Design and Implementation of a Smart
Fire Alarm System Using GSM
Technologies Via Short Messages Service
Abstract– In This Paper, a smart control and
monitoring of fire alarm system was described
which can be used in the process of remote control
and monitoring for different electronic applications.
A Short Message Service (SMS)was used as a
method of wireless connection in the designed
system. The adopted (T-BoxN12R device) which
was programed in Java to Micro Edition
language(J2ME) will keep scanning the received
gas smoke data signal from the Gas Smoke Sensor
output to pre monitor the ability of occurrence of a
fire, once it detects that the collected data (Gas
Level) exceed a predefined threshold it will enable
the communication with GSM network and send
the ALARM SMS message to the predefined phone
number. Also it will Turn Alarm Buzzer “ON”,
Close The Doors. And Turn Water Pumping Motor
“ON”.
Keywords- Fire Alarm System, GSM, Remote
Control and Monitoring system, SMS.
I-
INTRODUCTION
In order to prevent fires from occurring or
minimize their impact, accurate and early
detection is essential. There are numerous
monitoring and alarm systems available, but they
do have various shortcomings. Mobile
technologies, including the global system for
mobile communication (GSM) and the shortrange wireless data connection technology could
be used to monitor and detect fires to prevent fire
from occur. It is believed that the incorporation of
the proposed system with current and new homes
can result in a much smarter home or properties
that can inform their owners or an authority in
case of a fire[1].
II-
LITRETURE REVIEW
C. Luo et.al. (2007), the authors designed a
security robot which is constructed using an
aluminum frame; The main controller of the
security robot is an industrial standard PC (IPC)
with a Pentium-III 933 CPU and 256 MB RAM.
The hardware devices consist of a touch screen,
charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, sensors
and sensory circuits, driver system, etc The
sensory system consists of seven subsystems,
There are the fire-detection subsystem, intruderdetection subsystem, power-detection subsystem,
environment-detection subsystem, motor-control
subsystem and obstacle-detection sub system.
A cooperative quick-response fire control system
orienting multiple targets is researched, its system
structure is set up and cooperative targets
mechanism is analyzed.
L. Chengqiang. et. al. (2008). In this paper a
network environment integrating wire and
wireless communication is built, and the fire
control database with a five-layers (Data source
layer,
Data
Persistence
layer,
Domain
layer
Controller/Mediator layer, Presentation layer)
structure is established, which is critical to
resolve the cooperative control problem in the
quick-response
fire
control
system.
H.C. Muller (2009), the authors designed a
system which presents a MSbFD (Multi Sensor
based Fire Detection) Algorithm using two fire
parameters (temperature and optical smoke
density). These two sensors were chosen since
ionization systems may become increasingly
difficult to apply because of the environmental
regulations being imposed on them. The
evaluation and processing of the sensor signals is
carried out by the use of Fuzzy Logic.
H. Hu Gang (2009), the authors clarified that a
Wireless Multi-Sensor Fire Detection
And
Alarm System can be performed based on ARM,
The system uses nRF2401 for short-range
wireless communications, GPRS for longdistance wireless communications, ARM9 for
center console, Wireless Multi-sensor Fire
Detector for node, and BP algorithm is used for
judging the probability of fire. Wireless Multi-
sensor Fire Detector is formed of the low-power
electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor,
photoelectric smoke detector and semiconductor
temperature sensor.
Finally, S. & Y.(2010), the researchers illustrate
that that Mobile technologies, including the
global system for mobile communication (GSM)
and the ZigBee short-range wireless data
connection technology could be used to monitor
and detect fires.
In this paper, the use of short messages
(SMS) as one of the GSM technologies in a
smart system were studied and investigated
which can be used to monitor and control of a
fire alarm. Our paper is organized as follows:
section 2 presents The System Structure, while
section 3 presents the System Implementation,.
Finally, the conclusions are clarified in section 4.
