The following resources come from the 2009/10 BSc in Computer and Network Technologies (course number 2ELE0072) from the University of Hertfordshire. All the mini projects are designed as level two modules of the undergraduate programmes. The objectives of this project are to demonstrate within a domestic control environment: • The implementation of wire and wireless starter kit • The evaluation and implementation of wire and wireless sensors • The implementation of wire and wireless Cameras. In a normal domestic houses and businesses premises, Lighting appliances, heating and cooling, security and monitoring systems, entertainment (home audio and video), communications (telephones and intercoms) and even lawn sprinklers is above 20 items. House keepers naturally lose tracks of monitoring and controlling the aforementioned items. This project is about home monitoring, controlling, security and automation. The home automation system set-up, programme and operate specific wireless communication protocol are part of this mini project’s theme. The completion of the project must follow a testing stage to assure proper set-up.

1. Mini Project- Home Automation
Author: University of Hertfordshire
Date created:
Date revised: 2009
Abstract
The following resources come from the 2009/10 BSc in Computer and Network Technologies (course
number 2ELE0072) from the University of Hertfordshire. All the mini projects are designed as level two
modules of the undergraduate programmes.
The objectives of this project are to demonstrate within a domestic control environment:
• The implementation of wire and wireless starter kit
• The evaluation and implementation of wire and wireless sensors
• The implementation of wire and wireless Cameras.
In a normal domestic houses and businesses premises, Lighting appliances, heating and cooling, security
and monitoring systems, entertainment (home audio and video), communications (telephones and
intercoms) and even lawn sprinklers is above 20 items. House keepers naturally lose tracks of monitoring
and controlling the aforementioned items. This project is about home monitoring, controlling, security and
automation. The home automation system set-up, programme and operate specific wireless communication
protocol are part of this mini project’s theme. The completion of the project must follow a testing stage to
assure proper set-up.
Contents
Section 1. Project Overview. ................................................................................................ 2
Section 2. Introductory Note ................................................................................................ 4
Section 3. Project Day 1 Activity Briefing Sheet................................................................... 5
Section 4. Project Day 2 Activity Briefing Sheet................................................................... 6
Credits ................................................................................................................................. 7
In addition to the resources found below, there are supporting documents which should be used in
combination with this resource. Please see:
Mini Projects - Introductory presentation.
Mini Projects - E-Log.
Mini Projects - Staff & Student Guide.
Mini Projects - Standard Grading Criteria.
Mini Projects - Reflection.
© University of Hertfordshire 2009 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.

2. Mini Project Home Automation
Section 1. Project Overview.
1. Learning Outcomes assessed (as taken from the DMD)
All Learning Outcomes specified in the Definitive Module Documentation are assessed as part of this
miniproject, the specific Learning Outcomes are:
Knowledge and Understanding
• Be able to analyse and breakdown problem tasks into manageable steps.
• Integrate previous and concurrent learning and to use it to solve technology-based problems.
• Be able to describe the project life-cycle appropriately.
• Be able to select appropriate Computer and Network technologies and techniques for a given
situation.
Skills and Attributes
• Produce a solution to a defined Computer and network technology problem.
• Carry out a simple critical evaluation of their solution.
• Demonstrate an ability to work effectively in a teams, small groups and individually.
• Demonstrate an ability to manage time and resources effectively.
2. Project Title: Home Automation
3. Project Objectives: (technical, specific to this project)
To demonstrate within a domestic control environment:
• The implementation of wire and wireless starter kit
• The evaluation and implementation of wire and wireless sensors
• The implementation of wire and wireless Cameras
4. Project Summary: (50 words max)
In a normal domestic houses and businesses premises, Lighting appliances, heating and cooling, security
and monitoring systems, entertainment (home audio and video), communications (telephones and
intercoms) and even lawn sprinklers is above 20 items. House keepers naturally lose tracks of monitoring
and controlling the aforementioned items. This project is about home monitoring, controlling, security and
automation. The home automation system setup, programme and operate specific wireless communication
protocol are part of this mini project’s theme. The completion of the project must follow a testing stage to
assure proper setup.
5. Introductory Lecture (2hrs) Content:
• Introduction to home automation
• Overview of Software tools to be used
• Hardware to be used
• Topics for students to revise: Sensors and cameras user manuals. C# user manual.
6. Preparation Session (3hrs):
• Home automation familiarisation
7. Day 1
Expected Outcomes for the day:
Students working in a group should lay out the required devices in model house. They should also wire-up
these devices to the USB development kit. Additionally students working in group should be able to install
and operate the USB development kit.
Assessment criteria; the way in which the work has been planned and managed, demonstrate the technical
criteria on selecting the positions and types of the devices in use.
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3. Mini Project Home Automation
Key Tasks:
• Project Planning; developing an appropriate strategy to meet a specific set of technical
requirements.
• Assemble the hardware components.
• Configure the whole home automation system.
• Technical Appraisal; First phase test.
8. Day 2
Expected Outcomes for the day:
Students working in small groups will have to produce an appropriate flow chart required for the operation of
the home automation system. Student working in small groups should develop the programme and
demonstrate the completed project.
