CHAPTER 1: BACKGROUND AND MOTIVATION

ABSTRACT:
The main aim of the project is to implement a Home Automation which can
be controlled by android app.Such a system must be developed which can be
availed by everyone. Besides, hardware and software requirements for this must be
simple. So that people in all stages and ages can extract its advantages. Several
home automation technology systems are available. Among this web based
automation is different. For this, an internet connection is required. In this regard,
simple circuit arrangements are needed. The system can be accessed from
everywhere.

1.1 INTRODUCTION:
With advancement of internet technology lifestyle of every person is
changing constantly. Internet of Things is a concept where user can connect
distinct physical objects and control their operations through internet to make life
more flexible and efficient. The idea of ―Internet of Things‖ was first applied by
Kevin Ashton (1999). The concept of the ―Internet of Things‖ has a close relation
with the blossoming home automation. The use of such system is growing at an
enormous rate since the advent of it. Overall Internet usage has seen tremendous
growth. During the first decade of 21st century, the headcount of Internet users
globally increased about 5 times. In the year 2014 the number of Internet users in
the world exceeded 3 billion. According to Euro monitor, by the year 2020 about
43.7% of the world‘s inhabitants will be using Internet. To begin the era of
wireless control Bluetooth came to light in automation system to control appliances
while data is send in Bluetooth frequencies. Though the system can work well in a
small range, it cannot be used in long distance as signal attenuation is high and
another problem is signal interference with multiple devices in use in small
vicinity. Then there was GSM system where messages can be sent from a mobile
to control devices. Although this design was much efficient but not very cost
effective Another important way to control many devices, is to use remote
controller using infrared signal to communicate with devices which is well
available in the market. There was also an idea to control household appliances
using voice command. Such system uses voice modulation in mobile to decrypt our
voice and thus commanding different devices. So the path of Wi-Fi connectivity
was chosen, using a router, to communicate with central device and control them.
This system is very effective and can be used to control from a far-away point
(within the range of the router) using many devices at a time with less cost
involved.

Keeping all the precursory articles in view, a design hypothesis for a low
cost real-time home automation system using Arduino Uno microcontroller with
Wi-Fi router are proposed in this prototype. The suggested Arduino-Uno micro-
controller introduced in this project provides a simple execution of the system as
compared to the other types of controllers. This system utilizes static IP based
communication. Here user can employ a router to provide an IP address to the
microcontroller based device through an Ethernet module that helps in internet
based communication via router. This system has three operational modes: the first
one of them is based on any web supporting device which is termed as manual
mode, the second one is based on sensor readings considered an automated mode
and the third one is security mode for safety. Thus the user can use it in his/her
own way or can give control to the central device which controls the house itself. It
also provides security as well. A hardware implementation of the proposed system
is developed to verify the reliability and limitations of the model.

1.2 BACKGROUND:
Home automation makes life simple for human beings. Various efforts are
made in this arena. Our effort is to transform life into a simple way using modern
technology. For fulfilling that desire web based home automation is selected. Now
a days internet use has become a very common phenomenon. People grab various
devices to access internet. In that, internet access is available in everywhere. To
facilitate with this access we have come forward to establish a system. In our
system database is developed to access and update class routine. Ethernet shield is
used as a network provider. An inverter logic gate is used to send totally digital
signal to the microcontroller. For microcontroller ATmega32A is used.. BJT is
used to drive relay. Relay is included for controlling AC power sources. There are
systems that uses only Android mobiles as a control and monitoring unit . That also
uses IP based communication with the central device where an application is used
to control the appliances. This design is very useful with latest smart phone users
as they can easily control home appliances using their mobile.

1.3 MOTIVATION:
Imagine controlling the fan in your house without needing to stand up from
your cozy couch? What about getting the live temperature and Humidity? Better
still, how would you feel if you could switch off the security lighting in your
backyard while still in your bed?

To develop Smart home gives user remote access to virtually all functions of
the house. Furthermore, you no longer have to worry if you forget to turn off your
light while at work or on vacation. Smart homes always have applications that you
can install on your smart phone and have access to the various functions. You can
therefore rest easy while on your vacation.

Efficient and sustainable energy is the order of the day, and smart homes are
one of the most energy-efficient advancements of the 21st century. For instance,
lights that are not needed can be turned off automatically and switch off
accordingly after sunrise. Such measures ensure that energy is consumed
efficiently and only when needed. Using appliances that consume as little energy
as possible also counts towards lowering energy consumption and increasing
efficiency. For instance, the use of LED lighting can reduce energy consumption
by 15%. This ensures that you will save a lot on energy bills and use the savings
for other expenses.

