SENSOR TECHNOLOGY AND CAR ALARM SYSTEM – students’ hand-out
http://www.howstuffworks.com/http://blackheathbugle.wordpress.com/
1. Watch the video »Viper Car Security/Alarm System with Proximity Sensors«
andcomplete the sentences.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OQk3XjLPvU, 4.59
1. The speaker is presenting a new Viper security system with________________________.
2. It detects you when you ________________________.
3. When you arm the system you hear a ____________________ .
4. The alarm goes on for _____________________ .
5. If the burgler leaves the door open the alarm system is still armed and active for
___________________.
6. It also has sensors to sense if the truck is __________________.
7. The system is still armed and active even though the alarm system________________ .
8. Another cool feature is that that when you have the system armed or whenever, there
___________________informing anyone that the car has the security system.
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HOW CAR ALARMS WORK
http://www.howstuffworks.com/car-alarm.htm
Photo courtesy Directed Electronicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car_alarm
The Sidewinder car-alarm system includes a number of sensors and alarm signals.
Car alarm siren
2. Discuss the following questions in small groups.
You’ ll find the answers in the following text.
1. When was, according to documentation, stolen the first car?
2. Why are cars so interesting for thieves?
3. Has an absolutely perfect car alarm system already been invented?
4. What does the simplest alarm system consist of?
5. What does a sophisticated alarm system consist of?
6. What is the “brain” of the system?
7. What is “the brain’s” function?
8. What happens to a sophisticated car alarm system if an intruder clips the battery cables?
The first documented case of car theft was in 1896, only a decade after gas-powered cars were
first introduced. From that early era to today, cars have been a natural target for thieves: They
are valuable, reasonably easy to resell and they have a built-in getaway system. Some studies
claim that a car gets broken into every 20 seconds in the United States alone.
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In this article, we'll look at modern car alarms to find out what they do and how they do it. It's
amazing how elaborate modern car alarms are, but it's even more remarkable that car thieves
still find a way to get past them.
The Basics
If you want to think about a car alarm in its simplest form, it is nothing but one or more
sensors connected to some sort of a siren. The very simplest alarm would have a switch on
the driver's door, and it would be wired so that if someone opened the door the siren would
start wailing. You could implement this car alarm with a switch, a couple of pieces of wire
and a siren.
Most modern car alarm systems are much more sophisticated than this. They consist of:

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An array of sensors that can include switches, pressure sensors and motion detectors
A siren, often able to create a variety of sounds so that you can pick a distinct sound
for your car
A radio receiver to allow wireless control from a key fob
An auxiliary battery so that the alarm can operate even if the main battery gets
disconnected
A computer control unit that monitors everything and sounds the alarm -- the "brain"
of the system

The brain in most advanced systems is actually a small computer. The brain's job is to close
the switches that activate alarm devices -- your horn, headlights or an installed siren -- when
certain switches that power sensing devices are opened or closed. Security systems differ
mainly in which sensors are used and how the various devices are wired into the brain.
The brain and alarm features may be wired to the car's main battery, but they usually have a
backup power source as well. This hidden battery kicks in when somebody cuts off the main
power source (by clipping the battery cables, for example). Since cutting the power is a
possible indication of an intruder, it triggers the brain to sound the alarm.
In the following sections, we'll look at a variety of sensors to see how they work and how they
are connected to the alarm system's brain.
3. Can you think of any other ways of protecting your car ?
- Funny trick , how to protect your car: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yRW2mMr2BA, 0.19
- World's best anti-theft system: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSbjgXbDUzo&feature=related, 0.33
-The best anti-car-theft device I've found: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em-Hgn3-aRs&feature=related, 1.57
http://www.flixya.com/photo/1945372/Need-More-Security-for-your-New-Car
WHEEL CLAMP, http://www.traderscity.com
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Proximity sensor
Adapted from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proximity_sensor
A proximity sensor is a sensor able to detect the presence of nearby objects without any
physical contact. A proximity sensor often emits an electromagnetic or electrostatic field, or a
beam of electromagnetic radiation (infrared, for instance), and looks for changes in the field
or return signal.
The object being sensed is often referred to as the proximity sensor's target.
Different proximity sensor targets demand different sensors.
For example:
- acapacitive or photoelectric sensor might be suitable for a plastic target
- aninductive proximity sensor requires a metal target.
Proximity sensors can have a high reliability and long functional life because of the absence
of mechanical parts and lack of physical contact between sensor and the sensed object.
A proximity sensor adjusted to a very short range is often used as a touch switch.
A proximity sensor is divided in two halves and if the two halves move away from each other,
then a signal is activated.
A proximity sensor can be used in windows, and when the window opens an alarm is
activated.
Applications
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Car bumpers that sense distance to nearby cars for parking
Ground proximity warning system for aviation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_proximity_warning_system
Vibration | Position measurements of rotating shafts in machinery
Anti-aircraft artillery
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-aircraft_warfare
Mobile phones
http://www.1800pocketpc.com/2009/07/08/proximity-sensor-video-demo-on-windows-mobile.html (video, 037)
Roller Coasters ...
