What is a smart home system and an example of its implementation. Voice control of the home - overview of possibilities

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

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

The role of arduino in programming

Personal design of a smart home system includes the selection of equipment that will meet all expected requirements. In particular, a controller will be needed that will allow you to collect all the house management on one device, from which the management will be carried out.

Among hobbyists, Arduino controllers, which are an empty printed circuit board, whose peripherals and protection from damage are up to the user. You can connect anything - the program is easy to write. In general, Arduino has many advantages:

• addition or copying is possible;
• large number available information about the possible use of the controller, circuit options for different results;
• fixed pin arrangement (this allows manufacturing companies to easily release new devices to add functions - shields);
• Arduino does not need a programmer or extensive programming knowledge.

Appearance of the main home systems control device - arduino controller

This controller can be connected to a computer and is often used in robotics and in the creation of autonomous devices.

Voice control capabilities

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

A kind of guarantee of better interaction between humans and automation will be the recording of several versions 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 created by yourself, most often includes the following common actions:

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

Some programs allow you to introduce 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 options in which commands for managing a smart home are written in plain text. This is very convenient for the average 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 where operation is expected, for better functionality the house can be equipped with several controllers subordinate to one device. Using “smart” equipment is simple; the program includes several languages, which it easily recognizes.

You don't need to shout to control home systems. Highly sensitive microphones pick up quiet voices. Depending on the type of microphone and the shape of the room, they need to install 1 microphone per area of ​​20-30 m2

Among other supposed amenities, there is an instant response to orders, there is an interactive connection that creates the impression that the house is really smart and is independently talking to the owner (although in fact it is a high-quality recorded live speech). Automation can report that householders forgot to close the gate, or inform about a violation of the security of the site.

One of the many advantages is invisibility. All speakers and microphones are located out of sight of the owner (on the cabinet, under the shelf, hidden in pieces of furniture). This is very aesthetically pleasing since there are no wires.

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

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

This system can be controlled using a smartphone. The “smart home” is connected to its operating system, and through it the owner can give the necessary instructions to the controller.

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 automatically) and manually. Lately 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:

1. 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;
2. Communication expansion systems include all kinds of routers, switches, GPS/GPRS modules;
3. Switching devices electrical circuit with their help, the desired mechanism or device is turned on or off. These are relays, power supplies, various dimmers;
4. Sensors and sensors, as well as measuring instruments of various directions. They can measure motion, temperature, light saturation, humidity, etc.;
5. Elements through which the entire system or its parts are directly controlled;
6. Mechanisms that implement a signal from the controller, that is, convert electrical signal to the 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 work in offline mode, that is, without human participation, 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 turn them off 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 pretty 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 reinforcing wireless signal, devices or additional radio points;
• Remote wireless communication. This is possible provided that the smart home controller is connected to global networks or communication enhancement systems that provide continuous 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 method of communication is used not for private but for government organizations and structures for managing simple processes within buildings and surrounding areas. For home use used extremely rarely.

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, of course, must be purchased separately. Communication through them and control occurs using a specially designed program control, which provides remote access using 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:

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

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

That is, it all depends on the client’s desire and his material 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 use and creation automatic systems 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 power supply emergencies or malfunctions of individual supply circuits key elements"smart home" systems.

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 applied here new platform, giving high performance indicators called SoC, its frequency is 600 MHz, and RAM 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 the 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 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 self-development certain modes in operation, for which a special Soft program Comfort. 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 house or premises is aimed at effective solution various tasks, as well as to reproduce intellectual abilities in seemingly the simplest and most elementary mechanisms. Homeowners are actually freed from many routine tasks. However, like every system, there are necessarily disadvantages. These include:

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

However, development and technology do not stand still and one day every home 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.

How would you prefer to turn on the lights or open doors in the house: using switches, wall touch panels or from the interface of your smartphone? Or do you like all processes to take place automatically - according to a schedule or in response to movement, temperature, changes in other parameters? Or maybe you would prefer to say the commands out loud: “Open sesame!..” In a smart home, any of these options are possible - together or separately.

