CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
Information and instructions are usually conveyed whether directly or indirectly
between any member of staff and any other individual via the office assistant(s).
However, this method of information dissemination has its demerits. It wastes time
and sometimes, the messenger conveys incorrect information. To reduce the time
wasting experienced in the above method, one then appreciates the need to design and
simulate a system that will help to eliminate the loss of time during information
delivery.
This transmission is known as inter communication usually abbreviated as intercom.
This refers to communication by means of transmission medium between various
individual situated at a comparative distance within or outside a certain premises.
These locations are called stations and this event thus gave birth to the project topic.
This system provides at least a three way communication via the computer network
stations over the internet and controlled by specialized softwares. Hence the function
of communication supervised by a software package is to interface the
computer/stations as intercom sets, enable orders and instructions to be received and
are clearly understood and fruitfully executed.

1.1

BACKGROUND DESIGN

These intercom systems are used in offices, factories, hotels, government agencies,
workshops, hospitals etc. and for the purpose of this project, in educational institutions
so as to eliminate the necessity of conveying message through messengers from one
member of staff to another and vice versa. These improve work and enable quick
decision by the supervisory staff and executive.
The system, make use of these equipment to achieve its goals.
1.

Speaker
1

2.

Microphone

3.

Computer system (full multimedia) with internet facilities

1.2

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The main function of this design is to overcome the problems encountered in manual
organizational communication. From the interviews with some academic and nonacademic staffs, it was noted that the manual methods of information dissemination in
the institution poses some problems viz:

1. Time wasting
2. Incorrect information
3. Poor security

1.

TIME WASTING: Consider the time interval between the moment the sender of
the message calls the messenger to his office for a message and the time the
message is delivered and the messenger brings the feedback/response. From this,
the fact that a lot of time has been wasted is an axiom and can consequently lead
to delay in some works.

2.

INCORRECT INFORMATION: Sometimes sent messages can be forgotten,

misunderstood or misinterpreted by the messenger or office attendants. This can
cause a very big havoc in the institution.

3.

POOR SECURITY: Some messages may be vital and restricted to a group of

people in the university/campus; this information need not be discussed outside
the group for which it is interned. By the manual information method, such
information may leak out and become public knowledge.

1.3

RESEARCH AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this project is to design a three-way computer intercom system, with
objectives as to its advantages and limitations, and alternatively provide suggestions
and solutions which help to eradicate such problems encountered by the use of manual
operation methods which had always being made use of.

1.4

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DESIGN

The significance of this design lies on the fact that the manual system of

communication and inversely, information dissemination is faced with numerous

problems, difficulties and constraints. These problems tend to cause distortion in
effective and efficient information flow. The main objectives of this design are:
1.

To discover the problems associated with the manual method of communication

and information dissemination.

2.

Modify the existing methods of information dissemination in an organization.

3.

Develop an efficient computer based intercom system and design if

implementing the new system will enhance efficiency and effectiveness in
information dissemination in the university campus.

1.5

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

The essence of an intercom system is for transmitting/sending and receiving of

information between different people and departments within any organization where
it is being adopted. This design was comprehensively carried out using a three-way
intercom system around three departments in an educational institution. During the
design, a lot of constraints were encountered that consequently posed some sort of
inconvenience on the project work, one of such limitations being searching effectively
for detailed materials for the report. Another major constraint was availability of
various members of staff to provide answers to various questions posed by the
researcher. Also finance was another area of limitation due to sourcing of funds to
3

further expand the scope of this work. This usually involves on the ground assessment
and visitation to other educational institutions within and outside the state and
comparing what obtains in each one of them whilst also looking for means of
providing alternative, improvised and more efficient methods.

1.6

METHODOLOGY

The design of the new system involves the introduction and usage of a specialized
software called VoiceCom (Version V3) that will be the most suitable, efficient and
effective in order to enhance productivity in the university environment. This entails
splitting the new design into smaller units or modules rather than solving individually
and coded into computer understandable form.