III-
The Vc provides a stable current through the
divider and produces a voltage drop across the
RL when fresh air absorbed on the sensor surface.
If the concentration of gas increases, the output
voltage Vrl will increase due to the decrease of
sensor resistance RS. As a result, the change in
output voltage Vrl is a function of the change in
gas concentration. The value of sensor resistance
RS can be calculated by the following equation:
RS=[(Vc x RL )/ Vrl] –RL.
(1)
Fig. 1 Typical testing circuit of TGS 813
SYSTEM STRUCTURE
The designed system consists of several
modules: smoke sensor pack, signal conditioning
circuits, microcontroller with embedded GSM
modem, SIM card and Water Pumping Motor as
shown in Fig. 3.
A. Sensors pack and signal conditioning
circuits:
Gas / smoke sensors are commonly used for
gas leakage detection, gas concentration
measuring, or gas analysis. These sensors can be
classified into three types: contact burning,
semiconductor,
and
thermal
conductive
thermistor.
 Semiconductor Gas Sensor
Conductivity of semiconductors changes when its
surface is exposed to varying levels of gas
concentration. This unique characteristic of
semiconductors allows it to be used as effective
gas sensors. Semiconductor gas sensors are
basically based on the principle of a change in
conductivity caused by a change in gas
concentration on semiconductor (SnOa, ZnO, or
PezOs) surfaces. An industrial gas sensor, type
TGS 813, shown in figure (1) is widely used in
marsh gas and natural gas detections.
The operating voltage of TGS 813 is in the range
between 5 and 24 V, DC or AC. The maximum
power dissipation is about 15 mW. The circuit of
Figure (1) is a typical circuit for TGS 813 testsIn circuit, the sensor resistance RS is serially
connected to the load resistance RL to form a
voltage divider, and then shunted to the operating
voltage Vc.

Signal Conditioning Circuits
Figure (2) shows a gas/smoke detector circuit
that can be used for gas leakage, CO, and smoke
detections. R2 is used to preset the reference gas
,Concentration level. The OP AMP U1-d is a
level detector for detecting the '"difference
between the preset value at pin 12 and the
measured value at pin 13”.
If the voltage at pin 13 exceeds the voltage at
pin 12, U1-d outputs a low potential, the
integrator
(R5 & C1) does not charge so the
output of timer U2 (NE555) is low and the buzzer
does not turn on.
If the measured value exceeds the preset value,
output of U1-d goes to high potential and the
integrator starts to charge. When the charge
voltage reach or over the voltage at J2. output of
U1-c goes to a high potential which triggers a
series of output pulses from U2, turning on the
buzzer. The buzzer will stay on as long as the gas
concentrations are higher than the preset level.
Fig. 2 gas smoke detector
B. The Microcontroller:
The microcontroller is terminated with
GSM
connectivity.
the
T-BoxN12R
microcontroller is designed using the most
advanced solutions from Nokia. It has a built-in
Nokia 12 modem [8] for data transfer. So, various
data transfer channels of GSM can be used. In
this way, a reliable connection can be offered in
this research for the best price.
The microcontroller operates in any GSM
network: 900/1800 MHz or 850/1900 MHz
EDGE, GPRS,HSCSD, CSD and SMS could be
used for data transfer [7].
The microcontroller consists from 3 analog
inputs, 7 digital inputs, and 8 digital outputs., the
microcontroller can be used as a remote control
unit, data collection and transfer unit. , digital
outputs can be used to manage external loads like
relays, lights etc., digital inputs can be used to
monitor the status of external devices. The inputs
are optically isolated. analog inputs enable to
measure the static signals like voltage, current,
temperature, etc., you can control the external
devices connected via RS-232 interface.
