An IoT-Enabled VLC-Based Smart Home and Industrial Automation System Utilizing Node MCU Microcontrollers

Abstract

The present invention is related to an IoT-enabled VLC-based smart home and industrial automation system. The system includes a transmitter section (110) with a mobile light source (111) emitting modulated light signals that represent appliance control commands, an LDR (112) detecting light intensity variations, and Node MCU microcontrollers (113) for receiving and decoding commands. An LCD (114) provides real-time feedback. The receiver section (120) comprises Node MCU modules (121) connected to appliances via a relay interface (132) with multiple channels, allowing power toggling. Encrypted light signals enhance security, while multi-protocol compatibility supports IoT integration. An automatic LDR calibration adjusts sensitivity, and modular design allows for expanded device control. This system provides secure, scalable, and user-interactive automation through VLC and IoT integration.

Specification

Description:Figure 1 illustrates the schematic of an IoT-enabled VLC-based smart home and industrial automation system. The IoT-enabled VLC automation system delivers a secure, modular, and user-friendly solution that combines real-time feedback, security encryption, automatic calibration, and scalability. It is a comprehensive and versatile platform suitable for both smart home and industrial applications, providing efficient and secure appliance control through VLC and IoT integration. The IoT-enabled VLC-based smart home and industrial automation system (100) offers a robust solution for appliance control by combining Visible Light Communication (VLC) with Internet of Things (IoT) integration. This system features distinct transmitter and receiver sections, each dedicated to specific roles in controlling and monitoring connected appliances.
In the transmitter section (110), a mobile light source (111) emits modulated light signals representing commands for controlling various appliances. By adjusting the light's intensity, encoded commands are transmitted through the light signal to be interpreted by the receiver section, enabling a secure, line-of-sight communication approach. A Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) (112) functions as a sensor, detecting these fluctuations in light intensity, allowing the system to capture specific control instructions. Node MCU microcontrollers (113) interface with the LDR, decoding the signals and transmitting the relevant commands to the receiver section. The Node MCU microcontrollers, well-suited for IoT applications, form the core of the data processing and transmission functions, making this section a key component of the system's control mechanism.
The receiver section (120) includes Node MCU modules (121) that receive commands from the transmitter section, processing them to manage connected appliances. This section also includes a multi-channel relay interface (132), allowing independent control over multiple appliances. Each relay channel corresponds to a specific appliance, such as lights, fans, motors, or industrial machines, enabling the Node MCU to toggle power states based on received commands. This flexible setup allows users to control multiple devices from one interface, meeting the needs of both household and industrial environments.
To enhance user experience, the transmitter section includes a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) (114) that provides real-time feedback on system performance and command execution. This display allows users to monitor appliance activity, making it easier to verify system operation and ensuring a seamless user interaction experience.
The system is designed for multi-channel relay control (132), supporting each channel's connection to a specific appliance. This configuration allows the Node MCU microcontroller to manage several appliances independently by toggling power states as needed, offering convenient control over a range of devices. Security is reinforced through encrypted light signals within the VLC communication, ensuring that only authorized receiver modules can decode and execute the commands. This security feature prevents unauthorized access, which is particularly important in environments that require secure automation.
The Node MCU microcontrollers are compatible with various IoT protocols, including MQTT, HTTP, and Web Socket. This multi-protocol capability enables seamless integration
with existing IoT platforms, allowing users to connect the system within their smart home or industrial automation setups.
The system also includes an automatic calibration feature for the LDR sensors, enabling the Node MCU to adjust the LDR's sensitivity to ambient light. This feature optimizes command detection accuracy in changing lighting environments, enhancing the system's reliability.
The system's modular architecture allows for scalability, supporting the addition of new transmitter and receiver pairs to expand control range and increase the number of devices managed. This scalability ensures the system remains adaptable to larger environments and evolving automation requirements.
