Thesis

Sma

s submitted

art Hom

to the facu

D

D

Pakistan In

N

me Auto

B

H

K

lty of Engin

Degree of B

epartment o

nstitute of E

Nilore, Isla

omation

By

Bilal Shahee

Hamza Kha

Kamil Abba

neering in p

S Electrical

of Electrical

Engineering

mabad 4565

June, 2014

n using

en

an

as

partial fulfill

l Engineerin

l Engineerin

and Applie

50, Pakistan

4

LabVI

lment of req

ng

ng,

ed Sciences,

n

IEW

quirements

,

for the

iii

Department of Electrical Engineering

Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS)

Nilore, Islamabad 45650, Pakistan

Declaration of Originality

We hereby declare that the work contained in this thesis and the intellectual content of this

thesis are the product of our own research. This thesis has not been previously published in

any form nor does it contain any verbatim of the published resources which could be treated

as infringement of the international copyright law. We also declare that we do understand the

terms copyright and plagiarism, and that in case of any copyright violation or plagiarism

found in this work, we will be held fully responsible of the consequences of any such

violation.

Signature:………….

Name: Bilal Shaheen

Signature:…………..

Name: Hamza Khan

Signature:………….

Name: Kamil Abbas

Date: June, 2014

Place: PIEAS

iv

Certificate of Approval

This is to certify that the work contained in this thesis entitled

“Smart Home Automation using LabVIEW”

was carried out by

Bilal Shaheen, Hamza Khan and Kamil Abbas

under my supervision and that in my opinion, it is fully adequate, in scope and quality,

for the degree of BS Electrical Engineering from Pakistan Institute of Engineering and

Applied Sciences (PIEAS).

Approved By:

Signature: ……………………...

Supervisor: Dr. Haroon ur Rashid

Verified By:

Signature: ……………………………..

Head, Department of Electrical Engineering

Stamp:

v

Dedication

To our grandparents, parents and siblings

vi

Acknowledgements Foremost, we would like to thank Almighty Allah, the most merciful and beneficent for

giving us the strength and courage to accomplish the task assigned to us. We would like to

express our sincere gratitude to our supervisor Dr. Haroon ur Rashid for the continuous

support of our Bachelors study and FYP.

Besides our advisor, we would like to thank the rest of my thesis committee: Dr. Ghulam

Mustafa and Dr. Arif Gilgiti for their encouragement, insightful comments and questions.

We thank our fellow-mates in PIEAS for the stimulating discussions, for the sleepless nights

we were working together before deadlines, and for all the fun we have had in the last two

years.

Last but not the least, we would like to thank our families for supporting us spiritually

throughout our academic life.

Declara

Certific

Dedicat

Acknow

Table o

Table o

Table o

Abstrac

1  Int

1.1 

1.2 

1.3 

1.4 

2  Lit

2.1 

2.2 

2.3 

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.3

2.4 

2.4

2.4

2.4

ation of Orig

cate of Appr

tion ............

wledgement

of Contents .

of Tables ....

of Figures ...

ct ................

troduction ..

Overview

Bird’s Ey

Objective

Report lay

terature Rev

Automati

History ...

Types of

  Build3.1

  Powe3.2

  Indus3.3

  Hom3.4

Types of

  Centr4.1

  Semi4.2

  Distr4.3

ginality ......

roval ..........

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ts ................

..................

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..................

w .................

ye View ......

es ................

yout ...........

view...........

on ..............

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Automation

ding Autom

er Automati

strial Autom

me Automati

Automation

ralized Syst

i Distributed

ributed Syst

T

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n .................

mation .........

ion .............

mation ........

ion ..............

n Systems ..

tems ...........

d/Centralize

tems ...........

Table of Co

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2.5 

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.6 

2.6

2.7 

2.7

3  Me

3.1 

3.2 

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.3 

4  Ha

4.1 

4.2 

4.3 

5  So

5.1 

5.2 

5.3 

5.4 

5.5 

5.6 

Data Acq

  Senso5.1

  Data 5.2

  Ardu5.3

Communi

  Type6.1

LabVIEW

  Using7.1

ethodology

Selection

Modes of

  XBee2.1

  XBee2.2

  Addr2.3

Relay Sys

ardware Imp

Connectin

Software

Relay Cir

oftware Imp

External L

Internal L

Fire Alarm

Burglar A

Temperat

Graphical

quisition Sys

ors .............

Acquisition

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ication .......

es of Comm

W ................

g DAQs wi

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of DAQ ca

f Communic

e ................

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ressing of X

stem ...........

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ng the XBee

to Configur

rcuit ...........

lementation

Lighting sy

Lighting sys

m System ..

Alarm .........

ture Control

l User Interf

stems .........

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n Cards ......

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ith LabVIEW

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ix

5.7  Data Logging ............................................................................................................. 44 

5.8  Control across the Globe ........................................................................................... 45 

6  Conclusion ....................................................................................................................... 46 

6.1  Recommendations and Future Work ......................................................................... 46 

7  References ........................................................................................................................ 48 

x

Table of Tables

Table 2-1- Comparison of Automation Control Systems ............................................................... 9 

Table 2-2- Sensor Types ............................................................................................................... 10 

Table 3-1- Comparison of NI DAQ with Arduino UNO .............................................................. 21 

Table 3-2- Product Comparison (Series 1 vs. Series 2) ................................................................ 22 

Table 3-3 - Pin out of XBee Series 2 ............................................................................................ 24 

Table 3-4- API format for Remote AT Command Request .......................................................... 27 

xi

Table of Figures

Figure 1-1- Overview of the automation system ............................................................................ 2 

Figure 2-1 - Typical Centralized Systems ...................................................................................... 6 

Figure 2-2 - Semi Distributed/Centralized Systems ....................................................................... 7 

Figure 2-3 - Mesh Network of Distributed Systems ....................................................................... 8 

Figure 2-4 - DAQ Systems ........................................................................................................... 10 

Figure 2-5 - Temperature Sensor LM 35 ...................................................................................... 11 

Figure 2-6 - Passive IR Sensor ...................................................................................................... 11 

Figure 2-7 - Smoke Detector ......................................................................................................... 12 

Figure 2-8- Typical block diagram of a DAQ card ....................................................................... 13 

Figure 2-9- NI USB 1208FS DAQ card ....................................................................................... 14 

Figure 2-10- Arduino UNO .......................................................................................................... 15 

Figure 2-11- NI LabVIEW ............................................................................................................ 19 

Figure 2-12- Processing acquired signal in LabVIEW ................................................................. 20 

Figure 3-1- A typical ZigBee network .......................................................................................... 26 

Figure 3-2 - Single Pole Double Throw ........................................................................................ 29 