1.7

PROJECT OUTLINE

The outline of the project gives a summary of what each chapters of the project in its
entirety explains. The project outline goes thus:
CHAPTER ONE:

This chapter introduces us to what the project tends to explain

CHAPTER TWO: This chapter talks about the reviewed books used for the
implementation of the project
CHAPTER THREE: This chapter looks at and explains the behavior and
characteristics of the statement problem
CHAPTER FOUR:

This chapter introduces us to the design, workability and

implementation of the new system being developed

CHAPTER FIVE: This, which happens to be the last chapter, discusses the summary
of the project design/implementation, conclusion deduced and recommendation of the
project personnel

CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Different researchers have done many works on this topic with various approaches and
different principles. The earliest forms of intercom sets designed were totally
analogue, but with advancement in digital technology, it has made it possible for the
production of digital intercom sets.
TOMASKI (1999) argued that a microprocessor is usually a component in another
piece of equipment, and the specific functions to be performed are programmed into
processors. He also said that such processors can be held with the human hand. They
can be used for telephone postal scales, games, traffic lights, blood analyzers, savings
machines, supermarket checkout counters and security alarms among other
applications.
ANDERSON (1990) in his book titled Data Processing Volume I stated that
microprocessors contain circuitry for performing arithmetic and logical operation,
usually contained on a silicon chip. It also interprets and executes instructions.
Anderson also said that a silicon chip is a small piece of simian containing a
completely integrated circuit (IC). Due to technological development, it is now
possible to have many thousands of transistors and diodes on a simple chip of silicon
with dimension of not more than five squares. This is largely due to the development
of photo digraph techniques capable of forming transistors and their inter-cementing
circuits on a very small scale generating very large scale integration (VLSI).This
means that it will contain more than 10,000 gates.
In order to run an efficient and effective computer intercom system in any place where
it is sited, there is need to design a software package that can carry out the operation.
The word computer according to HUNTER& BAKEWELL (1983) is a machine
normally electronic, which will carry out complex calculations or clerical operation at
fantastic speed.

EZEANO (1995) said that computer is not a single machine but an interconnection of
related sub systems that work harmoniously together in accepting input, processing
them and relinquishing the output as a solution to mens problems at a fantastic speed.
A device must respond well enough in order to be a controlled event within its
environment. This means that such device must operate in real time mode.
According to ANYATALIMO (1999) real time operating system caters for
processing data so quickly that the results are available to influence the activity
currently taking place. With intercom system the time taken for the receiver to receive
a signal from the sender must not be more than two seconds. That is to say the system
must be very fast.
Furthermore, many authors have defined the word communication in different ways. It
is very complex and could be used in different contexts to different people and a wide
range of things.
STEWART ET AL (1980) said that communication was the sharing of experience.
He further stated that communication was the process of creating a meaning between
two or more people.
SAUNDRA & RICHARD (1989) defined communication as a process in which
people share information, ideas and feelings. They go further to say that
communication depends on understanding others and having them understood us. To
understand others and having them understand us implies that there must be a common
codes or symbol or signs or gestures that can convey meaning between them and us.
The only way one would be sure that to have achieved this objective is via the
response (feedback). The feedback shows whether the information has been received,
processed, understood and acted upon. Also CHRUDEN and SHERMAN defined
organizational communication stating that all level in the organization among and
between executive, managers staff, personnel, supervisors, foreman and employees,
the communication process is continuously in action, conveying information, ideas,
attitudes and feelings among individuals and groups or individuals.
6

GERALD (1983) said that communication in organization is the process of creating

and exchanging messages within a network of inter-dependent relationship to cope
with environmental uncertainty.
Simulating a computer three ways intercom system therefore means communication
between three departments is an organization by means of any transmission medium
and the system is based on computer.

2.1

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF INTERCOM SYSTEMS

Interoffice communications technology existed decades before the intercom. After

KELLOGG patented the first Intercommunicating Telephone System in 1894, the
ability to communicate with an employee or broadcast official reports to an entire
building took a big step forward. As the name suggests, early intercoms relied on
telephone technology, but manufacturers continue to improve systems by adopting
new technology
Nineteenth-century

businesses

developed

several

methods

of

interoffice

communications before KELLOGGs patent. Early in the century, engineers built

speaking tubes to carry voices between two people in the same building; some systems
worked at distances of several hundred feet. The tubes become common business
technology in the second half of the century. By the 1880s, the systems were elaborate
enough that one speaker could connect to any of 25 different offices. Some executives
favored an alternative, a system of room-to-room buzzers to summon staff to their
office. This led to Telephone-based intercoms which were developed in the 1890s.
Simple systems linked two phones in two separate offices, but companies soon
developed more complicated arrangements. With a radial system, users called a central
station to connect with other offices, but intercom networks made it possible to
communicate without an operator. By 1912, if not earlier, users had the choice
between a telephone-styled handset and a desktop loudspeaker that let users keep their
hands free. As late as the 1930s, many intercoms still resembled telephones.
7

Starting in the 1950s, intercoms took on a new role as an electronic doorman for
apartment buildings. To gain entrance, through the electronically locked front door,
you buzz the person you want to see, then talk to the person and identify yourself
when you get a response or reply. If the person decides you are acceptable, then the
person hits the button that opens the front door, and you enter. The invention of
transistors led to more changes as intercom manufacturers switched to the use of solidstate circuits in their machines. The transistor, and the development of digital
communications technology, led to further intercom improvements. Starting in 1982,
manufacturers began offering door-answering systems that incorporate video as well
as audio to identify visitors. Wireless intercoms that communicate by radio
frequencies became available starting in the late 1940s. Intercom technology has
found new niches, for example in baby monitors parents use to check up on their
children. In the 21st century, systems use digital technology rather than analog to
transmit sounds.

2.2

APPLICATIONS OF INTERCOM SYSTEMS

Nowadays, properties are getting bigger and bigger. Whether this is for residential
homes, townhouse complexes or apartment buildings, businesses and other large
properties, intercoms are becoming more of a necessity.
One of the number one uses for intercoms is in access control. Most complexes and
business will utilize intercoms if their access gate is too far away for them to be able to
see who is trying to get in. Furthermore, intercoms are handy with regards so that they
can be specialized in such a way that numbers can be dialed on the initial keypad
which will lead only to certain receivers on the other end. This is especially popular in
business and complexes.
Intercoms are widely used in schools, so that messages can be sent to certain
classrooms, or the entire school if need be. This way important messages that need to
be portrayed to a large number of students can be sent across the school easily.
8

Shopping malls almost always utilize intercom systems. Most of the intercom systems
will be linked in a large shopping center. This makes it possible to send out a verbal
message to every shopper in the center if need be. On the other hand, most of the
stores will have their own personal messages and speaker for the store intercom. They
will use the intercom to inform their customers of sales, call certain employees to the
managers office or to the tills, or to inform shoppers of a missing child that has been
found.
Airports famously use intercoms. Each airline will have their own intercom system
which they will use to inform passengers of flight details. Without these intercoms
some passengers would not know when their flight was leaving, or if there are any
problems. These intercoms are especially important for foreigners that speak different
languages to their own home country. Most airports will repeat messages on the
intercom in a variety of different languages, so that everyone will be able to
understand flight details
Intercoms are extremely important in so many different industries. They can be used
in large warehouses or factories too. Due to their effectiveness in sending verbal
message to a multitude of areas, they are more commonly found in large companies.
Intercoms will be used in warehouses and factories to communicate with employers on
a widespread scale.
A lot more residential homes are resorting to intercoms as a security measure.
Although they have been hugely popular in townhouse, cluster complex and apartment
building developments, it was normally only very large buildings which used
intercoms. Nowadays, intercoms are seen as much safer to use with regards to
security. Home owners do not have to expose themselves to potential intruders by
going to their gates or opening the front doors of their homes. They can now speak to
any visitors on the intercom, to ensure that it is someone they would like to allow into
their home. These intercoms will be linked to an access button, which can be pressed
to allow a visitor in. naturally the home owner will only do this once they have spoken
9

to the person on the other end to ensure they know who they are letting into their
property