VLC technology will be employed to enable communication between different nodes within the industrial environment. To ensure reliable and high-speed data transmission over visible light wavelengths, VLC transmitters and receivers will be strategically deployed throughout the facility. In previous studies, researchers have examined stress drift and shock damages, introducing a degradation framework for reliability assessments. They have also forecasted the lifespan of products based on their residual operations within defined environments. In this project, sensors will provide crucial inputs for monitoring and controlling industrial processes. Advanced control algorithms will be developed to optimize industrial operations based on the data collected from sensors. These algorithms will facilitate the automatic control of machinery, lighting systems, and other equipment, ultimately improving efficiency and productivity. Additionally, a user-friendly interface will be created to enable remote monitoring and control of the industrial automation system, making it accessible for operators. This interface will allow users to access real-time data, adjust control parameters, and receive notifications or alerts through web or mobile applications.
The current invention presents significant improvements over traditional approaches by integrating IoT technology with VLC, thereby streamlining industrial automation processes. VLC offers a novel dimension of communication, utilizing light as a medium. This can be especially beneficial in environments where traditional wireless communication methods may encounter interference or limitations. The use of the Node MCU microcontroller, which is built on the ESP8266 Wi-Fi module, provides a durable and cost-effective solution for IoT applications. Its seamless integration with the Arduino IDE enhances accessibility for developers and engineers, facilitating rapid prototyping and deployment of IoT solutions.
VLC enables wireless communication through visible light, which can be advantageous in settings where radio frequency-based wireless communication may be congested or restricted. This leads to more reliable and secure communication channels in industrial contexts. Additionally, VLC technology has the potential to offer higher data transmission speeds compared to traditional wireless communication methods, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of industrial processes and improving overall efficiency and responsiveness. The inherent security advantages of VLC, as light signals are confined within physical boundaries, reduce the risk of signal interception or interference from external sources, which is crucial for maintaining data security in industrial automation systems. Implementing IoT-enabled VLC industry automation systems can yield significant cost savings through enhanced efficiency, reduced downtime, and predictive maintenance capabilities. These factors contribute to a more cost-effective and sustainable industrial operation. Overall, the proposed project aims to leverage IoT and VLC technologies to create an advanced industrial automation system that offers streamlined control and improved operational efficiency by harnessing the capabilities of Node MCU microcontrollers and integrating various sensors and control algorithms.
The Node MCU is a firmware and development board built around the ESP8266 Wi-Fi module, which is recognized for its open-source design. This platform is particularly well-suited for Internet of Things (IoT) initiatives because of its user-friendly nature and cost-effectiveness. The board utilizes the ESP8266 chip, a cost-efficient Wi-Fi microchip that comes equipped with a complete TCP/IP stack along with microcontroller functionalities. This enables seamless connectivity to Wi-Fi networks, allowing for effective communication with other devices over the internet.
The Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) (112), also known as a photoresistor, is a type of resistor that alters its resistance based on the light levels it detects. LDRs are constructed from semiconductor materials, and their electrical conductivity changes when exposed to light. When light strikes the surface of the LDR, the photons cause electrons in the semiconductor to move, changing its conductivity and resistance. Under low light or darkness, an LDR exhibits high resistance, while its resistance decreases with increased brightness. This characteristic makes LDRs ideal for detecting changes in light levels, and they are commonly used in light-sensitive circuits. The symbol for an LDR resembles a resistor with two arrows pointing toward it, indicating light falling on it.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) (114) technology is frequently employed in various electronic devices, including computer monitors, television screens, instrument panels, and digital watches. LCDs function by manipulating light that passes through polarized liquid crystals. These liquid crystals can be controlled using electric fields, allowing them to either transmit
or block light. By selectively activating or deactivating pixels, images or text can be displayed on the screen, providing a clear visual output.
The relay module (132) is an electromechanical switch that operates based on an electrical signal. It consists of a coil, an armature, a set of contacts, and a casing. Relay modules function on the principle of electromagnetism; when an electrical current flows through the coil, it generates a magnetic field that moves the armature, making or breaking electrical connections between the contacts. This capability enables relay modules to control high-power circuits using low-power signals, making them essential for managing appliances and machinery.
The mobile flashlight, commonly known as the "torch" function on smart phones, utilizes the device's built-in LED (Light Emitting Diode) flash to provide illumination. This feature is particularly useful in low-light conditions and serves as a convenient and portable light source for various tasks, such as locating objects in the dark, navigating at night, or taking photographs in low-light environments.
