13-09-2014, 09:37 AM
Control4 Android home automation application
[attachment=67904]
ABSTRACT
Turn your Android smartphone or tablet into the ultimate touch screen remote for your Control4 home automation system, complete with the familiar Control4 UI. Control your entire smart home: audio, video, lights, thermostats, IP cameras, security system and much more with easy taps and gestures. Quickly browse movie artwork or your music collection--or access library of millions of tracks. Control your home remotely over 3G/4G or remote Wi-Fi networks when the app is enabled with a Control4.
HISTORY OF CONTROL4
• Control4, a leading provider of personalized automation and control solutions, allows you to control virtually any device in a home or business, automatically. Founded in 2003, the company mission is to deliver an elegant and more affordable way to control and automate lighting, music, video, security and energy in a single room or throughout the entire home. Today, Control4® certified custom integrators work with home and business owners to deliver the transformative benefits of the smart and connected home: convenience, peace of mind and an efficient environment that’s comfortable and safe.
• . The company is based in Salt Lake City and is funded by Foundation Capital, Thomas Weisel Venture Partners, Frazier Technology Ventures, vSpring, Mercato Partners and Best Buy Capital.
Basic implementation of control4 operation
• Replacing a house full of switches and dials with a single remote seems a desirable proposition, but less-than-intuitive setup processes and fees that run far into the thousands make a disconnected home the only option for some. Like other home automation system manufacturers, Control4 has a bounty of offerings that can run up pricing into that out-of-reach range, but if you're looking to adjust audio and video in a single room, the new Starter Kit should get you going for just shy of a grand, including installation. That price includes a HC-250 Controller, which delivers IR control for up to eight components (via splitters connected to the four IR ports on the rear), serial control for up to two receivers or other systems and IP control for an unlimited number of devices. There's also an SR-250 ZigBee remote in the box, which offers full control through a television interface (HDMI and component outputs can be found on the HC-250's rear). You can also have full access through a variety of add-ons, including a $999 7-inch in-wall touchscreen with camera, a portable version for the same price, or any Android, iOS or Mac device -- access licenses for smartphones, tablets and computers run $199 each, or $499 to cover the entire home.
• The Starter Kit can enable control of a single room, which may be fine for some users -- to add additional home theater setups you can bring on more HC-250s at $599 a pop. There's also an option to add ZigBee lighting controls ($129 per switch), ZigBee door locks ($150 to $350) or a door intercom unit with camera ($799). All-in, outfitting a large home can be quite pricey, and the Starter Kit is designed to get folks in the door, rather than to deliver a complete solution. We tested the controller with a TV, audio system, a pair of lights on two zones, the door intercom and a deadbolt, and all performed seamlessly without an hiccups. We also took a look at the intuitive drag-and-drop PC-based interface, which owners can use to change macros and add media. Introducing new components to the rig will require a dealer service call (or remote access, if you're just trying to loop in something like a NAS to serve up content). The Control4 Starter Kit is available through third-party dealers beginning today, including Magnolia Home Theater in select Best Buy stores (in that case, Geek Squad will handle the install). That sub-$1,000 figure factors in two hours of labor, and may climb a bit higher depending on dealer rates. Still, if you're just looking to get your feet wet, this seems to be a solid solution. Thumb through the gallery below for a closer look at the components and interface.
WHAT IS MEANT BY HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM
Home automation uses technology to make your everyday tasks in the home (or office) simpler, safer, or less expensive. Home automation systems can control lights and dimmers, create or enhance home theater and entertainment systems, strengthen home security, automate locks and doors, and increase energy efficiency.
CONTROL4 PROPRIETARY PRODUCTS
• Touch screens. Control4's touch screens come in varying sizes and are either permanently mounted into a wall or are free-standing (similar in form to a small Tablet PC). The touch screens offer a unified interface for controlling all of the equipment on the system, though notably they cannot be used for playback of media.
Multi-Channel Amplifiers
These specialized amplifiers switch audio to speakers in "zones" throughout a house, similar to a consumer amplifier. However, they intentionally lack the typical front-panel controls found in a consumer amplifier, and instead are completely controlled by the Home Controller via an Ethernet connection, which in turn makes such controls available to the user on touch screens or on handheld remotes. The automated control allows for novel features, such as the system temporarily interrupting audio to play a voice announcement or doorbell over the speakers, followed by resumption of the original audio at its original volume level.
