What is a smart home system and an example of its implementation. Description of one of the possible options

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 complex device of control systems that can operate both autonomously (fully automatic) and manually. Recently, this complex of devices has become more and more 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 he who 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 landlord want to achieve;
• Material opportunities;
• The size and functionality of the house.

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

1. The controller acts as a guiding and regulating mechanism between input and output modulators. That is, the main connecting part between the controlling person and the desired process;
2. Communication expansion systems, includes all kinds of routers, switches, GPS / GPRS modules;
3. Devices for switching the electrical circuit with their help turns on or off the desired mechanism or device. These are relays, power supplies, various dimmers;
4. Sensors and sensors, as well as measuring instruments of different directions. They can measure motion, temperature, light saturation, humidity, etc .;
5. Elements, due to which, there is a direct control of the entire system or its parts;
6. Mechanisms that execute a signal from the controller, that is, convert an 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 controller for control

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 a particular device at the moment. It can be programmed to perform various actions at the desired time interval or according to the approved switching schedule. The entire smart home system can work offline, that is, without human intervention, communication with it occurs in several ways through:

• Computer network;
• Mobile phone;
• By radio transmitter.

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

How the controller works

The basic principle of operation of the entire smart home system is based on the automation and control of all processes occurring in it. Initially, all control is configured to independently turn on and off certain mechanisms that simplify a person's life in the house. The 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 who manages the house and the controller. All systems tied to work with the controller have one or a group of sensors, and therefore the user only has to choose the mode of their operation, or simply turn off their automatic operation. But how useful all the information provided by the controller is is already a question. Since some of them may not be of interest to an ordinary layman 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.

Systems communication types

Communication for managing this rather complex system is an important component. There are several basic 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. Management is carried out from anywhere in the room or even the local area. However, if the house is multi-storey and is still made of a material that performs a shielding function (sheathed with iron or even consists of concrete slabs with reinforcement ties), then special devices that amplify the wireless signal or additional radio points are installed;
• Remote wireless communication. It 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 state of a particular system controlled by the controller. The main communication devices are a telephone (smartphone), tablet or laptop.
• Wired local. This is one of the outdated and outdated methods, but still has good reliability. Communication takes place over cable, twisted pair or electrical wiring. Any central or regional smart home controller has such a connection. The expansion of communication and function occurs with the help of 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 a connection can be made through a computer, but it is not very convenient to lose control mobility.
• Wired remote method. This is a rather expensive method, as it involves the laying of a large amount of cable products. And the further the control unit is located, the more problematic is its communication with the controller. Most often, this communication method is used not for private but for government organizations and structures to manage simple processes of buildings and the surrounding area. It is rarely used for home use.

That is, the devices, due to which, direct control takes place, most often come in a set. They are graphical control panels with push-button or touch action, they can also be remote controls tuned to the radio frequency of the transmitter. Control devices such as mobile phones, computers or tablets are naturally purchased separately. Communication through them and control takes place using a specially developed software control, which provides remote access using the Internet.

Basic configuration options

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

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

1. automatism;
2. self-control;
3. clear 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:

1. Regulation and control of lighting both in the room itself and in the local area, and in places of architectural structures;
2. Climatic installations (air conditioning, ventilation, heating);
3. Closing and blocking doors, gates and windows;
4. Audio systems, and television, home theater;
5. Control of curtains, blinds and sun-protection roller shutters;
6. Water supply system;
7. Feeding pets and aquarium fish.

That is, everything lies in the desire of the client and his material capabilities.

Common brands of controllers

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

Aries

This PLC 100 smart home controller is a basic solution. The peculiarity of which is the use of the Modbus protocol. It is he who organizes the exchange of information between communication channels. The controller "Aries" is designed for the use and creation of automatic systems of residential buildings and cottages with no more than two storeys, street lighting, floor heating, and alarm devices. The logic controller is connected to the operator panel and the input-output device via the RS-485 interface. Programming is done 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 of sending SMS using a GSM controller element. Notification occurs in the event of emergency situations with power supply or malfunction of the supply circuits of individual key elements of the "smart home" system.

VeraEdge

The Vera family model is distinguished by a large margin of user confidence, 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 applied here a new platform 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 microcircuits. The user can simultaneously control and manage mechanisms, the number of which has increased to 200 devices. Equipped with a VeraEdge controller with a Wi-Fi communication module. One of the drawbacks that are still present in any system can be considered 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 can easily connect and install with their own hands, this is possible due to the ease of working with it. The logic controller is very small. And also in the kit there are sensors, sensors, as well as all kinds of indicators. The developers have almost managed to bring the optimization of the device to perfection. All sensors have a wireless connection and are distinguished by minimal errors in operation, and units that have an unusual appearance, with a convenient and unique web page are used for control. It is also available as a mobile application.