Figure 4-1- Proteus layout of XBee PCB ..................................................................................... 30 

Figure 4-2- XBee Breakout Board ................................................................................................ 31 

Figure 4-3- Programming XBee with X-CTU software ............................................................... 32 

Figure 4-4- Relay Circuitry to switch load ................................................................................... 33 

Figure 4-5- PCB layout of relay circuit ........................................................................................ 33 

Figure 4-6 - Relay Module ............................................................................................................ 34 

Figure 5-1- Block Diagram of LabVIEW controlled applications ............................................... 35 

Figure 5-2- Front panel of external lighting system ..................................................................... 36 

Figure 5-3- Back panel of external lighting system ...................................................................... 37 

Figure 5-4- Front panel of internal lighting system ...................................................................... 38 

Figure 5-5- Back panel of internal lighting system ...................................................................... 38 

Figure 5-6- Front panel of fire alarm system ................................................................................ 39 

Figure 5-7- Back panel of fire alarm system ................................................................................ 39 

Figure 5-8- Front panel of burglar alarm system .......................................................................... 40 

Figure 5-9- Back panel of burglar alarm system .......................................................................... 40 

Figure 5-10- Front panel of temperature control system .............................................................. 41 

xii

Figure 5-11- Back panel of temperature control system ............................................................... 42 

Figure 5-12- Final GUI: Monitoring & Control ........................................................................... 43 

Figure 5-13- Final GUI: Settings Panel ........................................................................................ 43 

Figure 5-14- Data logging in excel ............................................................................................... 44 

Figure 5-15- Final GUI: Accessing Front Panel through internet browser .................................. 45 

xiii

Abstract

In smart homes, information technology is used to control electrical equipment and to

converse with the surroundings. The technology is new and is still in the development phase.

Smart home automation system is capable of replicating the domestic activities performed on

daily basis such as light automation, security of the house, watering system and HVAC (heat,

ventilation and air conditioning). The backbone of the home automation system is LabVIEW

which provides the complete control in the form of GUI to the end-user. This home

automation system is made up of different subsystems, capable of controlling lights around

the house, fire and burglar alarm to warn the user and automating different daily routines. By

using an internet connection the system can be monitored from all over the world. The

prototype of the system has been developed with hardware which is easily available in

Pakistan. The hardware implementation and communication of a control system for house

automation using LabVIEW is discussed here. The prototype of the system not only monitors

the power used in the house but also helps in conserving the energy by allowing the user to

take full control of the system.

1

1 Introduction

1.1 Overview

Home automation within the recent years has seen much awaited progress. Although the

technology is present for quite some time but the recent advancements in the field of signal

acquisition and computer manipulations has really helped the process automation industry. Home

automation is actually a branch of automation. Automation systems use different kinds of

instruments to sense a change or anomaly in the behavior of a plant and then take the necessary

action against the detected change.

Home automation systems can detect and identify a change and then adjust the light intensity,

room temperature or control opening or closing of drapes based on the logic set by the user.

These type of features make the home automation ‘smart’, because it is making decisions on its

own. A user can set manually the number of changes to detect and then take the required action

according to the detected change. All these type of features of a home automation system can

make the life easier of elderly or those who are physically challenged.

1.2 Bird’s Eye View

The main controller of the home automation system is LabVIEW. The input data from different

type of sensors is acquired by Arduino UNO and manipulated in LabVIEW. These connect

directly with Arduino UNO which feeds the data to LabVIEW. Different programs are made in

LabVIEW which after processing the signal take the necessary action by generating a signal at

the output. This signal is wirelessly transmitted with the help of an XBee. Another XBee is

connected at the load end acting as a router. It receives the signal and triggers the relay circuit to

change the state of the load. The overview of the automation system is shown in figure 1-1.

2

Figure 1-1- Overview of the automation system

The user gets a graphical interface to interact with different energy loads around the house. This

gives complete control over the appliances and the user can turn them on or off or can even

schedule time to dim the lights when needed.

1.3 Objectives

The objectives of our project are mentioned below:

Lighting control system to control household electric lights.

Designing and implementation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning control

system.

Graphical User Interface (GUI) in LabVIEW for the end user.

Control and integration of security systems having the potential of sending emails to

warn user.

Power monitoring and data logging so that user can easily understand power utilization

going around the house.

3

Monitoring and control of house through internet or android smart phones.

1.4 Report layout

The entire project is composed of six chapters, each covering a section of the work as

summarized below:

Chapter one gives a brief introduction to home automation.

Chapter two covers literature review on automation, different types of data acquisition

systems, different communication protocols and standards and software over which home

automation can be implemented.

Chapter three highlights the decisions that led to the selection of a particular component

and also, brief details on both hardware components and communication services used.

Chapter four discusses the hardware design and implementation with practical details of

the project design, construction and testing.

Chapter five includes the software implementation of the control system. The front panels

and back panels designed in LabVIEW have been discussed.

The last chapters concludes the project by summarizing the results, observations and

hurdles faced during the project. It also includes short comings and recommendations.

4

2 Literature Review

2.1 Automation

Automation includes the use of different control systems to run different equipment by using

computer technology. Automation reduces the requirement of human supervision. This not only

helps to increase the efficiency of the overall plant but also ensures consistent results.

We now live in the age of modern machines and intelligent systems. The need of having

automated systems is more than ever before. The fast paced economy trend demands faster

production rates which requires a more sophisticated and complex control of systems to achieve

the ever increasing demand of product supplies. In this situation, engineers analyze the problem

and try to overcome the hurdles with mathematical and programming tools.

Though the use of automation is increasing day by day, but there are still some domains where

automation cannot help us at all. The intelligent control systems cannot distinguish between

taste, smell or handwriting. Also these systems fail when it comes to strategic planning or

designing a federal law framework.

2.2 History

Automation existed around 1898 when Nikola Tesla patented the idea for a remote controlled

boat. This was the birth of remote administration which proved to be a precursor for automation.

In 1910, when mass production was popularized, a new kind of system was implemented by

Ford Inc. The systems used electric motors with a chain and the rig was commonly known as

sequential motion production. The idea of home automation originated during the World’s Fairs

in late 1930s. Although the production and availability of electricity was scarce, the enthusiasts

and hobbyists kept on working the idea of home automation. In 1960s an engineer named Jim

Sutherland made an automation system but this was not commercialized due to the unavailability

of the basic framework. The term smart house was first used in 1984 by American Association of

House builders. The creation of microcontroller caused sudden reduce in the cost of electrical

control of products. In 1990s the concept of home automation gained prominence. The use of

computer and robotics rose to control equipment for the feasibility of user. Although the concept

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is not affecte

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A highly us

er needs. Th

n the rest of

to form a m

can be achie

n have its

This subsys

bsystem con

d by another

nside a build

ed if one of

bility in this

ser friendly

hough it is v

the types. T

mesh networ

eved using c

own subsy

tem is capab

ntrols the de

r controller w

ding.

f the subsyste

type of syst

interface en

very flexible

8

These

rk, as

cables

ystem,

ble of

efined

which

em is

tem is

nables

e, the

9

system is also very complex and requires experience and knowledge to execute and maintain the

system.

