Smart home control: control system via smartphone. Creation of a comprehensive smart home system

Controlling a smart home from a computer

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Residents of apartments and houses spend a lot of time regulating many processes in their homes: turning electrical appliances and lights on and off, video surveillance. However, not everyone knows that these and other processes can be automated by controlling the relevant equipment from an ordinary desktop computer that everyone has.

Controlling your home from a computer is a logical idea. And it appeared even before the start of mass sales in automation complex stores. Thus, every homeowner can now construct a “smart home” with their own hands - the computer in this system is the key node. It can be installed directly in the room or in a separate closet.

The user's computer will perform all the “smart” functions, and the signal from external sensors passes through standard TCP/IP or USB channels.

The convenience of creating such a node is also explained by the fact that more than half of the manufacturers produce equipment based on a wired connection, which is equipped with adapters (to connect it to a computer or laptop). A possible option for working with analog or digital signals is an output and input module connected via USB. The capabilities of such a device are insufficient, and the automation itself is suitable for signals with a level of 0-5 volts. To convert the received signal, such a complex uses shapers and converters.

Home control from a computer

Advantages and disadvantages

For computer users, a PC-based smart home seems like a promising idea for the following reasons:
node availability for intelligent control. Homeowners have at least one computer at home, and if necessary, even a budget netbook is purchased for these purposes;
affordable cost of input and output modules (compared to devices used with industrial controllers);
the ability to create a complex complex with a wide range of functions.

Do not forget about the possible disadvantages of the system, among which are the following:

the need to select a reliable node (the computer itself) with a sufficiently reliable operating system and wide functionality;
dependence of the components of the complex on a laptop, which breaks down during use due to mechanical failure, wear and tear, or power failure;
the need for personal planning of schemes and their implementation.

Control technologies

It’s hard to imagine controlling your home from a computer without controlling the power supply. To implement this technology, experts recommend using 1-wire from Maxim/Dallas. This technology is used in industrial and domestic systems and has proven itself well there.

In addition, it is convenient to manage and monitor the security complex from a computer - remotely you can view data from video cameras and information from sensors to find out how children or animals behave, and also see whether there has been unauthorized entry into the apartment. In addition to a computer, to implement this idea you will need video cameras with motion or door opening sensors, which can be connected to the equipment via a USB connector. If you are concerned about the standard 5 m wire length limit, buy an active long cable or connect the wires through special hubs that have external power (other options are possible).

To teach a smart home system to understand the owner and even talk to him, you can use the most accessible method and adapt speech recognition functionality from Google to your needs. Millions of people around the world have already appreciated its decent level of voice translation and search.

Smart home control technologies from a computer

To coordinate and control the system using a computer, it is best to write a separate program for all its components or use ready-made solutions (Ardublock).

This software environment for automation of equipment comes complete with some electronics kits. In addition to managing alarms and electricity, such a program will be able to:
manage the status of electrical appliances (connect and disconnect equipment via a smart socket, program the on time and operating mode);

Films often show a living space that seems to live its own life. Light bulbs light up with a wave of your hand, curtains open, and music plays after a certain word. All this equipment is an intelligent home system, and we propose to consider how to make a smart home with your own hands, what is needed for this, and also what is the diagram of such a system.

Smart home - what is it?

Smart home refers to home automation, which is a residential extension of building automation. Home automation can include centralized control of lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), home appliances, gate openers, door openers, GSM and other systems to provide improved convenience, comfort, energy efficiency and security. It should be noted that for some categories of the population (elderly, disabled people) this event may become necessary.

Photo – Smart home distribution ideas

Photo – Simple smart home

With the latest introduction of SMART technologies into our lives, many can no longer imagine their lives without automatic installations, software equipment; we need wireless Internet and household appliances.

Home automation refers to the use of computer and information technology to control home appliances and their functions. It can range from simple remote lighting control to complex computer/micro-controller based networks with varying degrees of intelligence and automation. Home automation should mainly be as simple as possible.

Photo – Smart door lock

Advantages of using a smart home in an apartment based on PIC or WAVE:

Economical expenditure of time on daily setup of various mechanisms, receiving calls, sending mail;
The use of gaseous or liquid fuels, and later the use of electricity, allowed increased automation in heating systems, reducing the labor required to manually refill the heater and furnace.
The development of thermostats allowed for more automated control of heating, and later cooling;
This is how industrial facilities and residential premises are often protected;
As the number of controlled devices in a home increases, their interconnection increases. For example, a furnace can send notifications when it needs cleaning, or a refrigerator when it needs servicing.
In simple installations, the smart can turn on the lights when a person enters the room. Also, depending on the time of day, the TV can tune to the desired channels, set the air temperature, and lighting.

A smart home can provide an access interface to household appliances or automation to provide control and monitoring on your smartphone, through a server, mini Smart for iPhone, iPod touch, as well as using a laptop computer (special soft: AVR Studio is required).

Photo – Home control via tablet

Video: Schneider Electric smart home system

Smart home elements

Home automation elements include sensors (such as temperature, daylight, or motion detection), controllers, and actuators such as motorized valves, switches, motors, and others.

Photo – House control diagram

This heating, ventilation and air conditioning, HVAC can control temperature and humidity, for example, an internet control thermostat allows the homeowner to remotely control the building's heating and air conditioning systems, the system can automatically open and close windows, turn on radiators and boilers, and heated floors.

Lighting

These lighting control mechanisms can be used to control household lights and appliances. This also includes a natural lighting system, the operation of blinds or curtains.

Photo – Smart home diagram

Audio-visual

Presence effect of remote control (This is the most modern technology that is used to increase safety). It involves turning on the lights and playing music.
Presence simulation
Temperature regulation
Brightness adjustment (electric lamps, street lighting)
Security (alarm, blinds).

How to make a smart home

You can make an intelligent system with your own hands; the most budget-friendly option is to set up control of lighting in the house or turn on a computer.

Photo – Smart home control option

To make a lamp that will light up on its own, you will need to connect special equipment to it. There are several options for solving this problem:

Install an acoustic relay (1 or x10-wire);
Attach the dimmer;
Connect a motion sensor.

The easiest way to work is with a sensor. It is sold in any online store, you can buy a duct device, or you can develop your own according to your parameters. The only note is that you cannot install an incandescent lamp with such a device, it may not withstand the load and explode, it is better to work with an LED one.

Photo – Smart home concept

Another “smart” silent option is a dimmer. Here you will need to touch the lamp, depending on the number of touches, the speaking device will change brightness. This is very convenient to use on a lamp in a bedroom or children's room.

To set up temperature control and regulation, we need a multi-channel system. The central temperature and humidity control circuit consists of:

Sensors (ds1820) that measure the physical state of liquid and air.
Controllers (rfm12), which can be simple physical components to complex special-purpose devices or embedded computers.
Lunex drives that respond to controller signals.

The most modern way is to buy all the components of a smart home, wires, thermostats. Then install devices in each room, one thermostat for the radiator and one for the boiler. You will also need a controlled unit, or the “brain” of the entire system. It is recommended to install it on the heating inlet pipe.

Photo – Smart home system

The easiest way to install a video surveillance and alarm system. Fundamental provisions for installing security systems:

You need to connect sensors on windows and doorways, where the electrics will be the most productive;
The most difficult thing is to select a board; the smart home controller, the operation of mediocre parts, and the signal level depend on it;
Many experts believe that indicators should be mounted at floor level. About 20 cm from the baseboard, this increases efficiency;
It is advisable to establish constant monitoring and establish a digital system of contact with the security service. Often, responsible owners install a special program on their personal computer, which allows them to control the operation of the system from anywhere where there is Internet (Elena Tesla and her book: “Smart Home: How to Do It Yourself” advises doing this; there are also other solutions there ). You can enable SMS notifications.

A smart home is a very convenient way to make your life easier; often the entire system is purchased completely (Arduino, KNX, Linux).

The cost of each system is individual. The most popular brands are the following: beckhoff, gira, lpt, redeye, Smart Switch IOT screen, teleco. We recommend that before building such housing, you consult with specialists; they will help you calculate the load level and calculate the power consumption.

Photo – Light control via phone

To get ideas, you can look through V.N. Gololobov’s “Smart Home” with your own hands, DJVU or PDF, look at our photos and video instructions for free, and read advice from famous masters.

Would you like to be able to use the Internet, for example, to turn on and off a heater in a country house? Receive an SMS notifying you of an unexpected power outage or that an alarm has gone off in your home? Or maybe you want the heater to be on at your dacha before you arrive? Nothing could be simpler. To do this, you don’t even need to maintain a huge staff of servants. These and other responsibilities will be taken over by the smart home control system.

What a smart home can do

Like a conductor, he coordinates the precise operation of all technical elements of life support available in the home, thereby creating convenient conditions for the owners to control this multifunctional “orchestra”.

What exactly are the possibilities for controlling technical devices commonly used in a modern home to organize a comfortable environment.

Engineering systems

Heating. Manages various heating systems. Optimization of heating costs.
Water supply. Able to control water leaks in each individual room. Manages water treatment systems.
Gas supply. Controls gas leakage.
Security. Performs various types of control (penetration into the room, along the perimeter). In order to scare away intruders, it can imitate the presence of people, as well as dogs. Provides access restrictions.
Electricity. In addition to managing the power grid, it regulates cost optimization.
Fire safety. Provides preventive fire control.
Alert. Includes voice information, as well as calls to telephone numbers (without limiting their number). Via the Internet and SMS.

Service

Lighting. Ability to provide scenario controls (indoor and outdoor lighting). Connection with time and the presence of the owners.
Alarm. Provides notification via voice as well as telephone. There is a huge selection of different melodies in the arsenal.
Pool. Controls heating and controls filtration functions.
Watering. Provides automatic watering processes.
Blinds. Possibility of both scripted and automatic opening and closing.
Household devices. For convenience, a smart home remote control is used. Its versatility allows you to control your TV, satellite receiver, VCR and stereo system. With its help, you can turn on and off lighting devices, as well as controlled sockets, and various lighting scenarios. Just by pressing buttons, you can perform other important operations, which include opening the gate and setting the house security.

Controls

PALM;
Internet;
Remote controller.

What can be controlled remotely

The house that Ray Bradbury anticipated will no longer surprise anyone. What was previously a writer’s fantasy has become a reality. Modern “smart homes” have even surpassed their prototype. They are not only friendly with their owner, but are also able to be under his control almost anywhere on the planet.

Companies now offer excellent options for remote management solutions. Using the Internet on a mobile device, it becomes possible to manage any option in an apartment or cottage. Having installed remote control automation, you can keep control over everything that happens in the house, no matter where you are.

To give instructions, all you need to do is make a series of simple movements on the keyboard of your smartphone or remote computer.

For example, you can:

take care to turn on the floor heating in advance;
turn off the climate system if you forgot to do this while at home, or, conversely, turn it on before your arrival;
open and close curtains, blinds and other items;
heat up a delicious dish at the end of the working day using a microwave or oven;
fill the pool with water and provide a bathhouse with it;
turn on lighting in the summer garden, aquarium lighting and many other “little things”.

In addition, remote control of a smart home allows for visual control - cameras located in the room and around the perimeter will display an image on the display that can be shown to everyone who wants to acquire such a system. Through control systems, it becomes possible to analyze in detail temperature parameters, air humidity, and electricity consumption, both in one room and in the entire house.

Applications

For the convenience of remote control over many processes, developers create a range of smartphone applications. Here are just a few for different operating systems.

For Android:

House Clever. The multifunctional program allows you to remotely regulate the heating system, control generators, ball valves and other communications. All this as a whole makes it possible to prevent gas and water leaks, as well as keep the consumption of various resources under control in order to save money. In addition, the application, by connecting to the necessary sensors, sends signals about possible unauthorized entry into the house. The system can be configured individually for each apartment or house.

For iOS

Home Kit. The main purpose of the program is remote control over household devices, lighting equipment, appliances, etc. In addition, the program allows you to control the security system remotely. However, this application does not interact with every device. Remote control is possible only with those devices that support the technology. To simplify the selection of equipment, the developers propose to put special markings on them.

Smart Home: Voice Control

At the beginning of the development of voice control, it was difficult to imagine what capabilities it would reach by now. As another option and, I must say, very attractive to existing control methods (digital device, remote control, etc.), voice control is gaining more and more popularity among users.

For better interaction between a person and an automatic device, it is advisable to record various combinations of one command, for example, turn off the light in the room, turn off the light, etc. In this case, it will be easier for the system to understand what they want from it.

Even with user participation, the most popular orders are available. Most often in voice:

household appliances turn on and off;
climate control is carried out;
curtains open and close;
an irrigation program is being implemented on the plot;
information (news, weather forecast, etc.) for which the control is configured is reproduced or provided.

There are separate programs that make it possible to enter boundaries for the scenario stage.

For example, a voice is given in one room, and an order is executed in another.

It is possible to manually program not only orders, but also any words. Developers often offer typical manual options, where commands are written in plain text. For the average user this is very convenient.

How to control your voice

In order for the smart home control to take effect, the owner needs to activate the system - this must be some kind of command or action (voice can also be recognized). For better performance, some owners equip the house with several controllers (if space requires), which are subordinate to a single device. Using the device is not difficult; the program contains a number of foreign languages that are easily recognized by it.

There is no need to scream for the system to start working. It will be enough to give the command highly sensitive microphone in a quiet voice.

As a rule, one microphone (of course, taking into account its type and room) is enough for an area of 30 square meters:

There is an immediate reaction to the command. The presence of interactive communication and clearly recorded speech creates the illusion of a conversation with the owner. The device informs the owner, for example, that he did not close the gate, or informs about any violation.
Having a strong security system allows you to notify about illegal entry into the house via a message on a smartphone or verbally.
Another advantage is that the device (speaker, microphone) has no wires and can be installed under any piece of furniture (shelf, etc.).

You can also control this system using a smartphone, giving the necessary commands to the controller.

Finally

Until recently, housing equipped with advanced technical control systems was available only to wealthy citizens. But now such devices can be afforded by a person who does not have two-story country houses, but simply wants to ensure the safety of his, even small, home when he leaves it unattended for a while.

And this is not fantasy at all. After all, the cost of the basic functionality of a “smart home” does not exceed the cost of installing a typical intercom. In addition, during operation, you can add and expand existing communications. Therefore, you can safely start with systems that are not very expensive, but are completely ready to solve basic functional problems, and subsequently equip them with applications and devices that will be most in demand at the moment.

Today there are many elements of an electrical control system - various temperature, motion and sound sensors. In conjunction with the internal electrical wiring of a house or apartment, they are able to automate the processes of turning on/off lights, heating, and control the operation of some household appliances, taking into account time modes. But there will be no centralized control system, that is, you will not be able to control the light and other consumers from a single device.

