The following paper is to develop a wireless black box using MEMS accelerometer and GPS tracking system for accidental monitoring. MEMS is a Micro electro mechanical sensor which is a high sensitive sensor and capable of detecting the tilt. This device can perform all the tilt functions like forward, reverse, left and right directions. The system consists of cooperative components of an accelerometer, microcontroller unit, GPS device and GSM module. If any accident occurs, this wireless device will send mobile phone a short massage indicating the position of vehicle by tracing the location of the vehicle through GPS system to family member, emergency medical service (EMS) and nearest hospital. . The threshold algorithm and speed of motorcycle are used to determine fall or accident in real-time. In this project we are also using temperature sensor and CO sensor which are interfaced to the micro controller. With the help of temperature sensor we can measure amount of temperature exhausted from the vehicle. CO sensor will sense the amount of CO gas emitted from the vehicle. Whenever the CO gas level exceeds the threshold limit then the motor of the vehicle is stopped. Ultrasonic sensor in the module is used to detect any obstacle in the surroundings of the vehicle and intimates the microcontroller and the controller calculates the distance between the vehicles and if the distance is very less, then vehicle stops automatically.

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WIRELESS BLACK BOX REPORT FOR
TRACKING OF ACCIDENTAL MONITORING IN
VEHICLES
SHAIK KHADAR BASHA1
, P.SIREESH BABU 2
1
M.Tech Student, Dept of ECE, Prakasam Engineering College, Kandukur mandal, Prakasam Dist, A.P, India
2
Associate Professor, Dept of ECE, Prakasam Engineering College, Kandukur mandal, Prakasam Dist, A.P, India
Abstract: The following paper is to develop a
wireless black box using MEMS accelerometer and
GPS tracking system for accidental monitoring.
MEMS is a Micro electro mechanical sensor which is
a high sensitive sensor and capable of detecting the
tilt. This device can perform all the tilt functions like
forward, reverse, left and right directions. The system
consists of cooperative components of an
accelerometer, microcontroller unit, GPS device and
GSM module. If any accident occurs, this wireless
device will send mobile phone a short massage
indicating the position of vehicle by tracing the
location of the vehicle through GPS system to family
member, emergency medical service (EMS) and
nearest hospital. . The threshold algorithm and speed
of motorcycle are used to determine fall or accident
in real-time. In this project we are also using
temperature sensor and CO sensor which are
interfaced to the micro controller. With the help of
temperature sensor we can measure amount of
temperature exhausted from the vehicle. CO sensor
will sense the amount of CO gas emitted from the
vehicle. Whenever the CO gas level exceeds the
threshold limit then the motor of the vehicle is
stopped. Ultrasonic sensor in the module is used to
detect any obstacle in the surroundings of the vehicle
and intimates the microcontroller and the controller
calculates the distance between the vehicles and if the
distance is very less, then vehicle stops automatically.
Key words: Accelerometer, GSM module, GPS
device, Microcontroller, temperature, CO, Ultrasonic
sensor.
I. Introduction
Now a day’s accidents have become a major public
problem in many countries and in metropolitan cities.
This problem is due to rider's poor behaviors such as
speed driving, drunk driving, riding with no helmet
protection, riding without sufficient sleep, etc. Many
campaigns have been conducted by the people for the
awareness but the numbers of death and disability are
very high because of late assistance to people those
who got through the accident. Therefore, several
research groups and major motorcycle manufacturers
including Honda have developed safety devices to
protect riders from accidental injuries. Presently,
tracking system is only installed in some high-end
motorcycles because these systems are still too
expensive for most motorcycle's riders.
Thus, fall detection and accident alarm system for
two wheelers has recently gained attention because
these systems are expected to save peoples life by
helping riders to get medical treatment on time. In
this case, wireless black box using MEMS
accelerometer and GPS tracking system is developed
for accidental monitoring. If any accident occurs, this
wireless device will send a message from mobile
phone and indicating the position of vehicle by
tracking the location through GPS system to family
member, emergency medical service and nearest
hospital so that they can provide ambulance and
prepare treatment for the patients.
