Cell Phone Based Remote Home Control System

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iii. List of Definitions

GSM (Global System for Mobile communications); is a cellular communication standard.

DTMF (dual-tone multi-frequency): is used for telephone signaling over the line in the voice frequency band to the call switching center.

GPRS (General Packet Radio Service): is a mobile data service offered to GSM mobile users.

SMS (short message service): is a service available on most digital mobile phones that permit the sending of short messages (also known as text messaging service).



1. INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL
This section will introduce the project. It also will state the basic problem, and the basic characteristics of the project, such as operating environment, users, etc.
1.1. Abstract
The objective of this project is to enable users to remotely control their home appliances and systems using a cell phone-based interface. To access the control unit, the user should send an authentication code along with the required/desired function/action to his/her home control system via GSM. Upon being properly authenticated, the cell phone-based interface at home (control unit) would relay the commands to a microcontroller that would perform the required function/action, and return a function completion code that would be sent to the source of the original command (user’s cell phone).
1.2. Acknowledgements
Special thanks are extended to Professor Ahmed Kamal for his support and mentorship towards the development and success of this project.
1.3. Problem Statement
The objective of this project is to develop a device that allows for a user to remotely control and monitor multiple home appliances using a cellular phone. This system will be a powerful and flexible tool that will offer this service at any time, and from anywhere with the constraints of the technologies being applied. Possible target appliances include (but are not limited to) climate control systems, security systems, and lights; anything with an electrical interface.
The proposed approach for designing this system is to implement a microcontroller-based control module that receives its instructions and commands from a cellular phone over the GSM network. The microcontroller then will carry out the issued commands and then communicate the status of a given appliance or device back to the cellular phone. For security purposes, a means of identification and user authentication will be implemented, and will combine caller identification with a password authorization.
1.4. Operating Environment
The control system will include two separate units: the cellular phone, and the control unit. There will therefore be two operating environments. The cellular phone will operate indoors and outdoors whereas the control unit will operate indoors within the temperature and humidity limits for proper operation of the hardware.


1.5. Intended Users and Uses
This product is aimed toward average consumers who wish to control household appliances remotely from their cell phones provided that the appliances are electrically controllable. Example of feasible appliances and applications under consideration include; enable/disable security systems, fans, lights, kitchen appliances, and adjusting the temperatures settings of a heating/ventilation/air conditioning system.