UBIDOTS is a cloud-hosted Internet of Things (IoT) platform that provides tools and services for gathering, processing, analyzing, and presenting data from interconnected devices. UBIDOTS facilitates the easy connection of IoT devices and sensors to the platform, regardless of the hardware or communication protocols in use. It offers extensive connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, cellular, LoRa, MQTT, and HTTP. Once data is collected from connected devices, UBIDOTS securely stores it in the cloud, allowing for efficient data management and accessibility.
The Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is a software platform designed for creating, compiling, and uploading code to Arduino microcontroller boards. It features a user-friendly interface suitable for both beginners and experienced users engaged in Arduino projects. The Arduino IDE is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring broad accessibility. Its straightforward interface includes a text editor for writing code, a toolbar for common actions, and a message area for feedback during compilation and uploading. The IDE supports syntax highlighting for languages like C and C++, making code easier to read and comprehend.
Embedded C is a specialized version of the C programming language tailored for programming embedded systems. These systems are designed to execute specific tasks within a broader mechanical or electrical framework. Typically, embedded systems operate under constraints related to limited memory, processing capacity, and energy resources. They are commonly used in devices such as microcontrollers, industrial machinery, consumer electronics, automotive systems, and medical devices, where efficient and effective programming is crucial.
Figure 2 illustrates the schematic of the transmitter section of the industrial automation system. The transmitter side of the proposed system integrates these components to create a seamless communication pathway for controlling home appliances. By leveraging modulated light signals, the system offers a secure and efficient means of managing devices, while the real-time feedback from the LCD enhances user interaction and operational transparency.
At the transmitter side, the proposed system is composed of several essential components that work collaboratively to facilitate effective communication and control of home appliances. The accompanying block diagram illustrates how these components are interconnected and outlines their respective functions within the system. The system's primary means of transmitting commands to the smart home environment is a mobile light source (111). This light source emits modulated light signals that carry encoded instructions intended for appliance control. By varying the intensity and frequency of the emitted light, different commands can be encoded and transmitted to the receiving units.
To detect changes in light intensity, the system employs Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) (112). These components act as sensors that capture the modulated light signals emitted by the mobile light source. They serve as a critical interface between the analog light signals and the digital processing capabilities of the system. Interfaced with the LDRs are the Node MCU microcontrollers (113), which function as the central processing units of the transmitter section. These microcontrollers are responsible for interpreting the analog signals received from the LDRs, extracting the encoded commands embedded within the light signals and transforming them into a digital format for further processing. Once the commands are decoded, the Node MCU microcontrollers execute the corresponding actions necessary to control the home appliances. This involves sending specific signals to the devices that need to be turned on or off, ensuring that users can efficiently manage their household items.
To facilitate the actual control of home appliances, the system incorporates relay switches. These relays act as switches that enable the Node MCU modules to toggle the power supply to the appliances based on the received commands, allowing for efficient control of various devices within the home. To enhance user experience, the system integrates a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) (114) at the transmitter side. This display provides real-time feedback and status updates to users, enabling them to monitor the system's performance and verify that commands have been executed correctly.

Figure 3 illustrates the schematic of the receiver section of the industrial automation system. The receiver side of the proposed smart home automation system is adept at receiving and processing commands transmitted via VLC. This enables precise and reliable remote control of home appliances. The integration of Node MCU microcontrollers and relay interfaces ensures smooth operation and scalability, ultimately enhancing user experience and comfort within the smart home environment.
At the receiver side of the proposed smart home automation system, the primary focus is on receiving commands transmitted from the transmitter and executing the necessary actions to control home appliances. This section of the system is meticulously designed to ensure efficient communication and reliable operation, integrating various key components seamlessly. Central to this process are the Node MCU microcontrollers (121), which serve as the core processing units at the receiver end. These microcontrollers are responsible for receiving commands transmitted via Visible Light Communication (VLC) from the transmitter. They interpret the encoded instructions that are embedded within the modulated light signals, effectively translating light-based commands into actionable digital signals.
