Project
Project
BONIC OCHARO
COM/0049/20
A System Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science of Kibabii University
April, 2025
DECLARATION
This project proposal is my original work prepared with no other than the indicated sources
and support and has not been presented elsewhere for a degree or any other award.
_____________________
______________________________
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DR. Etene Date
Department of Computer Science
Kibabii University
ABSTRACT
The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) technology has revolutionized home security
systems, with smart doorbells emerging as a critical component of modern residential
protection. This project presents the design, development, and implementation of an IoT-
based Smart Doorbell System with Mobile Application Integration, focusing on real-time
monitoring, remote access, and enhanced security features. The system comprises a hardware
doorbell unit equipped with a high-definition camera, motion sensors, and two-way audio,
paired with a cross-platform mobile application for user interaction.
Key functionalities include live video streaming, motion-triggered alerts, cloud-based video
storage, and smart home integration. The doorbell connects via Wi-Fi to a centralized cloud
server, enabling secure data transmission to the mobile app. Advanced features such as facial
recognition, night vision mode, and geofencing further enhance usability and security. The
accompanying mobile application, developed for both iOS and Android platforms, provides
an intuitive user interface for managing alerts, reviewing recorded footage, and customizing
settings.
This project bridges gaps in existing smart doorbell solutions by offering a cost-effective,
privacy-conscious, and scalable system suitable for diverse residential environments. Future
work includes AI-driven anomaly detection and expanded smart home ecosystem
compatibility. The results underscore the potential of IoT technologies to redefine home
security while addressing critical challenges in energy efficiency, data privacy, and user
accessibility.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPROVAL..........................................................................................................................................ii
ACRONYMS........................................................................................................................................iii
ABSTRACT.........................................................................................................................................iv
LIST OF APPENDICES.......................................................................................................................vi
1.4 Objectives....................................................................................................................................2
1.6 Scope...........................................................................................................................................3
1.7 Significance.................................................................................................................................3
1.8 Deliverables.................................................................................................................................4
4.1 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................9
4.2 DATABASE................................................................................................................................9
1.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................................13
6.1. INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................15
6.5 Recommendations.....................................................................................................................17
REFERNCES......................................................................................................................................19
APPENDICES.....................................................................................................................................20
LIST OF APPENDICES
Traditional doorbells show their deficiencies in comparison to their modern smart alternatives
because they provide minimal audio signals when visitors approach. The fusion of IoT connectivity
with cutting-edge technologies, most notably facial recognition, unlocks a new paradigm of
functionality for doorbells. These technological advancements allow smart doorbells to advance
from basic notification functions to identifying people who approach the residence. A smart doorbell
employs its identification systems to deliver instantly activated real-time alerts containing visual
content to mobile users from anywhere they are situated. A comprehensive home security system
united with such smart doorbells creates an optimized security framework which guarantees better
safety and serenity for homeowners. The combination of these innovative technologies establishes a
major advancement in human-augmented interactions with house entry points.
1.4 Objectives
Provide real-time notifications to homeowners when someone is at the door.
The problem of inadequate home security and limited functionality in traditional doorbell
systems is significantly amplified in today's interconnected world. This amplification creates
a compelling need for an IoT-enabled smart doorbell solution with face recognition
capabilities. This justification will delve into the specific issues and how a smart doorbell
mobile application, enhanced with face recognition, addresses them.
Enhanced security needs in the IoT era highlights several key issues. As homes become more
connected with various IoT devices, the potential attack surface for malicious actors expands.
A traditional doorbell offers no security and can be easily exploited as a starting point for
unwanted intrusion or package theft. Furthermore, homeowners are increasingly mobile and
rely on remote monitoring to maintain security. Traditional doorbells lack the capability to
provide real-time information about who is at the door when the resident is away, creating a
significant security blind spot. Traditional doorbells are reactive, only signalling after
someone is at the door. Smart doorbells with face recognition offer a proactive approach by
potentially identifying threats before an incident occurs. For instance, the system can alert the
homeowner to the presence of a known or suspicious individual.
The limitations of traditional doorbells in the context of smart homes also become apparent.
Traditional doorbells operate in isolation, failing to integrate with other smart home systems.
This prevents the creation of a unified security ecosystem where, for example, a doorbell
camera could trigger other security measures like smart locks or alarm systems. Moreover,
traditional doorbells offer no record of who visited, which can be crucial for security
purposes (e.g., identifying perpetrators after a crime) or for simply knowing who came by.
For individuals with mobility issues, or when homeowners are simply occupied, traditional
doorbells offer no way to remotely interact with visitors.
The role of face recognition is crucial in addressing these problems. Face recognition
provides a way to positively identify visitors, distinguishing between known family members,
friends, and unknown individuals. This allows for tailored responses, such as automatically
unlocking the door for a recognized family member or sending an alert for an unrecognized
person. The presence of a smart doorbell with face recognition can act as a deterrent to crime.