1.4 PROBLEM STATEMENT:

Home automation for years has been the domain of home installer outfitting
wealthy consumers with $10,000 -$100,000 setups to control lights, home theatre.
Air conditioning, and home audio. After many fits and starts, more mainstream
home automation appears to be growing out of that which niche as evidenced by
all the DIY(Do it yourself).This are brands like nest, huv, kwiksat, sonos, corous,
drop cam, Honeywell, yale, iris, Insteon and Belkin that individually control your
AC, lights, locks, cameras, home audio, garage door and anything with a plug.
This new devices are great, but in aggregate when used at the same time actually
create a new set of consumer problem which I want to explore in the column.
 The challenges with all these growing products comes in aggregate when
consumers start buying a lot of them what if a consumer bought a nest thermostat,
quick set door lock, Phillips HUE lighting, A Sonos audio system, and a bunch of
Belkin wireless plugs? First the consumer would have 6 different apps to setup,
learn and use that all look and feel different. Additionally, there aren’t easy ways
to make the devices work as one system if you want to trigger an event after an
event. What if my outdoor lights to turn On after the garage door unlock? That’s
not going to happen because it requires two separate apps.

There are other issues, too. For many of there products you will need to
have separate wireless adapters plugged into the wall. You see, Many of these
devices work on a different kind of wireless network. It’s not just Wi-Fi, among
home automation solution there’s a zigbee, zwave, Insteon, Radio RA2 and more.
Because devices are speaking different wireless “Language”, they need a different
wireless adapter. Now imagine having five or six wireless plus your Wi-Fi router
in the house yes, ridiculous, and ugly, too.

The problems which hinder and complicate the Home automation practices are
listed as follow:

1. Switching lights ,fans ,and other home appliances of home outside from home.
2. House be safe while you away .
3. Range of the device from you to control.
4. Moniter temperature outside of home
5. control your Air Conditioning system outside of home .
6. Safety issues by allowing you to control home entry remotely.
7. For people with disabilities they can make lives easier by automatically.
detecting their presence and switching on the lights.
8. Power saving by ensuring devices are only on when needed.
9. Monitoring temperature while you away.
10.Gas leakage detection while you away.

1.5 OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE:

1.5.1 Objectives of this project are:
 This web based home automation system can be implemented in any
institutions like schools, colleges and universities.
  The database is developed in a way that can synchronize with real time
and date. Apart from, the system is particularly suitable for teachers who
have rushed all time for classes. And for the respected job a planned
routine is made. That’s why; it is quite obvious for them to forget about
keeping lights, fans and basic appliances off.
 In this regard, the system supports them to be relieved from such
anxieties. This way the whole institution can be brought under
automation.
1.5.2 Scope of the project :
 In future, refrigerator would know what it contained and would be able to
communicate that information to you. You might even be able to
telephone your refrigerator -- or send it an e-mail -- to find out what food
to buy on the way home from work.
 Security and alarm systems normally address most of the safety issues in
the home environment. However, adequate lighting at night can prevent
unwanted accidents such as falling down the stairs or add to the burglary
deterrent by flashing exterior lights when motion is detected.
 Increasing family safety by carbon monoxide monitoring. Anytime a
concern arises, an alert is sent to your smart phone, allowing you to act
immediately to protect your home and your family.

1.6 ADVANTAGES:
 Reduced installation cost
 Easy deployment
 Accessibility
 Handiness
 Energy savings
 Saves time
 Makes home and business safer

1.7 DISADVANTAGES:
  This project relies totally on power. If power failure happens then
internet connection will be halted. For this, database access will be
stopped.
 Though it requires less circuitry but cost is not in minimal range. For
getting facility users need to expense for this.
 This real time server base system is limited to one person that means at a
time only one user can operate the home automation system.
 Ethernet shield heats up for long hour operations. To overcome this
external DC jack can be used with the shield.

1.8 LIMITATION:-
Our project is totally internet based. We are controlling our system through internet
access. As we are controlling this through internet so we need confirm higher
speed of internet. If the speed become low system delay will occurs. To avoid the
delay we need make sure of higher speed of internet.
● This project relies totally on power. If power failure happens then internet
connection will be halted. For this, database access will be stopped.

● If strong network does not exist, then Ethernet shield will not be working as
a network provider to the circuit. Finally, system will be halted.

● Though it requires less circuitry but cost is not in minimal range. For getting
facility users need to expense for this.

● This real time server base system is limited to one person that means at a
time only one user can operate the home automation system.

● If there is any break due to rupturing of cables or the fibers the total system
gets crashed. This will not be the case of radio signals or the other signals.
Here, there will be a difficulty of signal receiving. The wiring of the system
results in crash in most of the systems.

1.9 CONCLUSION:
 In real time web based and android based home automation system, it
is figured out to control appliances in a certain time frame to make devices
either on or off. In near future, our plan is extended to make device wise
control. For this, different appliances would be in the output ports. Multiple
devices would be connected in that case. In our real time database such
arrangements will be available that will on or off any of the appliances
within a time frame. So, appliance controlling will be more automated.
Further, the work can be modified to strengthen security by detecting
identity of the owner of the system. Another modification can be organized
by matching several routines. That case, the system will effectively work for
multiple persons sharing a room. With this, the system can be incorporated
in a whole building of any institution or residential building. This way,
advantages of home automation can be more availed.