Handheld remote controls look and feel exactly like the typical infrared remote controls normally included with home theater equipment, but differ substantially in function. They are specifically designed to control equipment which may not be in the same room (and line of sight) as the user. Control4's remotes exclusively use Zigbee radio communication to issue commands through the Home Controller, which typically issues infrared commands to the currently selected appliance using a wired emitter eye attached to the appliance.
CONTROL4 ROOM MODEL
• A significant concept embodied by the Control4 system is the concept of controlling "rooms", rather than the equipment within a room. In Control4's model, home entertainment devices that produce music or video (such as DVD players, iPods, or cable boxes) are not constrained to belonging to the room in which they are physically located.
• The Control4 system is programmed with a list of rooms in a house, along with a connection map (which is set by the dealer) that tells the system what connections are present between all the equipment in the home. The menu for any given room will list all the devices in the entire house that the Home Controller determines can be brought into that room with the connections it is aware of.
• A brief contrasting example is helpful in understanding the difference between the room model and the lack thereof. A typical non-Control4 home entertainment user follows the model of controlling "devices". To watch a DVD movie, one sits down, turns on the television, and might choose an input on the TV (example: INPUT 1) to view the DVD player. Then the user turns the DVD player on, loads the movie, and presses play. If the user wants to enjoy true surround audio, he or she often must also push something on the receiver or amplifier to cause that to happen.
On the other hand, a user using Control4 picks up a remote designated for that specific room, then presses "WATCH", and then selects "DVD". At that point:
• The Home Controller turns on the television automatically - and knows not to inadvertently turn it off if it is already on.
OPERATIONS OF CONTROL4
• The Control4 Operating system(OS) is the software that serves as the foundation upon which Control4 automation is brought to life. The OS delivers the easy –to-use interface throughout the home as well as several additional features that are automatically built-in to every Control4 system
ELEGANT USER INTERFACE
The Control4 user interface has been specifically designed to help you quickly access all the important automation features of your home or business ,including music,TV,lighting,climate control and security,among others
The user interface is also designed to give you personal control.You can
create Favorites for easy access to your most used commands and your certain controls will even adapt to your behavior over time,giving you a truly personalized automation experience
WHAT IS MEAN BY ANDROID?
Android is an operating system for mobile devices. It is mostly used for cell phones, like Google's own Galaxy Nexus, as well as by other phone manufacturers like HTC and Samsung. It has also been used for tablets such as the Motorola Xoom and Amazon Kindle Fire. Android's kernel is based on Linux.[9]
IMPLEMENTATION OF HOME AUTOMATION USING ANDROID
A.Android
For this home automation and security system we are targeting Android platform since it has huge market and open source. Android is a software stack for mobile devices that includes an operating system, middleware and key applications. The Android OS is based on Linux. Android Applications are made in a Java-like language running on a virtual machine called ‘Dalvik’ created by Google. The Android SDK provides the tools and APIs necessary to begin developing applications on the Android platform using the Java programming language. Accessory mode is a feature of Android OS since version 2.3.4 Gingerbread and 3.1 Honeycomb and above.
B. Software Design
As discussed earlier we are developing Android application. The application consists of main function like Light controlling, Door controlling, Smoke detection and Temperature sensing. When the application starts user is first authenticated, if user is authorized he will be navigated to main screen. The main screen has a list of all functions among which user can select any one function which he want to control. After selecting a function he would be able to see a current status of a particular device. If user wishes, he can enable or disable intended device.
The system is smart enough to activate alarm when smoke is detected or it is programmed to auto on/off lights during late night hours. If room temperature goes very high or low it can automatically adjust fan/AC as per the temperature. It has voice navigation which is specifically beneficial to blind people.
C. Android ADK
ADK stands for Accessory Development Kit. Android accessory is a physical accessory that can be attached to your Android device. [12] These particular devices perform specific actions. For USB accessories to be supported on a particular device, there must be support for the accessory-mode, a special means of connecting over the USB port. This allows data transfer between devices and external peripherals.
CONTROL4 HOME AUTOMATION COMES TO ANDROID PHONES AND TABLETS
If you're both an Android and home automation junkie, Control4 finally has you covered with the launch of the Control4 MyHome app for Android tablets and phones. You can now download a free app to control anything hooked up to a Control4 Home Control system, including lighting, home theater, temperature control, and home security. Of course, you first need to have your home set up for Home Control by an authorized dealer, and there's a $199 charge to license a single device running the MyHome app, or $499 for a site or location license which allows multiple devices. While it certainly isn't a cheap solution, the legion of Android owners now have a new option for controlling their home automation systems beyond Control4's proprietary remotes and touchscreen devices — and seeing as how iOS users have had this functionality for years, the same options for Android users is probably long overdue.
