Chapter 2

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

This chapter presents the review of related literature and related studies

concerning the design of a personal safety gadget using Bluetooth technology and

Android-Based application. This serves as a source of ideas and basis in the

conceptualization of the study particularly on the functions of the device as well as the

materials used for its construction. It also includes project concepts, conceptual model,

conceptual framework and the operational and technical definition of terms.

Review of Related Literature

This part of the chapter shows existing information related to the topic of the

study. The following information comes from different sources that may help in the

development of the project.

Bluetooth Low Energy

According to www.wikipedia.com (2018), Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth LE,

colloquially BLE, formerly marketed as Bluetooth Smart) is a wireless personal area

network technology designed and marketed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group

(Bluetooth SIG) aimed at novel applications in the healthcare, fitness, beacons, security,

and home entertainment industries. Compared to Classic Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low

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Energy is intended to provide considerably reduced power consumption and cost while

maintaining a similar communication range.

Mobile operating systems including iOS, Android, Windows Phone and

BlackBerry, as well as macOS, Linux, Windows 8 and Windows 10, natively support

Bluetooth Low Energy. The Bluetooth SIG predicts that by 2018 more than 90% of

Bluetooth-enabled smartphones will support Bluetooth Low Energy.

Android Application

According to www.techopedia.com (2018), an Android Application is a software

application running on the Android platform. Because the Android platform is built for

mobile devices, a typical Android Application is designed for a smartphone or a tablet PC

running on the Android OS.

Global Positioning System

According to www.wiipedia.com (2018), the Global Positioning System (GPS),

originally Navstar GPS, is a satellite-based radio navigation system owned by the United

States government and operated by the United States Air Force. It is a global navigation

satellite system that provides geo-location and time information to a GPS receiver

anywhere on or near the Earth where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more

GPS satellites. Obstacles such as mountains and buildings block the relatively weak GPS

signals.
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The GPS does not require the user to transmit any data, and it operates

independently of any telephonic or internet reception, though these technologies can

enhance the usefulness of the GPS positioning information. The GPS provides critical

positioning capabilities to military, civil, and commercial users around the world. The

United States government created the system, maintains it, and makes it freely accessible

to anyone with a GPS receiver.

Arduino Nano

Source: www.nuttyengineer.com
Figure 1. Arduino Nano

According to www.farnell.com (2018), an Arduino as shown in Figure 1. The

Arduino Nano is a small, complete, and breadboard-friendly board based on the

ATmega328 or ATmega168. It has more or less the same functionality of the Arduino

Duemilanove, but in a different package. It lacks only a DC power jack, and works with a

Mini-B USB cable instead of a standard one. The Nano was designed and is being

produced by Gravitech.
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Smartphone

Source: www.xda-developers.com

Figure 2. Smartphone

According to www.whatls.com (2018), a smartphone as shown in Figure 2 is a

cellular telephone with an integrated computer and other features not originally

associated with telephones, such as an operating system, web browsing and the ability to

run software applications.

The following are some of the other key features of a smartphone:

 internet connectivity;

 a mobile browser;

 the ability to sync more than one email account to a device;

 embedded memory;

 a hardware or software-based QWERTY keyboard;

 wireless synchronization with other devices, such as laptop or desktop computers;

 the ability to download applications and run them independently;

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 support for third-party applications;

 the ability to run multiple applications simultaneously;

 touchscreen;

 Wi-Fi;

 a digital camera, typically with video capability;

 gaming;

 unified messaging; and

 GPS -- global positioning system

HC-O6 Bluetooth Module

Source: www.sgbotic.com

Figure 3. HC-06 Bluetooth Module

According to www.sgbotic.com (2016), the HC-06 as shown in Figure 3, is a

class 2 slave Bluetooth module designed for transparent wireless serial communication.

Once it is paired to a master Bluetooth device such as PC, smart phones and tablet, its
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operation becomes transparent to the user. All data received through the serial input is

immediately transmitted over the air. When the module receives wireless data, it is sent

out through the serial interface exactly at it is received. No user code specific to the

Bluetooth module is needed at all in the user microcontroller program.

The HC-06 will work with supply voltage of 3.6VDC to 6VDC; however, the

logic level of RXD pin is 3.3V and is not 5V tolerant. A Logic Level Converter is

recommended to protect the sensor if connect it to a 5V device (e.g Arduino Uno and

Mega).