Table 2-1- Comparison of Automation Control Systems

Categories Pros Cons

Centralized Simple

Less software required

Extensive cabling required

Large space required

Semi-Centralized/Decentralized Easy to update software etc.

Easily upgradeable hardware

Complex

Lacking redundancy

Decentralized

Easy to maintain and upgrade

Highly customizable

No extensive cabling required

Highly complex

Expensive

2.5 Data Acquisition Systems

Data acquisition system can be deconstructed into three main building blocks, as shown in figure

2-4. Sensing element, Data Acquisition (DAQ) card and a PC. The physical phenomena are

converted into electrical signal by the sensing instrument. After the signal is converted into an

electrical signal, it is fed into the DAQ card. The DAQ card amplifies the signal, removes noise,

and quantize it. After that, the converted signal is fed into the computer, where the acquired data

can be manipulated according to one’s need. [3]

The phy

measured

given bel

Sensor

Thermoco

Photo Sen

Micropho

Strain Ga

Potentiom

They are

centigrad

ysical quant

d by differen

low.

ouple, Therm

nsor

one

age, Piezoele

meter

2.5.1

e temperature

de. It works

tities can b

nt type of se

mistor

ectric Transd

Sensors1

2.5.1.1 T

e sensors wi

in a range

Figure 2

be temperatu

ensors availa

Table 2

ducer

s

Temperatur

ith voltage li

of -55 to 15

2-4 - DAQ Syste

ure, light et

able in the m

2-2- Sensor Type

Pheno

Tempe

Light

Sound

Force a

Positio

e sensors

inearly prop

50 degree c

ems

tc. These p

market. Some

es

menon

erature

and Pressure

on and Displ

portional to d

centigrade. D

physical phe

e of the com

e

acement

degree

Due to

enomena ca

mmon sensor

10

an be

rs are

11

trimming and calibration at wafer level low cost is ensured. The current it draws is just 60uA.

Pin layout of LM35 is shown in figure 2-5.

2.5.1.2 Passive infrared sensor (PIR)

All the devices above absolute zero temperature emit radiation

which cannot be detected by human eye but electronic devices can

be used for such purposes. Radiations enter through the front face

of sensor and at the core sensor is made from pyro electric material

which produce energy when exposed to radiations. PIR motion

based sensors are used to detect the motion of people, animal and

objects. They are used in automatic lightning and burglar alarms.

The sensor will detect the change in infrared radiation and if the change is higher than the set

value will cause device to trigger on.

We are using HC-SR501 PIR motion sensor shown in figure 2-6. Some of its specifications are

listed below

Voltage 5V- 20V

65mA allowable current

TTL output 3.3V-0V

Delay time (0.3sec-10min) can be adjusted.

Locking time 0.2 sec

Sensing range within 7m with angle less than 120 degrees

Working temperature -15 to +70 degree centigrade

2.5.1.3 Burglar alarm

There are many types of burglar alarms but the most common sensor we can use is PIR (passive

infrared) sensor. PIR sensors can be placed in the house to detect change if someone enters your

house.

Figure 2-5 - TemperatureSensor LM 35

Figure 2-6 - Passive IR Sensor

It is a de

work on

Two mai

It is ligh

focus its

straight t

path of l

figure 2-7

These se

ionization

Data Acq

the digita

Acquisiti

into elect

(DAQ) c

then exp

data. Eve

every DA

comprise

or microp

Data Ac

(input/ou

computer

evice that de

the principle

in types of sm

Optical

ht sensor in

light in a fo

through in fr

ight and ligh

7.

Ionization

ensors uses

n in air. Wh

2.5.2

quisition car

al world. It

ion cards ar

trical signals

cards with m

loit the disp

en though th

AQ card is al

ed of an amp

processor.

cquisition D

utput) ports,

r in a num

2.5.1.4 S

tects smoke

e of photoele

moke detecto

which there

rm of beam.

ront of the d

ht reaches s

s radio isot

enever there

Data Ac2

rds, shown in

digitizes th

e used to pr

s by sensing

more resoluti

playing and

he technology

lmost the sam

plifier and an

Devices are

, sampling

mber of diff

Smoke detec

which resul

ectric and io

ors;

e is light so

. In the absen

etector and i

sensor and tr

topes like

e is smoke di

cquisition

n figure 2-8,

e incoming

rocess the p

g instrument.

ion and inpu

processing c

y advances h

me. Every D

nalog to digi

available

rate, resolu

ferent ways.

ctor

lts in the eve

nization.

ource like bu

nce of smok

if smoke is p

rigger the al

americium-

ifference is d

n Cards

, act as a bri

data so that

physical quan

. As newer t

ut/output po

capabilities

has brought

DAQ contain

ital converte

in differen

ution and co

. Most of t

ent of fire sta

ulb and a le

ke the light p

present it cu

larm as show

-241 to pro

detected cau

idge between

t the compu

ntities after

technology h

orts are avai

of a PC to

in new tech

ns a signal co

er, input/outp

nt types, m

ost. DAQ d

the DAQ d

arting. Many

ens to

passes

uts the

wn in

oduce

using alarm t

n the real ph

uter can inte

they have b

has arrived,

ilable in the

further anal

hniques, the b

onditioning c

put ports and

mainly chara

devices are

devices are

Figure

y smoke dete

to trigger.

hysical world

erpret them.

been transfo

Data Acquis

market. We

lyze the acq

basic structu

circuitry wh

d microcontr

acterized by

interfaced

PCI (Perip

e 2-7 - Smoke De

12

ectors

d and

Data

ormed

sition

e can

quired

ure of

hich is

roller

y IO

with

pheral

etector

13

Component Interconnect) and some are designed for mounting in board slots on a computer

motherboard.

Figure 2-8- Typical block diagram of a DAQ card

Data Acquisition device interfaces with computer and exploits the processing power and display

capabilities of the PC. Usually a software package like NI LABVIEW, NI Measurement Studio,

Microsoft Visual C/C++, Visual Basic etc. is used to communicate and manipulate the acquired

data. Thus it offers powerful, flexible and economical measurement solution.

