Novel protocol enables DIY home automation

Abstract

Modern advances in electronics and communication technology have given rise to the development of several home automation technologies and systems. However, current home automation systems have several drawbacks including high cost and not being of a DIY nature. These issues have held back home automation and it is important to solve them. In this paper, we describe a new architecture for a home automation system which is built on novel network protocols. Firstly we discuss related works about existing home automation systems and their merits and demerits. Next we introduce the proposed home automation architecture, embodying the new protocols. The new system allows a user or homeowner to purchase off the shelf devices and control them by a PC or mobile device in a very simple manner. The system does not require expert configuration or a central controller therefore the cost will be significantly reduced. An additional network device will be required for remote access but local users will not require anything apart from the controlled device and a PC or mobile device. The key enabling technology that makes this possible is an XML definition of the device capabilities, display requirements, and control signals.