Android Based Home Automation Systems and Its Applications

The ideas related to automation of tasks were in existence during the time of Greeks and after that as well, and during the industrial revolution, automation systems were developed. The home automation system is nothing but a term used to describe the working of all household appliances. A centrally controlled LCD touchscreen panel is the best example of a home automation system as it is used to control the appliances like air conditioners, heaters, security systems, video systems, audio systems, home theatre installations, kitchen appliances, and lighting systems.

Introduction to Home Automation Systems

In the present time, the technologically advanced world is getting more and more advance as new technology is penetrating deeper into our personal lives even in our homes as well. The home automation system is becoming very popular around the world. Home automation is used to control and monitor electronic security systems, lighting, climate, appliances, audio or video equipment, etc. Home automation is the residential extension of building automation, and it is an automation of the home, housework, or household activity. The benefits of automation are that it is secure and saves money, time, maintenance costs, and makes life easier. Home automation devices include X10, Insteon, UPB, Z-wave, Crestron, Lurton-RA, PLC, etc.

Home automation systems are categorized into the following three types depending upon the type of wired or wireless controllers:

• Power Line Based Home Automation
• Wired or Bus Cable Home Automation
• Wireless Home Automation

Home Automation Using Android

Generally, in today’s modern world human beings are addicted to using modern equipment. This project intends to make an Android OS based smartphone or tablet workable for controlling every appliance of industries or households. There are several Android applications available in the market to turn our Android-based smartphone or tablet into a remote control for our home. If we want to control a system at home or want to get started, we need an INSTEON controller and also INSTEON controllable devices. In addition to this, we need to install different Android applications for home automation. Some of these Android applications are INSTEON Hub, MobiLinc, Conductor, wdISY, Touch Switch, Auto HTN Vera, etc.

For a better and simple understanding of this concept, this project for home automation with Android application is handy:

Hardware Requirements

• 8051 series microcontroller
• Optoisolator
• Transformer
• TRIAC
• Voltage Regulator
• Crystal
• Diodes
• Resistors
• Capacitors
• Lamps
• Push-button
• Bluetooth Device

Software Requirements

• Android Application
• Keil Software
• Embedded C or Assembly language

Project Description

The power supply consists of four stages: transformer, rectification, smoothing, and regulation. In the first stage, the transformer steps down the AC voltage within the range of 12v. In the second stage, a bridge rectifier is used to convert an AC input into a DC output. In the smoothing stage, AC ripples are removed with the help of a capacitor, and in the regulator stage, a regulator IC is used to regulate the power supply as per the requirement of the circuit.

In recent years, technology is advancing and houses are becoming smarter by gradually shifting from conventional to centralized switches. Conventional switches are located in different places in the house. These switches are difficult to operate for the users and especially for physically handicapped people as they are difficult for them to approach and operate. Android

technology-based remote-controlled system provides a simple solution to home automation.

In this project, a microcontroller is used from the 8051 families, and the loads are interfaced with the 8051 microcontrollers by using TRIACs and Opto-Isolators. The remote operation is achieved through any Android smartphone with a Graphical User Interfaced based touch screen operation. GUI is nothing but a type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices through visual indicators and graphical icons. These can be found in mp3 players, gaming devices, industrial equipment, and household appliances. To achieve this, the Android smartphone acts as a transmitter and sends on or off commands to the receiver where loads are connected. So, by using wireless technology, we can operate the remote switch on the transmitter and the loads can be turned on or off remotely.

Applications of Home Automation

• Home automation system with security by Using Microcontroller
• Home automation System Based on Touch Screen
• The android-based home automation system
• DTMF based home automation system
• GSM Based home automation system
• Arduino Based home automation system
• Home automation and security system based on sensor
• PIC Microcontroller based designing of home automation and security system
• Wi-Fi-based home automation system design and implementation
• Implementing digital and computerized mobile home automation system for a security system and electric appliances
• Android ADK based home automation and security system
• Home automation system with Bluetooth
• Home appliance controlling using handled devices through spoken commands
• Home automation system based on RTOS using Android
• Home automation Wireless Sensor Network based on Zigbee
• Voice Control System for smart home based on Zigbee

Thus, the practical example is given above best describes a home automation system which is an Android-based home automation system. In addition to this, the above paragraph provides a list of some of the project ideas of home automation systems as well. It is possible to develop the home automation system by using different technologies such as Arduino, Zigbee, GSM, WiFi, DTMF, and by using different controllers like PLC, SCADA, etc. We hope that you might have received some deep insights about this topic and a better understanding of such automation systems or android based projects. Furthermore, give your valuable suggestions and feedback in the comment section below.

Photo Credits:

• Home Automation Systems by rbgrant
• Home Automation System by rent-a-techie
• Home Automation using Android by cultofandroid