The microcontroller includes Java™ with
remote IMlet downloading. It means that this
controller can be programmed according
consumer requirements with standard and easy
available tools. Integrated TCP/IP stack enables
to make an IP connection to remote servers or
modules. It is a very easy to send and receive
data. Integrated CORBA support allows creating
distributed applications. [7]
C. Embedded GSM modem:
The embedded GSM modem offers high speed
wireless connection, It supports several
technologies for wireless data transfer, which can
be used where GSM network is available. It can
send and receive short messages containing a
maximum of 160 characters [7].
In this application, The embedded GSM
modem transmits an alarm SMS message to the
mobile phone(s) if there is an occurrence of a fire
in the factory or in the building. [7]
D. Water Pumping Motor:
A Water Pumping Motor is a part of a fire
sprinkler system's water supply and usually can
be powered by electric, diesel or steam, in this
project a relay was used to make the pumping
motor being “ON” in case of a fire and vice
versa. Figure (3) shows the block diagram for the
designed system.
Fig. 3 The System Block Diagram.
IV-
SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION
A. System Protocol:

WAP and SMS Based Data Transfer
Remotely installed measuring systems, where
long period, nonstop measurement campaigns are
under process, can utilize these mobile devices to
transfer to a remote user, the measurement
process under any eventual errors that have
occurred This data transfer may be done easily
through two communication protocols namely.
the Short Messaging Service (SMS) and Wireless
Application Protocol (WAP). These two
technologies are complementary. SMS messages
have long been familiar to the mobile phone users
and are affordable. SMS not only acts as the store
and forward messaging service but also serves as
the bearer for other wireless application delivery
technologies. Another feature that makes SMS
unique is the potential to route server-initiated
requests to the handset and the SIM. This allows
pushing of messages and application to the user
without waiting for any action by the user. SMS
messages are supported by all mobile phones
without regard to a particular configuration. The
user can send and receive messages as long as
their mobile is switched on. The user will he
informed of any special condition such as alarms,
warnings etc. The use of SMS extends the data
transfer to a larger number of telephone sets.
WAP is an open protocol for wireless messaging.
It provides the same technology to all vendors
regardless of the network system. This means that
there will be WAP compliant terminals from
several manufacturers. Also the server technology
is open, so operators and companies can select
from a wide range of products. WAP is intended
to provide the common application environment
for mobile users. WAP utilize internet standards
such as XML, UDP, IF'. WML and WML Scripts
are used to produce the WAP content to make
optimum use of small displays that allows
navigation to be performed easily, In future, all
'mobile phones will support WAP and
permanently get connected with data mode. [8]
Thus, accessing via WAP phones provide an
interface that is feature rich and easy to navigate.

Communicating with SMS
The SMS facility is provided by most of the
digital cellular networks (such as GSM, TDMA
etc). Using SMS messages can be sent or received
to/from a remote user through mobile phone. SMS
is a standard and mature technology of the GSM
network. It supports a maximum of
160
characters(374) and can have a data transfer delay
of 10-20 seconds typically. In the present work,
the following tasks have been identified for use
through the SMS,
a)To react with a user by receiving and replying
b)To periodically send the status of messages.
c)To notify the received messages by alarms,
warnings and errors.
Alarms and surveillance systems are applications
that need to coexist with remote monitoring and
control. With the use of SMS the systems does
not need any subscription with an alarm central,
instead the user can monitor and control the alarm
via a mobile phone from anywhere. [8]
B. Software Development:
This section presents the way that you can use
to handle with the microcontroller device to make
use of it’s abilities to perform the remote monitor
and control process for the fires in the homes ,
factories, etc. and to use it in many other useful
applications.
The
programming
process
of
the
microcontroller device includes: install necessary
tools, Create an IMlet, Compile the IMlet against
the classes.zip file from the Nokia 12 Concept
Simulator, Create a Manifest.mf file, Package and
preverify the IMlet, Test the IMlet in the Nokia
12 Concept simulator, and Install the IMlet into
the microcontroller device using the Nokia 12
Congigurator software which is the last step of
the programming process. Now the program is
ready to execute to perform the monitor and
control operation of the existing situation.