National Instruments (NI) is the leading DAQ card manufacturer in the world. Their devices are

usually very high grade and reliable. All their devices are compatible with a multitude of

software including LabVIEW. The NI DAQ cards are easy to setup and configure. [3]

2.5.2.1 NI-USB 1208FS

It is a USB 2.0 powered device that can be connected to a PC with analog and digital I/O. The

card features eight analog input channels. Each channel is 11-bit resolution input. Two output

ports with 12-bit resolution are available. When it comes to digital, 16 I/O channels can be

selected as input or output in two 8-bit ports. The maximum sampling rate that the card can

achieve is 50 kSamples/sec. The card comes with MCC DAQ software.

14

Figure 2-9- NI USB 1208FS DAQ card

The NI-USB 1208FS, shown in figure 2-9, features two mode of inputs. The user can either set

Differential Input mode or the Single-Ended Input mode. The number of input channel decreases

two four when we use the differential mode.

Differential Mode

The signal input will have two channels with respect to ground. A signal HI and a signal LO pins

are used for one input. By doing this we are actually reducing common mode rejection noise,

which is helpful when there is electromagnetic interference or radio frequency interference. The

differential mode will have half number of inputs when compared to single-ended mode. If there

are ‘n’ number of signals, the differential mode will require ‘2n’ wires or channel.

Single-Ended Mode

The signal input will have only one HI pin and a common LO pin. All the inputs have one

common LO pin while they have separate HI input. For example, if A/D board has 8 single-

ended inputs, there will be 8 HI pins while there will be only one LO pin common to all HI pins.

Single-ended mode is the most common and easiest way to transmit signals over the channel.

The single-ended mode is cheaper in a sense that it requires only ‘n+1’ wires or channels. The

widely used RS-232 system is an example of single-ended mode. [4]

Arduino

multitude

ATmega

board can

the packa

Although

DAQ car

The Ard

through s

used to tr

card, but

2.5.3

UNO is a

e of project

328 chip. T

n be program

age.

h the UNO c

rds. The max

duino UNO

serial port by

ransmit the d

t it is inexpe

Arduino3

USB 2.0 an

ts. The Ard

The board s

mmed throug

can be used

ximum samp

has an AD

y using its 0

data. Althou

ensive and is

o UNO

nd 3.0 com

duino UNO

supports 14

gh the USB

as DAQ ca

pling rate tha

Figure 2

DC with 10

0 (RX) and 1

ugh the numb

s easily avai

mpatible devi

is mainly s

digital I/O

port with th

ard, but its s

at the UNO c

2-10- Arduino UN

0-bit resoluti

(TX) pins.

ber of analo

ilable. The o

ice shown i

sold as micr

pins. It also

he Arduino ID

sampling rat

can achieve

UNO

ion. The A

RX pin is us

g channels i

only downsi

in figure 2-

rocontroller

o have 6 an

DE software

te is much lo

is about 5kS

Arduino UNO

sed to receiv

is less than t

ide is the slo

10. It is us

board base

nalog inputs

e that comes

ower than th

Samples/sec.

O communi

ve and TX p

that of a NI

ow sampling

15

ed in

ed on

. The

s with

he NI

.

icates

pins is

DAQ

g rate

(30 Sam

interfacin

2

Commun

load. We

technolog

The two

Wireless

briefly di

It is a co

and dem

between

our home

can be co

A carrier

wiring o

frequency

and the e

line and

permanen

Advanta

N

A

Disadvan

mples/sec) an

ng will be di

2.6 Comm

nication is th

e are using w

gy are used t

2.6.1

types of co

technology

iscussed.

ommunicatio

modulates it

other comm

es is used fo

ontrolled and

r in the rang

f the house

y and it is n

each receiver

decoded at

ntly wire the

ages:

No new wirin

Anything plu

ntages:

nd the diffi

iscussed in th

municati

he process o

wireless com

to transfer o

Types o1

ommunicatio

was chosen

2.6.1.1 P

on technique

at the recei

munications i

or sending in

d monitored.

e of 20 to 2

. The reason

not legal to o

rs used have

t the receiv

em.

ng was neede

gged inside

iculty in int

he coming c

ion

of transferrin

mmunication

ur signals fr

of Commu

on are powe

n but the rea

Power-line C

in which a

iver’s end to

is that it doe

nformation.

.

00 kHz com

n to use thi

operate in th

e an address

ver. So we

ed.

socket could

terfacing th

hapters. [5]

ng data from

in which de

rom LabVIE

unication

er-line comm

asons to dro

Communica

person mod

o read what

es not requir

This means

mmonly know

is band is to

e range of th

and can be c

can use dev

d be controll

he Arduino

m the data ac

evices know

EW to load.

n

munication a

op power-lin

ation:

dulates the d

t informatio

re any new

s all the devi

wn as narrow

o avoid inte

hose frequen

controlled by

vices plugg

led.

UNO with

cquisition ca

wn as XBee,

and wireless

ne Commun

ata and send

on was send

wiring as th

ices connect

w band is m

erference wi

ncies. The c

y signals tran

ged inside p

LabVIEW.

ard to the de

based on Zi

s communica

nication wou

ds it over the

d. The differ

he wiring us

ted to power

modulated int

ith radio ch

arrier is digi

nsmitted ove

power socke

16

The

esired

igBee

ation.

uld be

e line

rence

sed in

r line

to the

annel

itized

er the

ets or

17

The safe transfer of information to the end device is quite low.

The data received at the user end might be highly distorted.

There is no fix standard when it comes to power-line communication. International

market is not taking any interest in devising a standard to distribute data in homes

through power-line communication.

The use of power-lines wires inside homes is high, in fact everything that runs on

electricity is connected to power-line and as a result there is a lot of electrical noise which

comes in the path of transferring the data.

2.6.1.2 Popular Power-line Protocols in Home Automation

Some of the popular Power-line protocols used in home automation are briefly described in the

next subsections.

X-10:

It is one of the first few protocols which used power-line communication to connect devices. It

didn’t receive any major upgrades and considered as an old technology. [6]

Insteon:

Insteon connects the devices together through power-line, radio frequencies or both. All Insteon

devices can receive, transmit and repeat messages without the need of a controller.

Universal Power-line Bus (UPB):

Like X-10 it uses existing home wires to communicate between devices but when comparing

reliability, functionality and cost it is far better.

The technique looked quite attractive at start but due to bad wiring in homes especially in our

country this technique could not be relied upon. [7]

Wireless Communication:

18

It is a communication technique in which data is transmitted over the air without the help of

electrical conductors. The radio waves are made to travel and the distance they travel varies from

device to device as the power requirements increases as the distance increases.

Advantages:

Wireless networks have the ability to get interfaced with the wiring system present in our

homes.

The system is flexible and can be easily shifted to another place when needed.

The running cost of wireless devices is quite low as not much energy is required to make

them work.

