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Technology, Systems and Implementation of a Smart Home Automation
System: A Review
Suraj Bhatia
1, Jatin Bajaj
1, M. Mani Roja
2
1Students, Department of Electronics and Telecommunication
2Associate Professor, Department of Electronics and Telecommunication
1,2Thadomal Shahani Engineering College, Bandra, Mumbai
[email protected], [email protected]
Abstract
The development of smart home automation
system has great potential in today’s age of
technology. According to the Smart Home Energy, a
smart home, or smart house, is a home that
incorporates advanced automation systems to
provide the inhabitants with sophisticated monitoring
and control over the building's functions. Such
systems make use of different types of sensors to
examine the environment and maintain a control over
home appliances using latest communication and
networking methods. The purpose of this paper is to
provide information about the implementation and
design of existing smart home technologies. This
paper also discusses about our wireless, voice
control Smart Home System that allow people control
their home devices by voice command at home.
Keywords: Smart Home, Automation, Wireless
1. Introduction
The development of a smart home system is not
an isolated case; the concept has been existing since
the term "smart house" was first coined by the
American Association of House builders in 1984.
Primarily, the development of a technology within a
society is necessitated by trends within that particular
society. The objective of developing smart home
system technology is to fulfil their promise of vastly
improving the lifestyle of families through socially
appropriate and timely assistance. Sensing,
anticipating and accordingly responding to the
various activities in homes is the basic requirement of
such systems.
A smart home is a space or a room which is
provided with the ability to get accustomed by itself
to certain situations to make the occupants feel
comfortable[1]. Smart homes could be simple remote
control of electrical appliances or more complex
functionalities such as monitoring of the house
interiors using speech recognition, via an iOS or
Android application or recognition of human
gestures. In this paper, we will emphasize on the
design and implementation of a smart home and how
it differs from the existing home automation systems.
The design is based on anXBee module which uses
the IEEE 802.15.4 networking protocol for speedy
point-to-multipoint or peer-to-peer networking[2].
The smart home control system design is based on
wireless sensor network system which allows people
control their home devices by voice command at
home.
2. The Smart Home System
Smart Home is the term commonly used to define
a residence that uses a Home Controller to integrate
the residence's various home automation systems.
The Intelligent Home Controller or simply the Home
Controller is a software or any device that may be
used to control the appliances in a home environment
smartly. The components of a home automation
system can be broken down into several categories as
shown in figure 1[3]:
2.1.Controlled Devices
A controlled device is the one whose operation is
regulated by an external device or mechanism. It can
also be called as a plant or process which is a part of
a much bigger and complex system. Controlled
devices include a tremendous range of equipment that
a home automation system is capable of controlling
which may include audio/video and lighting devices,
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HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning),
security systems.
2.2.Sensing Devices
Computer controlled devices continually monitor the
operating condition of today’s electronic devices.
With the help of sensors, vital information about a
number of conditions can be sent to the controller to
make minor adjustments far more quickly and
accurately than any mechanical system. Physical
factors such as temperature, pressure, speed and
position are converted into either digital or analog
electrical signals by sensors. These signals are
converted into data that can be displayed by the user
or used by a controller program to make informed
decisions based on certain conditions.
2.3.I/0 Interface Devices
The controller and the controlled devices need to
communicate logically; such a link is provided by the
Input/output interface devices in an automation
system. They are the means by which various devices
are made compatible physically and logically with the
structure of the system. Many equipment that are
essentially part of home automation systems come are
based on built-in industry-standard control interface
such as infrared or serial interfaces, or even both.
Most I/O interface devices provide one-way
communications from the controller(s) to the
controlled devices, although there are some types,
such as RS-232 interfaces, which allow two-way
communications.
2.4.Controllers
The element of the system itself or external to the
system which controls the plant or process[4]. This
term is appropriate in describing discrete devices that
control particular pieces of equipment or processes.
Any intelligent device capable of sending commands
that are understood by the controlled devices can be
termed as a Controller. Data which can come from
user input, sensor input, a timer, a control program, or
some combination of these is saved by controller in a
home automation system. To obtain user input, the
system must have one or more user interfaces.
2.5.User Interfaces
Abbreviated UI, it is the junction between the user
and a programming computer; a set of commands or
menus through which communication takes place
between a user and the controller. In an intelligent
home automation system, there are many possible
options for how and from where the automation
system and single devices can be controlled; a user
interface can be a computer-based system at a distant
location, a basic mechanical switch or a loudspeaker
with a microphone to maintain a control over all the
home appliances.
