=Paper=
{{Paper
|id=Vol-2864/paper29
|storemode=property
|title=A Reasonable Smart Home Technology on the Arduino
|pdfUrl=https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-2864/paper29.pdf
|volume=Vol-2864
|authors=Dmitry Lubianov,Kostiantyn Kasian,Mykola Kasian
|dblpUrl=https://dblp.org/rec/conf/cmis/LubianovKK21
}}
==A Reasonable Smart Home Technology on the Arduino==
https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-2864/paper29.pdf
A reasonable smart home technology on the Arduino
Dmitry Lubianova, Kostiantyn Kasiana, Mykola Kasiana
a
National university “Zaporizhzhia polytechnic”, Zhukovskogo street 64, Zaporizhzhia, 69063, Ukraine
Abstract.
The article demonstrates the results of the development and implementation of low cost smart
home technology programmed on the FPGA Arduino. The purpose of the work is to program
remote control gadgets, with which the user has the ability to control all devices that support
infrared signal technology. The scientific novelty of the work results is the developed set of
programmable gadgets can replace a significant number of different remotes and switches by
using only one gadget as a control device, which is an alternative to a smart home. The
practical value of the work results is that the developed set of programmable gadgets will
ease the trivial life of the handicapped and the elderly.
Keywords 1
Android, Arduino, FPGA, IR-signal, Remote control, Smart home
1. Introduction
Nowadays, concepts like a smart vacuum cleaner, a smart refrigerator, and in general, a smart
home is not something fantastic. Smart devices are approaching to the 21st century people. However,
there are certain restrictions that inhibit "smart development" in human life. The first reason is
people's skepticism about this kind of thing. The second is the high cost of such devices. Solving the
first problem is much more difficult, so we need to focus on the second, which can affect the previous
one.
The simplest option is to upgrade existing appliances in compare with replace them with new ones.
In this way, a person gets a full-fledged smart device, or even a smart home.
A smart home is a wide concept that includes a system of home devices that capable of performing
actions and solving certain everyday tasks without human activity. Electrical appliances of the
building, which are controlled centrally (from the remote control). The devices are connected to a
computer network, which allows us to control them with a PC and provide remote access via the
Internet [1].
However, there is an even simpler and cheaper option. The only disadvantage is all appliances go
into remote control mode (the previous method included automatic mode).
The obvious and effective solution to this problem is to replace all remote controls with a universal
remote control or smartphone. Although the last option has been practiced in everyday life for some
time, but not all devices are equipped with infrared (IR) technology.
Furthermore, the smart home technology will be really handy the handicapped and the elderly life
who find using a large amount of different remotes very tough or even impossible. The system settles
all those problems.
This article describes methods and tools for the development and deployment of a ready-made
system of the smart house, which will ease the trivial life for all people, especially the elderly and the
CMIS-2021: The Fourth International Workshop on Computer Modeling and Intelligent Systems, April 27, 2021, Zaporizhzhia,
UkraineEMAIL: front.shipper@gmail.com (D. Lubianov); konst_k@yahoo.com (K. Kasian); kasmiko48@gmail.com (M. Kasian)
ORCID: 0000-0003-4407-3044 (D. Lubianov); 0000-0002-1257-156X (K. Kasian); 0000-0001-8999-2218 (M. Kasian)
© 2020 Copyright for this paper by its authors.
Use permitted under Creative Commons License Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0).
CEUR Workshop Proceedings (CEUR-WS.org)
handicapped including devices analysis, hardware and software system review and development and
testing of the system.
2. Devices analysis
To develop a low cost “smart home” technology we need to purchase a device for
encoding/decoding signals. There are no specialized devices for such purposes, but there are FPGAs,
the functionality of which fully covers these requirements. Among all the options, the Arduino FPGA
family famous of its ease of use and low price (compared to BroadLink RM Pro, which is several
times more expensive than the chosen integrated board) [2].
FPGA is an electronic component used to create digital integrated circuits. Unlike conventional
digital chips, the logic of FPGA operation is not determined during manufacture, but get set by
programming. For this purpose, there are programmers and debugging environments are used, which
allow to set the desiring structure of the digital device using one of the special languages of hardware
description (Verilog, VHDL, AHDL and others) [3].