Siemens

These systems of German quality are used not only for the automation of systems in everyday life, but also in production, in industry. The controller of this company is expressed by the LOGO line, which is involved in the creation of the "smart home". This is the traditional two-piece 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 manipulation and connection 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 algorithms for the operation of circuits. Constantly new introductions and modifications enhance the performance of this apparatus.

Positive and negative sides of controllers

The indisputable merit of using controllers to control a house or a room is aimed at effectively solving various problems, as well as at reproducing intellectual abilities, it would seem, in the most simple and elementary mechanisms. Homeowners actually get rid of a lot of the routine. However, as with every system, there are necessarily drawbacks. These include:

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

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

It is necessary to arrange an acoustic system around the house, consisting of highly sensitive microphones and speakers to control smart home systems

Usually, the user gets a system with standard commands, which he can add with his own hands via a computer. Any programmed function of the equipment connected to the script will be performed by voice command.

The role of arduino in programming

The handwritten design of the "smart home" system includes the selection of equipment that will meet all the anticipated requirements. In particular, a controller will be needed that allows you to collect all home control into one device, from which the management will be conducted.

Among amateurs, arduino controllers are very popular, which are an empty printed circuit board, the peripherals and protection of which from damage depend on the user. You can connect anything - the program is easy to write. In general, arduino has many advantages:

• addition or copying is possible;
• a large amount of available information about the possible use of the controller, circuit options for different results;
• fixed pin layout (this allows manufacturers to safely release new devices to add functions - shields);
• arduino does not need a programmer and broad knowledge of programming.

Appearance of the main control device for home systems - arduino controller

This controller can be connected to a computer and is often used in robotics and when creating autonomous devices.

Voice control capabilities

At the dawn of its development, voice control had a certain framework, and it was difficult to imagine its current interface. This seemed like a plot from a science fiction film. But now the situation has changed, and the possibility of an alternative control option in addition to the already existing methods (remotes and digital devices) makes it very attractive to the user.

A kind of guarantee of better interaction between man and automation will be the recording of several variants of one order (“Turn on the light in the bedroom,” “Turn on the light,” and so on), then the system will understand exactly what is required of it.

Such control, even if it is made by hand, most often includes the following common actions:

• turning on and off household appliances;
• climate control and curtains;
• irrigation program in front of the house;
• listening to news, weather forecast and other information, to receive and playback of which the control will be configured.

Some programs allow you to enter a distinction for each stage of the scenario: control can be carried out in one room, and the command will work in another.

You can program any word with your own hands as a command. Some developers offer standard variations in which smart home management teams are written in plain text. This is very convenient for an ordinary user.

Description of one of the possible options

Voice control over the smart home system will not be activated until the owner activates it with a specific command or action (voice recognition is also available). Depending on the area on which the operation is supposed, for better functionality the house can be equipped with several controllers subordinate to one device. Using smart equipment is simple, the program contains several languages ​​that it easily recognizes.

You don't have to scream to control systems at home. Highly sensitive microphones pick up low voices. Depending on the type of microphone and the shape of the room, they need to be installed 1 microphone on an area of ​​20-30m2

Among other supposed amenities, there is an instant reaction to the order, there is an interactive communication that gives the impression that the house is really smart and is talking to the owner on its own (although in fact it is a well-recorded live speech). Automation is able to report that the home has forgotten to close the gate, or inform about a violation of the security of the site.

One of the many advantages is inconspicuousness. All speakers and microphones are located out of the owner's field of vision (on a cabinet, under a shelf, hidden in pieces of furniture). It is very aesthetically pleasing since there are no wires.

The equipment is installed in false ceilings or walls at the pre-installation stage; in houses with a fine finish, a visual decoration for household appliances is used

A strong security system warns of unauthorized entry into the premises by means of a message on a smartphone or verbally, and responds adequately in the event of an emergency.

Control over this system can be carried out using a smartphone. The “smart home” is connected to its operating system, and through it the owner can give the necessary orders to the controller.

You heard? They say artificial intelligence has already been created! And this wonder of the world is engaged ... No, not the prediction of earthquakes. And not even weather forecasting. The world's first AI named Jarvis (like Iron Man) "works" as a house manager for a certain Mark Zuckerberg. And while it seems to me that real AI could be better served than caring for Zuckerberg, it's not just the creator of Facebook that can make your home smart today. I have tested several Rubetek smart home devices, and I must say that for me, as for Mark Zuckerberg, the future has already arrived.