Parking sensor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parktronic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_Coaster
Video from inside a roller coaster car
The Netherlands) (59s)
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4. The words in A are highlighted in the previous text. Match a word in A with a
definition in B.
A
B
A) A desired goal
B) nearness or closeness
C) A device that detects the presence of a
1. inductive proximity sensor
2. capacitive or photoelectric sensor
3. to emit (an electromagnetic field)
4. to adjust (to a short range)
5. proximity
6. reliability
plastic object without physical contact.
D) the quality of being dependable or reliable
E) give off, send forth, or discharge
F) A device that detects the presence of a metal
object without physical contact.
7. target
G) to adapt
CAPACITOR, CONDENSER, KONDENZATOR
An electric circuit element used to store charge temporarily, consisting in general of two metallic
plates separated and insulated from each other by a dielectric.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/capacitor
5. Unscramble the tiles to reveal a message.
Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com
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INDUCTIVE SENSORS
6. Complete the crossword with the help of the specification lists for inductive sensors.
http://dev.emcelettronica.com/inductive-touch-how-does-it-work
Across
2. žila(kabla)
4. bron
5. obremenljivost(toka)
6. navoj
11. kratek stik
12. tok
14. matica
15. izhod
17. teža
18. napetost
19. pribor, dodatek, oprema
Down
1. prikazovalnik
2. priključek
3. zaščita
7. izguba, znižanje
8. vgradno
9. nerjaveč
10. jeklo
11. stikalo
13. razdalja, območje, razpon
16. preobremenitev
Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com
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7. Go into the mechatronics workshop and prepare the presentation of the sensors on
the production line in English. Ask one of the students to video record the
presentation.
It will be used as a didactic material for other students of Mechatronics.
SŠTS – Mechatronics workshop, photo:SŠTS
Students’ video: SORTING ASSEMBLY LINE”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8uYfXRqle8
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SENSOR TECHNOLOGY AND CAR ALARM SYSTEM -the KEY
http://www.howstuffworks.com/http://blackheathbugle.wordpress.com/
1.Watch the video »Viper Car Security/Alarm System with Proximity Sensors«
and complete the sentences.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OQk3XjLPvU
1. The speaker is presenting a new Viper security system with_________________.(proximity)
2. It detects you when you ___________.(become too close to the car)
3. When you arm the system you hear a __________ .(beep)
4. The alarm goes on for ____________ .(three minutes).
5. If the burgler leaves the door open the alarm system is still armed and active for
________________. (any future people)
6. It also has sensors to sense if the truck is _____________. (moving)
7. The system is still armed and active even though the alarm system____________ . (went off)
8. Another cool feature is that that when you have the system armed or whenever, there
___________________(blinks a blue light), informing anyone that the car has the security
system.
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2. Discuss the following questions in small groups.
You’ ll find the answers in the following text.
1. When was, according to documentation, stolen the first car?
In 1896
2. Why are cars so interesting for thieves?
They are valuable, reasonably easy to resell and they have a built-in getaway system.
3. Has an absolutely perfect car alarm system already been invented?
No, it hasn' t.
Car thieves still find a way to get past the most elaborate of them.
4. What does the simplest alarm system consist of?
- one or more sensors connected to some sort of a siren, a switch on the driver' s door
5. What does a sophisticated alarm system consist of?
- an array of sensors
- switches, pressure sensors and motion detectors
- a siren
- a radio receiver
- a computer control unit
6. What is the “brain” of the system?
Acomputer control unit
7. What is “the brain’s” function?
To close the switches that activate alarm devices
8. What happens to a sophisticated car alarm system if an intruder clips the battery cables?
The hidden battery kicks in (starts or becomes activated).
3. Can you think of any other ways of protecting your car ?
Some ideas:
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Park your car in a crowded place
Park your car were everyone can see it (or rather: see the thief)
Park your car next to nicer looking car hoping it will be the victim instead
Take your detachable face plate with you!
Install an alarm system, it will at least make your car less attractive than cars without
one
Do not attach stickers showing the make of your alarm, this makes it easy for thieves
to eliminate your alarm
4. Proximity sensor - The key: 1–F, 2–C, 3-E, 4-G, 5-B, 6-D, 7-A
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5. Unscramble the tiles to reveal a message: capacitive sensor
6. Complete the crossword with the help of the specification lists for inductive sensors.
ACROSS
DOWN
2. CORE
4.BRONZE
5. RATING
6. THREAD
11. SHORT-CIRCUIT
12. CURRENT
14. NUT
15. OUTPUT
17. WEIGHT
18. VOLTAGE
19. ACCESSORIES
1. DISPLAY
2. CONNECTION
3. PROTECTION
7. DROP
8. MOUNTABLE
9. STAINLESS
10. STEEL
11. SWITCH
13. RANGE
16. OVERLOAD
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LESSON PLAN
LESSON TITLE: Sensor technology and car alarm system
LEVEL: Intermediate
LESSON OBJECTIVES/AIMS:
Students will practise their listening skills, reading/comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and
discussion in the context of sensors and alarm systems. Students will learn about different types and
sensors, and how car alarms work.
