/SmartHome

Wrexham Glyndwr University Project BEng

Primary LanguageC++

HYBRIDISED WEB-MOBILE HUMAN-MACHINE-INTERFACE (HMI) FOR SMART HOME APPLICATIONS

Find the complete report and presentation on my Google drive

Background

  • Machines still rely on mental abilities of their user
  • Machines become more and more complex
  • Yet their operation should be easy
  • We live in the age of Internet of Things and Industry 4.0
  • The internet is more than just visiting websites & chatting
  • Smart home systems offer security and protect the environment

Aim

Development of a hybridised Human-Machine-Interface in a Smart-Home environment

  • Easy to use
  • Transparent
  • Central & Remote controllable
  • Control digital and analogue devices
  • Cost-effective
  • Internet connected

Planning

  • Host computer is central element
  • Android Application
  • Arduino as microcontroller
  • TCP connection for communication between phone and host
  • Serial connection between host and microcontroller

The host computer

  • Programmed in C++ with QT Framework
  • Is the central Human-Machine-Interface
  • Forwards instructions from app to the controller
  • Receives weather data from the internet

The mobile application

  • Programmed in Java with Android Studio
  • Bidirectional connection
  • Remote control the microcontroller
  • User Interface is synchronised with the host

The controller

  • Programmed in C / C++ like language
  • Main controller is Arduino Mega
  • Main controller fetches sensor data and controls actuators
  • AC-Controllers are Arduinos as well
  • AC-Controllers are necessary for dimmable actuators

Results

  • System is able to control actuators from local panel or remotely via mobile application
  • Reliable communication between the components
  • Sensors can be read and actuators can be controlled
  • Cost effective

Conclusions

  • Unlike other systems, this system can be reproduced by other engineers
  • Added value in any area where communication with different entities is required
  • IoT market growing -> New open-source approach for future projects

Recommendations for further work

  • Expansion of device limit
  • Universal applicability
  • Security
  • Wireless actuators & sensors
  • Support multiple operating systems