A Proposal On The Implementation Of A Cost-effective Home Automation System

Running Head: REPORT PROPOSAL 1

A PROPOSAL ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A COST-EFFECTIVE HOME

AUTOMATION SYSTEM

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REPORT PROPOSAL 2

A PROPOSAL ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A COST EFFECTIVE HOME

AUTOMATION SYSTEM

ABSTRACT

The automation of a home entails the application of wireless devices such as computers to

control a given set of electronic appliances within a home or building automatically. Some of

these would include the security alarm systems, doors, air conditioners and temperature

regulators. It involves a designed system of a computer hardware installed to monitor and

control a given set of electronic appliances. The instruments are controlled based on their

configuration. This would involve the temperature regulation by configuring the system to

rise automatically or lower temperature when they fall or rise above the set mean. Besides, it

can also be configured to measure and automatically turn the lights on when it grows dark or

on when the day becomes brighter by measuring the ambient air quality. While at the office,

one can quickly turn on the appliances such as air conditioning system before leaving work

for home. This is because the system can be controlled easily through the internet. The

project is a simple demonstration of an automated home control system that makes it possible

for the users to manage and control it using wireless devices which are Bluetooth or Wi-Fi

enabled. This could include a mobile phone integrated with a personal computer that hosts

and runs the system server. When well designed, the system allows the user to control the

electronic appliances independently, turning on and off the lights and fans separately. It can

measure signal strength, thus detecting anytime one enters the room and automatically

switches the lights on. Once a person leaves, the signal strength detected changes and the

system automatically switches the lights off.

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Contents

Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 Background of Study ..................................................................................................................... 4

1.2 Problem Statement ....................................................................................................................... 4

1.3 Project Justification ....................................................................................................................... 5

1.4 Research Questions ...................................................................................................................... 6

1.5 Objectives...................................................................................................................................... 6

1.6 Scope of the study ........................................................................................................................ 6

1.7 Motivational Factors ..................................................................................................................... 7

Chapter 2 LITERATURE REVIEW .............................................................................................................. 8

2.1 Limitations of Existing System ...................................................................................................... 9

2.2 Automation ................................................................................................................................. 10

2.2.1 Home automation ................................................................................................................ 10

Chapter 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.................................................................................................. 11

3.1 Requirements .............................................................................................................................. 11

3.2 Data collection methods ............................................................................................................. 11

3.3 Data Interpretation and Analysis ................................................................................................ 11

3.4 Review of the System Requirements .......................................................................................... 12

3.4.1 Software requirements ......................................................................................................... 12

3.4.2 Hardware requirements ....................................................................................................... 12

3.5 System Design ............................................................................................................................. 13

3.5.1 System Design and development tools ................................................................................ 13

3.5.2 System Components ............................................................................................................ 14

3.6 Simulation and Testing ................................................................................................................ 14

3.7 Evaluation ................................................................................................................................... 15

Chapter 4 CONCLUSIONS, LIMITATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................. 16

4.1 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 16

4.2 Limitations................................................................................................................................... 16

4.3 Recommendations ...................................................................................................................... 16

APPENDICES .......................................................................................................................................... 19

1 Time Frame .................................................................................................................................... 19

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Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION

The introduction of devices with network capability in the home environment has led to rapid

expansion of potential remote-controlled devices for the purpose of home automation.

Technological advancement has made it easier to achieve a lot of tasks at a faster and simpler

rate. The modern society can access a lot of information as a result of the accessibility of

computers and the internet. Not only are we able to communicate efficiently due to

technological development but also organize and accomplish a lot of tasks thus saving a lot of

time and human energy.

1.1 Background of Study

The development of a home automation system gives one an opportunity to manage and

control electrical appliances in a particular house. It is done from a single centralized area as

a control unit. The control of air conditions, temperature regulators, lights and security alarms

and electric doors are designed to be compatible with the control unit. The low-cost, effective

home automation system as a project illustrates an integrated household system allowing the

user to control the designed electrical appliances remotely in a wireless manner. The control

is managed using a Bluetooth, or a Wi-Fi enabled handheld gadgets such as smartphones,

tablets or laptops.