What Rubetek "smart home" can do

"Smart home" is a system that relieves a person from daily routine activities and informs about all the events taking place in his home. If, in your absence, uninvited guests enter the house, open windows, cabinets and doors, smoke, water leakage or gas leakage occurs, for each case you immediately receive a notification and run to urgently fix the problem. And with the help of voice commands, you can turn on and off “smart” relays and sockets, arm the house, find out the level of temperature, humidity and illumination in the room, etc. Even if you do not need such advanced monitoring all the time, agree, at least while on vacation, it does not hurt to be sure that you have not flooded anyone and that thieves have not climbed into your apartment.

Rubetek produces many smart home devices that can be assembled from individual devices, or can be bought in ready-made kits.

Installation and configuration

The "Control Center" (for short we will call it the Central Control Center) is a device similar to a Wi-Fi router, which you can communicate with from your phone or tablet (Android or iOS) after you install its application. Unfortunately, no such application or web interface is provided for a computer, but on the other hand, access to the control center can be given to other family members by installing the same application on their smartphones.

This is followed by the stage of integrating the control center into the home local network - this can be done via Wi-Fi (802.11b / g / n is supported, but only 2.4 GHz), or you can connect the control center to the router directly with a cable. If there is no local network (for example, you want to secure a detached garage), you can directly connect a 3G USB modem to the control center so that it goes online via the cellular network itself. If you follow a completely understandable instruction, no problems should arise - everything is extremely simple here.

Having created a new "Smart Home" in the Rubetek application (and there can be several of them: a garage, an apartment, a summer residence, etc.), we begin to connect auxiliary devices - these can be home and outdoor video cameras, video intercoms, smart sockets, temperature sensors, lighting , smoke, gas leakage and water leakage, as well as control relays for blinds, curtains, roller shutters, underfloor heating, household appliances or gates.

First, you need to equip all the sensors with fresh batteries - in my case, these were 23A batteries for the leakage sensor and "Krona" for gas and smoke. Next, you need to "make friends" the sensors with the control center. One of the ways is to scan the QR code from each sensor directly from the Rubetek app by clicking the "+" button in the "Devices" section.

Finally, you need to make sure that all sensors are working. To do this, you need to press or press and hold for a couple of seconds the "Test" button on each of them, with the exception of the leakage sensor - there you will have to put a wet finger to the sensitive plates. It is necessary to check the sensors both near the control center and right at the place of their installation to make sure that the range of the sensors is enough to "finish off" the control center. Our sensors work according to the RF 433 MHz standard, and the range of their action, as it turned out, is quite wide and significantly exceeds (due to the low radio frequency) the range of Wi-Fi. So, in a three-room swing apartment of a panel house, it was possible to spread the control center and sensors to the maximum possible distance, and communication through several reinforced concrete walls never disappeared. However, in a difficult environment (for example, if neighbors often have some kind of devices at 433 MHz), the picture may be different, and therefore a check is necessary.

RF 433 MHz sensors emit a radio signal only when triggered (at this moment, if you open the sensor properties in the application, you can see the signal level), so the battery should last for a long time. In addition, the control center can also operate according to the Z-Wave standard (869 MHz), which is also used in some sensors (for example, in “smart” sockets). Supports CC and Bluetooth.

The RV-3404 home security camera, which I also had in stock, connects to the control center via Wi-Fi and is added to the Rubetek mobile application in the same way. But even without a control center, the camera can be fully used by recording video to a MicroSD card. CC is necessary if you want to record video to the "cloud".

Now that all devices have been added, you can go over their properties in the application and customize something to suit your tastes. For example, in the properties of the control center, you can specify the phone numbers to which SMS should be sent about sensor triggering. It is highly desirable to do this, since Push notifications come to a smartphone only if there is a mobile Internet, and SMS almost always arrives instantly.

Convenience and functionality

So, all the sensors are connected and suspended in the right places of the apartment. Gas in the kitchen, smoke in the hallway, leaks in the bathroom. The camera is aimed at the front door. The sensors are checked - their signal passes to the control center without problems, they also react to water, gas and smoke regularly (yes, I had to smoke a cigarette and even open the burner). Some also give out a very loud siren. That is, the "Smart House" has started working. Now, if an alarm is triggered, you will immediately receive a Push-notification and SMS on your smartphone. You can go on vacation.