That’s what’s good about a smart home system, because with it you can control all consumers connected to the wiring using one device - mobile (tablet, smartphone, remote control) and/or stationary (computer/laptop, graphical interface of the system). In this case, all sensors and relays are also present in the system and control the power supply automatically.

In addition to basic household consumers, an intelligent (smart) home can monitor and manage communication systems, fire extinguishing systems, security alarms, telephone lines and much more, including utilities.

However, for complete control of household appliances, for example, regulation of the modes of an air conditioner or refrigerator, the devices themselves must have a special connector, through which a connection is made to the electronic logical controller of the control system. Next, we will consider the basics that will give you an understanding of the smart home system, its operating principle and its components.

Components of a smart home system

First of all, it is worth noting that today there are many modifications and configurations in which the smart home control system can be implemented. Many manufacturers provide system kits with built-in Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth transmitters (communication modules) built into the controller, which can be used to control the system wirelessly via a mobile device within an apartment/house.

Types of smart home system architecture

There are modifications in which control occurs via the Ethernet interface (wired, via); You additionally need to connect switches and Wi-Fi routers to them for wireless control, if they are not built into the controller. As for manual switches, they can also be connected to the central controller wirelessly or through electrical wiring. In general, there is a variety of equipment for a smart home system, and the system consists of the following elements:

smart home controller (main and discrete input/output modulators);
expansion and communication modules (switches, routers, GPS/GPRS modules);
electrical circuit switching elements (relays, dimmers, power supplies);
measuring instruments, gauges and sensors (motion, temperature, light, etc.);
system controls (remotes, touch panels, PDAs, tablets);
actuators (water, ventilation, gas valves, roller blinds, etc.).

When choosing equipment, it is also important to consider which protocol (method) of data transmission of the Smart Home system is used. For example, the widespread EIB\KNX protocol uses computer networks, radio channels, and power electrical networks as data transmission. There is also the X10 protocol, which uses a household 230 V AC network to transmit data: devices exchange a signal sent when the AC current crosses zero. Such signals are radio frequency pulses at 120 kHz, with a duration of 1 ms.

What is a controller for a smart home system?

A smart home controller is a device that controls all consumers and devices, and also sends a report to the owner about the status of these consumers. It is guided by temperature, air, and light sensors to control lighting, heating, and air conditioning systems. Can be programmed to perform various actions over time, according to a time schedule. In addition to the standalone mode, you can contact the controller through a special interface (computer network, mobile operator or radio network), and manually control the devices.

Devices controlled by a smart home system controller

It is necessary to select a controller depending on how you want to build the architecture of the control system. For example, there are two types of management systems: centralized and decentralized. The centralized control system is based on a single high-performance central controller that manages all consumers (appliances) and utility networks in the house.

In the case of decentralized control, an intelligent smart home system consists of several simpler controllers, each of which has the functions of controlling a specific zone - a room and all the devices in it, separate lighting groups throughout the house, specific purpose household appliances, etc. ( regional controllers).

Central controller for a modern smart home system, it is a computer enclosed in a small plastic case that has its own OS (operating system), RAM and many electronic components for switching (controlling) signals: electronic relays, terristor switches, etc.

One of the complete sets of the central home controller of the smart home system (wireless transmission module, USB, COM, Ethernet ports on board)

Also, depending on the configuration, there may be a built-in GSM module for remote control via a mobile phone, a Wi-Fi transmitter for controlling the system from anywhere in the house and a graphic touch or push-button interface (LCD screen). In addition, connectors for connecting to a computer and/or network equipment: Ethernet, USB.

Such a controller is capable of controlling intelligent equipment such as refrigerators, microwave ovens, utilities, etc. (if the equipment itself has such a function), reporting to the owner even data such as the temperature in the refrigerator, incoming and outgoing phone line calls, and much more.

Regional controller , a discrete input-output modulator is a low-power logical electronic control unit on which smart home technology is implemented (in comparison, the frequency of the microprocessor CC is about 500 MHz, the RC microprocessor is about 50 MHz), usually does not have an operating system and is system-configurable. It can be configured for any elementary scenarios based on time or signals from certain sensors.

Programmable smart home system controller with Ethernet interface (connector for connecting to a network)

He manages elementary tasks and events. For example, a light sensor connected to it gives a signal (when it gets dark); the controller sends a signal to the executive relay or group to control the lighting. It also notifies the owner of every action. In other words, a discrete I/O modulator is a kind of intelligent programmable electronic relay.

Such a device also consists of electronic components for network switching and an intellectual part: a microprocessor with memory. It (depending on the manufacturer and configuration) may have a USB, Ethernet interface and other ports for control, programming and reporting to the owner.

What are expansion and communication modules for a smart home system?