They can be installed in places which are not easily accessible and also in harsh

environmental conditions.

Disadvantages:

Radio frequencies are expected to get interference from nearby devices which also emits

radio frequencies.

These networks are not that reliable and secure.

The initial cost of installing and buying is too high to attract interested people.

The radio signals get distorted while passing through walls, ceilings and floors. The main

information initially sent might get lost.

Popular Wireless protocols in Home Automation

Some of the popular wireless protocols used in home automation are briefly described in the next

subsections.

Z-Wave:

It is a wireless protocol which uses 908.42 MHz band of radio frequency. It utilizes a mesh type

network in which signal is passed along the network till it reaches the final destination. [8]

19

Wi-Fi:

It is already a famous technology and many manufactures are developing their products which

are compatible with Wi-Fi devices. Many devices in home uses Wi-Fi and interference with

smart devices that are needed to be controlled and monitored is likely to happen. The device

equipped with Wi-Fi technology consumes a lot of power and application like controlling lights

is not feasible with it.

ZigBee:

ZigBee technology is based upon IEEE 802.15.4 radio specification and usually operates in 2.4

GHz frequency. The main objective was to develop low cost and low power consuming packet

based radio protocol. It uses mesh networking to communicate between devices and is highly

reliable. [8, 9]

It was decided to use ZigBee due to its numerous advantages, not over power-line but also over

other wireless protocols.

2.7 LabVIEW

LABVIEW is widely used in many industrial applications. Custom applications that interact with

real time problems can be designed in LabVIEW. LabVIEW has been used as the brain in this

project and acts as the control for the entire smart home automation system. LABVIEW provides

a wide variety of tool in a single interface, confirming that simple task such as drawing wires

ensures compatibility. LABVIEW is an application designing software and itself contains a lot of

components as shown in figure 2-11.

Figure 2-11- NI LabVIEW

LabVIEW

machine

language

be run in

serial app

written b

provides

is connec

the physi

internet m

LabVIEW

In most c

be manip

There are

FFT of th

be displa

figure 2-

W analyzes t

code avoids

es. LabVIEW

n parallel pro

plication. La

by the user i

the ease of c

cted with the

ical realizati

making it ea

2.7.1

W can comm

cases, a DAQ

pulated at use

e different ty

he acquired

ayed in graph

12.

the block di

s the disadv

W can also b

oviding effic

abVIEW pro

in C but the

combining a

e other by m

ion of the s

sy for the us

Using D1

municate wit

Q card is us

er’s will.

ypes of anal

signal, time

hs, tables an

Figur

agram and c

antages rela

reak down t

cient results

ovides optio

e graphical p

a number of

means of wire

ystem. Furth

ser to control

DAQs with

th the outer w

ed to obtain

lysis availab

e and frequen

nd with a GU

re 2-12- Process

compiles it t

ated with per

the applicati

and better c

n for both g

programming

modules alre

es. The who

hermore Lab

l his applica

h LabVIE

world using

n the data fro

le in LabVIE

ncy analysis

UI for the end

ing acquired sig

to create a p

rformance th

ion into man

control as co

graphical pro

g is conside

eady provide

ole sketch als

bVIEW prov

ation sitting i

EW

g different ki

om the real w

EW. One ca

s and much

d user. The i

gnal in LabVIEW

proficient ma

hat are asso

nifold thread

ompared to

ogramming

ered more fe

ed by the so

so gives a g

vides remot

in any part o

inds of hardw

world. The d

an perform c

more. The a

information

W

achine code.

ciated with

ds which can

a single thre

and a code

easible becau

ftware. One

eneral idea a

te access thr

of the world.

ware periph

data obtaine

curve fitting,

acquired dat

flow is show

20

. This

other

n then

eaded

to be

use it

node

about

rough

herals.

d can

, take

ta can

wn in

21

3 Methodology

3.1 Selection of DAQ card

As discussed in the previous chapter that we had two options to select from the available DAQs

in the market. We went ahead to purchase the Arduino UNO because of the following reasons.

We wanted a system that has at least 5 analog inputs and more than 5 outputs.

We needed a system that was real time and had a good sampling rate (more than

10Samples/sec).

Should be cheap and reliable.

Table 3-1- Comparison of NI DAQ with Arduino UNO

NI USB-1208FS

Arduino UNO(ATmega328 )

Analog Inputs

8 6

Digital Inputs 16 bit I/O connection

port 14 I/O’s

Sampling Rate 50k Samples/Second Variable but usually low (30 Samples/Sec) Can achieve rate of 8000 samples/second

Resolution 12 bit per input 10 bit

Counters 1 (32 bit) -

Operating Conditions

5 volts 5 volts

EEPROM 1KB 1KB

Conversion Time 10µs 110µs

Price $300 $30

 

Arduino

DAQ ca

interface

3

The com

XBees ar

possesses

XBee as

There are

type and

Series 1

The chip

The stand

Series 2

The chip

standardi

low powe

The both

differenc

Indoo

Outdo

UNO was

rd. Althoug

with NI Lab

3.2 Mode

3.2.1

mmon misco

re digital rad

s a cellphon

the cellphon

e many type

series 2 type

XBee

p used is man

dard followe

XBee

p used is m

ized mesh ne

er scenarios

h types of

ce between th

Characte

r/Urban ran

oor RF line-

purchased b

gh our decis

bVIEW softw

es of Com

XBee 1

nception is

dios that may

ne with Wi-F

nes and ZigB

3.2.1.1 T

es of XBees

e. A brief co

nufactured b

ed is just 802

manufacture

etworking ca

.

Xbees are

hem is that i

Table

eristics

nge

-of-sight ran

because it w

sion favored

ware. The pr

mmunica

that people

y or may no

Fi and it ca

Bee as the W

Types of XB

available in

omparison be

by Freescale

2.15.4 firmw

ed by Emb

an be implem

further divi

n Pro versio

3-2- Product Co

up to 1

nge up to 3

was a well-r

d the purcha

roblems will

ation

e think that

ot be using Z

an be used t

Wi-Fi.

ee

n the market.

etween the tw

e to offer hig

ware which is

er Network

mented. The

ided in XBe

ons power tra

omparison (Seri

XBee Serie

100 ft. (30m)

300 ft. (100m

rounded sub

ase of UNO

l be discusse

XBee and

ZigBee exper

to download

. We selecte

wo is made

gh quality po

s faster than

ks in which

e ZigBee me

ees and Xb

ansmission c

ies 1 vs. Series 2)

s 1

) u

m) u

bstitute for t

O, but it pr

ed in the com

ZigBee are

rtise like eve

d and transfe

ed two of the

in the next f

oint to point

ZigBee.

h different

esh network

bees-Pro ver

capacity is h

2)

