CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

In previous years, machines and devices were developed and modernized to promote comfort and simplicity for the humankind. Engineers and Scientists develop and innovate in order to improve stuffs from heavy and bulky machines to light and more sophisticated devices. One good example is the improvement in terms of control systems. Lately, control systems depend on mechanical levers and knobs. It had improved somehow by using push buttons and switches.

In our present generation, we utilize the benefits of using wireless technologies such as infrared (IR) and radio frequency (RF) waves and other advance technologies like Bluetooth and Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) to link and control different devices and even use these advancements to connect and communicate from distant places. Such technologies play an important role in the modern control systems. Remote controllers exhibit the significance of IR waves to transmit commands in a form of light waves to control different devices such as stereos, televisions, DVDs and other remote-controlled devices wirelessly. Remote controllers also limit the use of mechanical parts of a device such a buttons and switches to avoid wear and tear of equipment and to provide comfortable access to the device.

The researchers were considering of using one of those wireless technologies to develop and also innovate current applications of such technologies that can operate within a smaller area and exhibits seamless communication between devices with the least requirement possible. Bluetooth were common features on mobile and pocket devices nowadays, the researchers consider this technology in the design of the study on providing seamless control and innovative method of wireless control.

The researchers focus on security and accessibility in selecting the suitable wireless technology that will be the essential component of the design project.

Background/Setting of the Study

Filipinos were known to be family-oriented individuals all over the world. Family bonding makes our weekends especially Sundays more relaxing and recreational. One activity that will suit our relaxation time is to watch movies in the expense of our own home with our televisions and DVD players.

Televisions and DVD players were normally controlled via remote controllers with the aid of the infrared technology. Infrared requires line-of-sight in order to communicate and transmit command to adjust parameters such as channel switching and volume adjustments for televisions, playback features and scene selections for the DVD players. Normally, we encounter some problems regarding the use of IR remote controllers. One good example is the lost or misplaced remote controls. If the remote control is lost, we do not have the option to control our television specifically those televisions that do not have functional buttons and rely on the remote control. It also requires line-of-sight which demands users to build a direct connection between the remote and television.

Being aware of those drawbacks, the researchers were convinced to commence a study regarding the development of an alternative process of wireless remote control. Considering cost and advancement, Bluetooth technology offers secured connections, unparalleled versatility and faster data transfer. In comparison, Bluetooth surpasses infrared in faster data transfer, communication range and omni-directional line of sight. Bluetooth also is more accessible nowadays due to devices specifically mobile phones which enabled Bluetooth connections. Bluetooth also have the ability to connect different devices like personal computers, mobile phones and pocket devices together.

In accordance with this, the researchers will integrate the hardware with the software installed on a Bluetooth enabled device as an alternative remote controller for a television. A separate hardware component will be constructed to serve as a median in order for the Bluetooth and the Infrared to communicate. For the software part of the design, the researchers then decides to use one of the latest mobile operating system available commonly known as the Android OS. Most mobile devices were introduced and running under the Android OS platform. Great advantages of using this software is it provides graphical user interface that please Android users about their touch screen devices and it is an open-source program where users can access the code listings of the programs installed in their devices. This study will impose an innovative alternative for the usual television remote controller. This will also maximize the potential of Android devices which usually exhibits remarkable interface and stunning gaming display.

Generally, the study will not replace the typical infrared remote control; instead it will be an innovative alternative solution for a remote control. The design project will be just a substitute remote control in the event of lost or misplacement, and even another fashion to appreciate your android device and for a comfortable viewing experience.

RESEARCH FRAMEWORK

Theoretical Framework

In this part, concepts and established models were elaborated to serve as a paradigm of ideas which will be essential in the development of the prototype.

According to Gilster (2002), Bluetooth is an open standard specification for a radio frequency (RF)-based, short-range connectivity technology that promises to change the face of computing and wireless communication. It is designed to be an inexpensive, wireless networking system for all classes of portable devices, such as laptops, PDAs (personal digital assistants), and mobile phones. It also will enable wireless connections for desktop computers, making connections between monitors, printers, keyboards, and the CPU cable-free.

Potential for Bluetooth applications is huge, because we transact business and communicate more with people who are close by than with those who are far away - a natural phenomenon of human interaction. The following list represents only a small set of potential applications in future many more imaginative applications will come along:

By installing a Bluetooth network in the office, workers can do away with the complex and tedioustaskof networking between the computing devices, yet have the power of connected devices. Each Bluetooth device could be connected up to 200 other devices making the connection of every device with every other possible. Since it supports both point to point and point to multipoint it will virtually make the maximum number of simultaneously linked devices unlimited.

The Bluetooth technology connects all office peripherals wirelessly. Connect PC or notebook to printers, scanners and faxes without the ugly and troublesome cable attachments. Users can increase their freedom by connecting the mouse or the keyboard wirelessly to the computer.