Lithium Ion Battery

Source: www.sparkfun.com

Figure 4. Lithium Ion Battery

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According to www.sparkfun.com (2016), Lithium Ion Battery is a very slim,

extremely light weight batteries based on Lithium Ion chemistry. Each cell outputs a

nominal 3.7V at 1000mAh. These batteries require special charging. Do not attempt to

charge these with anything but a specialized Lithium Polymer charger.

Battery includes built-in protection against over voltage, over current and

minimum voltage. Caution should be observed when using this battery in wearable

projects. When using conductive thread, a short in the thread can create sparks and heat.

LiPo Charger/ Booster

Source: www.sparkfun.com

Figure 5. LiPo Charger/ Booster

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According to www.sparkfun.com (2017), the 5V/1A LiPo Charger/Booster is a

no-nonsense circuit for generating one amp from a Lithium Polymer battery at 5V. This

LiPo charger is a very economical choice that is equipped with a simple booster circuit

utilizing the PAM2401 IC, and includes protection diodes so you can run multiple cells in

series for an extra kick. While the booster circuit is in operation, this board can draw

more current the lower the input voltage, making it perfect to deliver a strong charge in a

small amount of time.

The circuit is constructed by feeding an MCP73831 charge controller IC to the

LiPo port, and to the input of a PAM2401 boost controller. Multiple connection types are

provided for the battery, charge source and switch to allow flexibility of application, and

two LEDs provide feedback on system status.

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Review of Related Studies

Safelet (2014)

Source: www.safelet.com

Figure 6. Safelet

As with many wearable devices that focus on safety, a Safelet as shown in Figure

6 was designed with speed and convenience in mind. The bracelet has two buttons on the

side that users can press to send a message to contact within a Guardian Network. If the

situation is one of high danger, friends and family members who see the alert can

automatically call an emergency number like 911 from within the app. The smart bracelet

also syncs with the user’s mobile phone to start recording audio.

Personal Safety Mobile Notification System (2014)

The inventors Saigh M. M., et al stated that in described embodiments,

a system establishes a perimeter around an area, and mobile devices within the
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established perimeter communicate with a server that provides and collects personal and

asset safety information. The provided information might enable users associated with

the mobile devices to plan actions or take routes based on a given criteria, such as a safest

route, through display on the mobile device. The collected information from

the mobile device might be location, emergency event, environmental factors, sensor

information and the like, which might then be communicated to users and/or

administrators of the system. Location information, such as through global

positioning system (GPS), might provide tracking of mobile devices and users or assets

associated with each mobile device. GPS functionality associates latitude, longitude and

elevation (X-Y-Z coordinate axis) data with the collected and provided information.

Safety System Utilizing Personal Area Network (2014)

A communication system that revolves around a hardware device which uses

Bluetooth Low Energy technology and; a wireless BLE connection to communicate with

a partner application in a separate platform (such as but not limited to smartphones,

computers, and semiconductors). The user can register the device with the application

wirelessly by putting it into an advertising mode and allowing it to be recognized by the

application. This connection process will be done either automatically or manually. The

user can then (via button press or other hardware input) use the BLE connection to send a

signal from the device to the application. When the application receives the signal, it

initiates a specific action. Examples include (but are not limited to) automatically sending
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a text message, making a distress call to a remote server, and invoking the platform to run

additional programs or services.

A Mobile Based Women Safety Application (I Safe Apps) (2015)

Archana Naik et al. (2015) proposed an app, in which a single click of SOS sends

a message containing the location and/ or audio-video call to the guardian number. At

receiver touch the location URL in the message to view it in the Google Map. It also

provides different help tools like First-Aid help, Fake Call Help and video call. The First-

Aid help tool provides the help on various health issue problems occurred at an accidental

or emergency situation during the night time. First aid help for various problems are as:

unconscious and not breathing, choking, bleeding heavily, burns, heart attack, diabetes

etc. The Fake call help to escape from the meetings-parties at a time when women start

feeling uncomfortable and think that, ―if someone calls me then I can leave this place‖.