Potential intruders are less likely to target a home equipped with such a system, knowing that
their identity can be recorded and potentially shared with law enforcement. Additionally,
integrating face recognition reduces false alarms compared to simple motion detection. The
system can be trained to only alert the homeowner when a human face is detected,
minimizing unnecessary notifications.
1.6 Scope
The IoT-based smart doorbell system will encompass the following functional requirements:
the system will send instant real-time notifications to the homeowner's smartphone upon
doorbell presses or motion detection; possess facial recognition capabilities to identify
visitors by comparing their faces with a pre-stored database of known individuals, and
provide the homeowner with the visitor's identity; enable homeowners to communicate with
visitors in real-time through a mobile application, even remotely; provide live video
streaming of the door area; integrate with other smart home devices, such as smart locks,
lights, and security cameras, to deliver a comprehensive home security solution; and store
visitor data, including images and timestamps, in a secure cloud-based database for future
reference..
1.7 Significance
The significance of this IoT-based smart doorbell project lies in its potential to transform home
security and enhance user convenience through advanced technological integration. By providing
real-time notifications, facial recognition, and two-way communication, the system empowers
homeowners with greater control over their property and awareness of visitors, even from remote
locations. Furthermore, the system's ability to integrate with other smart home devices enables a
more cohesive and comprehensive security ecosystem, while the secure storage of visitor data offers
valuable information for future reference and potential security concerns.
1.8 Deliverables
Implement an Android mobile application
Hardware requirements
Authentication
Authorization
System database
Availability
Data integrity
The android application will advocate consistence and accuracy of the provided data and
information
RAM -2 GB
Backend- SQLite,
Platform-android applications
1.10 Programming Languages
java
Sqlite3
C/C++
CHAPTER TWO: SYSTEM REVIEW
Compared to commercial solutions (e.g., Ring, Nest), this system eliminates subscription fees,
prioritizes on-device processing for privacy, and offers customization through open-source software.
Key features include real-time alerts, visitor logs, and smart home integration (e.g., triggering lights
or locks). The design emphasizes scalability (MQTT/HTTP protocols), security (TLS encryption), and
offline functionality (local AI models). By combining affordable hardware, edge AI, and IoT
connectivity, this project delivers a low-cost, privacy-focused alternative to existing smart doorbells.
Commenced with a comprehensive requirement analysis phase., Established functional and non-
functional specifications.
Real-time video streaming capabilities., Two-way audio communication., Accurate face detection
and recognition., Motion-activated alerts., Secure cloud-based storage for visitor records
Choose a programming language and development framework based on factors such as scalability,
performance, and developer expertise.
Clean and pre-process the data to ensure consistency, accuracy, and relevance for training the
chatbot.
Organize the data into structured formats suitable for input into the chatbot model.
4. App Development:
Design the architecture of the app architecture, including input processing, dialogue management,
and response generation components.
Develop an android interface, develop a Wokwi simulation and establish communication then test;
User interface design adhered to Material Design principles. The design features four primary
screens: a secure login/registration portal, a real-time camera feed display, a visitor log with filtering
capabilities, and a settings panel for system customization. The user experience was prioritized
through minimalist layouts, clear navigation hierarchies, and responsive interaction elements.
Poor scalability.
4.1 INTRODUCTION
Database Design is defined as a collection of steps that was used in designing, creating,
implementing, and maintaining student online voting systems. The main purpose of designing
a database is to produce physical and logical models of designs for the database system.
4.2 DATABASE
A database includes bulk information deposited in a framework, making it easier to locate
and explore relevant information. A well-designed database contains accurate and up-to-date
information, allowing and data to be fetched easily whenever needed.
SPLASHSCREEN
USERNAME APPLICATION STATUS
LOG OUT
LOGIN
PASSWORD
Figure 4a: Level 0 Dataflow Diagram for IoT Smart Doorbell APP
START
Log in
Password
YES
Owner
App functionality
Approved
On visiting the mobile application, this is the first page the user interacts with. It serves as the
starting point to prospective users. The individual is required to provide a username and
password for authentication into the system.
When logging in the next page depends on the type of person logged in i.e. when the admin
logs in the page that appears is different with the page that appears when the voter logs in
1.1 Introduction
Consists of all of the activities required to build and validate the new system to the point at which it
can be turned over for System Acceptance. Development efforts in this phase are based on the
technical solution created during System Design, which, in turn, was based on the functional and
operational requirements captured during System Requirements Analysis.
Included in this phase is the construction of all components of the system, including utilities required
to adequately prepare and load the data. In addition, System Construction consists of a series of tests
of the system components, with each set of tests being performed against a progressively larger
grouping of components until the operation of the system in its entirety has been verified
5.2. Users registration form
Functional Testing
Functional testing ensures the smart doorbell works as intended. Test cases include verifying
doorbell press detection, live video streaming, two-way audio, motion alerts, and cloud
storage. The mobile app controls, such as remote unlocking and settings customization,
should also be validated. This testing confirms all features meet user requirements without
errors.
