Prototyping design of mechanical based end-devices for smart home applications

Abstract

In this research, we design several prototypes of front end-devices for smart home applications, especially on mechanical aspect. We observed that there are several basic functions which can be explored and used to represent common mechanical home appliances. We use four representative mechanical functions: (1) solenoid is used for controlling door lock; (2) stepper motor is used for controlling the curtain; (3) DC motor is used as fan's speed controller; and (4) servo motor is used as fan swinging controller. Target of this work is to propose end-device prototyping hardwares which can be applied directly without any major changes and modifications in smart home system. They need to cope several basic requirements, such as: data protocol, smart home platform, portability, user friendly, and low power. In accordance with our previous researches on data protocol and smart home platform, proposed designs can be deployed to comply them perfectly. We also design an application Graphical-User-Interface (GUI) in an Android smart phone as remote controller. Proposed designs can work properly and fulfill research target.