Fake call rings tone same as that of normal incoming call ring and once call accepted it

stop ringing. It also supports Fake Hang Up option. The guardian contacts are by-default

for this app, but it able to search the cops, firemen, hospitals contacts nearby to your

location. It also sends the audio-video recording via Email-Gmail of emergency situation

taken by the user where user unable to speak or tell the circumstances.

Wearable Multi-Sensory Personal Safety and Tracking Device (2015)

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The present invention by Shah, T.G. et al is a wearable, multi-sensory, personal

safety and tracking device which predicts danger by sensing changes in voice, pulse,

emotions, impact, motion of the wearer and the device state. In emergency situations, the

device triggers SOS, alarm, electro shock, pepper spray and starts capturing images and

audio recording for the safety of the wearer. For keeping a track of the wearer, the device

connects to the internet using GPRS and sends the images clicked, the sound recorded

and the GPS and GSM coordinates to the rescue team for gaining help for the wearer if

needed. In the present invention, various technologies are integrated into one single

wearable device thereby eliminating the need for purchasing and carrying multiple

devices like pulse monitor, motion monitor, phone, camera, GPS module, self defense

tools, etc. thus saving money and providing comfort to the user.

Security and Public Safety Application for a Mobile Device (2016)

In a plurality of described embodiments as stated by Dan Kerning, various

modules of an application for a client device may operate to enhance personal security for

an individual user, as well as public safety in general. A Blue-Phone-in-Pocket (bPip)

module operates comparable to, but more effectively than, the traditional college campus

blue light phone. When the user of the module toggles a button on the GUI of his/her

smartphone, the App may instantly record and transmit key information to a command

center, which operates to provide assistance to the student, at their current location,

without requiring the student to relocate to one of the tradition blue light phone fixtures.

A tracking module permits the student or other user to be tracked by his/her device until
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safely reaching a travel destination. The person may trigger an alarm if endangered

during the trip, which may prompt a respond from local law enforcement, and other

assigned individuals.

Design and Development of Women Self Defense Smart Watch Prototype (2016)

A smart watch prototype designed by Shreyas R.S, et al. Women all over the

world are facing and even subjected to unethical physical harassment. Security for

women is still a major issue as the number of crimes and harassment over women and

girls is increasing day-by-day. In this age of technology, mobile phone is one of the

gadgets that almost everyone like and uses to keep in touch with family and friends.

All they need is a device that can be carried everywhere easily. This proposed

paper deals with a quick responding, cost protection system for an individual and

especially for women using which a woman in anguish can call for help just with the

press of a button on this smart gadget. Self Defense module for women safety is like a

Smart Watch for Women safety. It has the ability to help women with technologies that

are embedded into a compact device. It has the potential to help women with

technologies that are embedded. It is specially designed for women safety and protection.

It has a control button that will be used by women to inform nearby police when they are

in distress. This watch directly gets connected to the satellite through GPS when

activated. Then the location is transferred through the GSM, it also contains a shock
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mechanism to produce non-lethal electric shock in emergency situations to deter the

attacker.

Wireless Personal Safety Device (2017)

A personal protective device invented by Scully, J.T. et al is combined with a

cellular telephone. Activation of either device causes activation of the other device.

Activation is achieved by a switch or voice command. Upon activation, a message asking

for assistance at the present location is sent to a previously agreed upon emergency

contact. The smartphone also starts both audio and video recording, which are also part of

the data sent to the emergency contact person or service. Additionally, the personal

protective devices are integrated into a unit that may combine such items as a protective

spray, Taser, strobe light, dye pack, siren and other deterrent technologies to ward off

would-be attackers. These devices are integrated into a hand held unit that can be

unobtrusively worn or carried in a purse or pocket. An optical safety device is included to

protect the user from a potential assailant approaching from rearward.

Security System (2017)

A security system designed by Sallie Mitchell Floyed, comprising a pocketable

alarm device having a receiver, antenna and a noise generator and a separate wearable

trigger device having a switch or button, a wireless transmitter and an antenna; wherein
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the trigger device comprises attachment means for detachably securing the trigger device

to a person’s body or clothing with use of a wrist strap, clip or a cord and wherein the

alarm and trigger devices are each battery powered using rechargeable batteries charged

via an electrical port, and the switch of the trigger device is operable so that the trigger

devices sends a signal wirelessly using Bluetooth (RTM) technology to the alarm device

to produce a sound by the noise generator of at least 100dB. The noise generator is a

speaker or a compressed gas system and the alarm is arranged to sound for a

predetermined period of time.

