Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
2.1 Introduction
This chapter gives a description of the various elements that have relations with home
automation such as Android and its operation system as well as its development tools, the
technology of Bluetooth and its module, and Arduino. Also, the chapter will give some examples
Home automation refers to the use of a computer to control home functions and other
features of the home remotely and is also sometimes known as smart home. The home
automation system can be utilized in the controlling of various process in the home such as
turning lights on and off, programming appliances such fridge among others remotely. Currently
installing a home automation system is still expensive, but it is believed that there may be a
decrease with as the home media devices continue to become cheaper and therefore more people
will opt for the system. Home automation is very much important in many broad areas, and to a
greater extent, it can be used to improve the quality of life in people. One importance of home
automation system involves its application in security aspects. Security cameras and sensors can
be connected to home automation system and used to monitor activities around the house
remotely. Another use of home automation system is in the elderly who have been impaired with
physical mobility. Simple tasks may seem harder for people who are less mobile. The automation
system can link up the tasks performed on a simple control panel thereby easing work for the
elderly. For instance, opening and closing of curtains can be eased through using a motor that is
integrated development environment for the programming of the board. Arduino is an open
source hardware technology one of the best platforms out there that can be used to build home
automation system. This technology can be used to control such applications as lights and
sensors through reading them as inputs and turning them as outputs like activating a motor,
switching on lights or online publishing of something. It is possible to tell the board what needs
to be done through sending s eat of instructions to the microcontroller . to effectively achieve this
the programming language of Arduino which is based on wiring and the Arduino software (IDE)
which is based on processing must be used. The program forming Arduino can run on various
The program is simple and accessible; thus, it has been used in numerous projects.
Arduino is easy to use for novice and also flexible enough to cater for advanced users. So anyone
can use it including children, programmers among others by just following the step by step
instructions of the kit. Teachers and students sometimes use it to develop low-cost scientific
instruments so as to prove the principles of chemistry and physics or at times to get started with
the programming involved in robotics. There are several microcontrollers and microcontroller
platforms used for physical computing such as Netmedias BX-24, Parallax Basic Stamp,
Phidgets, and so forth. Arduino makes the process of working with microcontrollers much easier
and provides several advantages for all the individuals interested over other systems such as:
Cheap compared to other microcontrollers with some modules costing as low as $50.
Uses various platforms of making a cross-platform. For instance, it can work in various
operating systems, unlike other microcontrollers which only work with windows.
Simple to use with a clear programming environment making it suitable for any person
experienced circuit designers can easily their own versions of the module and improve it
2.4 Bluetooth
Bluetooth refers to the foundation for transformative connectivity that uses wireless
feature. A Bluetooth device uses radio waves to connect to the computer or a phone. Most
devices contain like headsets or watches contain a tiny computer chip with a Bluetooth radio that
enhances connectivity. Bluetooth technology can be used in various places such as homes,
schools, cars, and so forth. Despite all these uses, one major interest for focusing on Bluetooth is
its application on home automation systems. There are advantages that come along with using
Bluetooth such as beings secure, strength, low consumption of energy, low cost, and ease of use
[5].
Like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth uses the FHSS technique which involves the splitting of the
frequency band of 2.4 GHzinto 79 channels referred to as hops, and each one of them has 1MHz.
Bluetooth has the ability to switch channels at 1,600 times a second thereby making it avoid
As already mentioned, Bluetooth can be used in many appliances ranging from cars to
cell phones all the way to headsets. With the Bluetooth innovation, it is possible to text, listen to
Bluetooth has turned out to be an ideal solution for home automation. It is easy to control
temperature and other electronic devices using Bluetooth although to a greater extent a computer
may be involved. It is possible to use a remote mobile with a host controller to communicate to
several home appliances using Bluetooth as a wireless device. This involves use of a wireless
network. Client module and the host controller communicate through enabled Bluetooth in a
smartphone [7].
Home automation using Bluetooth [7].
device. The hc-05 module of Bluetooth is more compatible as it consists of a serial interface and
a Bluetooth adapter. The module is user-friendly as it does not require any setting after purchase
apart its AT mode which is used to switch between master and slave mode. In this project,
2.5 Android
Most of the contemporary phones, TVs, tablets, and set boxes use Android. Android has
been in business since 2008, and there is a likelihood that it will soon penetrate the motor vehicle
industry and other industries that use entertainment. Andy Rubin developed the Android system
for phones, and he was later made the director of mobile platforms when Google acquired the
All Android phones come with an application known as play store (initially known as
Android market) and it is used to download Android applications. Play store contains numerous
Android applications which can be used to execute various functions as required by a user.
Android comprises various layers where the applications need to follow to get to the
hardware. There is a few accessible libraries and ARM architecture which forms the principle
This was the first Loxone Smart home opened to the public. All that is required is to book
an appointment and get to know the kind of comfort this house offers right away from security to
This house is nestled in a quiet street some distance away from Richmond-upon-Thames.
The exterior may look traditional, but the inside is modernized, sleek and stylish smart home that
has all the controls affiliated with home automation system [11].
References
[1] J. Griggs, P. McKenna and M. Koerth-Baker, "Top tech for a cooler planet", New Scientist,
Dec- 2016].
Dec- 2016].
[7] B. Malik, "Bluetooth based home automation system using android phone", Microcontrollers
http://circuitdigest.com/microcontroller-projects/bluetooth-controlled-home-automation-
2016].
[11]"Loxone Smart Home - Media, PA, US 19063", Houzz, 2016. [Online]. Available: