History About Why Use Bluetooth

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

CHAPTER 1

Wireless communication technologies have undergone remarkable advances over the last decade. This reected directly on the market of mobile devices. From mobile phones to laptops to personal digital assistants, these devices have been getting more reliable, more robust, more compact and cheaper each year. Thus they became more and more attractive and widespread among the public. Furthermore, these devices are being equipped with hardware and accessories that would increase their functionality. One of the rapidly growing wireless technologies that are being incorporated with mobile devices is the Bluetooth technology [1].

Smart phones are increasingly becoming ubiquitous computational devices that are almost always available, individually adaptable, and nearly universally connectable. It is expected that the remote control system will become important in the future [2]. This becomes the great opportunities to involve in a fast growing technology, where the demand is high for both Bluetooth software and hardware. Lower power consumption in operation make the Bluetooth is suitable for mobile devices. Imagine controlling your household appliances with your smart phones.

Today this dream can be realized with Bluetooth Technology. Instead of connecting with wires, every appliance has small transmitters or receivers. The Bluetooth remote systems provide mutual interoperability between various electronic, electrical, and power devices as well as interactive interface for people to control their operation. These technologies make peoples’ life also easier, especially for elderly persons and persons with disabilities.

Problem statement

The focus of the project is on improving the usage of the Bluetooth technology for home or office environment. The focus of this system is to come out with the Bluetooth module to control multiple devices at a time. The Bluetooth module will be connected to the appliances that can be controlled by application in the Android smart phones.

The user could also check the status of the inside appliances and turn on and off the appliances without the need to get into the office. These devices would also benefit users with limited mobility that may have a difficult time getting to or even reaching their appliances switch. These objectives require a large amount of technology. The user interface in the smart phones must be as simple and powerful as possible and operate in a self-organized way.

Objectives

The main objective of this project is to design and build remote control system that uses Bluetooth frequency with Android application as interface for Smart Room Application. The specific objectives are like below:

To investigate more about Bluetooth Technology and Bluetooth modules.

To design a connection between appliances and smart phones using Bluetooth module.

To implement Bluetooth module for multiple appliances switch.

Thesis outline

The content of this thesis is organized according to the chapters. In chapter 1 it is mainly about the brief introduction of the project done and problem statement with some background, and objectives. Chapter 2 is generally about the literature review of Bluetooth technology for appliances through android application and also overview Bluetooth architecture and protocol. For chapter 3 is about the methodology of the project (Hardware/Software) and with component and also the detail about the hardware design and also about the PCB and hardware prototype of the circuit. For the chapter 4, it is about results and discussion that will explain in details about result and discussion along the development of this project. For final chapter 5, it will conclude all by summarizing the overall works and contributions as well as the recommendations of the future work.

CHAPTER 2

Literature Review

Introduction

Having difficulty to reach your home or office appliances switches can be a stress full experience especially when the person are very tired after a whole day working. Wireless system to control appliances is not a new concept in today’s world, it is used to provide convenience for user to remotely control and the appliances and it provides a better use of electricity [3]. As by the growth of Smart phones, wireless technology makes it easy for a user to remotely control the appliances. A lot of research has been done and many solutions have been proposed to remotely access the appliances. Some of them used internet, wireless technology to communicate and control their appliances, others Bluetooth and used GSM technology for controlling the appliances.

The purpose of this project to reduce wiring and complexity of the system by using the Bluetooth Technology to have more secured connection, efficient and cheaper system. Without having too many remote controls for appliances, this Bluetooth system was design to save time and energy for controlling each appliance that can be control within the room area by using everyday smart phones. It can clean up desk considerably, making wires between users workstation, laptop computer, mouse and may other appliances.