XBee

up to 133 ft.

up to 400 ft.

the expensiv

roved difficu

ming chapter

identical th

eryone nowa

er data. Thin

e XBees, ser

few lines

t communica

type of Zi

is unsurpass

rsions. The

higher. [10]

Series 2

(40m)

(120m)

22

ve NI

ult to

rs.

hings.

adays

nk of

ries 1

ation.

igBee

sed in

only

23

Transmit Power Output 1 mW (0dbm) 2 mW (+3dbm)

RF Data Rate 250 Kbps 250 Kbps

Supply Voltage 2.8 - 3.4 V 2.8 - 3.6 V

Transmit Current (typical) 45 mA (@ 3.3 V) 40 mA (@ 3.3 V)

Idle/Receive Current (typical) 50 mA (@ 3.3 V) 40 mA (@ 3.3 V)

Power-down Current 10 uA 1 uA

Frequency ISM 2.4 GHz ISM 2.4 GHz

Dimensions 0.0960" x 1.087" 0.0960" x 1.087"

Operating Temperature -40 to 85 C -40 to 85 C

Antenna Options PCB, Integrated Whip,

U.FL, RPSMA

PCB, Integrated Whip,

U.FL, RPSMA

Network Topologies Point to point, Star, Mesh

(with DigiMesh firmware)

Point to point, Star, Mesh

Number of Channels 16 Direct Sequence

Channels

16 Direct Sequence

Channels

Filtration Options PAN ID, Channel &

Source/Destination

PAN ID, Channel &

Source/Destination

The XBee Series 2 is equipped with ZigBee technology and it was decided to buy XBee Series 2.

The discussions made in later sections will be related with XBee Series 2 and the name XBee

will be used for Series 2 chip. [11]

3.2.1.2 Important features of Series 2

Routing

It shows how one radio transmits data to series of other radios to its destination point.

Ad-hoc Network Creation

The entire network of radios can be created wirelessly without any help from an individual.

24

Self-healing mesh

It automatically figures out if one or more radios were missing and repair any broken link.

Working of XBee

The XBee module connects to a host device through a logic level asynchronous port. Using its

serial port XBee can connect to any logic and voltage compatible UART.

3.2.1.3 Serial Interface Protocols

Transparent Operation

When operating in this mode all serial data received through Data in pin simply line up for radio

frequency transmission. The data send out through Data out pin after radio frequency data is

received.

Application Programming Interface (API) Operation

In API mode all data entering and leaving is contained in frames which describes the action of

the XBee modules. The frame allows the UART devices connected to communicate with the

network capabilities of the modules.

Table 3-3 - Pin out of XBee Series 2

Pin No. Name Direction Default State Description

1 Vcc - - Power Supply

2 Dout Output Output UART Data Out

3 Din/Config Input Input UART Data In

4 DIO12 Both Disabled Digital I/O 12

5 Reset Both Open-Collector with

Pull-up Module Reset

6 RSSI

PWM/DIO10 Both Output

RX Signal Strength Indicator

/Digital IO

7 DIO11 Both Input Digital I/O 11

8 [reserved] - Disabled Do not Connect

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

XBee can

figure 3-

When set

one coor

DIO8

GND

DIO4

CTS/DI

ON/Sle

VREF

DIO5

RTS/DI

AD3/DI

AD2/DI

AD1/DI

AD0/DI

3.2.2

n be configu

1.

t in this mod

dinator and

8 B

D

4 B

IO7 B

eep Ou

F In

5 B

IO6 B

IO3 B

IO2 B

IO1 B

IO0 B

XBee Zi2

ured as three

3.2.2.1 C

de the modul

to start the n

Both

-

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26

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27

3.2.3.1 PAN address

The ZigBee network is like a city in which the name of the city is in numbers which is also 16

bit. The available PAN addresses are 65,536 and it is quite a large number even if your project is

dealing with a huge quantity of networks.

3.2.3.2 Channels

The channel is like tuning the radio to get a desired frequency. To transmit information the

channel meaning the frequency of all radio should be same otherwise there won’t be any

communication between radios.

For the message to travel the channel and the PAN ID’s of the radio should be same. In addition

to this, the sending module should know the address of the receiving module. Destination serial

address should be set to zero if the data is to be send to coordinator only.

3.2.3.3 API Frame Types

In a frame type arrangements there are sub-arrangements which tell about different types of data

that can be send or received from XBee. Now we after looking at first four bytes we can

conclude about frame type, starting of a frame and how long that frame is going to be.

There are many API frame type designed for XBee but only Remote AT Command Request will

be discussed here as it fulfilled the need of the project.

3.2.3.4 Remote AT Command Request

This mode is used to send commands to the receiving XBee from the coordinator wirelessly. The

coordinator should be in API mode and Router in AT mode. One application of this mode is to

toggle output of receiving XBee from High to Low. It means that we are able to utilize relay

circuitry to switch our load end devices over the air.

Table 3-4- API format for Remote AT Command Request

Byte Example Description

0 0x7E Start byte - Indicate beginning of data time

1 0x00 Length – Number of bytes

28

2 0x10

3 0x17 Frame type – 0x17 means this is a AT command request

4 0x52 Frame ID – Command sequence number

5 0x00

64-bit Destination Address (Serial Number)

MSB is byte 5, LSB is byte 12

0x0000000000000000 = Coordinator

0x000000000000FFFF = Broadcast

6 0x13

7 0xA2

8 0x00

9 0x40

10 0x77

11 0x9C

12 0x49

13 0xFF Destination Network Address

(Set to 0xFFFE to send a broadcast) 14 0xFE

15 0x02 Remote command options (set to 0x02 to apply changes immediately)

16 0x44(D) AT Command Name (Two ASCII characters)

17 0x02(02)

18 0x04 Command Parameter

19 0xF5 Checksum

Byte 0 indicates the start of the byte which is 7E and byte 1 and 2 informs about start of byte

which is 0 and length of frame which is 16 bytes long respectively. All the numbers written here

are in hexadecimal as XBee is programmed to recognize numbers in hexadecimal. Byte 3 gives

information about frame type and 17 is an AT command request. Byte 4 is Frame ID which

acknowledges whether the other side has received the information or not. The next 8 bytes are to

29

write the serial address of the destination radio. It can be set 000000000000FFFF to set it as

broadcast meaning it will connect to nearest available XBee. The next two bytes are recipient’s

network address and setting it too FFFE will make it a broadcast. The next byte is about remote

command options and setting it to 02 will allow the XBee to make changes immediately. The

byte 16 and 17 are going to be the commands send to the remote XBee. The byte 18 contains any

parameters to be set. The last 19th byte is checksum which is needed to be accurate otherwise

XBee won’t perform any function it was assigned to do. It is the sum of bytes after the byte

length. [12]

3.3 Relay System

We used relays to control the state of load. The signal generated by XBee (router) cannot provide

enough power to control a load, so we used relay systems to control the state of load. The control

signal generated by LabVIEW is transmitted wirelessly to another XBee connected with a relay

system. When the relay system receives a signal from XBee it triggers the state of load

depending upon the nature of the received control signal.

