HomeGuard v0.5

When I started this project, I had written a couple of micro service applications for every security state setting. For example, an away state contains a cancellable countdown trigger for exiting your home and sets your home security system in DEFCON-1 modus, while an at home state has totally different security variables. In the current POC I have combined these in one app to rule them all. So, the basics are done "Huston we have a POC running".

There’s no ‘central brain’, I have chosen for a decentralized model for now. This breaks up complexity and the risk of showstoppers, which is something you want to avoid in an alarm system. The basic model, architecture and hardware of an alarm system is not that complex. You have your security camera's, alarm sirene, motion sensors, door/window sensors, presence sensors, vibration sensors and door locks. The complexity exists within check-ups and edge cases. Is the alarm already on? Which security state is it currently running: home, night, away? Is a door or window open? What if someone has tampered with your equipment? Etc.

To manage this complexity, I broke it down into feature releases.

So, this release contains:

• Arming and disarming of the alarm system and setting security state by app or NFC.
• Home automation geofencing for family members.
• NFC base unit and tags for family members for operating the alarm system.
• Open and close check-up of window and door sensors.
• Notifications on device.
• Auditable feedback on device.
• Voice feedback on device which can also be used by Siri.

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The RFID Type 4 tags I Am using for arming and disarming by my family members is scalable, will allow user friendly interaction and is secure. They don’t have to remember a personal passcode, which is not secure and gives extra levels of stress.

If a tag gets lost, it’s too bad 0.49ct down the drain, but when removed from the paired device it’s useless.

If you scale up your smart home to a full security & comfort system, like I did, you’ll be needing some extra sensors like smoke/CO2/gas (TVOC air quality) sensors, water leak sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors and smart lights, smart thermostat, Airco. Sometimes these sensors are bundled in one device. These sensors will give you peace of mind and can even save your life but can also provide extra home security features. Do you know how much I have to think about opening or locking my front door or setting my thermostat? 0-times!

So, let’s talk upcoming releases! These are a couple of epics currently in progress or on the backlog:

Tampering

• Around or inside your home

Loitering

• Person detection
• Vehicle detection

NFC Encryption

• Anti-eavesdropping
• Anti-relay attacks

Blinding or Jamming security camera’s

• Infrared
• Magnets

I've already received several questions regarding this project, and I want to share those answers here:

Q: Are you going to sell this system when you’re done?

A: No, I am not going to sell it, maybe I will share the code, but it is very specific to my home setup and wishes.

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Q: Can you do my home too?

A: This project is a lot of work, contains a lot of thinking/tinkering and has a lot of personal preferences which may not be suitable for you.

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Q: What happens when your alarm or security system doesn’t work?

A: I Am rigorously testing every possible scenario; will it be unbreakable? NO! Nothing is unbreakable. You can only make it more difficult and secure your home better than your neighbour. FREE TIP!

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Q: What happens when this project fails?

A: If it fails, I’ve learned a lot!

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Next update will be on the hardware prototype iteration, if you want to keep up-to-date just follow me.

Kaizen (改善)