2.6.System Network
The system network of a smart home system
includes all of the controllers, sensors, wires and
cables, RF and IR (infrared) links, adapters,
connectors, junction boxes, dimmers, ballasts and
power supplies that connect the various system
components. Standardizing such forms of hardware,
electronic and communication interfaces which are
needed to construct a home automation system is one
of its basic principle. Some standards use additional
communication and control wiring, some embed
signals in the existing power circuit of the house,
some use radio frequency (RF) signals, some can be
installed wirelessly and some use a combination of
several methods. The Helix, by Resolution Products,
is the first fully wireless system that can be installed
anywhere in the home, and is sold by professional
dealers. This not only ensures a more discreet and
secure system; it also gives dealers the cost effective
and consistent installation process they need to drive
down account creation costs[5].
2.7.Programming Computer
A programming Computer or Programmable
Logic Controller (PLC) is an electronic device
designed to be used in a home automation system to
controls a system or groups of systems through
analog/digital data input/output terminals. Control
over the entire system is maintained by a series of
inherent functions of timing, counting, data
processing, comparing, sorting and transfer as well as
arithmetic and logical operations. Some automation
systems allow the user to program the system with
the system's own user interface(s).
Figure 1. Basic structure of home automation system
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Other systems require the use of a separate
computer (typically a PC) to program the system
controller. However, some systems may may allow
certain functions to be programmed with the its own
user interface(s), but a separate computer is required
to program the more advanced functions or change
certain basic operating parameters according to the
user’s needs.
3. Smart Home Technologies
Designing a home automation system for
monitoring and controlling various devices in remote
locations can be done through a variety of
communication options such as wireless LAN
technologies, dial-up modems, secured radio
networks, satellite communication (SATCOM),
Internet, cellular network and many more. Several
studies on home automation have been done using
different types of control methods.
The paper proposed by Qifan Pu et al, is an
example of a novel gesture recognition home
automation system that leverages wireless signals
(e.g., Wi- Fi) to enable whole-home sensing and
recognition of human gestures, commonly known as
WiSee [6].”Wireless Home Automation System
Using ZigBee” and “Research on home networking
with ZigBee” are ZigBee based research papers, a
standard that defines a set of communication
protocols for low data-rate short-range wireless
networking [7] [8]. An application of Bluetooth
technology in home automation and networking
environment is proposed in [9]. Bluetooth is an ideal
solution for a wireless home network that does not
incur additional costs of wiring. A typical Bluetooth
based home automation system includes a host and
several client modules. Considering the entrance
price of the Bluetooth, it will be more cost effective
to have multiple Device Controllers (DC) connected
to a Bluetooth device. The design and
implementation of a home automation system where
communication technologies GSM (Global System
for Mobile Communication), Internet and speech
recognition have been used. All the above techniques
are merged into a single wireless home automation
system and have been studied by“A GSM, internet
and speech controlled wireless interactive home
automation system”[10]. A low cost Java-Based
Home Automation System has been introduced, but
does not include in-depth details of the type of
peripherals that can be attached to this system [11].
All the appliances and devices in a home
automation system are receivers, and the means by
which they are controlled, such as remote controls or
keypads, are transmitters. If an electrical appliance is
to be used in another room, the transmitter will send a
message in numerical code that includes the
following:
An alert signal to the system that it's issuing
a command.
A distinguished unit number for the device
that should receive the command.
A code with the actual command, such as
"turn on."
All of this is designed to happen within a second,
so on basis of speed of communication between the
controller and the controlled devices, few prominent
technologies are discussed below. The other factors
that make these protocols unique are: degree of
compatibility with various home devices, its
reliability, power consumption, range of applications
and most importantly the cost of installation and
maintaining the entire system.
3.1. X10
X10 is a protocol for communication among
devices used for home automation, developed by Pico
Electronics of Glenrothes, Scotland in 1975. It uses
power line for signalling and control; household
electrical wiring which powers lights and appliances
in a home environment is used to send digital data
between X10 devices. So it was initialized as a power
line-based system, but eventually was made wireless.
Though it is the most known home automation
protocol in the world, it is not known for great speed
or communication between devices.
X10 was also quite popular due to its low pricing
but has received little updates in the 30+ years of its
existence and has hence become obsolete and
replaced by the newer and more versatile wireless
technologies. For a consumer who is unfamiliar with
the home automation systems, it’s probably advisable
to start with some other technology, because X10
devices are more complex to configure and also
performance is sometimes erratic.
3.2. Z-WAVE
Z-Wave is a protocol similar to ZigBee because it
also makes use of RF signals for signalling and
control. It was developed by Zensys, Inc. and
released in 2004. In comparison to ZigBee, Z-Wave
aims to build simpler and less expensive devices. Z-
Wave was designed mainly for control, monitoring
and status reading applications in residential and
industrial environments.