The most popular and one of the budget options is the purchase of FPGA family Arduino. To build
a smart home, the Arduino UNO is commonly used as a motherboard, and the Arduino Mini / Nano as
an additional option to control certain devices.
The essence of smart home technology is not difficult to deploy, we just need to connect the main
board to a computer, laptop or smartphone that has Internet access and organize communication with
other modules and sensors via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Thus, a properly configured system will be able to
remotely read the values of the installed sensors (temperature, fire, moving, lighting etc.) and send
them to the user's device through the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modules [4]. In turn, the user can program
the delayed start of devices, adjust their work mode or control electrical appliances remotely (vacuum
cleaner, air conditioner, light switch, etc.).
Bluetooth’s big advantage for smart home products is low energy use. With Bluetooth LE, you can
have a standalone device that does not need charging for weeks. That may come in handy when we
get to the point where all our clothes, all our furniture, all our possessions are smart-home enabled.
Generally, there are a lot of appliances that can be controlled remotely. For instance:
TV
audio devices
slide projector
conditioner
purifier
led-string
smart-things and so on
However, the simplest option is to buy some of the cheapest FPGAs Arduino Mini / Nano,
Bluetooth or WiFi modules and signal transmitters. This is the case considered in this work.
2.1. Hardware system review and development
The reasonable smart home technology development includes two components: hardware and
software.
The hardware includes selecting and connecting the required components. For one-time and more
convenient FPGA programming, the Arduino UNO board is selected (after that, all devices are
connected to the Arduino Mini / Nano).
To get started the system, there are three additional modules are needed for Arduino including:
IR-receiver VS1838B
infrared LED
bluetooth module HC-05
IR receivers, sometimes called IR sensors or IR detection diodes, usually come in two different
form factors. You can either buy the diodes separately or mounted on a small breakout board.
They work exactly the same, so it does not matter which one you use. The only difference is that
the breakout board often contains a small LED that blinks every time the receiver detects a signal
which can be handy for debugging.
First, we need to connect the power supply to the board. Except for providing power, we need to
connect an IR receiver.
In our case, the IR receiver (TSOP 1838) is connected to 11 pins and as well as to 5V and GND
power supply. FPGA power supply, in our case, is provided by two options: from the 12V power
supply or from the USB Type B connector [5].
The VS1838B infrared receiver is a receiver of IR signals that operates at a frequency of 38 KHz.
The IR receiver can receive and process an infrared signal, which is an IR pulse of fixed frequency
and a certain duration (a bundle of pulses) [6].
In IR signal modulation, an encoder on the IR remote converts a binary signal into a modulated
electrical signal. This electrical signal is sent to the transmitting LED. The transmitting LED converts
the modulated electrical signal into a modulated IR light signal. The IR receiver then demodulates the
IR light signal and converts it back to binary before passing on the information to a Minicontroller.
The scheme of the button-code receiving through IR-receiver and the follow displaying them on
the screen is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Arduino Mini connection scheme with IR‐receiver VS1838B [7]
Features of IR receiver:
frequency 38 KHz
supply voltage 2.7-5.5 V
current 0.4-1.5 mA
signal reception angle: 90 °
signal reception range up to 20 m
Infrared LED allows us to create a wireless optical method of data transmission, because infrared
rays do not distract a person due to their invisibility [8].
From a physical point of view, an infrared LED is a diode or a simple semiconductor.
To operate other slave modules, it is necessary to connect an IR transmitter and, in our case, a
Bluetooth module. The IR transmitter is connected to second pin and GND through a resistor.
The Bluetooth module HC-05 is connected to TXD, RXD, 5V and GND through a resistor. By the
way, this module has one more pin called Key. If it is input low level or connect to the air, the module
is at paired or communication mode. If it is input high level, the module will enter to AT mode.
Bluetooth module HC-05 is one of the best solutions for two-way Bluetooth communication of our
Arduino device with a smartphone, laptop or other Bluetooth devices.
To compare with the HC-06 module, which can only be installed as a Slave, the HC-05 can also be
installed as a Master (searching for Bluetooth devices and initiating a connection), which allows
communication between two separate Arduino boards [9].