II. System overview
Figure.1. System overview
The system consists of cooperative components of an
accelerometer, microcontroller unit, GPS device,

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Global positioning system for Mobile module,
sensors for sending a short massage. An
accelerometer is applied for awareness and fall
detection indicating an accident. If any accident is
occurred then the location of the vehicle is traced by
the longitude and latitude values of GPS and sends a
SMS to the nearest hospitals and family members so
that they can be ready for the treatment. A high
performance 16 bits MCV is used to process and
store real-time signal from the accelerometer as well
as sensors. Sensors (CO, Temperature and ultrasonic)
work accordingly and gives the respective output. If
the temperature increases than the threshold level the
motor stops automatically. Similarly whenever the
CO level exceeds the threshold limit then the motor
of the vehicle is stopped. The ultrasonic sensor will
detect the obstacle and slows down the vehicle
according to the distance between the vehicles and if
necessary it stops the vehicle.
a. Existing system
In existing system most of the people associate black
boxes with airplanes but they are no longer just the
key tool in investigation of airplane accidents.
Presently tracking system is introduced in vehicles to
avoid the accidents and save peoples life. But these
systems are still installed in some of the high-end
motorcycles only because these systems are too
expensive for most of the motorcycle riders. In our
project we are introducing fall detection and alarm
system which is expected to save peoples life by
detecting the accidents occurred and provides help by
tracing the location of the motorcycle riders with the
help of GPS technology. This provides the
information of the motorcycle rider if any accident is
occurred to the family members and at the same time
it sends a message to the nearest hospital for the help.
b. Design of proposed hardware system
The process of working of this project is explained as
follows. The total equipment of this project is placed
inside a vehicle is not visible to others. Here we have
MEMS accelerometer which will sense the
movements of the vehicle continuously. When an
accident occurs to the vehicle the movement of the
vehicle while the incident is occurring will be
detected by the MEMS and this information is given
to microcontroller. Here we use GPS module to track
the location of the vehicle where the accident has
occurred. GPS can get the graphical location of the
vehicle and these location values are displayed on the
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).
Figure.2. Block diagram of hardware system
The location values are given to microcontroller.
Controller gives this information to GSM module. By
using GSM we can send the message to family
members, emergency medical service and nearest
hospital. In this project we have temperature sensor
and CO sensor which are interfaced to the micro
controller. Temperature sensor through which we can
measure amount of Temperature exhausted from the
vehicle. CO sensor will sense the amount of CO gas
emitted from the vehicle.
These values are also displayed on LCD. Whenever
the CO gas level exceeds the threshold limit then the
motor of the vehicle is stopped. Ultrasonic sensor in
the module is used to detect any obstacle in the
surroundings of the vehicle and intimates the
microcontroller and the controller calculates the
distance between the vehicles and if the distance is
very less then it will stop the vehicle automatically.
Arm7TDMI: ARM stands for Advanced RISC
Machines. An ARM processor is basically any
16/32bit microprocessor designed and licensed by
ARM Ltd, a microprocessor design company
headquartered in England, founded in 1990 by
Herman Hauser. A characteristic feature of ARM
processors is their low electric power consumption,
which makes them particularly suitable for use in
portable devices. It is one of the most used processors
currently in the market.
Microcontroller: The microcontroller is the heart of
the embedded system. It constantly monitors the
digitized parameters of the various sensors and
verifies them with the predefined threshold values. It
checks if any corrective action is to be taken for the
condition at that instant of time. In case such a

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situation arises, it activates the actuators to perform a
controlled operation.
c. Temperature sensor
Temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature
of a medium. Most of the temperature sensors having
temperature-dependent properties which can be
measured electrically include resistors,
semiconductor devices such as diodes, and
thermocouples. A resistance thermometer has a
sensing resistor having an electrical resistance vary
with temperature.
Figure.3. Temperature sensor
d. CO2 sensor
They are used in gas leakage detecting equipments in
family and industry, are suitable for detecting of
LPG, propane, methane, alcohol, Hydrogen, smoke.