The installation costs are lower because most users already own the electronic appliances as

well as phones and perusal computers that are the servers. The Bluetooth or Wi-Fi

connectivity provides the connection between the personal computer servers and the control

device such a laptop or mobile phones.

1.2 Problem Statement

The increase in the living standards worldwide has forced people to be always on the move,

either for business or jobs. Due to nature of certain jobs, many people often find themselves

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spending a couple of days away from their homes. This makes them leave their electronic

appliances without any control or monitoring systems. At times, certain devices like fridges

are left plugged into sockets of power. This has proven a challenge as some appliances ought

to be connected in and out of the power sockets at regular intervals.

Therefore, it requires routine and manual monitoring that may force others to forego their

busy schedules. With the implementation of home-based monitoring and control programs

installed, such monitoring, as well as control, are easily achievable without anyone being

physically available. Appliances such as electric heaters, oven and cookers consume lots of

electric power raising the monthly expenditure on bills. The proposed project thus will help

eliminate such challenges, as one can easily and remotely control the electric appliances

through the automatic home-based system using the Internet irrespective of the time or place.

1.3 Project Justification

In this modern society, a lot of people work far away from their residential areas, leaving

early and coming back late in the evening. As such, they do not have access and control of

their electronic appliances back at home. This is a challenge as many people especially

parents would wish to keep in check with the happenings back at home. This includes

protecting their children from harmful content aired on television. Some are forced to have an

attendant for manual control that has proven, to be expensive. Others are also compelled to

move in between home and work thus lowering productivity.

The introduction and application of a system designed to control the appliances automatically

will not only save time but also reduce energy loss hence reducing monthly bills. Through the

use of a remote control system, one can control effectively and monitor the electronic

appliances at home. This will be independent of their position, regardless of whether they are

in; at home or away at work. For this purpose, it is, therefore, necessary to design an

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automatic home control system to help monitor and automatically control the household

appliances.

1.4 Research Questions

How can home electronic appliances be controlled remotely using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?

How can the Internet and Bluetooth-based home automation system be designed to solve the

identified shortcomings?

1.5 Objectives

The primary aim of the proposed home automation system is to ensure the reduction in costs

of control of domestic electronic appliances. This will provide low-cost solutions to home

automation processes, lower than the commercially offered solutions, hence reducing the

expenses and savings for the consumers.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study area of focus and interest is the control of home appliances remotely using Wi-Fi

and Bluetooth. The project will concentrate on the remote control of a television set, lighting

system, and a fan. The fan and lighting system will be investigated through the switching on

and off. The investigation of the television set will be through the changing of channels in

addition to the switching on and off process. To accomplish this testing, each of the three

devices will have a Bluetooth transceiver to enable an efficient transfer of prompts and

communication with other connected devices. The Bluetooth transceiver is intended to

operate in the band of operations in a scientific, industrial and medical range of 2.4 GHz

ISM.

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1.7 Motivational Factors

Users with homes having ubiquitous access are encouraged to automate them so as to

facilitate security (Khan, Khiyal, & Shehzadi, 2009). Also, the need for mobile home

appliance control security that is cost-effective and affordable to provide home security and

remote access (Khan, Khiyal, & Shehzadi, 2009: Chibuishi & Yerima, 2015, p. 86).

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Chapter 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

The research and study on the low-cost home automation have been carried out by many

researchers over the years (Jadhao, 2013). Each of them, however, did not come up with

conclusive results hence the need to further their search. Most of the systems for remote

control have been designed to meet the commercial needs while other are developed for the

purpose of experimental research projects. The use of spoken commands for the purpose of

remotely controlling and monitoring is among the early proposals. In the system, an SMS

generated by the spoken command controls the system as the microcontroller executes the

task (Jawarkar, Ahmed, Ladhake, & Thakare, 2008). Furthermore, Alheraisha (2004) also

developed a home automation system for fan speed and lighting system control. The system

was designed to use a GSM-SMS Module with AT usage based on commands. Similarly,

application of speech recognition to control appliances remotely was also suggested.