Why use Bluetooth

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Figure 2.1

For the last couples of years, Bluetooth has become a very popular technology for short range wireless connection between handheld devices. Devices regardless of their types can communicate with each other as long as they are Bluetooth enabled, Bluetooth has already secured its position in the market as the recognized standard in short range wireless links and is still spreading rapidly. The number of Bluetooth chipsets shipped per year has doubled from 2002 to a total of 69 million chipsets in 2003 [4].The overwhelming popularity of Bluetooth means that the technology is easily accessed and any new products with Bluetooth incorporated will be easily accepted by the public, as they are already familiar and with the technology.

Bluetooth was primarily a wire replacement technology, enabling users to connect to a wide range of computing and telecommunications devices without using wires or cables. However,the real magic of Bluetooth is that the technology can be used for applications other than wire replacement by forming Personal Area Network (PAN) and its own ad hoc connectivity [5].

Through the Bluetooth technology, PAN devices are capable of spontaneously joining into a network as they within the range to each other. This occurs only while the devices are in close proximity, the devices leave the network as they are unpaired from proximity. The opportunity for automatic, unconscious connections between smart phone devices provides freedom for end-users, and also makes Bluetooth an ideal technology for this project application. With the above arguments, Bluetooth has been chosen to be the driving technology of the Bluetooth sensing system so that the advantages of the technology can be appropriately utilized in this project application. Since the device utilizes Bluetooth technology to control office appliances, it has been named "Bluetooth Sensing System through Android platform for smart room application".

Class of Bluetooth

A question that frequently hears people asking when it comes to purchasing a Bluetooth product is Bluetooth Class 1 or Class 2. The different Bluetooth depend s on power classes or what class should select when purchasing a Bluetooth module. For a start, to make it clear that Bluetooth Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 all refer to Bluetooth actual range can be used, not to be confused with Bluetooth device classes. The table below compares the available Bluetooth power classes;

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Table 2.1 Class of Bluetooth [1]

The actual range for each power class may vary depending nature of the devices and the version where the Bluetooth device is used. Class 3 devices have a very limited range and not very common, hence, they will be ignored. So which power classes should be choose for new Bluetooth modules.

Bluetooth Specification Version

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Table 2.2 Bluetooth Version [2]

Trends and statistics show that smart phones usage will continue to rise throughout 2013 and in years to come [6].The Bluetooth technology is needed in every each smart phone that being used nowadays. The earliest version that being used are Bluetooth 2.0+EDR and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR are specifications for short range wireless data exchange. Both Version 2.0 and 2.1 support EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), a faster PSK modulation scheme capable of transmitting data 2 or 3 times faster than previous versions of Bluetooth. Version 2.1+EDR is built to be more secure and make man in the middle (eavesdropping) attacks more difficult. Connecting, which is called "pairing" is easier than in previous versions. In version 2, a Bluetooth device will make a connection automatically and all the end user has to do is confirm the connection.  Version 2 also allows multiple Bluetooth connections at the same time.

According to Foley, the big improvements added to Bluetooth 3.0 and 4.0 were significant [7]. While the general range of the wireless protocol remains the same (up to 300 feet), version 3.0 enabled a much faster theoretical data throughput of 26Mbps compared with the 2Mbps of version 2.1.

Advantages and Disadvantages

People are often use Bluetooth, especially because the data transfer speed that are provided are very impressive. Since multiple devices can communicate each other easily, there are hardly any compatibility issues with using it, and this makes it an even more attractive prospect. However, in spite of all this there are few limitations to is as well, and there are few people who feel that there are certain areas that it can improve upon.

The fact that this technology requires no cables and wires is something that has made it so popular. With so many devices engulfing our lives today, the need for clutter free technology is becoming more intense. The maximum range that it offers is 100 meters, but this range is not the same for all similar connections. The processing power and battery power that it requires in order to operate is very low [8]. This makes it an ideal tool for so many electronic devices, as the technology can be implemented pretty much anywhere. One major advantage is its simplicity of use. Anyone can figure out how to set up a connection and sync two devices with ease. Moreover, the technology is completely free to use and requires no charges to be paid to any service provider.