In this application, The microcontroller will
keep scanning the received gas smoke data from
the Gas Smoke Sensor output to pre monitor the
ability of occurrence of a fire, once it detects that
the collected data (GAS LEVEL) exceed a
predefined threshold level it will enable the
communication with GSM network after
collecting sensory information to construct the
SMS message of the current state and send the
ALARM SMS message to the predefined phone
number.
In case of alarm occur, the microcontroller will
perform the following sequence of events:
Turn Alarm Buzzer “ON”.
Close The Doors.
Turn Water Pumping Motor “ON”.
Send Alarm SMS To Mobile Phone.
In case of no alarm, The microcontroller
device will do the following events:
Turn Alarm “OFF” if it was “ON”.
Turn Pumping Motor “OFF” if it was “ON”.
Keep going.
C. Implementation Of The System
In this section, the performance of the
Global System For Mobile Communications
(GSM) was tested to show if it is suitable for
using in an alarm system for a fire.
In the measurements, N86 mobile phone was
used with an independent SIM card, connected to
the microcontroller device which is connected to
the laptop and a small program in (JAVA J2ME)
was implemented which generates short messages
at the laptop and send it throw GSM network to
the mobile phone. Each of these messages
contains an identifier and the timestamp when it
was created. 40 SMS messages was sent in
different times to determine the delay on the
GSM for 40 SMS by calculating the delay for
each SMS divided by 40 and this would lead to
an exact results.
In the first scenario, 20 short messages are
transmitted on ( 8 PM, Thursday 20/5/2010 ) and
the results are shown in the fig. below:
Fig. 4 measurement of scenario 1
In the second scenario, 20 short messages are
transmitted on ( 11:30 AM, Friday 21/5/2010 )
and the results are shown in the fig. below:
From the two figures above, it is obvious
that the GSM network is suitable to use in our
designed system of fire alarm because it has a
good performance of delivering short messages in
reasonable time during the day
V-
Fig. 5 measurement of scenario 2
Every measured delay is plotted in the above
figures. It is noted that 99 % of the short
messages are received in less than 11 seconds and
the two figures shows that all the short messages
were received correctly and no message was lost.
TABLE 1 SMS DELAYS
No. Of SMS
40
Min delay
7 sec
Max delay
11 sec
Mean delay
7.675 sec
The measurement results show that the short
message service SMS can be used in emergency
situations, because of the low loss ratio and
almost every message is received within a short
time. However, a high capacity is needed if we
decide to transmit the short messages to every
user individually. This requires the use of the cell
broadcast which decreases the load in terms of
message per second in the system.
It is vital that a new control and monitoring
systems should allow remote Orland mobile
access to appliances. The main
* The main advantages of proposed controller are
as follows:
1. Controller can be used to make an extended
range mobile control and monitoring, operable
from anywhere in the world. According to
required security WAP control, SMS control or
both can be used.
2. Enhanced security features:
automatic rebooting after fatal error or
unauthorized access.
all SMS commands are protected by a unique
command prefix and message identification;
all SMS commands are bi-directional - controller
informs mobile user after execution of each
command (reply messages) and for a pre-defined
alert events (alert messages);
only valid commands are accepted by the SMS
Manager;
anti-spam capabilities.
3. Very good prize to number of features ratio in
comparison with similar controllers. [9]
CONCLUTIONS
In this paper low cost, secure, ubiquitously
accessible, auto-configurable, remotely controlled
solution for automation of homes has been
introduced., the paper has achieved the target to
control home appliances remotely using the SMSbased system satisfying user needs and
requirements. , GSM technology capable solution
has proved to be controlled remotely, provide
home security and is cost-effective as compared
to the other system used for the same purpose.
From The results obtained previously, the
required goals and objectives of our paper were
achieved. The basic level of home appliance
control and remote monitoring has been
implemented. The system is extensible and more
levels can be further developed using automatic
motion/glass breaking detectors so the solution
can be integrated with these and other detection
system.
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