Integration Testing
Integration testing checks interactions between hardware, firmware, cloud services, and the
mobile app. Key tests include Bluetooth/Wi-Fi pairing, cloud API communication, third-
party integrations (e.g., Alexa), and firmware updates. Ensuring seamless data flow between
components prevents failures in real-world usage.
Usability Testing
Usability testing evaluates the user experience of the mobile app and doorbell interface.
Testers assess app navigation, notification clarity, and accessibility features like voice
commands. Feedback from real users helps improve intuitiveness, ensuring the system is easy
to set up and operate.
Performance Testing
Performance testing measures system reliability under different conditions. Tests include
network latency impact, load handling during peak usage, stress scenarios (e.g., firmware
updates while streaming), and long-term stability checks. This ensures smooth operation even
under heavy usage.
Security Testing
Security testing protects against vulnerabilities and unauthorized access. Tests include
authentication checks, data encryption validation, penetration testing (e.g., MITM attacks),
and physical tamper detection. Ensuring robust security prevents breaches and maintains user
trust.6.2.1 Security Features Built-in in the System
c) Password authentication: This is another good security feature for checking all
unauthorized attempts.
g) System also ensures that the username entered during registration is the school registration
number that is active in the school ERP
The Smart Doorbell Mobile App connects your smartphone to your IoT doorbell, enabling real-time
monitoring, two-way communication, and instant alerts. Designed for both iOS and Android devices,
this app transforms your phone into a powerful security tool, letting you see and speak with visitors
from anywhere. Whether you're at home or away, you'll never miss a delivery or guest again with
these intuitive controls at your fingertips.
Getting Started
Begin by downloading the app from your device's official app store. After installation, create your
account using an email address or mobile number, then verify through the confirmation link or OTP
code. To connect your doorbell, ensure it's powered on and in setup mode, then follow the in-app
pairing instructions which will guide you through Wi-Fi configuration and QR code scanning. The
app will confirm when your device is successfully connected and ready for use.
Core Features
The home screen displays your live feed button, event history log, and settings menu. When visitors
press your doorbell or trigger motion sensors, you'll receive immediate push notifications - tap these
to view live footage or initiate two-way conversations. The video interface includes microphone and
speaker toggles, along with snapshot and recording functions for documentation. Customize motion
detection sensitivity and designated activity zones to reduce false alerts from passing cars or animals.
Advanced Functionality
Enhance your experience by integrating with smart home systems like Alexa or Google Assistant for
voice-controlled access. Share limited app access with family members through the user management
settings while maintaining admin control. The app automatically notifies you about important
firmware updates that improve performance and security - always install these promptly while
keeping your doorbell connected to power and Wi-Fi.
For common issues like connection drops or notification delays, first check your Wi-Fi signal and
restart both app and doorbell. If live feed quality suffers, adjust your router settings or move the
doorbell closer to your access point. Battery-powered models may need frequent charging if motion
alerts are set to high sensitivity. Visit the in-app support section for detailed troubleshooting guides or
to contact our customer service team for personalized assistance.
Security Recommendations
Protect your privacy by using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication.
Regularly review your event history and connected devices to spot any unauthorized access. The app
employs end-to-end encryption for all video transmissions, but you should still keep your
smartphone's operating system updated for maximum security. For optimal performance, maintain
both app and doorbell firmware at their latest versions through automatic updates.
6.4 Conclusion
The Smart Doorbell Mobile App puts security and convenience in the palm of your hand, allowing
you to monitor your doorstep in real time, communicate with visitors, and review past events with
ease. By following this guide, you can maximize all the app’s features—from motion detection
customization to smart home integrations—ensuring a seamless and secure experience.
Should you encounter any issues, refer to the troubleshooting tips or reach out to our support team for
assistance. Keep your app and doorbell firmware updated to enjoy the latest enhancements and
security protections.
6.5 Recommendations
To ensure the best performance and security from your IoT Smart Doorbell App, we recommend the
following:
Regular Updates
Keep both the mobile app and doorbell firmware updated to access the latest features and security
patches. Enable automatic updates when possible.
Use a stable Wi-Fi network (preferably 2.4GHz for better range or 5GHz for faster speeds) to
minimize lag in live feeds and notifications.
Regularly review connected devices and event logs for suspicious activity.
Position the doorbell at a height of 48-56 inches (1.2-1.4m) for the best facial recognition.
Ensure the lens is free from obstructions (e.g., direct sunlight, spider webs).
REFERNCES
CISCO Systems. (2022). IoT security best practices: Protecting connected devices.
[Link]
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2020). Guidelines for IoT device
cybersecurity: Core baseline (Special Publication 800-213). U.S. Department of Commerce.
[Link]
Zhang, L., & Li, X. (2021). Privacy concerns in smart home applications: A user perspective. Journal
of Cybersecurity and Privacy, 1(3), 412–428. [Link]
APPENDICES
Appendix I: Project Schedule
30 days
Design
5 days
Testing
5 days
Implementation
5 days
Maintenance
55 days Documentation
Appendix II: Project Budget
4. Computer storage devices such as Flash disk 16 GB, Hard Disk 500
500GB and CD ROMs
Total 42000