Personal Safety System with Wearable Electronic Gadget (2018)

The inventors Vidhyotma, et al have designed a light weight, adjustable,

waterproof and eco-friendly wearable gadget to make women feel safe and secure. It

includes a three button triggering system, an alarm, a camera recorder, tracking system

and emergency voice call/message system Therefore a control unit, RF receiver and

transmitter, a video recording system, GSM and GPS system, cloud computing system,

siren system, self-defense (pepper spray), switching and triggering system are essential

components of the gadget. Pressing first button allows pepper spray to leak from the

container and help the user to escape. On press of second button, the pre-recorded voice

call/messages along with person’s location is send to the helpline (1091), also to the

authenticated guardian or friend and the video starts recording and is transmitted over

cloud for future help in investigation. A siren starts to blow thus, alerting the nearby

people for immediate help.

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Conceptual Model

The figure below shows the Input Process Output Model. The IPO model is the

block by block organization of inputs, processes, and output involved in the

conceptualization of the project:

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

A. KNOWLEDGE A. DESIGN

 Arduino IDE  Emergency Button PERSONAL SAFETY

 Android Programming
 Basic Electronics
 Electronics
Communication
Principles
 Technical Data of
Modules
B. HARDWARE
 Arduino Nano
 Bluetooth Module
 Battery Unit (Lithium
Polymer Battery)
 Lithium Battery
Charging Board
 Tact Switch
 Tricolor LED
 Case Assembly
 Android Device
C. SOFTWARE
 Arduino BETA
Software
 Android Studio
 Rechargeable Device GADGET USING
 Software Design BLUETOOTH
 Design and Dimension TECHNOLOGY AND
of the Device Casing ANDROID-BASED
B. FABRICATION APPLICATION
 Emergency Button
Assembly
 Rechargeable Device
 Device Casing
C. TEST
 Emergency Button
Testing
 Response Time of the
Emergency Alert
Testing
 Cancellation of
Emergency Alert
Testing
 Accuracy of the
Location Testing
 Accuracy of the Android
Application Testing
 Rechargeable Battery
Capacity of the Device
Testing
 Full System Testing
 Troubleshooting

EVALUATION

Figure 7. Conceptual Model of Personal Safety Gadget Using Bluetooth Technology

And Android-Based Application
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Input
This block shows the knowledge, materials, equipment and services needed in

order to obtain the desired output of the project. Knowledge on Arduino IDE, Android

Programming, Basic Electronics, Electronics Communication Principles and technical

data of modules are essential to assure the functionality of each parts of the system.

Hardware materials such as Arduino Nano, Bluetooth module, battery unit, Lithium

battery charging board, tact switch, tricolor LED, case assembly, and Android device are

important in fabricating and testing the designed prototype.

Process

The process starts with the identification of the problem. Gathering of data to

identify the possible causes is the second part and the last part is to come up with a

solution to the problem. The Process block presents the different procedures included in

the Personal Safety Gadget Using Bluetooth Technology and Android-Based Application.

Designing, fabricating, and testing are the three basic processes. For the designing

process, the following are included: layout planning of the emergency button,

rechargeable battery powered device, software design, and the design and dimensions of

the device casing. The fabrication process includes the assembly of the emergency

button, rechargeable battery powered device, and the casing. The last one is the testing

process. The emergency button, response time of the emergency alert, cancellation of

emergency alert, accuracy of the location, accuracy of the Android application, and

rechargeable battery capacity of the device are tested individually to assure system’s

reliability and functionality. A full system testing is also conducted after assembling and
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interfacing the prototype properly. Troubleshooting is done when the desired output has

not been met.

Output

If the full system testing is successful, then the output which is the Personal

Safety Gadget Using Bluetooth Technology and Android-Based Application is attained.

It is a prototype project that will be activated during emergency detection to provide

safety and awareness in security. It will instantaneously send emergency alert to the

authority like the police and the user’s trusted friends and family wherein user’s location

will be tracked and monitored. The system is also an aid to prevent forthcoming threats

and crimes.

