Smart Home Security with Windows IoT

Project Overview

Explore how to leverage Windows IoT to build a robust and intelligent smart home security system. This project demonstrates integrating various sensors, cameras, and control mechanisms to provide advanced protection and monitoring capabilities for your residence.

From real-time alerts and remote access to sophisticated threat detection, Windows IoT offers the flexibility and power to create a truly secure smart home.

Key Features

HD Surveillance: Integrate IP cameras for live streaming and recorded footage.

Access Control: Implement smart lock integration for secure entry management.

Motion Detection & Alerts: Utilize PIR sensors and motion detection algorithms to trigger instant notifications.

Environmental Monitoring: Integrate sensors for smoke, gas, and water leaks for comprehensive safety.

Remote Monitoring & Control: Access your system from anywhere via a web interface or dedicated mobile app.

Getting Started

Begin building your smart home security system with Windows IoT by following these steps:

  1. Hardware Setup: Select a compatible Windows IoT device (e.g., Raspberry Pi with Windows IoT Enterprise) and necessary sensors (PIR, door/window contacts, cameras, smoke detectors).
  2. Software Installation: Install the Windows IoT operating system and necessary development tools (Visual Studio, SDKs).
  3. Sensor Integration: Connect sensors to your device and write UWP or .NET applications to read sensor data.
  4. Camera Streaming: Configure and integrate IP cameras, potentially using MediaCapture API for UWP.
  5. Notification System: Implement a system to send alerts via email, push notifications, or SMS when security events occur.
  6. User Interface: Develop a simple web dashboard or a UWP app for monitoring and control.
View Detailed Hardware Requirements

Example Code Snippet (C# UWP - PIR Sensor)

This snippet illustrates reading data from a PIR motion sensor connected to a GPIO pin.


using Windows.Devices.Gpio;
using System;

// ... inside your class or method ...

private GpioPin pirPin;
private const int PirPinNumber = 17; // Example GPIO pin

public async void InitializePIRSensor()
{
    var controller = await GpioController.GetDefaultAsync();
    if (controller == null)
    {
        // Handle error: GPIO controller not available
        return;
    }

    pirPin = controller.OpenPin(PirPinNumber);
    if (pirPin == null)
    {
        // Handle error: Pin not available or already in use
        return;
    }

    pirPin.SetDriveMode(GpioPinDriveMode.Input);
    pirPin.ValueChanged += PirPin_ValueChanged;
}

private void PirPin_ValueChanged(GpioPin sender, GpioPinValueChangedEventArgs args)
{
    if (args.Edge == GpioPinEdge.RisingEdge)
    {
        // Motion detected! Trigger alerts or actions.
        System.Diagnostics.Debug.WriteLine("Motion Detected!");
        // TODO: Send notification, log event, etc.
    }
}

// Remember to dispose the pin when done
// public void DisposePIRSensor() { pirPin?.Dispose(); }