Materials: Overview
This section provides a high-level overview of the materials used in the implementation of the Embedded Blockchain Surveillance System. The materials are categorized into software and hardware components that work together to create a comprehensive surveillance solution. Visual representations of these components can be found in the System Images section.
System Components Overview
The Embedded Blockchain Surveillance System combines multiple technologies to achieve its objectives:
Software Infrastructure
- Smart Contracts: Built with Solidity and OpenZeppelin, deployed on Polygon blockchain
- Cloud Backend: Hono framework with IPFS integration and AI processing capabilities
- Frontend Application: React-based interface for officials to monitor surveillance sessions
- AI Processing: faceapi.js for criminal detection in video streams
Hardware Components
- IoT Surveillance Devices: ESP32-CAM microcontrollers with integrated cameras
- Motion Sensors: PIR sensors for detecting movement and triggering recordings
- Power Supply: 7.4V 40000mAh Li-ion Battery for extended operation
- Power Management: LM2596 DC-DC Buck Converter for voltage regulation
- System Control: Slide switch for manual power control
Infrastructure
- Server Infrastructure: 3.5GB VPS from Racknerd for cloud server deployment
- Blockchain Network: Polygon for cost-efficient and scalable transaction processing
- Decentralized Storage: IPFS via thirdweb gateway for secure video storage
Technology Stack Summary
The system leverages a comprehensive technology stack designed to provide:
- Decentralized Data Storage: IPFS for video stream storage with blockchain verification
- AI-Powered Detection: Automated criminal identification using face detection
- Real-Time Monitoring: IoT devices with motion sensors providing continuous surveillance
- Immutable Records: Blockchain-based timestamping and event logging
- Secure Access: Role-based authentication and authorization for officials
System Architecture Visualization
Individual Components
Visual representations of individual hardware components:
- Main controller with integrated camera
- Detects motion and triggers recordings
- High-capacity power source for extended operation
- Voltage regulation component
- Manual power control component
System Integration
- Complete circuit diagram showing component connections
- Actual implementation of all components working together
- Interface for decentralized video storage
Cost Breakdown
Hardware Components
| Category | Component | Function | Estimated Price (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing | ESP32-CAM | Main controller with dual-core processor, Wi-Fi, and integrated camera | 18,000 |
| Sensors | PIR Sensor | Detects motion using infrared radiation and sends digital signal to ESP32-CAM | 3,500 |
| Power | 7.4V 40000mAh Li-ion Battery | Primary power source providing extended operational time | 9,400 |
| Power | LM2596 DC-DC Buck Converter | Steps down 7.4V battery voltage to 5V for ESP32-CAM operation | 4,500 |
| Power | Slide Switch | Main power switch for the entire system | 100 |
| Connections | Jumper Wires | For connecting all components electrically | 2,500 |
| Housing | IP65/IP66 Enclosure | Weather-resistant housing for outdoor protection | 7,000 |
Software and Infrastructure
| Category | Component | Function | Estimated Price (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Development Tools | Solidity, OpenZeppelin, Foundry | Smart contract development and testing tools | Free (Open Source) |
| Backend Framework | Hono | Web framework for cloud server API development | Free (Open Source) |
| IPFS Client | Helia | Decentralized storage client for video stream management | Free (Open Source) |
| AI Library | faceapi.js | Face detection and recognition for criminal identification | Free (Open Source) |
| Frontend Framework | React, Viem | User interface and blockchain interaction | Free (Open Source) |
| Cloud Infrastructure | 3.5GB VPS (Racknerd) | Monthly hosting for cloud server | ~15,000/month |
| Blockchain | Polygon Network | Gas fees for smart contract interactions | Variable (low cost) |
| IPFS Gateway | thirdweb | Decentralized storage access | Free tier available |
| Development Environment | VS Code, Git, Node.js, TypeScript | Development tools and runtime | Free (Open Source) |
Total Estimated Cost
The total initial hardware cost is approximately ₦45,000, with ongoing monthly infrastructure costs of about ₦15,000 for the VPS hosting. The software components are primarily open-source tools with minimal licensing costs.