Evaluation

This part is the gathering and documentation of the assessments from respondents.

This verifies how the research project obtains a positive or negative feedback to be able

to modify or if not, suggest ideas how to enhance the project. This is based on a

questionnaire with its criteria:

1. Functionality is measured in terms of the prototype’s ability to provide

comfort and convenience to the user, the ease of operation, and its user

friendliness.
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2. Aesthetics refers to appropriateness of size and attractiveness of the design of

the locking system.

3. Workability refers to the availability of materials, components, and tools and

the presence of technical expertise of the proponents.

4. Durability is the quality of the design, materials used, and the workmanship of

the prototype that can withstand external factors.

5. Economy is measured by its fabrication cost and maintenance cost.

6. Safety refers to the absence of toxic materials, sharp edges and electrical

hazards.

7. Salability refers to the prototype’s price competency, the presence of market

demand and the accessibility of the finished product to the user.

Prior to evaluation, the operation and utilization of the project is demonstrated to

the evaluators. The test result of the demonstrations is shown to the panel as evidence of

its capability in doing what is expected of it.

The criteria for evaluation give emphasis on the project’s functionality, aesthetics,

workability, durability, economy, safety and saleability. Each criterion is rated in a scale

of 1 to 5 where 1 is poor, 2 is fair, 3 is good, 4 is very good and 5 is excellent.

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Operational Definition of Terms

Arduino – Arduino refers to an open-source electronics platform or board and the

software used to program it. An Arduino board can be purchased pre-assembled or,

because the hardware design is open source, built by hand.

A pre-assembled Arduino board includes a microcontroller, which is programmed

using Arduino programming language and the Arduino development environment. In

essence, this platform provides a way to build and program electronic components.

Transmission – it is the conversion of information-bearing signals, such as audio, video,

or other content, into electromagnetic waves, or another form, which is transmitted in a

form suitable for subsequent signal reception.

Reception – it is the conversion of information-bearing signals, such as those conveyed

via electromagnetic waves, into the signals of interest, such as music, images, or data.

Android SDK –API 23 - provides all necessary tools to develop Android applications.

This includes a compiler, debugger and a device emulator, as well as its own virtual

machine to run Android programs. Android is primarily developed by Google. Android

allows background processing, provides a rich user interface library, supports 2-D and 3-

D graphics using the OpenGL libraries, access to the file system and provides an

embedded SQLite database. Android application consists of different components and

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can re-use components of other applications. This leads to the concept of a task in

Android; an application can re-use other Android components to archive a task.

Emergency Button – is a switch pressed by the user in case of emergency to send SOS

messages that will notify authorities and contact persons

Smartphone - is a mobile phone that includes advanced functionality beyond making

phone calls and sending text messages. It is a cellular telephone with an integrated

computer and other features not originally associated with telephones, such as an

operating system, web browsing and the ability to run software applications.

Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) – is a communication technology

used to establish communication during emergency situations between the smart phone

and the authorities and contact persons

SOS Message – is a predetermined message sent to the user’s contact persons and

authorities including the current location, photos and voice recordings.

Authorities – the persons working in the government that can quickly locate the user and

provide help e.g. Philippine National Police (PNP)

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Global Positioning System (GPS) – is a radio navigation system installed at the user’s

smartphone that allows the authorities and contact persons to determine their exact

location in all weather conditions anywhere in the world.

Contact Persons – the person added by the user to receive SOS message including his

current location, photos and voice recordings in cases of emergency.

Rechargeable – is a property of a battery-operated device to be able to have its electrical

energy restored by connection to a power supply.

Vibration Feedback – is a feedback system present in smartphones that is meant to

confirm that the SOS message is about to be sent to prevent false alarm

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) - is a power-conserving variant of Bluetooth personal

area network (PAN) technology, designed for use by Internet-connected machines and

appliances. It is designed to provide significantly lower power consumption. This allows

Android apps to communicate with BLE devices that have stricter power requirements,

such as proximity sensors, heart rate monitors, and fitness devices.

Personal Safety Gadget – is a small tool or instrument that utilizes a messaging app in

order to notify the authority and the registered contact persons in case of emergency,
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when the gadget’s button is pressed. The gadget will use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE

Technology).