Z-Wave increased the usable range of home
automation by making all devices double as
repeaters. Commercial applications also increased
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due to its increased network reliability. There are two
main types of devices defined in Z-Wave protocol:
Controllers and Slaves. Controllers are able to initiate
transmission as well as hold all the smarts related to
the network routings. Slaves are end devices with
general purpose input-output (GIPO) type
functionality that executes the controller’s
request[12].
3.3. INSTEON
INSTEON is the best-selling, most-reliable home
control and automation technology. It is a dual-mesh
home management network technology using both
the existing wires (power line) in the home and radio-
frequency communication. INSTEON provides a
secure, highly-available, affordable, home control
and sensing to provide automation to lighting,
appliance and home control applications of all types.
Easy to install and setup, INSTEON offers the
flexibility and dependability to make the home
environment more convenient and safe. Additionally,
many INSTEON products that make use of the power
line are compatible with legacy X10 devices without
the need for a bridging product [13].
The INSTEON network is an integrated (RF and
Power line) redundant, non-supervised, peer-to-peer
network. Each device in the network receives
messages simultaneously, independent of whether the
message originated via a wireless or power line
device. An important feature of INSTEON is the
automatic error detection and correction. Every
message is confirmed as it is received and the
message is automatically resent if any errors are
detected.
3.4. ZIGBEE
ZigBee is a protocol for communication amongst
devices used for home automation and uses RF
signals for signalling and control. The key features of
ZigBee are low power, robust, mesh networking and
its interoperability. ZigBee is made to operate on
IEEE 802.15.4 radios. The 802.15.4 radio is a
hardware layer, on which numerous and incompatible
protocol stacks function. Therefore, compatibility
might be an issue with products following this
protocol.
ZigBee technology supports two features sets
(ZigBee Feature Set and ZigBee Pro Feature Set)
which focus on specific markets. The ZigBee Feature
Set targets home and light commercial environments
that are designed for simpler plug and forget
networks. The "ZigBee Pro" feature set includes
those features and enhancements in the ZigBee
Feature Set and adds elements designed for larger,
more complex networks, such as centralized data
collection, network scalability, automated address
management and group addressing[7].
4. Tasks
A home automation system is designed to perform
a magnitude of tasks according to the user’s needs,
making a home environment energy efficient, safe
and comfortable. Nowadays there is virtually no limit
to the tasks such an automation system can be made
to perform. If it possible to execute any task
following the basic principle of a smart home system
with the current state-of-art technology based
mechanical and electronic systems, the only limiting
factor could be the user’s budget.
4.1. HVAC
Required environmental conditions are
maintained by an HVACsystem. They are assigned
by a home automation system to control heating,
ventilation and air conditioning in the desired
area[14].
4.2. Lighting
Household electric lights can be controlled by
lighting control systems. They can be controlled on a
time cycle, or arranged to automatically go out when
a room is unoccupied. It is possible to control lighting
by a wireless control or over the Internet. Natural
lighting (daylight) can be used to control window
shades and curtains automatically to make best use of
the natural light.
4.3. Audio-visual
Audio and video switching and distribution is
included in this category. It facilitates selection and
distribution of multiple audio or video sources to one
or more rooms and can be linked with lighting and
blinds to provide mood settings.
4.4. Security
The integration of household security systems
with a home automation system can provide many
additional services such as remote surveillance of
security cameras over the Internet, or central locking
of all doors and windows[15].
4.5. Intercoms
An intercomsystem allows communication via a
microphone and loudspeaker between multiple
rooms.
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5. Advantages
Smart homes have the ability to make home life
more convenient. Whether a user is at work or on
vacation, a smart home system will send alerts as to
what's going on and security systems can be built in
such a fashion to provide adequate help in case of an
emergency. For example, a resident could be alerted
in the case of a burglary by the alarm and the smart
home system could also be programmed in a way to
dial the police department and execute other safety
measures to protect the resident.
Energy efficiency is one of the major advantages
of the smart home system as compared to the
traditional systems. This is possible by use of Z-
Wave and ZigBee technologies which help in
reducing the functionality of the devices. This is done
by putting the devices to sleep or activating them
when appropriate commands are given. Electricity
bills can be brought down to a much lower level in
small ways like switching off of the lights when a
person may leave a room or adjusting the temperature
of a room based upon the identity or preference set by
the person. Also, it becomes possible to keep a record
of the amount of energy being consumed by the
various devices in the home.