Expansion modules are devices that are connected to the controller and expand its functionality. In part, adapters, double-triples and measuring instruments are also expansion modules. Such devices can be built into the controller, connected separately through a specially designed connector or a common connector for Ethernet, USB and other interfaces. Due to the fact that companies producing smart home systems use various data transmission encryption systems, when choosing an expansion module, it is important to pay attention to its compatibility if the controller is purchased from another manufacturer.

On the right are smart home system controllers with built-in wireless data transmission modules

Communication expansion modules For a smart home system, they are data transmission devices wirelessly or wired. The first include the well-known Wi-Fi routers, which connect to the controller in the same way as to a computer, via Ethernet or USB (there are also specially “sharpened” branded modules with their own connection system). Less commonly used are separately connected GSM/GPRS modules (since they are usually built-in), with the help of which the smart home system can communicate with the owner via SMS alerts to his phone number. There are wireless communication modules Bluetooth (radio signal) and IR (transmission via infrared beam).

GSM and Wi-Fi wireless communication modules; wired Ethernet switch

For a wired method of expanding communication, switches are used - devices that connect several clients (computers, controllers and other intelligent devices) to one local network. They are necessary when setting up a decentralized smart home system, when there are several regional controllers, as well as for creating a common network with computers and other smart devices using the appropriate interfaces. When the signal transmission distance is long, special digital amplifiers – repeaters – are used to amplify it.

Functionality extension modules Smart home systems have a wide variety of functionality, and, as a rule, are connected to a common or special interface connector. They expand the list of controller functions, for example, the voice message module makes it possible to control the system using sound (voice) commands. It is also possible to make the smart home control system play audio messages (greetings, warnings, congratulations, etc.) on the speakers.

Expansion modules for controlling complex mechanisms, stepper motors, etc.

It is also worth noting the expansion of functionality through adapter modules, which can be used to achieve compatibility between different device standards. Special control modules are designed to control various specific devices (engines, door opening/closing mechanisms, ventilation valves; much more) and electrical circuit switching elements. Thus, a smart home controller does not have power over power circuit breakers (plugs, circuit breakers), and when connecting a circuit breaker control module and using controlled circuit breakers, the function of turning them on/off using the controller becomes available. To connect lighting controllers (dimmers - see below) to the smart home system, special expansion modules are also required.

What are switching elements of a smart home system circuit?

The concept of switching an electrical circuit means closing/opening it, as well as regulating voltage and other parameters of electric current. Voltage (lighting) regulators, converters/transformers, power supplies, circuit breakers and relays are all switching elements, without which the installation of a smart home system (like any electrical wiring system) cannot be completed. They may have built-in protection against network overload and short circuit and operate to open the circuit, thus performing a protective function.

A simple diagram of a smart home system with a controller, switching (control) elements of an electrical circuit and elementary consumers (in this case, lighting lamps)

Circuit breakers designed to protect electrical wiring from overload or short circuit. They are selected according to the power for which the electrical wiring line they control is designed. For a smart home system, there are both ordinary manual and controlled automatic switches.

The image shows simple single-pole circuit breakers

The former have in their design a mechanism that, when heated due to overload, opens the circuit, and can also be turned off manually. Controlled machines have a special interface output to the control module, through which the main controller and the owner can control them remotely, without looking into the control room at all.

Relays and relay blocks - these are elements for controlling power circuits using a signal supplied from the controller. The signal may appear in the form of a low power current, usually 24 V (again, there is no single standard, there are different systems and manufacturers) or another signal.

The image shows electromagnetic relays for monitoring one or several lines of a power circuit

Unlike circuit breakers, relays do not have protection and the circuit closing/opening mechanism looks the opposite: when control voltage is applied to the electromagnetic part, the latter actuates the armature and mechanically closes the contacts of the power supply circuit (220 V). The most basic relay for controlling one power phase line has three inputs and one output: zero and the electromagnet control phase (24 V), the power phase input (220 V) from the protective circuit breaker and its output to the consumer.

Voltage regulators (lighting) They are mainly used to control the supplied power and voltage for lighting fixtures. The basis of such regulators is a circuit element - a rheostat, a device for regulating lighting. For an ordinary power circuit, it is a mechanism with a slider, enclosed in a box with the dimensions of a switch and also has an on/off function.

Dimmer controlled manually (right) and remotely (left)

The new type of smart home control system for lighting groups contains a device called a dimmer (it is also connected to the controller through a special control module). This device is designed to control one or more lighting power groups and is controlled using a controller in automatic mode or remotely by the owner, which is convenient. Another advantage of the dimmer is that through it the controller can control the brightness of the lighting, guided by data on the light level obtained from the light sensors.

Power supplies, transformers, converters - these are devices of complex architecture that are designed to change the parameters of the electric current, if necessary, in one or another section of the circuit or throughout the entire circuit.

Power supply from 220 V to 12 V

They are used due to the fact that some consumers are designed for current characteristics other than the alternating 220 V/50 Hz supplied in everyday life in the CIS and Europe. For example, take the same lighting: there are special fluorescent, neon and other highly decorative lighting that operate on 10/12/24 V DC. In order to achieve such characteristics, a power supply of 220-10V, 220-12V, 220-24V is mounted on the corresponding section of the circuit. Such devices can operate in one mode, for example 220-24V, or in all three of the above.