Technical features of the HC05 module:
bluetooth chip: HC-05 (BC417143)
radio frequency range: 2.4-2.48 GHz
speed: Asynchronous: 2.1Mbps(Max) / 160 kbps, Synchronous: 1Mbps/1Mbps
power supply: 3.3-5 V
current: 50 mA
range: up to 10 meters
profilies: serial port
modes: master, slave
working temperature: -25… 75 ° C
dimension: 27 x 13 x 2.2 mm
The scheme of the button-code receiving device on Bluetooth technology and its decoding in a
signal is shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Arduino Mini connection scheme with IR‐LED and HC‐05 module [7]
By the way, we can combine two schemes, which shown in Fig.1 and Fig. 2, in only one. All we
need is to connect IR-receiver to the last scheme and change listing a little. So that, we can adapt each
board not only for transmitting signal but for receiving it through IR-technology.
To summarize, we need at least four the most significant modules to build the system (Arduino
board, IR-receiver, IR-LED, Bluetooth module) and, of course, a few resistors to prevent a module
failure because of the high amount of current, and some wires to combine all the components.
2.2. Software system review and development
The software part includes three components: writing a program for reading codes of different
signals from remote controls; writing a program for remote signal transmission using Bluetooth
technology; writing a program to receive, decode and transmit a signal to a household appliance.
Arduino programs are written in the C or C ++ programming language. Users need to define only
two functions in order to create a program that works on a cyclical basis [10]:
• setup (): the function is executed only once at program start and allows to set initial parameters
• loop (): the function is performed periodically until the board is turned off
An IR receiver was connected to the board to receive data from different remotes. It should be said
that this operation can be performed without a computer. All we have to do is pre-load the required
sketch to the Arduino board and all the codes are displayed on the FPGA monitor itself. However, this
option is not so convenient due to the need for manual data recording [11].
An IR transmitter was connected to the Arduino UNO for preliminary testing. The program for
decoding and encoding the remote control signal was written and the first results were obtained (in the
16th format) [12]. The principle of operation is to receive a signal from the parent remote control to
the IR receiver of the board. After that, a sketch is performed and the recoded code is sent to the IR
transmitter, which sends a signal to the device. An example of the obtained codes is shown in Table 1.
The first column is a short description of each command. The second is HEX code that was
received from TV-box appliance and the third one is HEX code that was received from TV. The last
column is testing buttons to send chosen command through the IR-LED.
To control household appliances with a smartphone, we need to write an application that transmits
the received signals using Bluetooth technology to the HC-05 module. However, we can use a ready-
made application, many of which are in the Internet and are very similar to each other.
First, we need to connect a Bluetooth module and an IR transmitter to our FPGA Arduino Mini /
Nano.
Table 1. Codes from the two tested devices
Commands SAT TV Code
power 9966DA25 FE50AF 0
mute 99667A85 FED02F 1
menu 99669A65 FE2AD5 2
exit 9966B24D FEEA15 3
left 9966926D FEDA25 4
right 996650AF FE1AE5 5
up 9966D827 FE7A85 6
down 9966F00F FE6A95 7
epg/source 9966708F FECA35 8
ok 9966D02F FE5AA5 9
A feature of the HEX encoding format is the almost 100% absence of signal code repetition on
different devices [13]. Therefore, programming of all installed Arduino boards is made according to
one template.
The algorithm of the program includes several key stages of obtaining, recognizing and decoding
commands (Fig. 3). First, a signal transmits via Bluetooth technology to the HC-05 Arduino Mini /
Nano module. Then the installed sketch works and after that, through the IR transmitter, the signal
transmits the appropriate code to the IR receiver of the device.
Figure 3: The main algorithm of transferring user’s command
The main screen of the application has all the necessary functionality and an intuitive interface
(Fig. 4), on which we can control the connected devices or perform other manipulations. The blue
Bluetooth icon means that the device is connected properly and is ready to use. The red Bluetooth
icon, in contrast, means that there are problems with the connection [14].
Figure 4: The main menu of the Android application [15]
As a result, we configured all the necessary components including hardware and software parts.
We combined two schemes and programmed Arduino boards to execute two types of code: receiving
and display code of signal and receiving and transmitting received signal.
3. Testing of the system
At the system testing stage, we need to make sure that the sent signal on the programmable remote
control responds correctly and the device correctly receives the command.
First we need to establish connection with all the home appliances. We turn on the Bluetooth on a
smartphone and open the application. Then we start searching Bluetooth devices around, connect to
them and after that, devices are ready to use.