However, the system was for the physically disabled meant to perform real-time operations

(Potamitis, Georgila, Fakotakis, & Kokkinakis, 2003). A control for monitoring systems

based on SMS was designed by Ciubotaru-Petrescu, Chiciudean et al. (2006) that comprised

of a microcontroller as the processing unit and a GPRS Modem as a communication unit was

developed. Conte and Scaradozzi (2003) proposed a multiple agent automation systems

(MAS) that improved performance of the controlled home appliances. A Wireless Home

Automation system based on the internet was proposed by Alkar and Buhur (2005). The

system had limitations such as power failure despite having a low-cost.

The development of a home remote control for electronic appliances using Bluetooth

enabled cellular phones has been proved possible. It is meant to transmit the communication

and commands between a hardware adapter made of 20MHz and a 16 bit Central Processing

Unit and a Bluetooth Module. This is to ensure adequate updating of the software through the

use of the Internet-enabled phone (Kanma, et al. 2003). Among other developed systems is a

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health-care management system. The system managed information, transactions and

communications using mobile technology in rural areas (Murthy, 2008).

2.1 Limitations of Existing System.

Various factors limit consumers from adopting home-made automation systems. Delgado,

Picking and Grout (2006) identified various issues affecting the implementation of home

automated systems. The architectural design of the systems (Yang, Yao, & Lu, 2009) is

among the major problems. The designs are complex and incorporate various components

like personal computers for network control and remote access. Yang, Yao and Lu (2009)

also noted the installation problem, where they argued that the current systems architecture

requires physical wiring as a result of expensive wireless technologies. The requirements of

other gadgets such as transceivers, sensors, and the motors (Rishabh, Dutta, Samanta, Sarkar,

& Das, 2013) that are installed and placed over a large area, therefore, the cost of

development and implementing a wireless sensor network tends to be very high. Once

installed, it is hard upgrading the control systems conventionally using the capabilities of

remote control system. Security is a primary concern of any home automation system (Yang,

Yao, & Lu, 2009). This is an aspect that the existing approaches have not put greater

concerns as the problems due to sharing of information have been neglected. There are high

operational costs due to the Internet speed and the bandwidth required by the running of

systems through the Internet and run timely monitoring. This is only possible in industries

and larger companies, especially in the developing nations. In cases of faultiness, these

application systems do not have any alert capabilities hence there is a likelihood of

destruction of property and possible losses.

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2.2 Automation

Automation according to Olalekan (2009) is the control of equipment, machines, and

industrial processes by the application of a control system and information technology, hence

reducing human effort in intervening. It is a result of complex systems designed by

combining automated devices with organizational and mathematical tools (Olalekan, 2009).

However, tasks like language and pattern recognition are still beyond the level of computing

and modern mechanical systems.

2.2.1 Home automation

Home automation has been defined by the various researchers in different perspectives.

However, it is the application of modern technology with the home environment to provide

services thereby enhancing the quality of people’s lives (Yang, Yao, & Lu, 2009).

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Chapter 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Requirements

Due to the nature of the study, the requirements will depend on the information obtained

through literature review. Furthermore, the knowledge and understanding of the working and

running of the automated devices will be a critical factor in determining the requirements.

3.2 Data collection methods

The data sources will majorly be secondary data. These will be obtained from the library

sources as well as the Internet. This will involve reviewing relevant literature having

information regarding the home automation systems. Others such as relevant documents,

books, journals found in the library as well as previous research papers will also be

considered. Primary sources of data will also be done through interviewing those already

using the systems and the commercial system designers as well as observation of the how the

system works with the aim of improving it.

3.3 Data Interpretation and Analysis

The analysis of data will focus on obtaining the requirements to design the system from the

collected from all the sources. The data analysis of the system is based on the study

objectives. The analysis will be done qualitatively to obtain necessary information to help

make an accurate recommendation. The concepts of literature review will provide a baseline

for cross checking the analyzed data and interpretations made to obtain necessary information

for the designing of the home automation system to automatically control the electronic

appliances. From the data analysis, the information obtained regarding the benefits and

strengths of the system already in existence will be incorporated into the new design will

modifying the identified weaknesses.

