Development of a Child Monitoring System using Raspberry Pi: A Parenting View

Abstract

In this project, we incorporate a Passive Infrared (PIR) motion detector, a commonly utilized technology in security and automation setups, including intrusion alarms. The PIR detector functions by sensing infrared energy emitted by objects with temperatures above absolute zero. While infrared wavelengths remain invisible to the human eye, the internal electronic components of the PIR sensor can identify and react to fluctuations in infrared radiation. This sensor is termed \"passive\" because it does not emit signals but instead observes the surrounding infrared pattern. Any movement within its coverage area disturbs this pattern, prompting a response. By harnessing this capability, the project showcases the real-world application of PIR sensors in motion detection frameworks, emphasizing their efficiency, dependability, and adaptability across diverse environments.

Introduction

1. Purpose & Overview

In the digital age, parenting benefits significantly from technology. This project proposes a virtual monitoring system designed to enhance child safety, development, and well-being by integrating modern tools like real-time data sharing, intelligent sensors, and motion-based surveillance. It aims to bridge the gap between traditional parenting and the demands of a connected world.

2. Key Features of the System

• Real-time motion detection and video recording using a Raspberry Pi.

• Email notifications with video attachments when motion is detected.

• Tracks and analyses child behavior and environment.

• Designed to be cost-efficient, accessible, and user-friendly.

• Helps monitor both physical and digital activities of children.

3. Literature Review Summary

Several prior studies were reviewed that involve:

• Baby monitoring via cry detection, motion sensing, and automated cradles.

• Innovations include smart rockers, noise-cancellation systems, and app-controlled baby cribs.

• Emphasis on automation, remote accessibility, and caregiver support.

4. Methodology

• Uses a Raspberry Pi as the processing unit.

• Integrates a PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor and a USB web camera for motion-based video surveillance.

• Software written in Python, using libraries like OpenCV, smtplib, and email.message.

5. Working Process

Hardware Setup:

• PIR sensor connected to Raspberry Pi GPIO pins.

• USB webcam connected for video capture.

Software Flow:

1. Initialization: System boots and loads the monitoring script.

2. Motion Detection: PIR sensor detects IR changes.

3. Video Capture: Records a 10-second clip on detection.

4. Email Notification: Sends video to a specified email with the subject “Motion Detected!”.

6. Implementation & Results

• Python code is run to initialize sensor and camera.

• On detecting motion, a 10-second video is recorded and automatically emailed.

• Includes a 5-second cooldown period to prevent spamming.

• Result: Users receive timely email alerts with video evidence when motion is detected, supporting real-time surveillance and remote parenting.

Conclusion

The implemented motion detection system using a Raspberry Pi, PIR sensor, and camera successfully detects movement, records a video, and sends an email notification with the recorded footage. The results demonstrate high accuracy, as shown in the motion detection accuracy graph, where the system correctly identifies motion events without false triggers. The integration of RPi.GPIO for sensor control, OpenCV for video recording, and smtplib for email alerts ensures a fully automated and reliable surveillance solution. This system can be effectively used for home security, remote monitoring, and surveillance applications, providing real-time alerts whenever motion is detected. Additionally, the 5-second delay after each detection helps prevent unnecessary multiple triggers. Future improvements could include cloud storage integration, AI-based motion filtering, and SMS alerts for enhanced functionality.

References

[1] Symon, AslamForhad et al. “Design and development of a smart baby monitoring system based on Raspberry Pi and Pi camera.” 2019 4th International Conference on Advances in Electrical Engineering (ICAEE) (2019): 117-122. [2] S. Brangui, M. El Kihal and Y. Salih-Alj, \"An enhanced noise cancelling system for a comprehensive monitoring and control of baby environments\", 2020 International Conference on Electrical and Information Technologies (ICEIT), pp. 404-409, 2020. [3] Prof. A.D. Anjikar, Arshad, KhanPathan,Pranjal R.Dandekar, “GENERALIDEA ABOUT SMART BABYCRADLE” inInternational Journal of Innovative ComputerScience&EngineeringVolume4Issue1;JanuaryFebruary-202 [4] Yang Hu; WeihuaGui; , “Adaptive Sway Control for Baby Bassinet Based on Artificial Metabolic Algorithm” School of Information Science and Engineering, Central SouthUniversity, China. [5] Marie R. Harper; La Mirada; Maxine R. Blea; , “Automatically rocking baby cradle”, US 3769641, Date of Patent: Nov. 6,2019. [6] Gim Wong, “Automatic baby crib rocker” US 3952343, Date of Patent: Apr. 27,2019. [7] Chau-Kai-Hsieh; Chiung Lin; Taiwan; , “Baby Cry Recognizer” US 5668780, Date of Patent Sep. 16,2019 [8] Amrita Ebenezer; Anupreethi. S; , “Automatic Cradle Movement for Infant Care” Undergraduate Academic Research Journal (UARJ), ISSN : 2278 – 1129, Vol.-1, Issue-1, 2021 [9] Amin Shaikh1, Ankit Sharma2, Naveen Yadav3, Omkar Mane4, Prof. SnehaDeshmukh Review on Internet of Things based Smart Baby Cradle International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056 Volume: 08 Issue: 03 | Mar 2021 [10] Sarah Ahmed Alswedani1 ; FathyElbouraey Eassa2 A Smart Baby Cradle Based on IoT International Journal of Computer Science and Mobile Computing ISSN 2320–088X IMPACT FACTOR: 7.056 IJCSMC, Vol. 9, Issue. 7, July2020, pg.64 – 76

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Rushali N Ratnaparkhi, Dr. V. K. Shandilya. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.