An ideal smart home control should be organized in such a way that household appliances and computer equipment, lighting and climate control equipment, security systems and media devices in your home quickly and unquestioningly carried out your orders, helpfully adjusted to your usual routine, taking care of the comfort and safety of your family, like an old faithful butler. And this is by no means fantasy, not fairy tales about “invisible servants”: the BMS Traiding company has been successfully implementing similar control systems in apartments and private houses, hotels and offices for several years now.

Operating comfort is, in fact, one of the main reasons why people are becoming interested in smart house technology.

Let's take a closer look at the options now available for installation in your home or office.

Basics of a smart home control system

Control of lighting, climate, security and other components of a smart home can be organized by the most in different ways. However, there are only two main directions - and each of the options is necessary, good in its own way and in demand in certain situations. Together they form a balanced home control system.

“At the behest of the pike, at my will!” Whether you're pressing an analog switch or tapping a touchscreen to activate a process, turning on the lights while lying on your living room couch, or activating the heating while stuck in traffic on the way home from work, in this case doesn't matter. Anyway, a smart home begins to perform one or another function only after your direct order. One could call this method “manual”, but commands executed by the smart system can be entered not only “manually”, but also by voice. Agree that there is no fundamental difference between pressing a button and saying the conventional phrase “Christmas tree, light up.” One way or another, the decision is made by the person. Moreover, he does not accept it in advance, programming the home’s reaction to a particular situation, but “here and now.” However, “here” can be excluded from this connection: no one will stop you from turning on the air conditioner in your Moscow apartment from a computer in Sydney or a smartphone in Lisbon.

The advantage of this way of interacting with the house: you get exactly what you want in present moment. No sooner said than done! Minus: you still have to make some minimal effort - press a button, say a word.

"My own director" Controlling your home with your voice is convenient and also very impressive: just imagine the reaction of your guests to your dialogue with the “invisible servants”! But your home can be called truly “smart” only when it learns to independently react to a given situation, without waiting for your direct instructions. The option in which the house makes the decision takes you to a completely different level of comfort. And it is no coincidence that we drew an analogy with directing in the title: the fact is that this method of interaction is directly related to the implementation of so-called “scenarios”, which are a set of certain actions aimed at achieving one or another result. At the same time, the smart home “knows” not only the moment at which actions need to begin, but also the conditions under which they need to be completed. How does the system understand that you need to open the windows or turn on the coffee maker? All kinds of sensors come to the rescue - lighting, temperature, motion, etc. On the other hand, for many scenarios, activation according to a schedule or timer is appropriate.

The advantage of delegating authority to a smart system is obvious: it’s nice when everything happens “by itself.” However, there is also a minus: not all situations can be programmed in advance. Technology has not yet advanced enough for a home to truly think and learn on its own.

GET RID OF THE DISADVANTAGES of each method is not so difficult. Balanced systems, which are designed and implemented by BMS Traiding, use both options. Thus, if the smart home suddenly does not realize that you are cold, despite the optimal (programmed) temperature in the rooms, you can always force the heating activation using manual or voice control. Tired at work and want to go to bed early? In addition to the scheduled “Night” scenario, there remains a number of simple ways turn off the TV and turn off the lights - a switch on the wall or a smartphone on the bedside table will allow you to do this without much hassle. And believe me, the smart home will not object to you: “Excuse me, it’s written in my script that now is the time to watch the evening news...” Although, of course, it can tactfully warn that listening to music at full volume at three o’clock in the morning is fraught with conflict with neighbors. Or that turning on all heating devices full power does not make much sense, since the entrance and balcony doors are wide open.

Interested? Leave a request for a call!

Ways to interact with a smart home

In order for the house to understand us, fulfill our wishes and follow our mood, “intermediaries” are required who accept our orders and transmit them to the system. And even in the case when we are talking about complete automation of the decision-making process, it is impossible to do without some kind of “connecting link” between a person and a central computer (controller?) in a smart home. Agree that without the ability to interfere with the work of a smart machine, you will not feel very comfortable psychologically. So don’t rush to dismantle the wall switch by installing a light or motion sensor in the room.

As for home management tools, there are several types. Although, by and large, there are only two main groups: stationary and mobile. BMS Traiding is ready to offer you any of the smart house equipment options available on the market. Let's see what our specialists have in their arsenal.