Gas detection is important for controlling industrial
and vehicle emissions, household security and
environmental monitoring.
Figure.4. CO sensors
e. Ultrasonic sensor
The ultrasonic sensor can easily be interfaced to the
microcontrollers where the triggering and
measurement can be done using two I/O pin. The
sensor transmits an ultrasonic wave and produces an
output pulse that corresponds to the time required for
the burst echo to return to the sensor. By measuring
the echo pulse width, the distance to target can easily
be calculated.
Figure.5. Ultrasonic sensor
f. MEMS
:
Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems, is a technology
that in its most general form can be defined as
miniaturized mechanical and electro-mechanical
elements (i.e., devices and structures) that are made
using the techniques of micro fabrication. The
physical dimensions of MEMS devices can vary from
well below one micron on the lower end of the
dimensional spectrum, all the way to several
millimeters.
g. GPS
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-
based satellite navigation system that provides
location and time information in all weather
conditions, anywhere on or near the earth where there
is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS
satellites. The system provides capabilities to
military, civil and commercial users around the
world. It is maintained by the United States
government and is freely accessible to anyone with a
GPS receiver.
h. GSM modem:
Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is a
TDMA based wireless network technology developed
in Europe that is mostly used throughout the world.
GSM phones make use of a SIM card to identify the
user's account. The use of the SIM card allows GSM
network users to quickly move their phone number
from one GSM phone to another by simply moving
the SIM card. Currently GSM networks operate on
the 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, and 1900MHz
frequency bands. Devices that support all four bands
are called quad-band, with those that support 3 or 2
bands called tri-band and dual-band, respectively. In
the United States, Cingular operates on the 850 and
1900MHz bands, while T-Mobile operates only on
the 1900MHz band.

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III. Hardware system
a. MEMS:
Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems, or MEMS, is a
technology that in its most general form can be
defined as miniaturized mechanical and electro-
mechanical elements (i.e., devices and structures) that
are made using the techniques of micro fabrication.
The critical physical dimensions of MEMS devices
can vary from well below one micron on the lower
end of the dimensional spectrum, all the way to
several millimeters.
Likewise, the types of MEMS devices can vary from
relatively simple structures having no moving
elements, to extremely complex electromechanical
systems with multiple moving elements under the
control of integrated microelectronics. The one main
criterion of MEMS is that there are at least some
elements having some sort of mechanical
functionality whether or not these elements can
move. The term used to define MEMS varies in
different parts of the world. In the United States they
are predominantly called MEMS, while in some other
parts of the world they are called “Microsystems
Technology” or “micro machined devices”.
While the functional elements of MEMS are
miniaturized structures, sensors, actuators, and
microelectronics, the most notable (and perhaps most
interesting) elements are the micro sensors and micro
actuators. Micro sensors and micro actuators are
appropriately categorized as “transducers”, which are
defined as devices that convert energy from one form
to another. In the case of micro sensors, the device
typically converts a measured mechanical signal into
an electrical signal. Microelectronic integrated
circuits can be thought of as the "brains" of a system
and MEMS augments this decision-making capability
with "eyes" and "arms", to allow micro systems to
sense and control the environment. Sensors gather
information from the environment through measuring
mechanical, thermal, biological, chemical, optical,
and magnetic phenomena.
The electronics then process the information derived
from the sensors and through some decision making
capability direct the actuators to respond by moving,
positioning, regulating, pumping, and filtering,
thereby controlling the environment for some desired
outcome or purpose. Because these devices are
manufactured using batch fabrication techniques
similar to those used for integrated circuits,
unprecedented levels of functionality, reliability, and
sophistication can be placed on a small silicon chip at
a relatively low cost.
b. MEMS description:
MEMS technology can be implemented by using a
number of different materials and manufacturing
techniques; the choice of which will depend on the
device being created and the market sector in which it
has to operate.
c. Applications
In one viewpoint MEMS application is categorized
by type of use.