Assessment criteria; Based on successful development and implementation of the software modules.
Demonstrate the complete home automation system is working according to the above specification.
Key Tasks:
• Project Planning; developing an appropriate strategy to meet a specific set of technical
requirements.
• Programme the home automation system.
• Fit set of sensors and cameras where is necessary.
• Technical Appraisal; Second phase test.
9. Facilitator guidance (key ideas to draw out from students):
Day 1: Type of sensors, video streaming.
Day 2: Home automation evaluation.
10. Required Resources: Laboratory Facilities and Teaching Support.
Laboratory Resources: D421.
1. PC Workstations with Visual Studio developer software.
2. USB development Kits and CD with drivers.
3. PC Workstations should allow the installation of drivers from the user.
4. A home model.
5. LEDs and wireless cameras and a set of switches.
Teaching Resources:
1. Preparatory Session; an overview to the industrial application.
2. Day 1; briefing pack containing instructions for the day with source materials.
3. Day 2; briefing pack for the day; additional source materials, team allocations for group work.
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4. Mini Project Home Automation
Section 2. Introductory Note
Home Automation is about controlling any home electronic devices whether you are inside or outside your
home. It includes:
- Energy Management
Using Internet Web-link software, you can warm up or cool down the house after a vacation, check on
temperatures, and save energy. You may control your home's temperatures through your Home Automation
System by schedule and activity –when you are at home, asleep, away, room occupancy, outdoor
temperature, etc. Type of Thermostats or Sensors:
• Temperature: Loft (attics), Garages, Greenhouses, Basements, Living Room, Sitting Room, Bath
Room
• Humidity: Loft (attics), Garages, Greenhouses, Basements, or the whole house
- Security
They detect intrusion, smoke and fire, carbon monoxide, water, and other hazards with wired or wireless
sensors.
- Lights
Home lighting can be controlled by schedule, motion detected, door openings, sunrise, sunset, alarm
activation and more, even outdoor Christmas lighting.
- Appliances
Appliances such as: Fridge, Dish-washer, Washing Machine, etc are needed to be controlled in a modern
house. This is possible with the current technology in a multimedia environment.
There are two approaches to achieve this:
• The easy approach BUT costly is to get full Home Automation Systems from the market. The cost
would be around £2500 per set!!!
• The challengeable approach BUT affordable is that we would design and develop the full system
here with the cost of around £50 per set.
To build a home automation system, the Hardware components consist of:
• Sensors, such as heater, Motion Detector, etc.
• Siren
• LEDs, Web Cams, Power Supply, Connectors, and Controller-microcontroller based
The Software components consist of:
• User Interface
• Web Page
• Programming tool, such as: C#
Within this mini project, you will be provided with the hardware components. Your tasks are to design and
develop the software components to control the home automation system.
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5. Mini Project Home Automation
Section 3. Project Day 1 Activity Briefing Sheet
Expected Outcomes for the day:
Students should lay out the required devices in a model house. They are required to wire-up these devices
to the USB development kit. Students should also be able to install and operate the USB development kit.
Key Tasks:
• Project Planning; developing an appropriate strategy to meet a specific set of technical
requirements.
• Assemble the hardware components.
• Design and develop the software components.
• Configure the whole home automation system.
• Technical appraisal; first phase test.
Assessment criteria
Assessment will be based on how the work has been planned and managed, demonstration of the technical
criteria on selecting the positions and types of the devices in use.
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6. Mini Project Home Automation
Section 4. Project Day 2 Activity Briefing Sheet
Expected Outcomes for the day:
Students are expected to produce an appropriate flow chart required for the operation of the home
automation system as well as develop the programme and demonstrate the completed project.
Key Tasks
• Project Planning, developing an appropriate strategy to meet a specific set of technical
requirements.
• Integrating the components developed in Day1 by producing a flow chart for the operation of the
home automation system.
• Programme and controlling the home automation system over the internet. A web site with drawing
or an image to a house with rooms and floors should be shown.
• Fit set of sensors and cameras where is necessary.
• Technical appraisal; second phase test.
Assessment criteria
Assessment will be based on successful development and implementation of the software modules.
Demonstrate the complete home automation system is working according to the specification.
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7. Mini Project Home Automation
Credits
This resource was created by the University of Hertfordshire and released as an open educational
resource through the Open Engineering Resources project of the HE Academy Engineering
Subject Centre. The Open Engineering Resources project was funded by HEFCE and part of the
JISC/HE Academy UKOER programme.
© University of Hertfordshire 2009
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
The name of the University of Hertfordshire, UH and the UH logo are the name and registered marks of the University of Hertfordshire.
To the fullest extent permitted by law the University of Hertfordshire reserves all its rights in its name and marks which may not be used
except with its written permission.
The JISC logo is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works 2.0 UK: England
& Wales Licence. All reproductions must comply with the terms of that licence.
The HEA logo is owned by the Higher Education Academy Limited may be freely distributed and copied for educational purposes only,
provided that appropriate acknowledgement is given to the Higher Education Academy as the copyright holder and original publisher.
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