Stationary management tools

Wall panels are presented today in a wide enough range to choose the optimal solution in terms of budget and functionality for each individual case. By the way, it is not at all necessary to install the most “sophisticated” switches throughout the house: in the bathroom you can install an analogue or touch switch with a simple set of functions – 2-4 positions are enough. But, for example, it will be much more convenient to control lighting in a living room with a dozen independent light sources using a touchscreen panel.

High-quality panels from Western manufacturers are not only an interface for interacting with smart home systems, displayed on a small touch screen mounted on the wall. For example, the 4.3-inch wall-mounted touchscreen HDL-MPTLC43.46 Enviro has a built-in sensor that monitors the air temperature in the room. The data received from it can be used to run scripts automatically. Or simply display the current temperature on the screen in order to make a decision yourself. Enviro is equipped with an infrared receiver. This screen also “falls asleep” when not in use, activating when you approach.

However, the HDL-MPL8.48 “button” panel has all the functions described above. And even a thermostat to boot! As for the convenience of the interface, this is a matter of habit and taste. The compact liquid crystal display clearly displays the status of the buttons, allows you to switch scenarios or control individual functions of the house. And for small rooms, we would recommend the simplest (but by no means primitive) HDL SB-WS4M-EU panel. It looks like an ordinary switch, there isn’t even a display (although there is a backlight). But the panel supports dimming and can be configured to run up to 99 scenarios.

The group of stationary devices can also include devices for receiving voice commands. Microphones can be built into panels or placed separately.

“The owner must pronounce commands in an even voice, clearly and moderately loud. If the task is not completed the first time, you need to calmly repeat the order without raising your tone.”

Sounds like a dog training manual. This is actually a guide to managing "".

All our intelligent and unreasonable assistants need guidance, guidance and command. In a word, in management. A “smart home”, the intelligence of which is still far from the human concept of true intelligence, is nevertheless capable of learning and self-learning.

By speed of adoption simple solutions he surpasses us, his creators, hundreds of thousands of times. In addition, he does not suffer from sclerosis. And does not put off until tomorrow those things that can be done today.

Intelligent building management systems are able to monitor parameters of the external and internal environment, recognize situations involving humans in real time, and monitor engineering systems. A “smart home”, in accordance with the algorithms embedded in it, reacts to changes, providing its owners with a comfortable microclimate.

He must fulfill all the current wishes of the inhabitants of the house and predict future ones:

Bake hot buns for breakfast and make coffee;
- show a news program on TV;
- charge the battery of the robot vacuum cleaner and send it to restore order while the owners are not at home;
- Prepare a hot bath in the evening.

An advanced “smart home” is capable of a lot, the capabilities depend on the equipment included in it, software and, of course, funds.

Alas, home intelligence is still not smart enough to predict absolutely all our desires and needs guidance. To do this, a number of methods and control devices of various levels are used.

Level one

Limited control of individual functions without interfering with algorithm settings and software environment.

Infrared, photoelectric, laser, temperature, weather, etc. These are sensors, the ends of the “nervous system” of a “smart home”. Some of them react to environmental parameters and control the operation of equipment, many watch people. We unconsciously and constantly participate in control, simply by being or not being at certain points in the building.

Switches, switches, regulators, and all sorts of other buttons on the walls. We are not always satisfied with the algorithms by which our “house” operates. For example, the current level is too low. We increase the brightness on the dimmer manually. According to given program The roller shutters, blinds and curtains are lowered at night, but we want to admire the full moon and stars. We press the switch button and open up a view of the clear night sky.

True, elements of manual limited control can still be involved in reconfiguring the system. For example, by accurately setting the lighting levels in a room with switches and dimmers, we can then enter these parameters into memory and use them as one of the standard lighting patterns.

Level two

Management of subsystems with the ability to configure their algorithms.

Subsystem control panels. For example, control panels, centralized control of roller shutters. We can turn individual modes on and off, change settings within a specific engineering function. The air conditioner cannot be turned on from the heating panel.

Subsystem control panels. For example, a home theater control panel or. He can do a lot, but only within the limits of his function.

Level three

Control of the entire “smart home”, setting up algorithms without the possibility of interfering with the program.

