IoT based Smart Home Automation System using Raspberry Pi

IoT based Smart Home Automation System using Raspberry Pi

Manas Singh Mehra Bhavan Vidyalaya Panchkula, Haryana, India

Abstract:- At its very basic, home automation means automatic and electronic control of household utilities, security devices and appliances. An integrated approach to home automation implies the user and associated home appliances communicate with one another seamlessly. The aim of this research paper on Smart Home Automation is to explore the technical challenges of setting up a cost-effective home automation system with a web-based interface and assess its effectiveness in operating household utilities and security devices. Consequently, this paper evaluates the setting up of a smart home automation system employing Python Webserver with Flask based user interface and a Raspberry Pi. Flask is a lightweight Python web framework which enables quick creation of web-based applications using a single Python file, whereas the Raspberry Pi with its powerful CPU allows connection of multiple sensors simultaneously. The paper studies key aspects of sensor and software integration, analyses communication protocols and dwells on code development facets. Overall, the smart home automation system was seen to function smoothly and a cost economical setup of this kind besides enhancing home security and entertainment; can also assist the elderly in leading a better quality of life.

Keywords:- Home Automation, Internet of Things based smart homes, Raspberry Pi, Python Webserver Flask, Sensors

1. INTRODUCTION

   The term Internet of Things (IoT) refers both to the collective network of linked devices and the technology that facilitates communication between them. Home automation is one of the best examples of IoT as it seamlessly integrates consumer electronic gadgets as cameras, sensors, lights, fans, air-conditioners, etc. to each other via the internet. The wireless network approach towards IoT based smart homes – employing a Raspberry device and Python Webserver with Flask – offers seamless, cost-effective and scalable solutions which can be easily maintained and preserved. It results in numerous benefits as security and continuous monitoring of our homes, provision of timely healthcare and medical services to the elderly, energy conservation and addresses entertainment, comfort and lifestyle aspects also. This research paper on Smart Home Automation examines the practical trials and effectiveness of an economical home automation system. Through a Raspberry Pi and Python web-based interface home automation system, the users operate their home devices and security sensors. This paper reinforces the convenience, security, entertainment and health care benefits that accrue from utilizing simple IoT devices.

2. BACKGROUND

   A significant amount of technological development has taken place in this field of home automation. Initial mobile based home automation systems utilized Java based boards, central

   computer and servers. Later Bluetooth, RFID, cellular network and Wi-Fi technologies were utilized in home automation system along with Arduino and Raspberry Pi integrated to Android phones. In recent times voice control over internet, cloud networking and wireless communication have been utilized for home automation systems. Latest trends include Machine Learning algorithms and Block-Chain technologies for enhancing communication, reliability, security and integrity of the network. The above systems are however complex, expensive and preclude the Do – It – Yourself user. A Raspberry Pi with Python interface on the other hand is an economical, efficient and scalable method with excellent user experience.

3. STRUCTURE OF PAPER The paper is organized in following parts: –

   1. Proposed system architecture.

   2. Execution of the project.

   3. Analysis of results.

   4. Conclusion.

   PROPOSED SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE

4. SOFTWARE & HARDWARE COMPONENTS

   The various components employed in the home automation system for a cost effective and open-source structure are: –

   1. Raspberry Pi 4

      Raspberry Pi is a low cost, small size computer that runs on Linux OS. Raspberry Pi is used as the local webserver and its General-Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pins are controlled through a simple webpage.

   2. Setting Up of Raspberry Pi

      Raspberry Pi is set up before it can be used. And this is done in the following manner: –

      1. Raspberry Pi with Raspbian OS is loaded and configured using the Raspi-config command.

      2. Post this the Secure Shell (SSH), Virtual Network Computing (VNC) and camera are enabled. SSH command makes a secure encrypted link amongst two hosts across an insecure network. Using Putty – an SSH client – Raspberry Pis command line is remotely accessed to execute the commands.