Once the Node MCU modules have processed the commands, they extract the relevant information needed to determine the appropriate actions for appliance control. Connected to the Node MCU microcontrollers is a relay interface (132) that consists of multiple relay channels. Each relay channel corresponds to a specific appliance-such as lights, fans, motors, and machines-allowing for tailored control of various devices within the home environment.The relays function as switches, enabling the Node MCU modules to toggle the power supply to these appliances based on the commands received. Upon decoding the commands, the Node MCU microcontrollers activate the appropriate relay channels, thereby turning the corresponding appliances on or off as instructed. This bidirectional communication capability empowers users to remotely control a range of household devices, significantly enhancing convenience and energy efficiency.
Moreover, the system architecture is designed to be both scalable and flexible. This allows for the addition of new devices or functionalities as needed, ensuring that the system can adapt to evolving user requirements. The compatibility of Node MCU microcontrollers with various IoT platforms and protocols facilitates seamless integration with existing smart home ecosystems, promoting interoperability and ease of adoption.
Figure 4 illustrates a method of operation of VLC-based smart home and industrial automation system. This method of controlling appliances through a bidirectional communication system efficiently integrates VLC technology with robust microcontroller platforms, facilitating seamless command transmission and appliance management while enhancing user engagement through real-time feedback.
The process begins with (a) transmitting commands from a transmitter section (110) using a mobile light source (111). The light source modulates its intensity to encode control commands that can be understood by receiving devices. This modulation involves varying the brightness and duration of the emitted light signals, effectively creating a series of light patterns that represent specific instructions for appliance control. This method utilizes Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology, which offers a robust and interference-resistant means of transmitting data in environments where traditional radio frequency communications might be limited.
Next, in (b), the modulated light signals are detected by Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) (112), which are integrated with the Node MCU microcontroller (113) at the transmitter section. The LDRs serve as sensors that respond to changes in light intensity, converting the varying light levels back into electrical signals. As the light intensity fluctuates, the LDRs alter their resistance, producing a corresponding change in voltage that can be read by the Node MCU. This conversion is crucial as it translates the modulated light signals into a format that can be further processed.
Following detection, the process moves to (c) where the Node MCU microcontrollers decode the received signals. This decoding process involves interpreting the voltage variations to extract the encoded commands embedded within the light signals. Once the commands are successfully decoded, the Node MCU at the transmitter side transmits this information to a receiver section (120), which is equipped with its own Node MCU modules.
In (d), the receiver section employs a Node MCU microcontroller to receive the transmitted commands. The receiver module listens for incoming signals and captures the data sent from the transmitter. Once the commands are received, they are stored temporarily for processing.
Moving to (e), the received commands are interpreted by the Node MCU at the receiver section to activate corresponding channels on a relay interface (132) connected to the appliances. Each channel of the relay interface corresponds to a specific appliance, such as lights, fans, motors, or machines. The Node MCU analyzes the command data and determines which relay should be toggled based on the instructions received. By switching the relays on or off, the system can effectively control the power supply to the appliances, allowing users to operate their devices remotely.
Finally, in (f), the transmitter section is equipped with a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) (114) that provides real-time feedback and status updates to the user. This display shows crucial
information, such as which commands were sent, the current state of the appliances, and any alerts or notifications relevant to the system. By offering visual feedback, the LCD enhances user interaction and allows for better monitoring of the entire system, ensuring that users are well-informed about the operational status of their home appliances.
The Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) is a sensor designed to measure the light intensity in its environment. Its output typically consists of an analog voltage or a resistance value that changes inversely with the light intensity striking it. In this system, the Node MCU microcontroller serves as the central control unit, interfacing with the LDR to capture its output. This data can be utilized for various applications within the industrial automation system.
The LDR's output can monitor ambient light levels in an industrial setting, providing valuable insights into lighting conditions. It can detect fluctuations in natural light due to factors such as weather changes or the time of day, enabling the system to optimize energy usage by adjusting artificial lighting accordingly. Additionally, by analyzing the LDR output, the system can determine the presence or absence of personnel or objects in designated areas of the facility. This information is critical for applications such as occupancy sensing, automatic lighting control, security monitoring, and space utilization analysis. The ability to gauge the level of natural light, like sunlight, allows the system to dynamically adjust artificial lighting to maximize energy efficiency-a concept known as daylight harvesting.