But, of course, the functionality of the Rubetek system is not limited to this. The mobile application provides for the "Security" mode and the ability to create scenarios. For example, if you have a door sensor, there is no point in activating it when you are at home, just like the motion sensor on the camera. For this, the "Protection" mode is provided. Leave the house empty - with one touch of a button on your smartphone or even a voice command, you turn on the full protection mode. Now, in the event of opening the front door or, say, a safe, you will receive a notification.

Scenarios are meant for something else - primarily to create comfort. The meaning in them also appears in the case of a further upgrade of the "brains" of your home. For instance. We put a "smart" relay on the garage door and several "smart" sockets. Now, driving up to the house, it is enough to give a voice command to automatically open the garage, turn on the lights in the yard, in the garage and in the house, turn off the security mode and turn on the air conditioner. They parked the car - another command to close the garage and turn off the lights where they are no longer needed. Everything is limited only by imagination and the available list of "smart" devices.

Compatibility

Another major plus of the Rubetek system is that it is open for connecting devices from other manufacturers (the compatibility list is quite decent: https://rubetek.com/compatible-devices), and the control center is compatible with Apple HomeKit. True, cheap devices on RF 433 MHz from other manufacturers are unlikely to be used due to the lack of a single standard. So it's best to immediately focus on Z-Wave.

Restrictions

A few words must be said about the limitations of this system, which is still a household one. First of all, this is the temperature regime. Please note that you cannot install the control center in a room where the temperature drops below zero: the operating temperature is +5 ºС. + 40 ºС. Other devices have approximately the same range (the gas sensor, however, works from -10). Another important point: RF 433 MHz sensors need to be checked from time to time for operability, since eternal batteries have not yet been invented (in more advanced Z-Wave devices, remote status polling is possible).

Summary

However, the advantages of the system, in my opinion, clearly outweigh all the limitations. The main one is its availability. To install the Rubetek “smart home” and use it, not only a specialist is not needed, but even knowledge of English is not required - everything and everywhere is only in Russian. The system, once installed (which takes about 30 minutes), does not require any subscription fee. The installation does not require any wiring, home re-equipment or similar work - any person who is more or less versed in technology can handle it. And maintenance, in fact, is not necessary - except perhaps to wipe the dust from the camera. True, there is a high risk of getting a taste: it will be extremely difficult to refrain from upgrading the system. And there, you see, and real AI will ripen ...

Reference article based on the expert opinion of the author.

Automation is increasingly being introduced into the daily life of modern people. And if earlier the pinnacle of progress could be considered automated production, now even everyday life, an apartment or a private house, can be quite simply radically improved by introducing the concept of “smart home” there. Indeed, today "smart home" systems are designed not only to optimize energy costs, but, first of all, to make a person's life more comfortable. The possibilities of modern "smart home" systems will be discussed in our article.

Combining a home theater, lighting control, water supply, video surveillance system, climate control, power supply and access control, gas supply and multiroom into one system is the task that the “smart home” system solves today. Let's go through each of the points sequentially, consider what modern automation systems can do in general in relation to our everyday life.

Climate control

The microclimate of public and residential premises greatly affects our performance, and health in general. The conditions of the air environment in the premises vary depending on the operating modes of the climatic technology. Heating and ventilation equipment, lighting equipment, and other devices - all this together has a certain cumulative effect on the human body, on well-being, and on health in the end. And the technique is getting more and more complicated.

Automated systems allow not only to promptly monitor and control all this equipment, but ultimately take care of our health. With the help of sensors, the current state of the air in the room is monitored, and through the control panels, the operating modes of air conditioners and supply ventilation and heating are adjusted. That is, the climate is automatically adjusted to the requirements of a person, which are set by pre-settings.

So climate control allows the following. Air quality control depending on the weather outside the window and on the time of day. Timely ventilation of premises by controlling heating and opening windows.

Underfloor heating control. Maintaining optimal temperature and humidity individually in each room. For example, a food storage room requires its own special climate, which is different from the climate in the living room or in the kitchen, etc.

Control of temperature, humidity, fresh air flow rate, air purification system and ozonation. In each room, the conditions should be different, the most suitable for each family member, taking into account the place in the house where this room is located: some to the north, some to the south, and the control in each case will be individual.

Drafts are unacceptable in the nursery, the bedroom should be warmer, the bathroom floor should be warmed up on time, and you shouldn't keep it warm all the time. That is, the control turns out to be optimal so that the energy saving effect would also take place.