10

CHAPTER THREE
DESIGN PROCESS AND ANALYSIS
To effectively introduce the services of a computer-based intercom system, it is
necessary to design the present system. System description is concerned with the
review of the existing system/procedure with the aim of solving certain problems in
the system. It is always a critical evaluation of the system in question, knowing
whether it is still needed and what improvement(s) can be done on it.
The task of system investigation consists of
1. Fact finding
2. Analysis of findings

3.1 FACT FINDING METHOD

It is essential to gather all the important and detailed facts about the existing system to
ensure that all the strengths and weaknesses of the system are discovered. The tools or
techniques employed by the researcher were as follows:
1

Interview method

2.

Observation method

3.1.1

INTERVIEW METHOD

Face to face discussions were held with some members of staff within the university.
The nature of their answer to the questions enabled the researcher to acquire a deep
understanding of the information received through the respondents comments, facial
expression and emotional displays.
Interview method is important because it gives quick result to investigation and helps
to influence the individual being interviewed because there are facts which the person
may not like to disclose but in the presence of the interviewer, such person will be
compelled to do so.

11

Numerous questions were asked during the course of the interview but some of the
most important ones that cropped up are under listed below:

1.

Are you kept well informed with the scheme of things, plans and progress of the
management from time to time? If YES, how?

2.

Are you well informed and updated about your departments plan and progress? If
YES, how and if NO, why?

3.

How is information disseminated from the management or the administrative

department down to members of staff?

4.

Are there any available facilities for quick and prompt information dissemination
and communication between you and your colleagues?

5. How effective and efficient are your messages being delivered at intervals? Are
you therefore satisfied with the present system?
6. Any suggestion as to how communication and information dissemination can be
improved to achieve efficiency, effectiveness and job satisfaction?

3.1.2

OBSERVATION METHOD

This involves watching how an individual disseminates information to the clerk, how
such information is passed down and how long it took to be delivered and to get a
feedback to the sender. This method entails direct means of designing the behaviour of
the staff concerned and also has the advantage of recording events as they occur. This
method actually took a lot of time, finances and energy since it virtually involved
being physically present in various offices within the university and at different time
intervals

12

3.2

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURES

The organizational structure indicates the positions by tittles and lines of authority
within the organization.
The organizational chart is shown in the diagram on the text page.

THE ORGANOGRAM OF A UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

Vice-Chancellor
Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Registrar

Librarian

Bursar

Director of
Works

Director of
Academics

Internal
Auditor

CSO

CMD

Provosts

Dean of
Faculties

Academic
Staffs

Clerks

Figure 3.1

13

DSA

Senate

Head of
Transport

HODs

Security

3.2.1 FUNCTIONS OF SOME PERSONELS

1. Vice-Chancellor: They are the chief executive officer of the institution. They
monitor all the activities of the university through their various subordinates.
2. Deputy Vice-Chancellor: They are in charge of all operations in the
organization. They also assists the Vice-Chancellor in the performance of their
functions and also acts in place of the Vice-Chancellor
3. Registrar: They are officials who handle students records.
4. Librarian: They are individuals who work professionally in the library. They
manage all the library resources and ensure proper record keeping of all library
related matters
5. Bursar: They are senior professional financial administrator in the university.
The Office of the Bursar is responsible for billing of student tuition account
6. Dean of Students Affairs (DSA): The Office of the Dean of Students Affairs
is responsible for addressing the needs of the institution for developing,
disseminating, interpreting and enforcing campus regulations for students;
dealing with student behavioral problems in a fair and effective manner and
protecting relevant legal rights for students. They are also responsible for
registering various students associations, clubs and groups
7. Directors: They are individuals who manage and are responsible for whatever
offices they are allocated. We have Director of Works who is responsible for
the physical structures and all university properties; Director of Academic
Planning who is in charge of all academic related matters and he reports
directly to the DVC-Academics.
8. Internal Auditor: They are individuals responsible for the independent,
objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve
the universitys operations by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to
evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and
governance processes.
14

3.3

INPUT, OUTPUT & PROCESS ANALYSIS

This explains the various systems adopted by individuals, departments and institutions
in keeping records of call logs and any other details that were passed down during the
period the call lasted. This is in most cases handled by the front clerks and secretaries.