A smart home technology is of great benefit to
elderly or disabled persons living alone. Systems
could be programmed to notify the resident to take
medications on time, alert the hospital in case of an
accident in the house in order to guarantee health and
safety of the resident. The smart home would also
perform tasks such as shutting off the water in case of
overflowing in a tub is detected or turning off the gas
stove if there is no person present in the kitchen for a
long time. Easy-to-control automated systems would
provide similar benefits to those with disabilities or a
limited range of movement accordingly.
6. Our Smart Home System
This smart home control system enables people to
control their home devices wirelessly by voice
commands at home. It is possible to control almost all
the facilities including lights, fans or even
background music. The transmission distance of the
voice is kept short because it is hard to recognize
what a person has said when there is some external
noise interfering with the command signal.
Sometimes, the voice recognition chip will send out
incorrect instructions because of such noise in the
environment. So, a central control unit is placed in
the centre of the room which sends digital signal
wirelessly to the other microcontroller which controls
the home devices.
In this research work, an XBee transceiver
module is used for point to point communication.
The reason for choosing XBee is that it promises
many advantages over existing remote control
solutions, including more efficient communication
and reliability, flexibility, interoperability, and no
line-of-sight barrier. XBee can transmit signals at
most 1000 meters which avoids the distance and
signal interference problem. That means, the
transmission of signal won’t be blocked in a long
distance by a wall.
X-CTU is the program provided by Digi to
initialize and test with XBee communications. Along
with the microcontroller ATmega328, a voice
recognition module is required to be implemented.
The EasyVR Shield - a Voice Recognition
Shield/Module is chosen which is best suited for
ATmega328 and has a high level voice recognition
function. EasyVR Commander records the voice that
someone speaks into the chip and then compares the
voices of the people when they send out executable
commands.
In order to avoid basic communication errors in
the system, an error detector circuit was designed
based on a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control
circuit. In case of damage to the LED bulb or the fan,
there will not be any voltage across the resistor, so
reading the voltage value in analog, the error detector
function could be realized. For the result, all the
devices implemented in the circuits can be controlled
by eleven different commands which will also be
shown on the LCD at the same time to the user. A
+9V battery to provide the power to CPUs and +12V
battery to the whole home device is used [16].
Figure 2. Overview of logical structure
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7. Conclusion
In this paper, an initiative has been taken to
explain the concept of a smart home/home
automation system by considering all the basic
components of the system with the help of a block
diagram. The study of the work done by several other
authors on home automation system has given an idea
of the range of applications that are possible using
various wireless technologies. The voice-controlled
smart home system using an XBee radio module
proposed in this paperis a simulation product for the
future life and the purpose of it is to make people's
lives more convenient. The use of a 12V battery for
powering the entire device makes it safer to use for
people and other devices in the house. Also, the
wireless voice-control system makes it advantageous
for disabled people to control the household devices.
The future work related to this system includes:
With the use of voice, the different home
devices such as lights, fan and music could
be controlled together at the same time. The
upgrade of such a prototype could be to
control bigger home devices such as the TV
or air-conditioning.
Further, the idea of the smart home system
using a smartphone could control the home
electrical device by talking to the cell phone
application.
Integrating a security system by putting a
passive infrared (IR) sensor near the
entrance door and windows to make the user
feel safer.
8. References
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Energy
Conservation in Smart Home, 5th IEEE
InternationalConference on Digital Ecosystems and
Technologies,Daejeon, Korea, May 2011.
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[3]http://www.intelligentstructures.com/components.html#t
op,Date of Reference: 24/09/2014.
[4] U.A. Bakshi, V.U. Bakshi, “Principles of Control
Systems”, chapter 1, page 1-2, Technical Publications.
[5]http://resolutionproducts.com/helix, Date of
Reference:24/09/2014
[6] Qifan Pu, Sidhant Gupta, Shyamnath Gollakota, and
Shwetak Patel, “Whole-Home Gesture Recognition Using
Wireless Signals”.
[7]Y.Usha Devi,”Wireless Home Automation System
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[11] AL-Rousan, M., Al-Ali, A.R., “Java-based home
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[12] Mikhail Galeev, “Catching the Z-Wave”, Electronic
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[13] http://www.insteon.com/faq-home.html#02,Date of
Reference: 24/09/2014.
[14]ASHRAE Handbook, “HVAC Systems and
Equipment”, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating
and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 2004.
[15] Shmuel Hershkovitz, “Security system entry control”,
US7965171 B2, Jun 21, 2011.
[16] Jiayuan Wang, Sheng Zhang, “Smart Home System-
A wireless, voice-controllable, household system”, Cornell
University, 2012.
Suraj Bhatia et al, Int.J.Computer Technology & Applications,Vol 5 (5),1690-1695
IJCTA | Sept-Oct 2014 Available [email protected]
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ISSN:2229-6093