The project work of their seniors was a PC-based security system. As it was an expensive solution, they wanted to substitute the PC function with a micro controller. All the team members agreed on a time-sharing strategy in a bid to accomplish this task within a specific timeframe. As such, each individual diligently contributed to the project at their convenient time. The team used the Buet lab and sometimes shifted the task to their dormitories in order to accelerate the entire process.

These whizz-kids completed their mission at last, successfully coming up with an SMS-based security system. It is a simple project with enormous potential. It is basically a small device which is particularly designed for the car as well as any kinds of doors. It triggers an SMS alert whenever any unauthorised access takes place.

In this scheme a small circuit is installed into the car and then is connected to the sensors. A car owner needs to activate the circuit when they leave the car. If anyone tries to open the door, the circuit detects the illegal action and instantly sends an SMS to the owner's mobile phone.

An extra feature adds to the circuit's capability. For instance, if the car is driven off to a new location by the time the owner responds to the SMS alert, the device will send the network cell ID of the current cell where the car is located.

An example will clarify this. Let's say a car was parked at the Buet premises when some intruders broke into it and drove on to Farmgate. In this case the car moved from the network cell of Buet to that of Farmgate. When the owner requests the device to notify the location, it will send cell ID of the network cell of Farmgate. The same strategy is applicable to home or office security purposes.

The system's function, however, will be disrupted where there is no network coverage. And it has only GSM compatibility and works with Nokia 3310 mobile sets at this moment.

But one of the exquisite features of the project is that the device is very cheap to make. The team claimed that though many technologies are available in the market at present, their device outdistances them by price. The entire system comprises sensors, connecting cables, micro controller, voltage shifter, voltage converter and a cell phone (yes, Nokia 3310). Total manufacturing cost, including the cell phone, is three thousand and one hundred taka.

When a person tries to make an unauthorised entry, the sensors send signals to the voltage level shifter. The voltage level shifter then interacts with the micro controller. All vital information is stored in the micro controller; it also processes the requests.

The micro controller is connected to the voltage level converter. Voltage level converter on the other hand is connected to the cellphone through a data cable. This cellphone sends and receives SMS to and from the owner's set.

According to Hillol Debnath, one of the team members, the main problem during the project development was selecting a micro controller. At first, they were in a dilemma over how to pick the right one for the right purpose. They later agreed that micro controller of AtMel would serve the purpose. This micro controller is relatively cheap and provides an efficient way to handle USART mode; it also supports the high baud rate needed to communicate with the mobile device through a data cable.

Presently the group is trying to promote their product on a commercial basis. So far one company has shown a keen interest in manufacturing the device. It will make 500-1000 pieces on a test basis.

The team hopes to add more features like GPS (Global Positioning System), web based enhancement and audible alarm etc. in the future. A GPS receiver can be embedded in the system to determine the precise location of the vehicle. Web based enhancement includes a dedicated web service that enables the authenticated user to trace their vehicle's current position; they can also get service by making a phone call to the control room. As the name implies, audible alarm promptly generates warning alarm when security is violated.

The Buet team is satisfied with what they have achieved so far. They believe this innovation will propel their effort to the widespread use of the technology.