1. Home Automation with an Internet Tablet and Linux MCE
Final Year Project
Home Automation with an Internet Tablet and Linux MCE
Progress presentation – 23rd Jan, 2009
Damien Lee
4 ECE
Supervisor : Dr. John Breslin

2. Project Brief
The aim of this project is to control a number of household devices/appliances using Linux MCE and a Nokia 770 internet tablet.
Linux MCE will represent the “central brain” or “core” of the automated house and will offer options in the control of various devices.
The Nokia 770, which is enabled with both Blue Tooth and Wi Fi, will connect remotely to the Linux MCE system and act as a universal remote control for all devices in the system.
Aims to involve event handling also.
If a certain event occurs within the house, then the user can be informed by an alert.

3. Components Recognised
Hardware Components
Nokia 770 Internet Tablet
The Linux MCE Orbiter will be added to the Nokia 770 to enable the device to work as a remote control
Toothpick 2.0
The toothpick will act as an external device for connection with the system.
Programmable in C which means event handling can occur.

4. Components Recognised
Software Components
Kubuntu 7.10 Operating System
Kubuntu 7.10 OS is the most recent operating system to support a version of Linux MCE.
Linux MCE
Linux MCE has been setup on the Kubuntu OS and is detecting any Blue Tooth device which is within range.
Maemo SDK
Nokia’s software development kit for Internet Tablets

5. How the system will come together
Wi Fi Connection
Router
Remote Control
Blue Tooth Connection
Central System
Blue Tooth devices represented by smaller Blue Tooth devices
System connects with various devices around home

6. Blue Tooth Alternatives
Zigbee Technology
Wireless networking standard.
Used in control and sensor networks.
Large numbers of sensors over a large area.
Mesh Networking
Control of a device is routed from the source to the device through a series of Zigbee sensors that are placed between the source and the device
Alternate routes to the device also exist, in case of sensor failure.

7. Blue Tooth Alternatives
Bluetooth vs. Zigbee
Bluetooth Zigbee
Concerned with connectivity between Concerned with control and automation.
Laptops, PDA’s and overall cable
replacement.
Higher data rate. Lower data rate.
Higher power consumption. Lower power consumption.
Works well with large packet devices. Works well with small packet device Controls fewer devices at less of a range. Controls large number of devices at a greater range.
Frequent battery change Batteries last much longer.
Bluetooth response times slightly Zigbee response times are slower than Zigbee. slightly faster.

8. Progress to date Background Research
Research into to the hardware and software required for the project was done. Also research into different technologies available was undertaken.
Linux MCE
Linux MCE has been installed and is recognising external bluetooth devices.
VMware
Due to the unavailabilty of a Virtual Machine Kubuntu OS, VMware was dismissed from the project.
Webpage
Project webpage is updated as the project progresses.

9. Remaining Tasks Currently working on……
Control of devices from “Core” of system.
Loading Orbiter to the Nokia 770.
Research into event handling with the toothpick Bluetooth device.
Remaining Tasks
Integrate Nokia and Core system to full working system.
Enable event handling within the system.
Research into modulation of audio devices upon event.

10. References images www.Flexipanel.com theblackangel.wordpress.com/.../
askbobrankin.com

11. Thank You