Relays available in the market are of different types; single pole-double throw, double pole triple

throw etc. Since our project required the switching of five loads between on and off states so we

used single pole-double throw relays. This type of relay only switch the load between two states

on and off. These relays are readily available in the market and are reliable. The internals of a

single pole-double throw is shown in figure 3-2.

Figure 3-2 - Single Pole Double Throw

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31

Figure 4-2- XBee Breakout Board

4.2 Software to Configure XBee

X-CTU is the software needed to configure the XBee. It’s free software and can be downloaded

from Digi official website. As discussed earlier the coordinator in this project was needed to be

programmed as API and router as AT mode. There are boards available with USB interface

which provide direct connections to your computer system, again they were adding extra cost so

another method was adopted. The reset pin of Arduino was connected to ground bypassing the

chip making Arduino a simple board. The RX pin of Arduino was connected to RX pin of XBee

and TX pin of Arduino was connected to TX pin of XBee. The caution was taken as the output of

Arduino pins is 5V and XBee can only survive 3.6V, hence voltage regulators of 3.3V were used

to prevent any damage to XBee. Then X-CTU was used to configure the coordinator in API

mode and no other settings were disturbed. The router was set in AT mode and channel

verification was enabled to check whether coordinator and router are communicating over the

same channel. No other settings were changed as the I/O pin settings were made over the air.

Main configuration Page of X-CTU is shown in figure 4-3.

32

Figure 4-3- Programming XBee with X-CTU software

4

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34

Figure 4-6 - Relay Module

The figure 4-5 shows the PCB tracks made in Proteus. The Figure 4-6 above shows the final relay PCB.

35

5 Software Implementation The smart home control system has been divided into five parts or subsystems as shown in figure

5-1. Each subsystem can be taken out from the network without affecting other subsystems

functionality. All these subsystems can be accessed over the internet and desired variation can be

achieved. The first subsystem is the external lighting system. It controls all the external lighting

around the house. The second subsystem is the internal lighting system which basically controls

the ceiling lighting. The third subsystem is the fire alarm system. It detects the presence of fire

and warns the user in pre-programmed way. The fourth subsystem is the security unit of the

house. It is basically a burglar alarm system. The fifth subsystem is the temperature control of

the system and can be adjusted according to user’s desire.

Figure 5-1- Block Diagram of LabVIEW controlled applications

5.1 External Lighting system

The external lighting control system developed in LabVIEW uses a light dependent resistor

(LDR) to sense the light. The system automatically turns on or off the lights depending upon the

readings taken by sensor. On pressing the automatic switch the system automates the light

control. A potential divider is set up at the sensors end and a voltage change occurs at the sensors

end with the change in intensity of light because LDR’s resistance increases with a decrease in

LABVIEW

EXTERNAL LIGHTING

INTERNAL LIGHTING

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM

BURGLAR ALARM SYSTEM

TEMPERATURE CONTROL

36

light and it decreases as light intensity increases. Thus as potential drop across LDR varies goes

below than 3.5v the system turns on the light and when it goes above the particular threshold

then the lights are turned off. The graphical interface shows a LED which shows the current

status of lights that whether they are turned on or off. Moreover the user is also provided with a

manual switch to change the status of lights at his or her own will. The system also shows a

waveform chart continuously detecting the change in potential drop across the LDR. Moreover a

stop switch is present to turn off the system in case of a malfunctioning as shown in figure 5-2.

Figure 5-2- Front panel of external lighting system

In the back panel the programming for this system is done. Initially the settings for the

communication port are done. The Baud rate is kept at 9600. Then after initializing the

communication port LabVIEW takes input from Arduino UNO card and upon receiving this

input compares it with a threshold i.e. if the input is less than 0.3v then a Boolean true occurs but

if input is greater than 0.3v then a Boolean false occurs. On receiving a Boolean true serial write

is performed. A string is serially written into Arduino and then Arduino acts accordingly. On

receiving a Boolean false another string is written which tells Arduino to turn off the system for

the particular time being. After this the session is closed. The back panel of external lighting

system is shown in the figure 5-3.

37

Figure 5-3- Back panel of external lighting system

5.2 Internal Lighting system

The internal lighting system uses PIR sensor to detect motion and switch on or off the lights in

the room. PIR motion sensor generates a pulse of 3.3v whenever motion is detected. On

detection of this pulse the system turns on the lights. Moreover the user is provided with a

scheduler to control the time of the day for which the lights should be automatically controlled.

Apart from this time the user can manually change the state of lights with the switch provided in

the graphical interface. A light indicator is also present which indicates the current state of lights

so that the user will be aware that whether the lights are on or off in the particular room. A

waveform chart continuously plots the data being received from the PIR sensor. An emergency

stop switch is provided to turn off the system in case of a problem as shown in figure 5-4.

38

Figure 5-4- Front panel of internal lighting system

In the back panel firstly the communication port is initialized. LabVIEW then receives the

analog input and then uses a greater than or equal to block to compare the input with a threshold

of 3.3v. If input is greater than or equals to 3.3v a Boolean true occurs. When Boolean true is

present the output is turned on for a particular time being (as selected by the user) regardless of

the input state during that time instance. After that time instance the input is sampled again.

Upon receiving a Boolean false again a string is written which tells Arduino to turn off the

system for the particular time being. The whole system is placed in a while loop so that the

whole system keeps repeating unless the emergency stop is pressed. The back panel is shown in

the figure 5-5.

Figure 5-5- Back panel of internal lighting system

39

5.3 Fire Alarm System

The fire alarm system consists of a smoke detector. The smoke detector will send a signal on

detection of smoke and then LabVIEW will turn on the alarm to indicate that there is an

emergency. Moreover this system will send an email or SMS to the user warning him about the

situation. Furthermore solenoid valves will be installed in the house and they will turn on to help

extinguish the fire. A LED is present on the interface which will start blinking in case of

emergency alarming the user visually as shown in figure 5-6.

Figure 5-6- Front panel of fire alarm system

In the back panel input is received by LabVIEW and then the input is compared through a

greater than or equal to block with a value of 2v. The serial write is placed in a case structure. In

case of a Boolean true the system maintains this true state for a particular time instant. During

this time instant the alarm will stay on. LabVIEW will send a particular string to Arduino in case

of a true and a different string in case of a false. Upon receiving this string Arduino will send

corresponding signal to transceivers. The back panel is shown in the figure 5-7.