      3. VNC on the other hand is a graphical desktop-sharing system, which is used to remotely control another computer.

         1. Python Flask

            Apart from Raspbian OS, Python Flask was the other software used. Flask is a Python web framework, which offers helpful tools and features that simplifies the process of creating web applications. Flask was directly installed from the Raspbian OSs command line using: sudo apt get-install python3-flask.

         2. Other Hardware Components

            Other hardware components integrated were: –

            1. IR, fire detection and PIR sensors.

            2. Webcam and LEDs/ lights.

            3. 5 V Eight Channel Relay module.

            4. Misc. components to include jumper wires, power supply etc.

5. BLOCK DIAGRAM

   The block diagram of the proposed architecture as given below depicts the integration of hardware sensors in to the Raspberry Pi computer. The sensors based on environmental inputs send the data to Raspberry Pi which further processes the data. Corresponding values are then fed to the Relay Panel which changes the state of the devices as per the received input.

   Fig. 1: Proposed Architecture

   EXECUTION OF THE PROJECT

6. HARDWARE INTEGRATION

   Hardware integration of electronic components with the Raspberry Pi was undertaken and project was set up for remote access. The integration of the sensors with Raspberry Pi was as below: –

   Fig. 2: Raspberry Pi & Sensor Integration

   Fig 3: Raspberry Pi & Sensor Integration

7. SOFTWARE CODES

   The codes in the system architecture were applied as per steps depicted below: –

   1. Step1: Raspbian Command Line. All code sequences were completed using the Raspbian command line. SSH was enabled in the Pi device and the command line was remotely accessed from another device.

   2. Step 2: Web Page. An HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) file for setting up the basic structure of the web page was created and linked to a CSS (Cascading Style Sheet) file to improve the aesthetics of the web page.

      Fig. 4: Cascading Sheet File

   3. Step 3: Python Code.

      1. Python code was set up first by importing Flask and RPI.GPIO. The General-Purpose Input/output pins on the Pi were defined according to the completed hardware connections.

      2. For sensor results the status of input pins were noted and the data sent to HTML web page via the render_template function. The sensor data was displayed on the webpage when the server was run.

         1

      3. For hardware appliances (lights, fan etc.) connected to the defined output pins on the Pi, hyperlinks attached to the webpage (via the tml file) along with conditional statements were used. The python webserver was run and port communication established via the app.run () function.

   2

   3

   Fig. 5: Python Code

8. WEB PAGE INTERFACE

   Raspberry Pi communicates with the user via the web interface, who can view and control the sensors by scrutinizing their current state. The server, client applications and the interface were set in Python code. The information on existing state of sensors and appliances is always stored in SQL database of Raspberry Pi and the database is continuously synched with the user interface. For example, the user can

   press the On/Off button in user interface or use the voice command to send a signal to the Raspberry Pi.

   learning algorithm can be applied for such decision making about the status of home devices and sensors. Security and integrity of home automation system can be enhanced of IoT system using blockchain technology to ensure secure communication.

   Fig. 6: Web Page Interface

   ANALYSIS OF RESULTS

9. EXAMINATION OF RESULTS

   Results Table
   Sensor	Observation	Expenses
   Raspberry Pi	DIY installation	Reasonable
   Software	Python and HTML codes used	Open Source
   Relays	Worked as expected	Cheap
   IR	At times did not measure readings and also had a limited range.	Low-priced
   PIR	Low sensitivity was observed	Low-priced
   Camera	5 MP camera Inexpensive camera was used	Budget price Cost increases if high-end cameras used

   The smart home IoT automation system was accomplished and functioned smoothly as described in this paper. The structure enabled seamless control of sensors and appliances from a Python based user interface. The IoT system was overall found to be flexible, economical, efficient and scalable low-cost home automation solution. The interface design was user friendly and structure was fairly secure as it operates under the home Wi-Fi network. The key observations are as tabulated below: –

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10. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

A home automation setup of this kind can be established in an economical manner using open-source software. This setup will enhance security of homes, management of home appliances as lighting, heating, entertainment etc. in a simple, flexible, robust and cost-effective manner. Future developments of this system would include incorporating a decision-making ability about the status of each device of the home especially for elderly and patient care. A machine