The most important advantage is the chances of other wireless networks interfering are very low. This is because of the low powered wireless signals that the technology adopts, and also because of something known as frequency hoping. Bluetooth does not require a clear line of sight berween the synced devices. Tgis mean that the devices need not be facing each other, and it is also possible to carry out transfers when both the devices are in separate rooms.

Bluetooth has a number of positive features and one would be extremely tough to find downsides when given the current competition. The only real downsides are the security and data rate. Infrared can have data rates of up to 4 MBps, which provides very fast rates for data transmit and receive, while Bluetooth only offers 1 MBps. For this very reason, infrared has yet to be dispensed with completely and is considered by many to be the admiring technology to that of Bluetooth. Infrared has inherent security due to its limitation line of sight. The greater range and radio frequency (RF) of Bluetooth make it much more open to interception and attack. For this reason, security is a very important aspect to the Bluetooth specification. Although there are very only some disadvantages, Bluetooth still remains the greatest for short range wireless technology. Those who have tried it love it, and they know for a detail that Bluetooth will be around for years to come.

Types of Bluetooth module

This part mainly introduces Bluetooth serial module are available in the current market. The serial port Bluetooth module is HC-05 from Shenzhen Shanghai Technology Ltd is a low cost Bluetooth board that can be found on many places online for less than USD10 with the breakout board [9]. The version being used for this project does not have a breakout board so it is little cheaper but more difficult to solder. HC-05 embedded Bluetooth serial communication module (can be short for module) has two work modes, order-response work mode and automatic connection work mode. And there are three work roles (Master, Slave and Loopback) at the automatic connection work mode. When the module is at the automatic connection work mode, it will follow the default way set lastly to transmit the data automatically. When the module is at the order response work mode, user can send the AT command to the module to set the control parameters and sent control order.

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Figure 2.2 HC-05 Bluetooth Module from Shenzhen Shanghai Technology Ltd

This Bluetooth serial module is used for converting serial port to Bluetooth using latest Bluetooth protocol, Bluetooth Specification v2.0 +EDR until Bluetooth Specification v4.0. This Bluetooth connection is equivalently liked to a serial port line connection together with receiving (RXD), transmitting (TXD) signals. And they can use the Bluetooth serial module to communicate with each other. It can be set as master-module or slave-module by the user. Master role have no function to remember the last paired salve device. It can be made paired to any slave device. This module master device can not only make pair with the specified Bluetooth address, like cell-phone, computer adapter, slave device, but also can search and make pair with the slave device automatically for pairing connection. It has factory setting on some specific conditions, master device and slave device can make pair with each other automatically.

During the pairing, the current is fluctuant in the range of 30mA to 40mA. The mean current is about 25mA. After paring, no matter processing communication or not, the current is 8mA. There is no sleep mode and has standard HCI port (UART or USB). This parameter is same for the entire Bluetooth modules. This product cost around USD30 to USD45 including postage to Malaysia. Bluetooth Serial module’s operation does not need drive, and can communicate with the other Bluetooth device that has the serial, but communication between two Bluetooth modules requires at least two conditions;

The communication must be between master and slave.

The password must be correct.

The second Bluetooth module that available in the market is Dwengo Bluetooth module it is also communicate wireless to Bluetooth devices. This Bluetooth module is base on a Class 2 HC-06 module and support Bluetooth Specification v2.0 and by using serial interface (TTL level) that included in this module, the Bluetooth module is easy to use [10]. This Dwengo Bluetooth module has four pins, two pins are used for serial communication (RXD and TXD), while the other two are used as power supply (GND and 5V). The easiest to connect this Bluetooth module is by using the breadboard. This Bluetooth module cost USD25 without shipping to Malaysia, so it is much more expensive compare to the first module HC-05.

Figure 2.3 Dwengo Bluetooth Module from Dwengo

Comparing other product such as Bluetooth Bee module from Cytron Technologies comes with on-board antenna for signal quality [11]. This module is available in Malaysia. This module same with HC-05 module works with variety of Bluetooth adapter and Bluetooth devices. It only can be use as a slave-module. The disadvantage of this module is it cannot be used for multiple connections even by using adapter, it must add more than one module. This module needs to use SKXBEE-BOARD to enabling the Bluetooth wireless control which is basically a USB to UART breakout board for XBee module and it comes along with the USB B Type Cable. It cost for RM162 Bluetooth module with the SKXBEE-BOARD.