What are measuring instruments, gauges and sensors in a smart home system?

These devices are like the senses of smell and touch for a person: they give an idea of what is happening in the environment. Thanks to modern measuring instruments, gauges and sensors (of which the variety is very large today), the smart home system controller receives data on temperature, humidity, degree of illumination and atmospheric pressure outside and inside the room.

The figure shows sensors with elementary functions

There are instrumentation for monitoring the condition of utilities: pressure and metering of water flow and gas leakage with an electronic interface that allows you to transfer this data to an intelligent smart home system, which will generate reports and send them to the owner.

Analog sensors and gauges The traditional type uses low-voltage current up to 24 V as data transmission, as a rule, and small cross-section electrical wiring as the transmission medium. For example, the most basic light sensor contains a photocell with an input and an output through which a phase of low-voltage current passes. This photocell changes resistance when light hits it, thus producing different current parameters at different times of the day.

The figure shows elementary analog sensors that respond to household and carbon dioxide

The controller receives these values, processes them and, accordingly, sends a signal to turn on/off groups of lighting fixtures, as well as regulate the lighting level (if there is a dimmer). A roughly similar system, only with different operating elements, is available in temperature control sensors (based on their data, the intelligent smart home system controls heating), movement and noise (light, alarm), gas and water leaks (control of valves that shut off gas and water) and much more.

Digital sensors and gauges new generation devices have expanded functionality and are smart devices. For example, modern multifunctional motion sensors are capable of not only outputting data to the controller in two parameters: 1 (“yes”, there is movement) or 0 (“no”, there is no movement).

The picture shows a digital air humidity control sensor

They are capable of measuring the distance from the sensor to a moving target, detecting delays in the movement of an object, and much more. All this is processed by a microprocessor built into the sensor and supplied to the controller in the form of digital signals. It is worth distinguishing sensors from control and measuring devices: sensors and sensors detect events, and control and measuring devices detect the physical quantities of the body or object being measured (speed, weight, volume, etc.).

Instrumentation – these are more complex devices, in contrast to simple analog sensors, that incorporate new smart home technologies and control a wide range of parameters, providing their physical units of measurement. Digital barometers, water and gas meters, the same voltage - all these are control and measuring instruments.

Hot water temperature and flow control device

Unlike analog instruments and sensors, modern digital ones have their own calculation system based on a simple microprocessor; they process the signals and supply ready-made data to the smart home controller, thereby partially relieving its processor. Digital instrumentation and sensors use a special interface as a data transmission medium.

What are the elements and methods of controlling a smart home system?

The intelligent (smart) home system can be controlled in three ways: local wireless, remote wireless, wired local, remote wired. Control devices are included with the system - these are graphic control panels with touch or push-button input, remote controls with receivers tuned to a specific frequency. Devices not included in the package, such as mobile compact computers (smartphones, tablets), are configured using special software for remote control via worldwide information networks.

The smart home system can be controlled by remote control, control panel and mobile devices

Wireless local control method with a limited radius is carried out using control devices via a local (local) radio signal, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth wireless radio networks. In principle, in this way you can control the system from anywhere in the house and even from a nearby plot. However, in large houses, additional radio points and wireless signal amplifiers may be needed. Control is carried out by remote controls, touch panels, mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) that have a built-in or externally connected transmitter of one or another Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth or proprietary radio frequency signal.

On the tablet screen - software for monitoring indicators and devices connected to the smart home system

Wireless remote control method available if the smart home system is installed to global networks or communication expansion modules that provide access to them. These networks include GSM/GPRS (control by means of mobile communications), mobile Internet, and a special dedicated radio signal. The presence of an output to the GSM/GPRS network allows the system to send SMS, MMS and audio messages to the phone number of the home owner. It is also theoretically possible to control via voice menu. Tools for managing smart home systems via global networks are, as a rule, smartphones, as well as tablets and laptops with built-in transmitter modules for the mobile Internet.

Wired local control method , depending on the data transfer protocols used, the smart home system may have data transfer media via twisted pair (computer network cable), electrical wiring (X10 system protocol) or some other cable. In each regional and central controller, the smart home control system provides an output for wired communication with control devices, as well as the exchange of information with other smart devices that are “subordinate” to it. If there are several devices, then the interface is expanded using a switch (see “communication expansion modules” above), creating several branches. For the wired local control method, included and separate control panels and switches (push-button and touch) are used, and you can also control via a computer or laptop connected to the cable.

Touch control panel for the smart home system combined with an intercom

Wired remote control method smart home systems are a network larger than the local one, that is, the house is controlled from the outside via a laid cable connected to the internal control network. As a rule, this control method is used in the management of automated processes in building buildings. In general, for home use you don’t need to know this (controlling systems through regional wired networks).

What are actuators of a smart home system?