The setting varies according to the lifestyle of the family or community. On weekends, the heat supply to the work areas is reduced or cut off.

An autonomous heating system of a country house - on the contrary, turns on on weekends. The boiler is remotely switched on or switched to economy mode, etc. Everything is rationalized to combine efficiency and comfort of life. This is especially true for water supply, electricity supply and heat supply.

Entertainment

For a long time, you will not surprise anyone with a home theater. But to control sound and video from different places, as well as stereos located throughout the apartment - these functions are just implemented using the "smart home" system.

The home theater is connected to an automated system, and the whole complex of multimedia equipment, together with auxiliary devices, is harmoniously integrated into the apartment. There can be several sources of sound and video, and they can be multichannel: speaker systems, receivers, plasma panels, projectors - everything is controlled directly or remotely from anywhere in the room.

You can watch movies and programs, listen to music in all rooms or just a few, program a scenario and activate it with one button from the touch panel or from the remote control. The script program can be adapted to individual conditions: the blinds are closed, the light goes out or becomes less intense, the plasma panel turns on, the projector comes out, the player starts up.

Scenario programs can be edited, set in time to automatically start, set related settings for watching a movie, for example, turn on the air conditioner near the place where the home theater is installed if the weather is hot.

The “multiroom” function is exactly the function that allows you to hear sound or watch video in several independent zones of the apartment. It becomes possible to adjust the volume from any room, each of which has push-button or touch-sensitive, wall-mounted or desktop control panels, and there are also remote controls.

What could be a more expressive sign of the intelligence of a smart home system than smart lighting control? Lighting in a smart home is truly intelligent and therefore economical. Electricity resources in an apartment, house or office are used as economically as possible, without unnecessary waste.

The advantage of an automated lighting control system is that, relying on data from external and external lighting sensors, as well as on timers, it allows you to turn on and off the light of the desired brightness and only where it is really necessary. In addition, they open up a wide scope for creativity. In addition, the option to simulate the presence of the owners is available.

The modern "smart home" system is a complex of technologies for comfort, safety and efficiency. Stability is ensured by integration in the event of a centralized power outage so that the electronics remain functional at all times.

Batteries and inverters, chargers and oil generators are installed in the system and software integrated. At the moment of a power outage, the system will automatically switch to a backup source; in extreme cases, the security systems and the most important equipment will remain powered from the batteries.

Automated security system

The "smart home" system includes, as a part, security and fire alarms and video surveillance, so that both the owners' stay in the house and their absence would be safe both for the house and for the owners themselves. A video intercom and a perimeter security system can be installed here to protect against intruders.

As for security in general, the "smart home" system is able to provide: protection against short circuits in electrical wiring, protection against water leaks, protection against gas leaks, by triggering a smoke detector and turning on an autonomous fire extinguishing system, autonomous power supply, alarm, automatic call of the rescue service ...

Thus, a “smart home” will protect itself and its owners from any dangerous situations, because the system can include: automated gates and doors, automatic protective shutters, a video surveillance system, burglar alarms, sensors for presence, smoke, gas leaks, etc.

Controlling access to the premises, video surveillance of the adjacent territories, turning on the spotlights when penetrating through the perimeter are three more pluses in the piggy bank of advantages. Through the Internet, the owner will be able to remotely receive a picture from any of the cameras of the video surveillance system, this also includes the function of a baby monitor.

Video surveillance as such

Intelligent video surveillance is one of the main components of modern smart homes. Camcorders are connected to the Internet, and allow you to access yourself from anywhere in the world.

The owner can be abroad, while operatively observing any of the zones, and video cameras here can be controlled. For example, controlled cameras are usually equipped with gates, courtyards, nearby buildings, areas near the doors of apartments. The camcorder can be paired with a motion sensor, and signals can be sent to the control center.

The Internet and satellite television networks, as the main sources of information, are now conveniently integrated into smart home systems. Being inside the house, the owner can receive information and send it to various rooms, to televisions and monitors. This also applies to the transmission of information received from video surveillance systems. Thanks to the multi-room function, all these possibilities are opened up. Of course, it is possible to configure, if desired, remote control via the Internet.

Control from a mobile phone through direct voice commands and SMS is available today for owners of smart home systems. You can also set up call forwarding to your mobile phone when you are away from home, even when in another country.

If necessary, you can let guests into the house by simply sending the appropriate command from your mobile phone to your automated system. Similar opportunities are conveniently implemented via the Internet; it will be enough to find Wi-Fi for a smartphone or laptop.

Andrey Povny