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3.4 Review of the System Requirements

The automation system will require both the hardware and the software as listed below;

3.4.1 Software requirements

The system cannot run on its own, hence requires software for operation and control (Ganiyu,

Arulogun, Adetunji, & Okediran, 2011).

 Microsoft Windows Operating System

 Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0

 Bluetooth stack that supports Bluetooth Serial Port Profile (BSPP)

3.4.2 Hardware requirements

 Desktop Personal Computer that is running on Windows

 Bluetooth dongle.

 Wi-Fi adapter for the Personal Computer that is capable of operating in access point

mode.

 Bluetooth equipped mobile phone that supports J2ME (Java 2 Micro Edition) with

MIDP 2.0

 Wi-Fi enabled laptop, but Sony Play Station Portable is also supported

 PIC16F877A microcontroller and development board

The determination of both the hardware and the software will be based on the system design.

The secondary data sources obtained will be used to determine the best requirements for

developing the system. This will help understand the operation of the current system and how

best to improve their performance through redesigning.

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3.5 System Design

Conceptual Data flow diagram. Adapted from; “Implementation of a Low-Cost Home

Automation System,” 2009, by Kurian Abraham, K.P. SandeepRao.

3.5.1 System Design and development tools

Different kinds of tools and programs will be used so as to develop and run the system

effectively. This is because the system will operate on various components and platforms

have the need to choose the best programs and tools.

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Some of these tools include Microsoft Visual Studio 2005. This is because the Wi-Fi and the

server applications are coded in Microsoft Visual C++. Also, Java ME Platform will be

incorporated since the client for the Bluetooth-enabled phones is coded in the J2ME using

theMobile Information Device as a Profile. Other tools to be used include the HTML, Micro

media, and the Unified Modeling Language.

3.5.2 System Components

The designing of the system will involve majorly three units that will be different. The first

and key unit will be the personal computer parts. This will form the user interface, the web

server, and the database component. There will be the Internet page set up to run on a given

Web server. Both the Internet and the user interface will be connected to a database server.

The second component will be the master device as the controller. This will contain a micro

unit controller connecting the Personal Computer prompts and the appliances such as the fan.

The communication from the Personal Computer will be relayed to the device through the

controller segment through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. All the devices will have a microcomputer

and an ID chip acting as transmitter and receivers. That will enhance the reception of

commands, perform and return a status signal. The web page connection will be secured

through the certificate and secure socket layer from the server. Log in will only be possible

through passwords to eliminate unauthorized access.

3.6 Simulation and Testing

The use of Lab View will be undertaken to simulate the control of the devices remotely. The

controlled devices will be linked to the server through the user interface. The devices will be

accessed a commanded through the set-up web page. The testing of the simulation system

will be carried out by issuing commands to the configured electronic appliances. The

response from the apparatus will be an indicator that the system can perform a particular

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change on the appliances being investigated. Black box and the white box techniques will

both be used to test the system. For the white box, calculated inputs will be provided so as to

verify errors in the internal structure of the system (Abraham & Rao, 2009).

3.7 Evaluation

The evaluation will entirely depend on the flexibility of the implemented system and the way

it performs the commands, producing a desired change and response of the test appliances.

The system has technological constraints that make it vulnerable to power failure (Khiyal,

Khan, & Shehzadi, 2009). However, this is corrected using a voltage source hence exhibiting

its advantage. The range is limited to a few meters for Bluetooth transmission; however, it

greatly eliminates the cost of network usage (Madan & Reddy, 2012). Following the

advantages of home automation, the idea is gradually gaining consumer awareness.

According to Kurkinen (2010), advertisements have increased leading to numerous service

provisions.

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Chapter 4 CONCLUSIONS, LIMITATIONS, AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 Conclusion

The system was experimentally proven reasonable after samples were connected to it and the

wireless mobile phone successfully controlled them. Therefore, its portability and

compatibility with various types of mobile ma manufacturers was successful and proven.