Unlike relays, which can partly be called actuators (giving a command - the relay closes/opens the circuit), actuators controlled by intelligent equipment for a smart home system are complex electromechanical products, devices designed to test high mechanical loads.

In the image you can see objects that may have built-in actuators of the smart home system

The working body of more complex devices (drives for opening/closing gates, blinds, etc.) is a motor, while for less complex devices (valves, locks) it is a core driven by an electromagnet. Most are controlled by low-voltage current up to 24 V inclusive, but there are also high-power drives designed for 220 V.

Electromechanical opening/closing drives gates, gates, doors, windows, blinds and curtains; electromechanical parts built into the furniture, making it motorized. Included they may have a connection interface and a remote control.

A girl controls the window mechanism of a smart home system using a wireless remote control

Advanced drive models have basic automated control systems: built-in sensors and the ability to adjust speeds and extreme opening/closing positions. Today, most often there are autonomous drives for curtains and blinds that are not controlled by an intelligent smart home system: controlled from a remote control of an infrared transmitter, and not having any connection with the smart home controller. However, such devices are also considered separate elements of a smart home.

Low, medium and high pressure valves - these are simpler mechanisms for controlling water supply networks (including fire extinguishing), gas pipes and ventilation. Valves are used in control systems: gas - in gas control systems, water - control of water supply, flood prevention and fire extinguishing.

The image shows a water valve controlled by a smart home system

Very healthy, and worth noting is the ventilation valve system, which is triggered by carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors. The system removes gases harmful to humans and creates a favorable microclimate. Such elementary mechanisms include electromagnetic locks and other elements of access control to the premises that are part of the smart home security system. Such devices generally do not have microprocessors and have only two positions: open and closed.

A person always strives to improve and modernize his home. It is the development of the “smart home” system that makes it possible to automate as much as possible all possible processes occurring in it. Due to this, the comfort and safety of an apartment or house is achieved. That is, a smart home is a multifunctional integrated control system device that can operate both autonomously (fully automatic) and manually. Recently, this set of devices has become increasingly popular, although it is quite expensive. The heart of any smart home is the so-called controller, which turns this entire complex mechanism into a unique network and it is this that distinguishes it from conventional automation based on electronic devices.

What does a smart home consist of?

Today there are many modifications and configurations of the smart home control system, it depends on:

What goals does the homeowner want to achieve?
Material opportunities;
The size and functionality of the house.

In any case, the main components of the system are:

The controller acts as a guiding and regulating mechanism between the input and output modulators. That is, the main connecting part between the managing person and the desired process;
Communication expansion systems include all kinds of routers, switches, GPS/GPRS modules;
Electrical circuit switching devices use them to turn on or off the desired mechanism or device. These are relays, power supplies, various dimmers;
Sensors and sensors, as well as measuring instruments of various directions. They can measure motion, temperature, light saturation, humidity, etc.;
Elements through which the entire system or its parts are directly controlled;
Mechanisms that implement the signal from the controller, that is, convert the electrical signal into one corresponding to the selected device. These are ventilation motors, roller shutters, water supply valves, lighting fixtures, heating elements, etc.

What is a control controller?

The heart of this system, the controller not only manages all consumers and devices included in the smart home system, but also sends a report to the owner about the state of this or that device at the moment. It can be programmed to perform various actions at the desired time interval or according to an approved switching schedule. The entire smart home system can operate autonomously, that is, without human intervention; communication with it occurs in several ways through:

Computer network;
Mobile phone;
By radio transmitter.

The choice of controller must be made depending on the architecture of the control system. That is, the whole complex can be:

Operating principle of the controller

The basic operating principle of the entire smart home system is based on the automation and control of all processes occurring in it. Initially, all controls are configured to independently turn on and off certain mechanisms that simplify a person’s life in the house. A smart home controller can perform and control tasks that are included in its program or were previously set by the user. In this case, feedback is required between the person managing the house and the controller. All systems that work with the controller have one or a group of sensors, and therefore the user can only select their operation mode, or simply disable their automatic operation. But how useful is all the information supplied from the controller is a question. Since some of them may be uninteresting to the average person who does not delve into the details of the system’s operation. Therefore, during the setup and installation of the entire smart home system, the owner must decide how automated it will be. Since, for example, not everyone needs to know the water pressure in the cold water main, or the voltage in the network.