3.1.1

INPUT ANALYSIS

The input of the system is the information containing the memo format of
communication in the organization. It contains name of sender, receiver, date, subject
matter, signature, location etc. Mostly, it is more of a register that is kept for the sake
of record keeping and reconciliation of information dissemination.

3.1.2

OUTPUT ANALYSIS

This makes use of input file to help the receiver to carry out the assignment given to
him. The receiver thinks on how to implement the task, share it to different individuals
involved and make sure that it is effectively done. Sometimes, when the input form
contains permission request letter from the lower or middle management to the top
management, there would be need for a feedback, which is still in form of memo. It is
from this memo(s) that the output form is based.

3.1.3

PROCESS ANALYSIS

This refers to how the form is being processed to achieve its objectives. After the form
has been designed and message written on it, it is then dispatched to the designated
areas through the messengers or clerical officers. At times, the writer does not receive
feed back but expect the implementation of the message(s). When the memo is coming
from the top management to the lower management, it has to pass through many
offices before reaching the destination.
This can be illustrated with this example. When a memo is coming from any senior
member of the administrative department, say the Vice-Chancellor down to a
15

particular academic staff, it has to pass through the Deans, to the Head of Department
before reaching the individual such message(s) is intended for.

3.4

INFORMATION FLOW DIAGRAM

Vice Chancellor
Secretary

Deans

Clerks
HODs

Staff
Figure 3.2

3.5

PROBLEM OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM

In the manual intercom system, many problems abound which results in

ineffectiveness of the system. As an academic institution, the university has a very
wide range of staffs (both academic and non-academic).
This makes the operation load of the clerical staffs sometimes cumbersome as all
activities are done manually. Some of the problems encountered in the dissemination
of information using the manual intercom systems are;

Time: It usually takes a lot of time for the message to reach its destination before
implenation can be reached and achieved.
16

Inaccuracy: At times information are conveyed orally. The messages are received
through the messengers who may forget some part of the message. This leads to
inaccuracy of information.
Tedious: At times, information to be given is too large to be contained in the memo
form. This makes the sender to design another form, in order to put the additional
pieces of information. This involves too much paper work.

3.6

JUSTIFICATION OF THE NEW SYSTEM

Having seen the problems posed by the manual system of communication and
information dissemination, a computer based intercom system will be the ultimate
solution. The reason is that it will not only eradicate these numerous problems and
challenges experienced but will also improve on those areas and recondition the
general university system to a super standard.

17

CHAPTER FOUR
RESULT ANALYSIS AND IMPLEMENTATION
The computer system already has the power unit and a full multimedia (audio and
video) amplification capability. The design here is simply that of the software. This
software is called VoiceCom and will be used to accomplish the intercom task ahead
with the speaker and microphone attached to each and every system on the network
via a 16-bit sound card.
The aim of this design is to produce a specification, which will enable the wholesome
and acurate implementation of the new system. The software package is a collection of
various modules, each structured logically to perform a specific task, towards the
overall objective.
Since the project entails the design of a computerized intercom system, the process of
networking is entirely based on the available network and therefore one need not
bother delving into networking procedure/protocols. It uses the available LAN
setting/protocols in the network and exisiting telephone setting/protocols in the
network and exisiting telephone setting (for dialing tone) in windows telephony.
4.1

INTERFACE OF THE SOFTWARE DESIGN

Main menu

Make calls

Multimedia
diagnosis

Test speaks

Connect

Voice mail

Test
microphone

Play/dele
Activatio
te
n
message
Figure 4.1
18

Settings

The main menu is a visual interface or screen that all the user uses to select an option
from available alternatives and consequently transfer control to the module that
performs the chosen option (Task). The available options on the main menu are:
1. Make Call
2. Multimedia Diagnosis
3. Voice Mail
4. Exit
Multimedia diagnostics and voice mail facilities are additional features to simulation.
1.

