Wireless Appliance Controller

1. Wireless Appliance Controller TeamClientFaculty AdvisorStudent Members sdmay03-20Senior DesignDr.Arun Somani Donny Prabowo Benjamin Taylor Todd Roush Kheng-Hin Toh Abstract The purpose of this project is to design and implement a Handheld Appliance Controller (HAC) from a personal digital assistant (PDA) for use in homes across the globe. Essentially, the PDA device will act as a smart remote control that can both monitor and alter the current state of an appliance in the home via RF transmitters and receivers. A transmitter and receiver module will be created to interface with the PDA, and will communicate with another module that is connected to the appliance. The end product will consist of setting up an RF link between the PDA and a microwave oven for demonstration, as well as creating a software interface for other appliances that could be linked in the future. With a user-friendly PalmOS interface, the HAC will add yet another convenience to everyday life. Introduction End-Product Description • GENERAL BACKGROUND • Purpose: to create a system to wirelessly control various household appliances in the smart home of the future • Focus: system demonstration primarily on a microwave oven due to availability, cost, and ability to control touch-pad interface • TECHNICAL PROBLEM • Research operating specifications of microwave oven touch-pad • Write software interface for PDA • Choose appropriate operating frequency • OPERATING ENVIRONMENT • Common household with average climate conditions • INTENDED USER(S) AND USE(S) • User: Future homeowners interested in smart home technology • Uses: Will act as a smart remote controller for appliances around the home • ASSUMPTIONS • Availability of interference-free wireless capabilities in the home • LIMITATIONS • Communication range of 100 – 200 feet • Signal decoder interface will vary between appliances The Wireless Appliance Controller will allow a household member capable of operating a microwave and a PDA to monitor and change the status of a microwave from anywhere in the house. Technical Approach • Find a transmitter and receiver combination to attach to both devices for a communication link. • Create a control interface for the microwave to process and execute requests from the PDA. • Program PalmOS display interface and functions that it will control Testing Approach • RF TX/RX functionality test: must have good TX/RX signals • Operating range test: suitability for the home • PDA-Appliance Interface test: communicating properly • User interface test: friendliness and effectiveness Budget & Personnel Effort Design Requirements • DESIGN OBJECTIVES • Make PDA a wireless controller for appliances in a smart home • FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS • Using RF TX/RX, user will be able to perform and monitor any function that they could standing next to an appliance • DESIGN CONSTRAINTS • Power: RF TX/RX must be low power to run off PDA • Packaging: RF TX/RX must fit comfortably on PDA • MEASUREABLE MILESTONES • Project Planning:Project Definition (5%), Project Design (20%) • Design Implementation:Hardware (15%), Software (15%), • Hardware/Software Integration (10%) • End Product: Documents (30%), Demonstrate w/ Microwave (5%) Total Budget $300