Figure 5-7- Back panel of fire alarm system

40

5.4 Burglar Alarm

This system uses a PIR sensor which will detect motion in case of a forced entry in the house. In

detection of entry the sensor will send a pulse of 3.3v. The burglar alarm system in LabVIEW

will detect this pulse and turn on the alarm to make the owner aware of the condition. A LED

will also start blinking on the main screen indicating the presence of a burglar in the house. This

system can also be capable of sending a short message to the user warning him of the condition.

An emergency shutdown switch is present to turn off the system in case of a system failure

which is shown in figure 5-8.

Figure 5-8- Front panel of burglar alarm system

The back panel for the burglar alarm system is similar to that of the fire alarm system. Upon

receiving the input from the sensor it will be compared with a particular threshold and then upon

receiving a Boolean true serial data will be send to Arduino. Then Arduino will perform the

corresponding function accordingly. The back panel is shown in the figure 5-9.

Figure 5-9- Back panel of burglar alarm system

41

5.5 Temperature Control System

LM35 is used as a temperature sensor in the temperature control system. As temperature changes

LM35 produces a change in the voltage level which is then used by the LabVIEW to decide

whether temperature is increasing or decreasing. Then by comparing the voltage output of sensor

to a particular threshold LabVIEW decides whether to turn on the heaters or the air-conditioners.

The front panel consists of a thermometer indicating the temperature changes occurring. There

are two LEDS one indicating the state of heaters and the other indicating the state of air-

conditioners. A shutdown switch is also present to turn off the system in case of a system failure

as shown in figure 5-10.

Figure 5-10- Front panel of temperature control system

In the back panel after initialization of communication port input is received. This input is then

furthermore compared with a particular threshold as recommended by the used i.e. whether air

conditioners should be working at 35oC or 40oC and then after comparing, Boolean true or false

is created. Upon receiving a true LabVIEW writes a particular string serially to Arduino telling

the card to perform a particular function. On receiving a false LabVIEW writes a different string

which tells Arduino to turn off the particular output. The back panel is shown in figure 5-11

below.

42

Figure 5-11- Back panel of temperature control system

5.6 Graphical User Interface

The final interface provided to the user will consist of a monitoring screen through which the

user will be able to look at the current situation of the system and then will be able to perform the

desired tasks. This interface will also provide the monitoring of the entire smart home system.

The individual systems mentioned above will be embedded in the final interface. The final GUI

is shown in the figures 5-12 and 5-13 below.

43

Figure 5-12- Final GUI: Monitoring & Control

Figure 5-13- Final GUI: Settings Panel

44

5.7 Data Logging

LabVIEW also provides the facility of data logging. There will be an excel file associated with

every system which will keep a complete log of the working as shown in the figure 5-14. The

data log will consist of the power consumption including the current and voltage consumed by a

particular load. At the end of the day the user will be able to see the daily consumption of

electricity and then plan the changes accordingly. Moreover this data logging can also indicate

the excessive use of a particular item. The user will be able to compare his power consumption

with that of the local power providers.

Figure 5-14- Data logging in excel

5

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46

6 Conclusion This project presents a novel technique to implement a smart home automation system

which is both affordable and can be easily replicated with locally available equipment. The

automation system is based on a star network and each subsystem communicates with the central

control. This eliminates interference and we can take down any subsystem for maintenance

without affecting the working of other subsystems in the automation system. The automation

system is controlled through LabVIEW software and the accessibility of data over the internet

enables the user to access the system from anywhere in the world.

During the course of completion of this project, a lot of problems were faced. Configuration of

XBees with Arduino UNO and LabVIEW is difficult. There is no complete support over the

internet and no library of XBee in NI LabVIEW, which makes it difficult to interface and

communicate with the module.

6.1 Recommendations and Future Work

The prototype of the system is operating with only two XBees. The system is capable of using

mesh network topology to control the home with more than two XBees, but due to limited

resources, this goal was not achieved. The system can be made to use pre-programmed modes,

e.g. movie mode, sleep mode, vacation mode etc.

• The automation system based on LabVIEW is not capable of detecting fault. The system

can be made to detect faults as the technology progresses.

• The automation system uses PIR sensors, which can be triggered by house pets. Also PIR

sensors work best in cold to moderate temperature environment. PIR with 360o can be

used to accurately detect human occupants.

• The home automation system uses sensors that are easily available. Most of the sensors

are cheap and doesn’t provide a high resolution.

• The system is not standalone and requires the server to be powered on for 24 hours. This

means that the server needs a UPS.

• If the server crashes or is hacked in, the whole automation system is compromised.

47

• The system only controls the ON/OFF state of load. It can’t control the speed in case of

fan or thermostat in case of AC. A more elaborate system can be designed which involves

reed relays.

48

7 References [1] ABI Research “1.5 Million Home Automation Systems Installed in the US This Year.” 2014.

URL: https://www.abiresearch.com/press/15-million-home-automation-systems-installed-in-

th.

[2] B. Hamed, Design & Implementation of Smart House Control Using LabVIEW, vol. 1, issue

6, IJSCE, January 2012.

[3] Measurement Computing, USB 12-Bit DAQ Device with 8 Analog Input and 16 Digital I/O.

February 2014.

URL: http://www.mccdaq.com/usb-data-acquisition/USB-1208FS.aspx

[4] National Instruments, Introduction to Data Acquisition, May 2014.

URL: http://www.ni.com/white-paper/3536/en/

[5] Arduino, Arduino Board Uno, 2014.

URL: http://arduino.cc/en/Main/arduinoBoardUno

[6] Smarthome, What is X10, 2014.

URL: http://www.smarthome.com/sh-learning-center-what-is-x10.html.

[7] SmartHomeUSA , About UPB Technology, 2014 .

URL: https://www.smarthomeusa.com/info/UPB/about

[8] Digital Trends, ZigBee vs Z-Wave vs Insteon: Home automation protocols explained, 2014.

URL: http://www.digitaltrends.com/home/zigbee-vs-zwave-vs-insteon-home-automation-

protocols-explained/#!IZN7S

[9] Digi International, ZigBee® Wireless Standard,2014.

URL: http://www.digi.com/technology/rf-articles/wireless-zigbee

[10] Digi International, The Major Differences in the XBee Series 1 vs. the XBee Series 2,

2014.

URL: http://www.digi.com/support/kbase/kbaseresultdetl?id=2213

[11] R. Faludi, Building wireless sensor networks, Beijing: O’Reilly & Associates, 2010.

[12] Digi International, Digi Knowledge Base.

URL: http://www.digi.com/support/kbase/kbaseresultdetl?id=3222