MAKE CALLS

This is the main module of the program that performs the inter communication
function of the system through other sub programs/sub-modules. When this option is
selected, it transfers commands through a subroutine that detects the available network
and telephony configuration/setting. After this, it displays the systems found in a menu
to allow the user select a station to engage a call with. This is the stage that performs
the equivalence of switching function in an analogue intercom network. Any system
on the network can be engaged but it will not respond if this PC intercom package is
not started or evoked. When the call station is docked, control is transferred to PC
intercom program and the system begins to ring until enter key or pick button is
clicked again to disengage and transfers control to main menu of the PC intercom
software. The dial tone depends on the windows telephony setting in vogue.
.
2.

MULTI MEDIA DIAGNOSTICS

This module is used to test the systems multimedia capability (i.e. for testing sound
interface card, speaker and microphone). Its menu has three items namely:
A. Test microphone
B. Test speaker
C. Exit

19

a) Test Microphone: This is a sub-routine that is used to test the system microphone.
It allows user to record speech and relay to ascertain the functionality of the
microphone. It also has a visual display of the calls received. It does not include
settings of recording volume. This is sole responsibility of window telephone by
settings.
b) Test Speaker: This is the sub-routine used to test the speakers functionality by
playing back a record wave file. It equally has a visual display of the output wave
form. The volume setting is totally outside the program but within the window
settings.
c) The Exit: This option is used to control and return back to main menu.

3.

VOICE MAIL

This is the module that takes care of all unanswered calls. If the voice mail facility is
turned on, the system will answer and record calls received in the absence of the
operator, and also allows the playback of the message when prompted. The voice mail
means has three main options.
1.

Setup voice mail

2.

Play/deletes received calls

3.

Exit

1. Setup voice mail: This has three menu items used to achieve its objectives
A. Record message
B. Activation
C. Settings

A.

Record Message: This module allows the caller to record a message that will
be sent to the receiver if the system rings for a specified time without being
picked.
20

B.

Activation: This is used to deactivate or turn off the voice mail facility.

C.

Settings: This allows the user to set the number of ringing that must elapse
before system answers the call to prompt the caller to record a message.

2.

Play/delete calls: It has capability of playing back and deleting already

received calls.

3.

Exit: Used to return the control back to the main menu.

4.

MAIN MENU EXIT: This option on the main menu turns the call alert mode
off and exits the program, hence the system can neither be engaged in a call or
receive calls.

4.2 SYSTEM FLOWCHART

Display

System 1

System 2

System 3

Display

Display
Figure 4.2

4.3 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

It comprises of the sets of hardware and software required to effectively run the
simulation software in the system.

21

4.3.1

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

Full multimedia personal computer with at least the following configurations;

RAM:

32 MB and above

Processor:

486D x 2 (66 m2) or above

Monitor:

Any

Multimedia device:

Microphone, speaker and sound card (16-bit)

4.3.2

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows NT, Windows 7
or 8.

4.4

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW SYSTEM

This deals with the design of the new system that will be most suitable, efficient and
effective in order to enhance productivity in the organization. This entails
implementing the new system designed in the previous chapter.

4.5

PROGRAM DESIGN

The designs were split into small units or modules rather than these units being solved
individually and coded into computer understandable form. The program designs are
attached to the project.

4.6

PROGRAM FLOWCHARTS

This is a pictorial representation of the sequence of steps towards solving a particular

problem. The program flowchart can be viewed on subsequent pages.

22

FIRST STEP MAKING CALLS

Make calls

Is option
= 2?

Yes

No
Is option
= 2?

Yes
Play/Del option
No

Return

Figure 4.3

23

SECOND STEP TESTING PHASE

Start

A= make calls
B = Multimedia Diagnosis
C = Voice Mail
D = Exit

Is
option =
A?

Yes
A

No

Is
option =
C?

Yes
B

No
Is
option =
A?