TIME SPAN: 2 hours
RESOURCES: handout, internet, you tube, powerpoint
I. WARM UP
II. COMPREHENSION
SLOVENE TEACHER
Ask students to observe the
photos on the top n Page 1. Ask
them what they know about car
alarm systems.
FOREIGN TEACHER
Ask students to guess the
answers to the questions, then
show the video. After that,
check the answers.
Ask students to guess the
answers to the questions.
Read the text to the class, then
ask students to complete the
comprehension exercise.
Help students understand the
text with Slovene translation.
III. VIDEOS
IV. 2ND TEXT
V. CROSSWORD
VI. REVIEW /
MECHATRONICS LAB
Check answers with the class.
Ask students about different
ways of protecting their car.
Help students with translation.
Ask students to complete the
vocabulary exercise.
Ask students to complete the
crossword. Move around to
help them.
Review the topic with half of
the class.
Show the videos to the class,
and get students’ feedback.
Read the text about proximity
sensors and use the PowerPoint
presentation to consolidate the
students’ understanding.
Check answers and ask
students the answer to the
puzzle.
Move around the class to help
students, then check answers as
a class.
Accompany students to the lab
and help them prepare the
video about sensors.
LESSON EVALUATION
Students were very keen to learn technical English terms about sensors, since it is a topic that they
have been doing actively in professional subjects. The lessons were completed in time, but both
teachers had to repeat explanations several times to explain the vocabulary. In the future, a visit in the
mechatronics lab ahead of the lessons, with the English teachers, would make a lot of sense, as
students would get a preview of the final product to be produced, i.e. the video.
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Refleksija/Evalvacija
Prednosti:
1. naloga vključuje video o kraji avtomobila, ki jo prepreči imeniten alarmni sistem. Je dobra
motivacija in uvod v strokovno temo o senzorjih. Vprašanja razumevanja usmerijo dijakovo pozornost
na natančno poslušanje ključnih delov teksta.
2. naloga opiše dele in delovanje alarmnega sistema, vprašanja razumevanja pa usmerijo dijakovo
pozornost tako, da z odgovor nanje dobi že kratek povzetek strokovnega teksta.
3. naloga se je izkazala kot uspešna, saj vsebuje bolj ali manj šaljive videe o različicah varovanja
avtomobilov. Dijaka izzove k ustvarjalnemu razmišljanju o tem, kako bi še lahko zavarovali svojega
jeklenega konjička in k vljudnemu izražanju mnenja. Izražanje mnenja se je izkazalo kot pomembna
naloga, ki jo kot rdečo nit vlečemo skozi različne vsebine.
Sledijo tri naloge za utrjevanje in osvajanje strokovnega besedišča, povezovanje besede z definicijo,
zlaganje zlogov v novo besedo in križanka. Ugotavljamo, da imajo dijaki igrive načine utrjevanja
besedišča radi, ker delajo naloge z veseljem, je tudi pomnjenje učinkovitejše, zato jih večkrat
uporabljamo kot vmesne dejavnosti.
Končna naloga je uporaba naučenega znanja v mehatronski delavnici. Dijak programa Mehatronik v
delavnici, ki ima pomanjšano različico delujoče proizvodne linije z vsemi obravnavanimi senzorji,
predstavi senzorje in njihovo delovanje v tujem jeziku. Ker dijaki programa Elektrotehnik te delavnice
sicer ne poznajo, na ta način združimo dva različna programa. Dijak mehatronike ima pravo
občinstvo, dijak elektrotehnike pa se dejansko nauči nekaj novega.
Dijaki mehatronike svojo predstavitev še posnamejo, tako da nastane še gradivo za uporabo v
razredu oz. zanimiva povratna informacija za udeležene dijake. Video smo pokazali tudi na učiteljski
konferenci.
Slabosti:
Manjkale so nam blok ure, TU je prisoten le dva dneva v tednu, zato se je obravnavanje teme
nekoliko zavleklo. A dijaki so vseeno temo povezali s TU in z malo daljšim ponavljanjem vsak teden,
smo oviro vseeno premagali.Težava je bila tudi v organizaciji, saj smo komaj našli ustrezen prost
termin mehatronske delavnice za vse sodelujoče skupine dijakov.
Izziv:
Takšen način dela bi z veseljem prenesli še na druge strokovne vsebine.
Prispevek TU:
Dijake oddelka smo lahko razdelili na tri skupine, dve sta se s SUTJ ukvarjali z dejavnostmi v razredu, z
eno pa je TU opravil obisk oz predstavitev v mehatronski učilnici. Na individualnih urah je TU dijakom
pomagal napisati scenarij strokovnega videa in jim tudi pomagal video posneti.
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