Stationary universal control panels. Push-button ones are no longer relevant; touch-sensitive ones, with a large and beautiful LCD screen, are more convenient. The location is chosen arbitrarily, usually it is a corridor, kitchen and other frequently visited places. From the universal panel, owners have access to all systems without exception, can change settings and interfere with operating algorithms.

Portable universal control panels. Practically complete analogue stationary, except that the screen is smaller. The same capabilities, communication via radio frequencies, infrared, Wi-Fi.

Usually located in places where there is a need for one or more remote controls. For example, near the TV, in the living room. In this case universal remote control will replace the “sloth” TV, DVD player, tuner, air conditioner. Allows you to see who pressed the intercom button and view the latest message without getting up from the couch email, use the organizer and much more.

The only drawback of a portable panel compared to a stationary one is that you can stick it somewhere and then search for a long time.

Computer or laptop. Any PC connected to your home local network through standard interface, including wirelessly, can perform the same functions as universal control panels.

Smartphone, tablet. Portable devices, on which any of the operating systems, also give access to management.

Voice control . “...say commands in an even voice, clearly and moderately loud.” For now, it won’t be possible to chat about abstract topics with your own home. Maybe this is for the best. Anyone who has read or watched “A Space Odyssey” by Sir Arthur C. Clarke and Stanley Kubrick knows what long conversations between humans and artificial intelligence can lead to.

However, in terms of verbal communication, our house has the intelligence of a chimpanzee and is able to remember and carry out a couple of hundred voice commands. The main thing is that we ourselves do not get confused.

Remote control. We are not at home. Let's say we are in the Bahamas, basking on the snow-white sand on the shores of the azure sea. Or we’ve been standing in a traffic jam for three hours after a long and hard day of work, inhaling toxic gasoline fumes and losing the remnants of our peace of mind.

At this time, the Russian national football team is bravely fighting with an experienced and dangerous team from Liechtenstein. We take out an iPod, tablet or laptop, connect to the network, enter a special “smart” program, then go to the menu interactive television, give the command “record”. When we get home, we'll see. At the same time we tell you to warm up the sauna, today is Friday.

Individual commands can be transmitted remotely and via SMS established codes, as well as through voice messages.

Level four

Administrator access.

Full access. Only the administrator has it. This is not a device, but a person, one or more. It is carried out from the central computer of the “smart home”, with permission - from any PC connected to the local network or the Internet. You just need to know the magic word, the password.

Restrictions on certain capabilities for different administrators can also be set. Often, not only the owners, but also the engineers of the company servicing the “smart home” have a full or limited fourth level. By the way, they need him more. The administrator has the right to intervene directly in the hardware and software environment of the building management system.

Large "smart home"

The principles of intelligent control of the engineering systems of a large building, be it an office complex, an airport, a hypermarket, a nuclear power plant or an intelligence department, are subject to the same laws as a small “smart” apartment.

The only difference is in the scale of the system, a significant number of subsystems, and higher security requirements. Accordingly, restrictions on access to all levels of management, starting from the second, are stricter. To confirm access, electronic and fingerprint keys, other biometric devices, and, less commonly, voice analyzers are used.

The concept of arranging a “smart home” has long moved from the category of fantastic to the status of being implemented. To one degree or another, this idea is embodied in many private cottages and apartments, making it easier for users to operate the equipment. However, at this stage, we can talk about the mass dissemination of this ideology with great reservations, since a full-fledged integrated design of multifunctional control systems is not cheap and many consider it very difficult. Actually, the heart of such systems is the “smart home” controller, the presence of which distinguishes the principles of this idea from conventional electronic automation.

What is a management controller?

Any controller is a means of controlling certain processes and is in conjunction with automated equipment. The arrangement of a “smart home” presupposes the presence of operational components that can be controlled intelligent system. This is precisely what a small device represents, in which the means for processing incoming signals from engineering and household equipment are concentrated. The controller will make decisions based on the incoming information. A “smart home” can have different content of operating devices. In particular, these could be security alarm systems, lighting equipment, multimedia, engineering utility infrastructure, etc. Depending on the number of objects subject to intelligent control, the controller’s operating program is determined.