Bluetooth allows the users to have three way phones. At home, the phone functions as a portable phone. When on the move, it functions as a mobile phone. And when the phone comes within range of another mobile phone with built-in Bluetooth wireless technology it functions as a walkie-talkie.In meetings and conferences, users can transfer selected documents instantly with selected participants, and exchange electronic business cards automatically, without any wired connections.

It connects wireless headset to mobile phone, mobile computer or any wired connection to keep hands free for more important tasks when users were at the office or in the car.

Bluetooth-enabled Devices Schemes

A. Operating FrequencyBluetooth networking transmits data via low-power radio waves. It communicates on a frequency of2.45 gigahertz(actually between 2.402 GHz and 2.480 GHz, to be exact). This frequency band has been set aside by international agreement for the use of industrial, scientific and medical devices (ISM).

B. Power RequirementsOne of the ways Bluetooth devices avoid interfering with other systems is by sending out veryweak signalsof about 1 mill watt. By comparison, the most powerful cell phones can transmit a signal of 3 watts. The low power limits the range of a Bluetooth device to about10 meters(32 feet), cutting the chances of interference between your computer system and your portable telephone or television. Even with the low power, Bluetooth doesn't require line of sight between communicating devices. The walls in the house won't stop a Bluetooth signal, making the standard useful for controlling several devices in different rooms.

C. Range and InterferencesBluetooth can connect up toeight devicessimultaneously with all of those devices in the same 10-meter radius. Bluetooth uses a technique calledspread-spectrum frequency hoppingthat makes it rare for more than one device to be transmitting on the same frequency at the same time. In this technique, a device will use 79 individual, randomly chosen frequencies within a designated range, changing from one to another on a regular basis. In the case of Bluetooth, the transmitters change frequencies 1,600 times every second, meaning that more devices can make full use of a limited slice of theradio spectrum. Since every Bluetooth transmitter uses spread-spectrum transmitting automatically, its unlikely that two transmitters will be on the same frequency at the same time.

D. Network ArchitectureWhen Bluetooth-capable devices come within range of one another, an electronic conversation takes place to determine whether they have data to share or whether one needs to control the other. The user doesn't have to press a button or give a command -- the electronic conversation happens automatically. Once the conversation has occurred, the devices -- whether they're part of a computer system or a stereo -- form a network. Bluetooth systems create a personal-area network (PAN), orpiconet, that may fill a room or may encompass no more distance than that between the cell phone on a belt-clip and the headset on your head. Once a piconet is established, the members randomly hop frequencies in unison so they stay in touch with one another and avoid other piconets that may be operating in the same room. (http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/bluetooth2.htm, 18 December 2011)

Bluetooth Pairing Procedures

Windows XP comes with a Bluetooth configuration utility that you can use to help define a new device that we can connect to. We will use this utility to set up a virtual serial port that we can use to communicate with the Bluetooth enabled device.

This configuration utility can be found under the Windows Control Panel, and then launch the Bluetooth Devices application.

Click the "Add" button to begin configuring the virtual serial link as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 The initialization process of establishing a Bluetooth connection

Make sure your Bluetooth enabled device is turned on and set to discoverable mode. The Wizard helps verify this question by requiring you to check a box indicating the Bluetooth device is ready. Now, let the Wizard search and discover any Bluetooth devices that are in Discoverable mode.

Figure 2 Discoverable Mode Configuration

If the device is properly configured and powered up, the device should be found by the Wizard as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 Discovered devices via Bluetooth connections

Select the device and click the Next button. This begins the process of setting up the necessary information to define what needs to happen to pair a host Bluetooth device with the Garcia.

Figure 4 Setting up the passkey code

The default passkey value for the device Bluetooth adapter is "1234". You can change this value if necessary for security purposes.

The Wizard will define COM ports on your machine for using the Bluetooth wireless connection. In this example, the Wizard defined COM6 as a "Generic Serial Port" as shown below.(http://www.acroname.com/garcia/tutorials/bluetooth/connection/connection.html, 19 December 2011)

Figure 5 Final Phase of Bluetooth Pairing

Microcontroller and Bluetooth Communication

In order to develop functional hardware with use of Bluetooth technology, one must consider the aid of a microcontroller. A microcontroller is an integrated circuit which consists of a memory that holds its functions based on the program loaded, different input and output pins and other pins for special purposes. Programming of a microcontroller differs from one type to another. Some microcontrollers were programmed using unique microcontroller programs such as Arduino.

The pin configuration of an Arduino microcontroller is shown in Figure 6. This type of microcontroller is based onan Atmega168 microcontroller which composes of different functional pins.