4.2 Limitations.

The analysis has not specified the network range of the Desktop server. This may hinder long

distance application of the system's remote control.

4.3 Recommendations

Due to its low cost, commercial production of the system should be emphasized to meet the

requirements of the low-income generation.

Also, the system has few limitations. However, it should be studied more critically to

analyzed and interpret its hindering factors so as to generate valuable solutions.

References

Abraham, K., & Rao, K. S. (2009). Implementation of a Low-Cost Home Automation System. ANNA

UNIVERSITY.

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Alheraish, A. (2004). Design and implementation of home automation system. IEEE, 1087-1092.

Alkar, A. Z., & Buhur, U. (2005). An Internet Based Wireless Home Automation System for

Multifunctional Devices. IEEE Consumer Electronics, 1169-1174.

Chibuishi, I., & Yerima, O. (2015). GSM Based Home Surveillance System. international journal of

Trend in Research and Development .

Ciubotaru-Petrescu, B., Chiciudean, D., Cioarga, R., & Stanescu, D. (2006). Wireless Solutions for

Telemetry in Civil Equipment and Infrastructure Monitoring. 3rd Romanian-Hungarian Joint

Symposium on Applied Computational Intelligence (SACI) .

Conte, G., & Scaradozzi, D. (2003). Viewing home automation systems as multiple agents systems.

Delgado, A. R., Picking, R., & Grout, V. (2006). Remote-controlled home automation systems with

different network technologies. Proceedings of the 6th International Network Conference ,

357-366.

Ganiyu, R. A., Arulogun, O. T., Adetunji, A. B., & Okediran, O. (2011). Development of a GSM Based

Household Power Management System. British Journal of Science.

Jadhao, V. P. (2013). ARM Based Smart Home Automation. international journal of Science and

Engineering, 33-56.

Jawarkar, N. P., Ahmed, V., Ladhake, S. A., & Thakare, R. D. (2008). Micro-controller based Remote

Monitoring using Mobile through Spoken Commands. Journal Of Networks, 58-63.

Kanma, H., Wakabayashi, N., & Kanazawa, R. (2003). Home appliance control system over Bluetooth

with a cellular phone. IEEE Trans. Consumer Electronics, 1049-1053.

Khan, A., Khiyal, M. S., & Shehzadi, E. (2009). SMS based wireless home appliance control system

(HACS) for automating appliances and security. Informing Science Institute.

Khiyal, M. S., Khan, A., & Shehzadi, E. (2009). SMS Based Wireless Home Appliance Control System

(HACS) for Automating Appliances and Security. Issues in Informing Science and Information

Technology.

Kurkinen, L. (2010). Smart Home and Home Automation.

Madan, V., & Reddy, S. (2012). GSM-Bluetooth based Remote Monitoring and Control System with

Automatic Light Controller. international journal of computer applcations.

Murthy, M. V. (2008). Mobile based primary health care system for rural India. W3C workshop on

Role of Mobile Technologies in Fostering Social Development.

Olalekan, O. M. (2009). INDIVIDUAL CONTROL HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM. FEDERAL UNIVERSITY

OF TECHNOLOGY, AKURE.

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Potamitis, I., Georgila, K., Fakotakis, N., & Kokkinakis, G. (2003). An integrated system for smart-

home control of appliances based on remote speech interaction. European Conference on

Speech Communication and Technology, 2197-2200.

Rishabh, D., Dutta, S., Samanta, K., Sarkar, A., & Das, D. (2013). Security Based Domotics.

ScienceDirect, 942-948.

Yang, S.-H., Yao, F., & Lu, X. (2009). A ZigBee-based home automation system. IEEE Transactions on

Consumer Electronis.

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APPENDICES

1 Time Frame

NO.

ACTIVITY

DURATION

2015

2016

MONTHS

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

Identification Title

Literature

Collection

Writing of

Proposal

Presentation of the

Proposal

Research

Preparations

Data collection

and review of

existing literature

System

Requirements

Determination

System design

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Simulation and

testing

Simulation

Final presentation

of research/project

Drafting final

project report

Final report

writing and

binding

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