Yes
C

No
Stop

Figure 4.4
24

STEP THREE ERROR CHECKING

No

Display error
message

Is network
ok?

System 1= 1
System 2 = 2

Is option =
1?

Yes

Connect

No
Is option =
2?

Yes

No
Return

Figure 4.5

25

STEP FOUR MULTIMEDIA DIAGNOSTICS

B
1 = Microphone
2 = Speaker

Is option = 1?

No

=
Is option
2?
.+
+
+
+ No
+
Return +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+

Yes

Yes

Mic Text

Speaker test

Figure 4.6

26

Display
message

Display
message

STEP FIVE -- SELECTION OF OPTIONS

1 = Record message
2= Activation
3= Setting

Is option
= 1?

Yes

Input message

Yes

Input status

No
Is
option = 2?
No
Yes

Is option 3?

Input No

No
Return

Figure 4.7

27

4.6

PSEUDOCODES

Start
Selection of options
A = Make calls
B = Multimedia diagnosis
C = Voice Mail
D = Exit
If option = A, then show make call
If option = B, then show multimedia
If option = C, then show voice mail
If option = D, then exit (This terminates the PC intercom simulation)

A
If network connection is okay, then select option
If network display error message, close make calls option 1 or 2
If option = 1 then connect to system one (1)
If option = 2 then connect to system two (2)
Exit option and go to main menu.

B
Selection of option 1 or 2
If option = 1 then check microphone
If option = 2 then check speaker
Close multimedia diagnosis and go to main menu

C
Selection of option 1 or 2
If option = 1 then prepare setup
28

If option = 2 then play/delete message closed and return to main menu.

Else return.
D
Selection of option 1, 2 or 3
If option = 1 then record (input) message
If option = 2 then input voice mail status (ON/OFF)
If option = 3 then input number of ringing
Else return.

4.7

DOCUMENTATION

Documentation is giving a detailed report of all the information necessary to provide

the user(s) with the understanding of the purpose and how to use the designed
program. To run this program the following steps are to be followed:

1.

Boot computer, insert the PC intercom CD into CD-ROM drive and install the

software by running setup file in it. You may paste a shortcut to the program at the
desktop. To run the program, simply locate PC intercom on the programs menu via
your start button and click. You can equally run it by double clicking its icon (shortcut
0 on the desktop). Or insert PC intercom in window startup menu and windows will
automatically evoke it during startup.
2.

The program has its main menu, which includes sub menu like: Make calls,

Multimedia diagnosis, Voice mail and Exit. Each of these sub menus except exist has
other sub menu attached to them thus making the program itself totally selfexplanatory.

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CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
It can be deduced from the overall design and implementation of the system that the
main aim of simulating a computerized three way computer intercom system has been
achieved after a thorough research and design towards the development and
justification of this project.

5.1

CONCLUSION

The author found out that the system is reliable and also reduces human labor unlike
the manual means of communication and information dissemination methods. The
system will perform optimally well when operated within the limit of safety and
temperature within 0oC - 600C and normal atmospheric pressure.

5.2

RECOMMENDATION

There should be a routine check and cleaning of the system to maintain its efficiency
and life span. Also effort should be made to provide a constant power supply to them.
Also, the project is open for further development by further work if the need arises and
as new innovation emanates. And there should be adequate funding in order to achieve
a competitive and favourable implementation of this project

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REFERENCES

1.

AYATALUMO C.J.C, Introduction to System Programing, J&N Publication.

Lagos. 3rd Edition, 1999.

2.

BISHOP O.N, Basic Electronics, Solid Publication, Aba, Abia State.

4th Edition, 1992.

3.

HANFUNAM AND SELDMAN, Handwork on Electronic Calculation, Zico

Publication, 133 Old Ojo Road, Agboju, Lagos. 2nd Edition, 1978.

4.

ANDERSON M.O, Data Processing Volume 1, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 1990.

5. FRASER SHERMAN, Historical Development of Inter-Communication

Systems Volume 1, 2014.
6. KOBUS LABUSCHAGNE, Applications of Intercom System and its
Peripherals, 2013.

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