Types of communication systems

Communication to control this rather complex system is an important component. There are several main types of communication:

Wireless local. This type of communication has a limited range and is carried out using a radio signal, Wi-Fi, or, in extreme cases, Bluetooth. Control is carried out from anywhere in the room or even the local area. However, if the house is multi-story and is also made of a material that performs a shielding function (sheathed with iron or even consists of concrete slabs with reinforcement), then special devices or additional radio points are installed that amplify the wireless signal;
Remote wireless communication. This is possible if the smart home controller is connected to global networks or communication expansion systems that provide constant access to them. These are networks such as GSM/GPRS, any mobile Internet. That is, even if there is no Internet, you can send or receive an SMS to your phone about the status of a particular system controlled by the controller. The main communication devices are a phone (smartphone), tablet or laptop.
Wired local. This is one of the outdated and outdated methods, but still has good reliability. Communication occurs via cable, twisted pair or electrical wiring. Any central or regional smart home controller has such a connection. Expansion of communications and functions occurs using a switch, which creates several branches. Control is carried out by pressing buttons on the control panel; it can be touch or mechanical. But sometimes you can make a connection through a computer, but this is not very convenient and mobility in control is lost.
Wired remote method. This is a rather expensive method, as it involves laying a large amount of cable products. And the further away the control unit is located, the more problematic its connection with the controller. Most often, this communication method is used not for private but for government organizations and structures to manage simple processes in buildings and the surrounding area. It is used extremely rarely for home use.

That is, the devices through which direct control occurs are most often included in the kit. They are graphic control panels with push-button or touch input, and they can also be remote controls tuned to the radio frequency of the transmitter. Control devices such as mobile phones, computers or tablets must, of course, be purchased separately. Communication through them and control occurs using a specially developed software control, which provides remote access via the Internet.

Basic configuration options

Constantly striving for perfection and automation, man invents more and more new mechanisms for this. This desire is also aimed at reducing the size of devices without losing their functional features.

For the controller that controls the mechanisms and for the entire smart home system, there are basic requirements:

automatism;
self-control;
clarity of control, without making mistakes.

The configuration options for any such system depend on many factors, which were already mentioned above, here are the options for systems that can be connected to the controller:

Adjustment and control of lighting both in the room itself and in the local area, and in places of architectural structures;
Climate control systems (air conditioning, ventilation, heating);
Closing and locking doors, gates and windows;
Audio systems, television, home cinema;
Control of curtains, blinds and sun blinds;
Water supply system;
Feeding pets and aquarium fish.

That is, it all depends on the client’s desire and his financial capabilities.

Common brands of controllers

The quality of command execution and functionality of any smart home system directly depends on the controller and its manufacturer.

Aries

This smart home controller of the PLC 100 modification is a basic solution. A special feature of which is the use of the Modbus protocol. It is he who organizes the exchange of information between communication channels. The “Aries” controller is designed for the use and creation of automatic systems for residential buildings and cottages with no more than two storeys, street lighting, floor heating, and alarm devices. The logical controller is connected to the operator panel and the input/output device via the RS-485 interface. Programming is carried out by the owner himself, if, of course, he has such a desire. The menu consists of six informative control blocks, each of which is responsible for a specific segment. There is a function for sending SMS using the GSM controller element. Notification occurs in the event of a power supply emergency or malfunction of the power circuits of individual key elements of the smart home system.

VeraEdge

The Vera family model is distinguished by a large reserve of user trust, due to the use of their equipment in this industry for many years. The main advantages of this model are:

High performance;
Ergonomics;
Compactness;
Reliability.

The developers have used a new platform here that gives high performance indicators called SoC, its frequency is 600 MHz, and the RAM is increased to 128 MB. The main innovation is implemented on the Z-Wave Plus chip, which is the fifth generation of these chips. The user can simultaneously monitor and control mechanisms, the number of which has been increased to 200 devices. The VeraEdge controller is equipped with a communication module via Wi-Fi. One of the disadvantages that any system still has is the lack of an integrated uninterruptible power supply unit, which can be purchased and installed additionally.

Arduino

The Arduino controller offers a rather unusual, but quite logical solution for controlling a smart home. Some craftsmen easily carry out connection and installation with their own hands, this is possible due to the ease of working with it. The logic controller has very small dimensions. And also included are sensors, sensors, and all kinds of indicators. The developers have almost managed to bring the optimization of the device to perfection. All sensors have wireless communication and are characterized by minimal errors in operation, and control units are used that have an unusual appearance, with a convenient and unique web page. It is also available as a mobile application.

Siemens

These German quality systems are used not only to automate systems in everyday life, but also in production and industry. The controller of this company is represented by the LOGO line, which is involved in the creation of a “smart home”. This is a traditional two-component model. One of which is made in the form of a keyboard with a display and is an input/output system, and the second allows you to perform manipulations and connect to the controller through a convenient and reliable wired interface. The company also offers independent development of certain operating modes, for which a special Soft Comfort program is attached. When LOGO is used as a central controller, it can be used to create entire circuit operation algorithms. Constantly new introductions and modifications improve the performance of this device.

Pros and cons of controllers

The indisputable advantage of using controllers to control a home or premises is aimed at effectively solving various problems, as well as at reproducing the intellectual abilities of seemingly the simplest and most basic mechanisms. Homeowners are actually freed from many routine tasks. However, like every system, there are necessarily disadvantages. These include:

complexity of connection and introduction to work;
expensive maintenance and cost of all system elements.

However, development and technology do not stand still and one day every house or summer cottage will be equipped with a “smart home” system, just as literally a century ago people did not know about electricity, but now it exists in every home.