[attachment=67904]
ABSTRACT
Turn your Android smartphone or tablet into the ultimate touch screen remote for your Control4 home automation system, complete with the familiar Control4 UI. Control your entire smart home: audio, video, lights, thermostats, IP cameras, security system and much more with easy taps and gestures. Quickly browse movie artwork or your music collection--or access library of millions of tracks. Control your home remotely over 3G/4G or remote Wi-Fi networks when the app is enabled with a Control4.
HISTORY OF CONTROL4
• Control4, a leading provider of personalized automation and control solutions, allows you to control virtually any device in a home or business, automatically. Founded in 2003, the company mission is to deliver an elegant and more affordable way to control and automate lighting, music, video, security and energy in a single room or throughout the entire home. Today, Control4® certified custom integrators work with home and business owners to deliver the transformative benefits of the smart and connected home: convenience, peace of mind and an efficient environment that’s comfortable and safe.
• . The company is based in Salt Lake City and is funded by Foundation Capital, Thomas Weisel Venture Partners, Frazier Technology Ventures, vSpring, Mercato Partners and Best Buy Capital.
Basic implementation of control4 operation
• Replacing a house full of switches and dials with a single remote seems a desirable proposition, but less-than-intuitive setup processes and fees that run far into the thousands make a disconnected home the only option for some. Like other home automation system manufacturers, Control4 has a bounty of offerings that can run up pricing into that out-of-reach range, but if you're looking to adjust audio and video in a single room, the new Starter Kit should get you going for just shy of a grand, including installation. That price includes a HC-250 Controller, which delivers IR control for up to eight components (via splitters connected to the four IR ports on the rear), serial control for up to two receivers or other systems and IP control for an unlimited number of devices. There's also an SR-250 ZigBee remote in the box, which offers full control through a television interface (HDMI and component outputs can be found on the HC-250's rear). You can also have full access through a variety of add-ons, including a $999 7-inch in-wall touchscreen with camera, a portable version for the same price, or any Android, iOS or Mac device -- access licenses for smartphones, tablets and computers run $199 each, or $499 to cover the entire home.
• The Starter Kit can enable control of a single room, which may be fine for some users -- to add additional home theater setups you can bring on more HC-250s at $599 a pop. There's also an option to add ZigBee lighting controls ($129 per switch), ZigBee door locks ($150 to $350) or a door intercom unit with camera ($799). All-in, outfitting a large home can be quite pricey, and the Starter Kit is designed to get folks in the door, rather than to deliver a complete solution. We tested the controller with a TV, audio system, a pair of lights on two zones, the door intercom and a deadbolt, and all performed seamlessly without an hiccups. We also took a look at the intuitive drag-and-drop PC-based interface, which owners can use to change macros and add media. Introducing new components to the rig will require a dealer service call (or remote access, if you're just trying to loop in something like a NAS to serve up content). The Control4 Starter Kit is available through third-party dealers beginning today, including Magnolia Home Theater in select Best Buy stores (in that case, Geek Squad will handle the install). That sub-$1,000 figure factors in two hours of labor, and may climb a bit higher depending on dealer rates. Still, if you're just looking to get your feet wet, this seems to be a solid solution. Thumb through the gallery below for a closer look at the components and interface.
WHAT IS MEANT BY HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM
Home automation uses technology to make your everyday tasks in the home (or office) simpler, safer, or less expensive. Home automation systems can control lights and dimmers, create or enhance home theater and entertainment systems, strengthen home security, automate locks and doors, and increase energy efficiency.
CONTROL4 PROPRIETARY PRODUCTS
• Touch screens. Control4's touch screens come in varying sizes and are either permanently mounted into a wall or are free-standing (similar in form to a small Tablet PC). The touch screens offer a unified interface for controlling all of the equipment on the system, though notably they cannot be used for playback of media.
Multi-Channel Amplifiers
These specialized amplifiers switch audio to speakers in "zones" throughout a house, similar to a consumer amplifier. However, they intentionally lack the typical front-panel controls found in a consumer amplifier, and instead are completely controlled by the Home Controller via an Ethernet connection, which in turn makes such controls available to the user on touch screens or on handheld remotes. The automated control allows for novel features, such as the system temporarily interrupting audio to play a voice announcement or doorbell over the speakers, followed by resumption of the original audio at its original volume level.
Handheld remote controls look and feel exactly like the typical infrared remote controls normally included with home theater equipment, but differ substantially in function. They are specifically designed to control equipment which may not be in the same room (and line of sight) as the user. Control4's remotes exclusively use Zigbee radio communication to issue commands through the Home Controller, which typically issues infrared commands to the currently selected appliance using a wired emitter eye attached to the appliance.