It is important to note the multi-component functionality of such control tools. Their main task is focused on managing the above-mentioned user equipment. However, to maintain the function of the controller itself, part of its resources is also allocated, not to mention the auxiliary modules. In addition, when developing such systems, special attention is paid to communication methods. For example, GSM controllers for a “smart home” are equipped with special modems that transmit data about the status of the serviced components directly to the user via cellular communication. If we are talking about the control of security systems or engineering systems, then in the event of an alarm or accident, the controller can be programmed to inform special services. Moreover GSM system is not at all the only one of those thanks to which it is realized remote communication with the owner of the house.

Controller components

The basic set of functional components includes a central control cabinet, additional panel control, server computer, switches and modems. In the event of a power outage, an uninterruptible power supply is also provided, but most often it is designed for a short-term outage, therefore constant mode operation should not rely on it. The central cabinet, in turn, contains an energy meter, an input circuit breaker, an operator panel, power contactors and a programmable controller unit. Sometimes power line switches, input/output modules, the aforementioned GSM modem, etc. are also used. In this case, the set may also have a reduced number of components - depending on what tasks the controller performs.

A “smart home” based on a small cottage, for example, may not have input/output modules if the control unit is initially equipped with an optimal operating program. Also, the reduction in the number of functional units may be due to the desire to optimize the resources required to maintain the operation of the complex. And this is not to mention simplifying the system in order to ensure user ergonomics during operation.

Now it’s worth considering the composition of the additional cabinet. As a rule, it includes or duplicate backup systems, which are already present in the main cabinet, or auxiliary means of communication, as well as security systems. That is, its integration into the system increases the reliability of the functions implemented by the main smart home controller. Equipment in this segment, for example, can be represented by local network communication means, amplifiers and the same uninterruptible power supply unit.

What tasks does the controller perform?

The range of tasks that the controller can perform is very wide and is determined only by the desire of the user who is arranging his home. Of course, this primarily applies to the management of electrical engineering and engineering components. The very idea of ​​“smart homes” was once popular due to the consumer’s desire to use it with maximum convenience. Modern controllers allow you to control home and street lighting remotely and automatically, as well as power supplies in general. Already in basic configurations, controllers for the “smart home” system are also oriented towards regulating the power supply for gas equipment, refrigerators, boilers, ventilation systems, etc.

In this case, independent control channels can be programmed in a separate order. This applies to the most critical objects. For example, to control a “warm floor”, a complex four-zone control line is often provided in several rooms. The same can be said about the security infrastructure, which is usually serviced by GSM controllers for a “smart home” with the ability to send SMS messages to the user and to security service consoles. Moreover, notification can be carried out simultaneously through channels wireless modules Internet-based communications.

How the device works

The general concept of intelligent control systems is based on the creation of automated control. That is, the complex is initially configured to independently control the target components of a “smart home”. It is important to note here what exactly is meant by such management. This can be setting the temperature of the boiler, “warm floor”, turning lamps on or off, adjusting the operating parameters of audio and video equipment, etc. At the same time, smart home control controllers can work, that is, make decisions based on a preset program , and on the basis feedback from the same equipment. In the first case, the user enters certain operating parameters indicating logical chains. A classic example is setting street lighting to work at certain hours at night and complete shutdown during the day.

In the case of processing feedback signals, the controller also acts according to the initially programmed program, but decisions are made based on data that may change depending on the current state of the equipment being serviced. For example, a boiler must store water at a certain pressure in the water supply system. A signal with one or another reading is received from a pressure gauge installed on the water supply line, and based on this, the system gives the opposite command to the boiler electronics. Another question is how useful the command issued by the controller will be for the user. A “smart home” is an intelligent system, but it may not live up to expectations if the owner incorrectly calculated the operating mode in certain situations.

Controller "Aries"

As basic solution the company offers a PLC100 modification controller, the features of which include the use of organizing information exchange channels. The system is designed to serve private residential buildings with two floors, street lighting, underfloor heating, alarm systems, etc. The main element of the complex is logic controller, connected to the operator panel and input/output devices via RS-485 interface. That is, the “smart home” on the “Aries” controller of this version can be programmed by the owner himself, if desired. I/O systems are represented by the МВА8 analog module and switching devices from the manufacturer INSYTE.