Figure 2.4 Bluetooth Bee from Cytron Technologies

National Semiconductors come with LMX9838 Bluetooth serial port module smaller size, highly integrated module including radio, antenna, memory device, crystal, baseband controller and loop filter and internal EEPROM [12]. It has Dial Up Networking (DUN), Facsimile Profile (FAX), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Object Push Profile (OPP), Synchronization Profile (SYNC), Headset (HSP), Handsfree Profile (HFP), Basic Imaging Profile (BIP), Basic Printing Profile (BPP) for additional profile support on a Host. Complete Bluetooth 2.0 Stack including Baseband and Link Manager with L2CAP, RFCOMM and SDP protocols. This LMX9838 features are more compatible for connectivity with multiple of Bluetooth connection. The on-chip application of the LMX9838 allows full standalone operation, without any Bluetooth protocol layer necessary outside the module. Product from National Semiconductors mostly can be bought from Texas Instrument with cost USD30 without tax and postage fees. Surely using this LMX9838 will cost high than others. This project will use Bluetooth module HC-05 to reduce project cost. HC-05 serial product is recommended.

Figure 2.5 LMX9838 Bluetooth Module from National Semiconductor

Overview of Bluetooth

This part describes the protocol architecture developed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). Various usage models are presented and complemented with a description of the protocols depend to their implementation. The Bluetooth SIG is responsible for the further development of the Bluetooth standard. Sony Ericsson, Intel, IBM, Toshiba, Nokia, Microsoft and Motorola are some of the companies involved in the SIG [19]. The composition of the Bluetooth SIG is one of the major strength of the Bluetooth technology. The mixture of both software and hardware supplier participating in the further development of the Bluetooth technology ensures that Bluetooth products are made available to end users.

Introduction

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has developed the Bluetooth Specification Version 1.0 Draft Foundation (thereafter to be referred to as the "Specification"), that allows for developing interactive services and applications over interoperable radio modules and data communication protocols. The objective of this chapter is to provide an overview of the protocols in the Specification, their capabilities and the relation to each other (referred to as the "Bluetooth protocol architecture"). Moreover, a number of usage models known by the Bluetooth SIG will be presented and it will be shown how (and which of) these protocols are stacked to support these usage models.

Bluetooth Protocol Stack

The ultimate objective of the Specification is to allow applications written in a manner that is conformant to the Specification to interoperate with each other. To achieve this interoperability, matching applications (e.g., corresponding client and server application) in remote devices must run over identical protocol stacks. This protocol stack contains an internal object representation convention, vCard, and "over the air" transport protocols, the rest of the stack. Different applications may run over different protocol stacks [13]. Nevertheless, each one of these different protocol stacks use a common Bluetooth data link and physical layer, see more details on the protocol layers in the next section.

The complete Bluetooth protocol stack as identified in the Specification on top of which interoperable applications supporting the Bluetooth usage models are built. Not all applications make use of all the protocols shown in Figure 1. Instead, applications run over one or more vertical slices from this protocol stack. Typically, additional vertical slices are for services supportive of the main application, like TCS Binary (Telephony Control Specification), or SDP (Service Discovery Protocol). It is worth of mentioning that Figure 1 shows the relations how the protocols are using the services of other protocols when payload data needs to be transferred over air. However, the protocols may also have some other relations between the other protocols. E.g., some protocols (L2CAP, TCS Binary) may use LMP (Link Manager Protocol) when there is need to control the link manager.