CONTROL4 ROOM MODEL
• A significant concept embodied by the Control4 system is the concept of controlling "rooms", rather than the equipment within a room. In Control4's model, home entertainment devices that produce music or video (such as DVD players, iPods, or cable boxes) are not constrained to belonging to the room in which they are physically located.
• The Control4 system is programmed with a list of rooms in a house, along with a connection map (which is set by the dealer) that tells the system what connections are present between all the equipment in the home. The menu for any given room will list all the devices in the entire house that the Home Controller determines can be brought into that room with the connections it is aware of.
• A brief contrasting example is helpful in understanding the difference between the room model and the lack thereof. A typical non-Control4 home entertainment user follows the model of controlling "devices". To watch a DVD movie, one sits down, turns on the television, and might choose an input on the TV (example: INPUT 1) to view the DVD player. Then the user turns the DVD player on, loads the movie, and presses play. If the user wants to enjoy true surround audio, he or she often must also push something on the receiver or amplifier to cause that to happen.
On the other hand, a user using Control4 picks up a remote designated for that specific room, then presses "WATCH", and then selects "DVD". At that point:
• The Home Controller turns on the television automatically - and knows not to inadvertently turn it off if it is already on.
OPERATIONS OF CONTROL4
• The Control4 Operating system(OS) is the software that serves as the foundation upon which Control4 automation is brought to life. The OS delivers the easy –to-use interface throughout the home as well as several additional features that are automatically built-in to every Control4 system
ELEGANT USER INTERFACE
The Control4 user interface has been specifically designed to help you quickly access all the important automation features of your home or business ,including music,TV,lighting,climate control and security,among others
The user interface is also designed to give you personal control.You can
create Favorites for easy access to your most used commands and your certain controls will even adapt to your behavior over time,giving you a truly personalized automation experience
WHAT IS MEAN BY ANDROID?
Android is an operating system for mobile devices. It is mostly used for cell phones, like Google's own Galaxy Nexus, as well as by other phone manufacturers like HTC and Samsung. It has also been used for tablets such as the Motorola Xoom and Amazon Kindle Fire. Android's kernel is based on Linux.[9]
IMPLEMENTATION OF HOME AUTOMATION USING ANDROID
A.Android
For this home automation and security system we are targeting Android platform since it has huge market and open source. Android is a software stack for mobile devices that includes an operating system, middleware and key applications. The Android OS is based on Linux. Android Applications are made in a Java-like language running on a virtual machine called ‘Dalvik’ created by Google. The Android SDK provides the tools and APIs necessary to begin developing applications on the Android platform using the Java programming language. Accessory mode is a feature of Android OS since version 2.3.4 Gingerbread and 3.1 Honeycomb and above.
B. Software Design
As discussed earlier we are developing Android application. The application consists of main function like Light controlling, Door controlling, Smoke detection and Temperature sensing. When the application starts user is first authenticated, if user is authorized he will be navigated to main screen. The main screen has a list of all functions among which user can select any one function which he want to control. After selecting a function he would be able to see a current status of a particular device. If user wishes, he can enable or disable intended device.
The system is smart enough to activate alarm when smoke is detected or it is programmed to auto on/off lights during late night hours. If room temperature goes very high or low it can automatically adjust fan/AC as per the temperature. It has voice navigation which is specifically beneficial to blind people.
C. Android ADK
ADK stands for Accessory Development Kit. Android accessory is a physical accessory that can be attached to your Android device. [12] These particular devices perform specific actions. For USB accessories to be supported on a particular device, there must be support for the accessory-mode, a special means of connecting over the USB port. This allows data transfer between devices and external peripherals.
CONTROL4 HOME AUTOMATION COMES TO ANDROID PHONES AND TABLETS
If you're both an Android and home automation junkie, Control4 finally has you covered with the launch of the Control4 MyHome app for Android tablets and phones. You can now download a free app to control anything hooked up to a Control4 Home Control system, including lighting, home theater, temperature control, and home security. Of course, you first need to have your home set up for Home Control by an authorized dealer, and there's a $199 charge to license a single device running the MyHome app, or $499 for a site or location license which allows multiple devices. While it certainly isn't a cheap solution, the legion of Android owners now have a new option for controlling their home automation systems beyond Control4's proprietary remotes and touchscreen devices — and seeing as how iOS users have had this functionality for years, the same options for Android users is probably long overdue.