The operator's main menu has 6 control blocks, each of which takes over one of the subordinate segments. In particular, these are energy supply, underfloor heating system, lighting equipment, temperature control means in different parts home, dispatching and event log. It is important to note that this is the same GSM controller for controlling a “smart home”, through which SMS can be sent. In this case, the notification will be carried out in case of an accident in the street lighting power supply line, in case of problems in the power circuit, etc.

Vera controller

Today there are a huge number of different controllers available on the market, but experts recommend turning to products from manufacturers who have extensive experience in this segment. And in this regard, the models of the Vera family have a huge reserve of trust, since the company has been on the market for many years. One of the newest solutions is the VeraEdge complex. The distinctive features of this system include compactness, high performance and ergonomics. Moreover, the development stands out even against the background of other representatives of the Vera line. The “smart home” controller in this design is attractive and technologically advanced. The creators used a high-performance SoC platform with a frequency of 600 MHz. At the same time, the volume operating memory was upgraded to 128 MB.

The main innovation implemented in VeraEdge is the Z-Wave Plus system chip. This is already the fifth generation of the chip, while most of its competitive analogues still operate on third-generation platforms. What does this mean in practical terms? The user can use communication protocols with maximum load, simultaneously servicing more than 200 devices. In addition, the unit is equipped Wi-Fi module, which eliminates the complexity of organizing wired local communication lines. This is also a new solution, which smart home control controllers from other manufacturers cannot yet boast of. True, the system was not without its shortcomings. Unfortunately, it does not have an integrated source of uninterrupted power supply.

Arduino controller

The Arduino system offers a rather unusual, but quite logical solution for controlling a smart home. It is rightly called a do-it-yourself complex, since user participation in organizing the control infrastructure in this case is fundamental. So what does the Arduino kit offer? The basis of the set is a small logical controller itself, and the remaining components are represented by sensors, sensors and all kinds of indicators. When it was said that the number of components could be limited, they were talking about slightly different principles for reducing elements, but the Arduino smart home controller brought the optimization concept to almost perfection. Firstly, all its sensors operate according to wireless principle, which eliminates the need to lay multiple networks. Secondly, for direct control of the controller, not traditional units with operator panels are used, but a convenient and modern web page, which is also available as a mobile application. As for the sensors themselves, they are represented by devices that record energy consumption data, humidity and temperature parameters, door openings, etc.

Siemens controllers

German control controllers are mainly associated with process automation in industry. However, a very interesting LOGO line has recently appeared, which presents systems for the “smart home”. When developing these complexes, the company adhered to the traditional direction, proposing a two-component model as a result. The primary module forms the information input/output infrastructure and includes a keyboard and display. The second module allows you to work with the controller via a wired interface, that is, download programs using a computer. For independent development of operating modes, the manufacturer offers special program- Soft Comfort. If the system is used as a central controller for a “smart home”, then it is quite possible to independently create control algorithms and operating diagrams for it. In terms of performance and functionality The models in this family are flexible. The fact is that every version LOGO controller can be modified by introducing new subsystems and modules, which will improve the performance of the equipment.

Pros and cons of smart home controllers

The indisputable advantages of controllers of this type include the effective solution of problems in managing engineering, multimedia and other household appliances. Indeed, the intellectual capabilities of even simple kits provide a lot of advantages to ordinary homeowners, relieving them of routine actions. As an example, it is enough to give a typical Ethernet controller. The “smart home” under its control using network interfaces is combined into a single information panel through which the owner can monitor all the necessary performance indicators and data on the operating components. Of course, there are also disadvantages to this type of controller. These include the complexity of technical implementation with connection and commissioning, often difficult maintenance and, of course, significant cost.

Conclusion

Although many potential users of smart home control systems are alarmed by their multicomponent nature and cumbersomeness, they have long been familiar with their individual elements. For example, electronics in modern boilers, refrigerators, acoustic sets and lighting fixtures often operate on the same principles. Moreover, many people unknowingly make the same smart home controller with their own hands when they install a security system on sensors and a GSM module. Only if, in the case of security systems, the center is a panel that connects, for example, motion sensors and smoke detectors, then the controllers in question serve the entire range of household devices that, in principle, can be automatic control. Another thing is that the second option turns out to be more demanding in terms of energy supply, more difficult to implement and operate.