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Figure 2.6 Bluetooth Protocol Stack

As seen in Figure 2.6, the complete protocol stack comprises of both Bluetooth specific protocols like LMP and L2CAP, and non-Bluetooth-specific protocols like OBEX (Object Exchange Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol) [14]. In designing the protocols and the whole protocol stack, the main principle has been to maximize the re-use of existing protocols for different purposes at the higher layers, instead of re-inventing the wheel once again. The protocol reuse also helps to adapt existing (legacy) applications to work with the Bluetooth technology and to ensure the smooth operation and interoperability of these applications. Thus, many applications already developed by vendors can take immediate advantage of hardware and software systems, which are compliant to the Specification. The Specification is also open, which makes it possible for vendors to freely implement their own (proprietary) or commonly used application protocols on the top of the Bluetooth-specific protocols. Thus, the open Specification permits the development of a large number of new applications that take full advantage of the capabilities of the Bluetooth technology

Protocols in Bluetooth Architecture

The Bluetooth protocol stack can be divided into four layers according to their purpose including the aspect whether Bluetooth SIG has been involved in specifying these protocols [15]. The protocols belong into the layers in the following way.

Table 2.3: The Protocols and Layers in the Bluetooth Protocol Stack

In addition to the above protocol layers, the Specification also defines a Host Controller Interface (HCI), which provides a command interface to the baseband controller, link manager, and access to hardware status and control registers. This interface is not discussed further in this thesis, but more information can be obtained from the functional specification of Bluetooth host controller interface [16]. In Figure 1, HCI is positioned below L2CAP but this positioning is not mandatory but HCI can exist e.g., above L2CAP.

The Bluetooth Core protocols comprise exclusively Bluetooth-specific protocols developed by the Bluetooth SIG. RFCOMM and the TCS binary protocol have also be developed by the Bluetooth SIG but they are based on the ETSI TS 07.10 [17] and the ITU-T Recommendation Q.931 [18], respectively. The Bluetooth Core protocols (plus the Bluetooth radio) are required by most of Bluetooth devices, while the rest of the protocols are used only as needed. Together, the Cable Replacement layer, the Telephony Control layer, and the Adopted protocol layer form application-oriented2 protocols enabling applications to run over the Bluetooth Core protocols. As mentioned earlier, the Bluetooth Specification is open and additional protocols (e.g., HTTP, FTP [20], etc.) can be accommodated in an interoperable fashion on top of the Bluetooth-specific transport protocols or on top of the application-oriented protocols

Existing product

Figure 2.7 Wemo Home Automation Switch.

There are three products so far Wemo Switch (a plug socket), Switch and Motion (a plug socket bundled with a motion detector) and Baby Monitor (a baby monitor can listen to via 3G as well as wifi) [21].

Though a number of companies have previously released iOS compatible home automation system, high prices have limited their mainstream appeal, between custom in wall wiring, recessed iPad docks, software, and other components, complete home automation installations can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, and sometimes require professional installation. Belkin has introduced a quick and easy way to automate your home and control lights and electrical appliances using your iPhone or iPad Belkin's new "family" of WeMo products tackles home automation from the opposite direction, deliberately limiting itself to comparatively inexpensive parts that literally anyone can install and use, though it's consequently far less ambitious than earlier rivals. Right now, WeMo poses a single serious question, is it worth USD50 per wall outlet to be able to turn switches on and off from afar, but if Belkin grows the "family" beyond its current two products, it could have a big hit on its hands.

WeMo currently comes in two different versions: WeMo Switch (USD50) and WeMo Switch plus Motion (USD100), both containing the same base part an off white, WiFi enabled wall power adapter called Switch that can be used for the simple task of turning on or off a connected device. Measuring 4.25" tall by 3" wide by a little over 2" deep at its thickest point, Switch has a footprint that’s almost as large as a full wall plate, though the three prong power outlet is very close to its bottom edge, so users can fit another plug below it. A blue light near its top indicates WiFi status, and a power button below the light can be used to manually toggle the switch on and off regardless of a Wi-Fi connection.