In summary, the LDR output provides essential input for the Node MCU microcontroller, enabling the system to gather environmental data, make informed decisions, and enhance control and communication within the Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled VLC Industry Automation System.
The Node MCU microcontroller functions as the central processing unit responsible for managing various tasks related to control and communication within the system. Its output can vary based on the specific functionalities and applications implemented in the project. The Node MCU generates control signals to operate industrial equipment such as motors, actuators, valves, or pumps based on predefined conditions or user inputs.
These control signals may take the form of digital signals (e.g., on/off commands) or analog signals (e.g., Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals for variable speed control). In the context of Visible Light Communication (VLC), the Node MCU modulates digital data into light signals using LEDs, which are then transmitted to VLC receivers. The microcontroller manages the timing and modulation of these light signals to encode information for communication purposes. The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) serves as an output device
within the system. It provides a visual interface that displays various system parameters, sensor readings, status messages, and user prompts. This enables users to monitor system performance and make informed decisions based on real-time information.
The relay module acts as another output device, facilitating the control of industrial equipment and processes. It allows for the switching of devices such as motors, pumps, valves, or actuators on and off based on commands received from the Node MCU microcontroller. This automation enables equipment control in response to environmental conditions, sensor data, or user commands. For example, the Node MCU can trigger machinery activation or deactivation at specific times, respond to sensor thresholds, or follow predefined operational sequences. Moreover, the relay module can implement safety functions within the industrial automation system. It can automatically shut down equipment in emergencies, overload situations, or abnormal conditions detected by sensors, thereby preventing accidents and minimizing risks to personnel and assets.
In the present invention, Li-Fi technology is employed for transmitting alphanumeric or image data. The transmission is facilitated through an LDR, while a relay at the receiver end decodes the data. The decoded information is then displayed on the LCD screen. Additionally, the data is processed using UBIDOTS, which provides instructions to the Node MCU microcontroller at the transmitter side. These signals are received by another Node MCU at the receiver end, where the relay module acts as a switch to control appliances, enabling them to be powered on as required.
, Claims:We claim
1. An IoT-enabled VLC-based smart home and industrial automation system, the system (100) comprising:
a) a transmitter section (110) with a mobile light source (111) that emits modulated light signals representing appliance control commands,
b) at least one Light Dependent Resistor (112) to detect variations in light intensity,
c) Node MCU microcontrollers (113) interfaced with the LDR for receiving, decoding, and transmitting commands to home or industrial appliances, and
d) a receiver section (120) with Node MCU modules (121) connected to appliances through a relay interface (132) for executing the received commands.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transmitter section includes a Liquid Crystal Display (114) to provide real-time feedback and status updates to users.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein receiver section includes a relay interface (132) with multiple channels, each channel connected to a specific appliance, wherein the relay interface is operable by the Node MCU to toggle the power state of each appliance based on the received commands, enabling user control over various household and industrial appliances such as lights, fans, motors, and machines.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the modulated light signals are encrypted to enhance security during data transmission, ensuring that control commands are only accessible to authorized receiver modules.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Node MCU microcontrollers are configured to be compatible with multiple IoT protocols, including MQTT, HTTP, and WebSocket, facilitating seamless integration with existing smart home and industrial IoT platforms.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Node MCU microcontrollers include an automatic calibration feature for the Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) sensors to adjust sensitivity based on ambient light conditions, optimizing the accuracy of VLC command detection.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the architecture is modular, allowing additional transmitter and receiver pairs to be added to expand the control area and increase the number of controllable appliances.
8. A method (200) for controlling appliances using a bidirectional communication system, the method comprising:
a) transmitting commands from a transmitter section via a mobile light source by modulating light intensity;
b) detecting the modulated light signals through Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) interfaced with a Node MCU microcontroller at the transmitter section;
c) decoding the commands within the Node MCU at the transmitter side and transmitting them to a receiver section;
d) at the receiver section, receiving the transmitted commands using a Node MCU microcontroller;
e) interpreting the received commands to activate corresponding channels on a relay interface connected to appliances; and
f) displaying real-time feedback on a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) at the transmitter side to enhance user interaction and system monitoring.

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