 Sensor
 Actuator
 Structure
Figure.6. Micro electromechanical systems chip, sometimes
called "lab on a chip"
In another view point MEMS applications are
categorized by the field of application (Commercial
applications include):
0. Inkjet printers, which use piezoelectric or
thermal bubble ejection to deposit ink on
paper.
1. Accelerometers in modern cars for a large
number of purposes including airbag
deployment in collisions.
2. Accelerometers in consumer electronics
devices such as game controllers (Nintendo
Wii), personal media players / cell phones
(Apple iPhone, various Nokia mobile phone
models, various HTC PDA models)[9]
and a
number of Digital Cameras (various Canon
Digital IXUS models). Also used in PCs to
park the hard disk head when free-fall is
detected, to prevent damage and data loss.
3. MEMS gyroscopes used in modern cars and
other applications to detect yaw; e.g. to deploy
a roll over bar or trigger dynamic stability
control.

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4. Silicon pressure sensors e.g. car tire pressure
sensors, and disposable blood pressure
sensors.
5. Displays e.g. the DMD chip in a projector
based on DLP technology has on its surface
several hundred thousand micro mirrors.
6. Optical switching technology which is used for
switching technology and alignment for data
communications.
7. Bio-MEMS applications in medical and health
related technologies from Lab-On-Chip to
Micro Total Analysis (biosensor,
chemosensory).
8. Interferometric modulator display (IMOD)
applications in consumer electronics (primarily
displays for mobile devices). Used to create
interferometric modulation - reflective display
technology as found in mirasol displays.
Companies with strong MEMS programs come in
many sizes. The larger firms specialize in
manufacturing high volume inexpensive components
or packaged solutions for end markets such as
automobiles, biomedical, and electronics. The
successful small firms provide value in innovative
solutions and absorb the expense of custom
fabrication with high sales margins. In addition, both
large and small companies work in R&D to explore
MEMS technology.
IV. GPS technology
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite
based navigation system that can be used to locate
positions anywhere on earth. Designed and operated
by the U.S. Department of Defense, it consists of
satellites, control and monitor stations, and receivers.
GPS receivers take information transmitted from the
satellites and uses triangulation to calculate a user’s
exact location. GPS is used on incidents in a variety
of ways, such as:
 To determine position locations; for example,
you need to radio a helicopter pilot the
coordinates of your position location so the
pilot can pick you up.
 To navigate from one location to another; for
example, you need to travel from a lookout to
the fire perimeter.
 To create digitized maps; for example, you
are assigned to plot the fire perimeter and
hot spots.
 To determine distance between two points or
how far you are from another location.
a. How the Global Positioning System Works
The basis of the GPS is a constellation of satellites that
are continuously orbiting the earth. These satellites,
which are equipped with atomic clocks, transmit radio
signals that contain their exact location, time, and
other information. The radio signals from the
satellites, which are monitored and corrected by
control stations, are picked up by the GPS receiver. A
Global Positioning System receiver needs only three
satellites to plot a rough, 2D position, which will not
be very accurate. Ideally, four or more satellites are
needed to plot a 3D position, which is much more
accurate.
b. Three Segments of GPS
The three segments of GPS are the space, control,
and user (Figure 5-1).
 Space Segment — Satellites orbiting the
earth
The space segment consists of 29 satellites circling the
earth every 12 hours at 12,000 miles in altitude. This
high altitude allows the signals to cover a greater area.
The satellites are arranged in their orbits so a GPS
receiver on earth can receive a signal from at least four
satellites at any given time. Each satellite contains
several atomic clocks. Satellites transmit low radio
signals with a unique code on different frequencies,
allowing the GPS receiver to identify the signals. The
main purpose of these coded signals is to allow the
GPS receiver to calculate travel time of the radio signal
from the satellite to the receiver. The travel time
multiplied by the speed of light equals the distance
from the satellite to the GPS receiver.