The WeMo application can be controlled from two places at home over users Wi-Fi network, and optionally when users are away from their home on a cellular or separate WiFi connection, this is enabled by default, and just works. It is also incredibly easy to set up. Just with short brief, one time hiccup when setting up the first of two Switches during testing, which resolved itself after an iPhone restart. Otherwise, the Switches were easy to add to user home network, and quickly rejoined every time it disconnected and reconnected them. Every on and off flip happened immediately, and critically, the timed activations occur even if the application is not active. The rules are stored on the Internet, rather than solely within the application. The overall user experience with the application is great, considering what it does.

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Figure 2.7 Wemo Switch plus Motion Package

Belkin’s second WeMo component is Motion, a part that’s only included for now inside the USD100 Switch plus with the Motion package. Motion looks identical to Switch, except that there is no power port on the face, and a six foot cable dangles from its bottom, with a lipstick top-shaped motion sensor at the other end. This sensor has a frosted white circular motion detecting surface at the top, plus a blue light that turns on and stays on whenever it is sensing motion. Since the cable’s so long and not physically connected to Switch, user can place Motion wherever they want so long as they willing to give it a wall outlet of its own, and even conceivably place the rubber-bottomed sensor in a dry, temperate spot outside of a door to activate an interior light whenever someone approaches it.

There are only two problems with Motion, one more serious than the other. If the users planning to set up a home automation scheme with multiple motion sensors, they will need to buy multiple Switch plus Motion sets. Belkin currently does not sell Motion units separately. Second, Belkin has regrettably reused most of Switch’s chassis for Motion, despite the fact that Motion does not have its own pass through port. Though this choice probably made WeMo’s Wi-Fi engineering easier, it also means that Motion continues to require quite a bit of space around users wall outlet while dangling the sensor’s cord downwards. Ideally, Belkin would shrink both Switch and Motion so that they are not as intrusive near wall outlets.

Usually, users need something to be pretty close to 100% reliable or they would not use it. It tells something about how much users like the Wemo system that they continue to use it despite the flaws being described. The reliability concerns do, however, mean that this system would not recommend it for anything critical. This is not a system to use for anything medical, security-related or to control business equipment.

But for home use, if users can cope with the slight irritations that described, this is a very simple, affordable and surprisingly powerful way to get into home automation. Retails price are currently offered at those Amazon and Ebay websites for discount ranging from USD5 to USD20.

CHAPTER 5

Conclusions

Conclusion

Nowadays, there are several types and design of wireless technology can be found in the market. This project is to integrate the office or house systems allow them to communicate with their appliances through the smart phones. These devices are very helpful to certain people in working or house environment as example to the housewife, lecturers and many more. The objectives of this project are two designs a wireless Bluetooth system to control home or office appliances. The development of this technology for the Bluetooth remote control system is not only possible, but that it could even prove to be very useful and helpful. At the end of this project, the objectives are successfully done. After completing this project, there are some advantages that can be concluded;

The advantages are:

The chances of other wireless network interfering with the Bluetooth connection are very low.

No cables and wires require with low processing power needed.

Consist of multiple outputs for multiple appliances.

Furthermore, there are some of important matters that a need to give a fully attention during the designing and testing process. During the designing process, RS232 can be minimizing from two sets into one set only. Besides that, the microcontroller can be easier to connect and program by changing into Arduino set or Raspberry Pi set. While in testing process, the only things that are need to be alert with the range for this Bluetooth module can be detected depend on the nature of the devices and the version that operate. It may affect the connection between this module and smart phones

.

Future recommendation

From time to time, the world becomes more sophisticated. As an engineer or researcher it is a must to develop and design a more user friendly design because in the real situation, the design and development are the most important for the user. There are few recommendations for those who wish to continue this project. To be able to connect as many appliances in one Bluetooth module with smaller size is one of the recommendations. As for the Android application, the application can be develop for user friendly and easy to control each appliance with the status when the system is being used. By using this application, users can monitor each appliance by using the smart phones without checking the devices. Moreover, the other optional to make the device greater from the existing design are to create it lighter and smaller.