For testing features of the system, six devices were programmed: two different TVs, a set-top box,
a CD player, a DVD player and an LED strip. We can connect up to 10 different devices (that amount
was set at the programming stage), but these amount enough for an ordinary user.
The smart home structure is shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5: The smart home structure
In order to demonstrate correction of work we join the Arduino Mini system with HC-05
Bluetooth module to laptop and open “Port monitor” tab to see sent signals.
On Uno, Nano, Mini, and Mega, pins 0 and 1 are used for communication with the computer.
Connecting anything to these pins can interfere with that communication, including causing failed
uploads to the board.
We can use the Arduino environment’s built-in serial monitor to communicate with an Arduino
board. So that way, we can check which information transmitted through the Arduino board to the
terminal device.
The result of work is showed in Figure 6.
Figure 6: The result of sent signals through IR technology
As we can see, the codes that we tested and saved earlier received and transmitted correctly. By
the way, except Decoded NEC code format we also used the Raw format [16]. We have to use such a
format to send the complex signal to such devices as a conditioner and so on. Because these types of
appliances get some amount of following codes that going one by one, to apply all necessary signals
to different part of system, like humidity, temperature, velocity of wind flow and so on.
All of them work properly and during testing, we definitely had the convenient and benefits of
controlling all devices with only one gadget.
Nevertheless, managing devices with the Android application has its advantages and
disadvantages.
On the one hand, we get rid of any remote control as a control device and transfer all its functions
to a smartphone; what is more, there is no need to point to the controlled device each time. Bluetooth
technology works within a certain radius of up to 10 m in any direction [17]. On the other hand, the
devices are controlled by sending an IR signal from the Arduino board, so the FPGA must be in direct
line of sight to the controlled device.
After all, we got the fully functional system that works correctly and passed all the tests
successfully.
In fact, we are able to change Bluetooth technology to Wi-Fi [18]. That will be even more
effective because we can control all the devices not only via a smartphone, but also via a tablet, a
laptop and so on.
The great advantage of this method is we can control all the devices “absolutely” remotely; there is
no necessity to be near the devices like in case Bluetooth technology. So that way we can watch all
the indicators and control all home appliances from different places.
Obviously, configure the whole system using Wi-Fi technology will be much more difficult
because we have to build a working network system, join it to local network with global internet
access. Our option is simpler and reasonable, even without great abilities in programming a person is
able to build and deploy the smart home technology.
4. Conclusions
The result of research work is a universal complex for controlling devices with an infrared sensor,
which opens up a wide range of opportunities for its users. Devices are controlled by a smartphone,
even if it does not have an infrared port. This allows the user to set up the technology of a smart
home, which is very popular and relevant now, in any room.
It is perfect, fully functional, low cost and reliable replacement to regular smart home technology,
because not every person can afford to deploy true smart home technology in their house.
All components to build the complex system, including several Arduino Mini/Nano boards, cost
even less that only one branded smart device. Once you need to write a necessity code and then just
upload it to all the boards. It takes a few minutes, but the result is terrific.
Besides, the developed set of programmable gadgets will help the handicapped and the elderly,
who find it very difficult to operate multiple remotes or master a new one. The only thing they should
get is getting used to the android application.
As a result, the reasonable smart home technology for controlling household appliances has been
developed, programmed and tested.
5. Acknowledgement
The system was implemented in the work process at the LLC “STYLE MAX” enterprise and used
as a device for testing different appliances at certain stages of production which controlled by an
infrared signal.
6. References
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household appliances management”. The modern science potential (part IV): materials of the IV
International scientific-practical conference (2019): 49-50.
[2] Simon Monk. “Programming Arduino. Professional work with sketches”, 2016.
[3] Jeremy Blum. Exploring Arduino: Tools and Techniques for Engineering Wizardry 1st Edition,
(2016): 90-93.
[4] Simon Monk. Arduino + Android Projects for the Evil Genius: Control Arduino with Wer
Smartphone or Tablet, 2017.
[5] Becky Stewart. “Adventures in Arduino”, 2015.
[6] Simon Monk. Programming Arduino: Getting Started with Sketches (Tab) Second Edition
(2011): 140-154.
[7] Fritizing. URL: https://fritzing.org/.
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