Figure 6 Atmega168 Pin ConfigurationInterfacing Bluetooth modules with microcontrollers seems to be difficult to most microcontroller programmers and enthusiasts. Some microcontrollers need several external circuitries in order to interface the module to the microcontroller.

One benefit of the Arduino microcontroller is that it has shields or sets of modules that has embedded circuitry to maximize the use of the preferred modules. Its Bluetooth shield that acts as the Bluetooth module can be connected directly without the need of external circuitry. The Arduino together with its Bluetooth shield will be the core components of the prototype in order to control the television through the Android phone. Basically, microcontrollers usually connect via serial communication with the Bluetooth modules in order to send information.

In order to develop an innovative remote controller, a microcontroller must be employed into the design and will serve as the main control system of the design project. It provides innovations as it offers cost efficiency, functionality and different approach in wireless control.

Conceptual Framework

The design of the project follows the set of frameworks illustrated on Figure 7. The follow-up discussion elaborates the input, process and output frameworks.

The INPUT is a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone that will serve as the alternative remote control for both the television and the DVD player. The mobile phone that would be use should be operating and running under the Android Operating System. A passkey will be required by the Bluetooth module in order to pair the phone and the microcontroller. The Bluetooth module will serve as the receiver while the Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone will act as the transmitter. The phones Bluetooth must be turned on to communicate with the device. An application should be installed to the phone to control the device and to have a virtual remote control interface. The infrared remote controller of an appliance can be decoded by an IR receiver circuit to decode its infrared signals and to search for compatible codes stored in the microcontroller.

The PROCESS is handled by the microcontroller which will process most of the function to control the television with a Bluetooth-enabled phone. The Bluetooth modules main purpose to the design is to receive signals from the phone and the receive signal will be the inputs on the microcontroller so that the microcontroller can generate outputs based on the received command signal from the phone. The microcontroller is also the one responsible for the security measures of the pairing process for it stored the passkey needed to access the device.The microcontroller then process the Bluetooth signal from the phone and decodes each signal that represents unique commands with its respective outputs generated by the microcontroller. The designated output pins of the microcontroller based on the program loaded to it will have an infrared transmitter to transmit infrared signals to the infrared receiver of the appliances. The instruction from the phone will be translated to infrared signals by the microcontroller to perform the function of the usual remote controller to switch channels, adjust volume and other features such as the brightness and to turn on/off of the television and playback option as well as scene selection of the DVD player. It also stores the preprogrammed codes for various types and brands of both televisions and DVD players.

The OUTPUT will be the appliances. It will be the receiver of the commands transmitted by the phone and generated by the microcontroller. Most home appliancesavailable in the market such as televisions and home entertainment systems were usually controlled via infrared signals.

Android Phone- Transmits Bluetooth control signal- Initializes device pairingUsual TV Remote Control- Transmits infrared control signalMicrocontroller- Requests passkey code and establish Bluetooth connection- Generates outputs based on the input control signals - Decodes remote control signals- Controls appliance functionsIR-based Appliances- Receives control signal from the remote control - Performs its functions based on the instruction transmitted by the remote controlINPUTPROCESSOUTPUT

Figure 7 Conceptual Framework of Alternative IR-based Appliance Remote Controller and Decoder via Bluetooth technology of Android Phone

Statement of the Problem

Nowadays, remote control makes the manipulation of such devices for people to find an easier and convenient way of using and controlling the devices and appliances in the house.

Bluetooth technology allows transferring of data from mobile phones to mobile phones, mobile phone to PC or vice versa. With this, the researchers developed an Alternative IR-based Appliance Remote Controller and Decoder via Bluetooth technology of Android Phone.

The propose design project must be able to answer the following questions:

1. How will theAlternative IR-based Appliance Remote Controller and Decoder via Bluetooth technology of Android Phone perform the corresponding function in terms of:

1.1. Accuracy;1.2. Reliability;1.3. Usability;1.4. Security

2. How to establish a connection between Bluetooth and Infrared?

3. How to develop a functional system that enables the android phone to act asan alternative IR-based appliance remote controller?

Objective of the Study

Below are the lists of the following objectives for the proposed design project:1. To perform the functions of the Alternative IR-based Appliance Remote Controller and Decoder via Bluetooth technology of Android Phone in terms of:

1.1 Accuracy;1.2 Reliability;1.3 Usability;1.4 Security

2. To establish a connection between Bluetooth and Infrared.

3. To develop a functional system that will enable the android phone to act as an alternative IR-based appliance remote controller.

Significance of the Study

The following are the beneficiaries of the propose project:

Android Users.The proposed design project will aid for android users. By using the Alternative Universal TV Remote Control using Android Phone, people will be able to control the television within a range easily whenever the presence of the remote control is absent, but still the usual remote control is applicable in controlling the television.

