno board which is an open source micro-controller system based on the ATMega series of chips comprising of 12 digital IO pins (pins 2-13) used in various functionalities.

GSM/GPRS Shield SIM900 module interfaces with the Aduino board to provide remote monitoring by making phone call or sending SMs whenever an intrusion has been detected.