 Control Segment — The control and
monitoring stations
The control segment tracks the satellites and then
provides them with corrected orbital and time
information. The control segment consists of five
unmanned monitor stations and one Master Control
Station. The five unmanned stations monitor GPS
satellite signals and then send that information to the
Master Control Station where anomalies are corrected
and sent back to the GPS satellites through ground
antennas.
 User Segment — The GPS receivers owned
by civilians and military

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The user segment consists of the users and their GPS
receivers. The number of simultaneous users is
limitless.
c. How Does GPS Technology Work?
The following points provide a summary of the
technology at work:
 The control segment constantly monitors the
GPS constellation and uploads information
to satellites to provide maximum user
accuracy
 Your GPS receiver collects information from
the GPS satellites that are in view.
 Your GPS receiver accounts for errors. For
more information, refer to the Sources of
Errors.
 Your GPS receiver determines your current
location, velocity, and time.
 Your GPS receiver can calculate other
information, such as bearing, track, trip
distance, and distance to destination, sunrise
and sunset time so forth.
 Your GPS receiver displays the applicable
information on the screen.
d. GSM (Global positioning system for mobiles)
Definition: Global system for mobile communication
is a globally accepted standard for digital cellular
communication. GSM is the name of a
standardization group established in 1982 to create a
common European mobile telephone standard that
would formulate specifications for a pan-European
mobile cellular radio system operating at 900 MHz It
is estimated that many countries outside of Europe
will join the GSM partnership.
Description: GSM, the Global System for Mobile
communications, is a digital cellular communications
system, which has rapidly gained acceptance and
market share worldwide, although it was initially
developed in a European context. In addition to
digital transmission, GSM incorporates many
advanced services and features, including ISDN
compatibility and worldwide roaming in other GSM
networks. The advanced services and architecture of
GSM have made it a model for future third-
generation cellular systems, such as UMTS. This
paper will give an overview of the services offered by
GSM, the system architecture, the radio transmission.
e. Architecture of the GSM network
A GSM network is composed of several functional
entities, whose functions and interfaces are specified.
Figure 1 shows the layout of a generic GSM network.
The GSM network can be divided into three broad
parts. Subscriber carries the Mobile Station. The
Base Station Subsystem controls the radio link with
the Mobile Station. The Network Subsystem, the
main part of which is the Mobile services switching
Center (MSC), performs the switching of calls
between the mobile users, and between mobile and
fixed network users. Not shown is the Operations
intendance Center, which oversees the proper
operation and setup of the network. The Mobile
Station and the Base Station Subsystem communicate
across the Um interface, also known as the air
interface or radio link. The Base Station Subsystem
communicates with the Mobile services Switching
Center across the A interface.
Figure.7. General Architecture of a GSM network
V. Conclusion
The system wireless black box using MEMS
accelerometer and GPS tracking has been developed
for motorcycle accidental monitoring. The system
can detect the type of accident (linear and nonlinear
fall) from accelerometer signal using threshold
algorithm, posture after crashing of motorcycle and
GPS ground speed. After accident is detected, short
alarm massage data (alarm massage and position of
accident) will be sent via GSM network. Sensors
(CO, Temperature and ultrasonic) work accordingly
and gives the respective output. If the temperature
increases than the threshold level the motor stops
automatically. Similarly whenever the CO gas level
exceeds the threshold limit then the motor of the
vehicle is stopped. The ultrasonic sensor detects the
obstacle and slowdowns the vehicle according to the
distance between the vehicles and if necessary it
stops the vehicle.

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Shaik Khadar Basha, pursuing her M.Tech in VLSI
and Embedded Systems from Prakasam Engineering
College, Kandukur mandal, Prakasam Dist, A.P,
India. Affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru Technological
University, Kakinada, and is approved by AICTE
Delhi.
Sireesh Babu, his Qualification is M.tech(Ph.d),
currently working as an Associate Professor, in the
Department of Electronics and communication
Engineering, Prakasam Engineering College,
Kandukur mandal, Prakasam Dist, A.P, and India.
Affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru Technological
University, Kakinada, and is approved by AICTE
Delhi.