Researchers.Based on the information that they gatheredwhile developing the proposed design, the researchers are gaining great knowledge in concepts, and theories which give them the strong ideas and fundamental in building and designing the project. The problems that they are facing while doing the design makes their thinking more straight forward to the things needed to create the project.

Future Researchers.The proposed design project will serve as reference or basis to the future researchers in designing and developing similar alternative ways of controlling devices and appliances via Bluetooth and android phone.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The design project was developed for Alternative IR based appliances remote controller and decoder via Bluetooth technology of android phone.It is applicable for small offices, other establishments and houses that uses android phone for communicating there appliances that can be reach through short distances.

The prototype will work as a remote controller to any IR based appliances. For establishing connection between Android Phone and to any IR based appliances, user needs to decode the prototype in the specific IR based appliances. Android Phone and the prototype were prepared in automated mode connection. The signals in the Android Phone can be transmitted as long as it is covered within the range of Bluetoothmodule which is 10 meters radius.

Users can operate any IR based appliances if he/she can distinguish the designated password and if the program software is installed in the Android Phone.The prototype has embedded codes and logic circuits which is produces the process of transmitting data such as identifying connection, verifying password, Android devices commands, and controlling the relay in the circuit.

The Android Phone needs Bluetooth capabilities. Connectivity of the Android devices is required for accurate connection to the prototype and stay still for as long as the Android Phone is power on.The design project is only applicable in Android OS and it cannot be used in Symbian OS and other operating system. The android application of the design project is limited to control the power, volume, TV/AV selection and channel selection of the television and the power, eject, play, stop, next, previous, rewind and fast forward feature of the DVD.

The prototype is only limited and applicable to specific brand of appliances such as a television and a DVD player for the demonstration of the project. But it is possible to apply in any IR based appliances by adding their respective decoded control signals.

Definition of TermsThis part of the chapter is a collection of all terms used specifically those terms which is unusual and needs deeper explanations and discussion in order to be fully understood. These terms also clarifies its intended meanings based on the usage in the study and to avoid confusion with terms which can be used in different manners.

Android.It is anoperating system for mobile devicessuch assmartphonesandtablet computers.Arduino.Itis anopen-sourcesingle-board microcontroller, descendant of the open-sourceWiring platform,designed to make the process of using electronics in multidisciplinary projects more accessible.Bluetooth.Itis a global short-range wireless standard that allows a broad range ofelectronic devices to connect and communicate with each other.Firmware.It is a combination of software and hardware. Computer chips that have data or programs recorded on them are firmware.Flow chart.It is a graphical or symbolic representation of a process. Each step in the process is represented by a different symbol and contains a short description of the process step.Framework.It is a real or conceptual structure intended to serve as a support or guide for the building of something that expands the structure into something useful.Graphical User Interface.It is aprograminterfacethat takes advantage of thecomputer'sgraphicscapabilities to make the program easier to use.Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).It has advanced the theory and application of electro-technology and allied sciences, served as a catalyst for technological innovation and supported the needs of its members through a wide variety of programs and services.Infrared(IR) light.It iselectromagnetic radiationwith awavelengthlonger than that ofvisible light, measured from the nominal edge of visibleredlight at 0.74micrometers(m), and extending conventionally to 300m.Library.Inprogramming, a library is a collection of precompiledroutinesthat a program can use. The routines, sometimes calledmodules, arestoredinobjectformat.Microcontroller.It is a highlyintegrated chipthat contains all the components comprising acontroller. Typically this includes aCPU,RAM, some form ofROM,I/Oports, and timers.Modulation.It is the addition of information (or the signal) to an electronic or opticalsignalcarrier.Open Source.Itrefers to a program in which the source code is available to the general public for use and/or modification from its original design free of charge. Open source code is typically created as a collaborative effort in which programmers improve upon the code and share the changes within the community.Operating System.It performs basic tasks, such as recognizinginputfrom thekeyboard, sendingoutputto thedisplay screen, keeping track offilesanddirectorieson thedisk, and controllingperipheral devicessuch asdisk drivesandprinters.Piconet.It is an ad-hoc network by linking a group of users which uses blue tooth technology protocols for allowing one master device to interconnect with up to seven active slave devices.Protocol.A standard set of regulations and requirements that allow two electronic items to connect to and exchange information with one another.Syntax.It refers to the spelling and grammar of aprogramming language.Television.It is a widely used telecommunicationsystemfor broadcasting and receiving moving pictures and sound over a distance.Transmitter.It is a device for sending electromagnetic waves; the part of a broadcasting apparatus that generates and modulates the radiofrequencycurrent and conveys it to the antenna.Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN).It is an on-premise data communication system that reduces the need for wired connections and makes new applications possible, thereby adding new flexibility to networking.

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