The implementation of an infrared transmitter and receiver function in the Souliss framework

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

2 Souliss

2.1 Requirements

2.2 Arduino

2.2.1 Development Environment

2.2.2 Arduino programming language

2.3 Typicals

2.4 Communication

3 Smart Home Framework Comparison

4 openHAB

4.1 Souliss integration in openHAB

5 IR Remote Control

5.1 IR Codes

6 Souliss IR implementation

6.1 IR Gateway function

7 Hardware

7.1 WEMOS D1 mini board

7.2 Souliss IR Cube

7.3 Calculations

7.4 Mechanical Design

8 Conclusion

Objectives and Topics

This thesis aims to bridge the gap in the Souliss home automation framework regarding the control of consumer electronics via infrared signals. By implementing transmitter and receiver functionality, the project enables the integration of non-smart infrared-controlled devices into a Souliss-based network, allowing for centralized management via the Souliss mobile app and the openHAB platform.

• Implementation of IR transmitter and receiver logic within the Souliss framework.
• Development of a hardware prototype ("Souliss IR Cube") based on the ESP8266 microcontroller.
• Integration of Souliss-based IR modules into the openHAB smart home environment.
• Analysis and translation of infrared protocols (e.g., NEC) into Souliss command structures.
• Design and 3D printing of a specialized cubic housing for the prototype hardware.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1 Introduction: This chapter outlines the motivation for integrating infrared functionality into the Souliss framework and establishes the project's core objectives.

2 Souliss: Provides an overview of the Souliss open-source framework, including its requirements, supported platforms like Arduino, and internal communication protocols.

3 Smart Home Framework Comparison: Compares Souliss with other solutions like MySensors, highlighting differences in network topology and gateway capabilities.

4 openHAB: Describes the openHAB software platform, its architecture, and how it can be configured to interact with Souliss modules.

5 IR Remote Control: Covers the fundamentals of infrared data transmission, modulation techniques, and common IR coding formats.

6 Souliss IR implementation: Details the technical approach to adding IR support to Souliss, specifically using Typical T14 and implementing an infrared gateway function.

7 Hardware: Presents the technical specifications of the WEMOS D1 mini, the design of the Souliss IR Cube prototype, circuit calculations, and mechanical design considerations.

8 Conclusion: Reviews the project results, summarizing the successful implementation of the IR gateway and the prototype's functionality.

Keywords

Souliss, Arduino, ESP8266, Infrared, IR Receiver, IR Transmitter, Home Automation, openHAB, Gateway, Typical T14, Smart Home, Microcontroller, vNet, MaCaco, Prototype

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this paper?

This paper focuses on extending the Souliss home automation framework to support infrared signal transmission and reception, enabling users to control consumer electronics like TVs and audio systems.

Which frameworks and platforms are involved?

The core framework used is Souliss (for Arduino-based microcontrollers), which is integrated with the openHAB smart home platform for user interface and automation purposes.

What is the main objective of the project?

The objective is to allow standard infrared-controlled devices to communicate within the Souliss ecosystem, effectively treating them as smart home nodes controllable via mobile applications.

What hardware is used for the implementation?

The project utilizes the ESP8266-based WEMOS D1 mini microcontroller, chosen for its built-in WLAN functionality and cost-effectiveness.

What methodology is used to bridge Souliss and IR?

The author developed an "infrared gateway" function that translates between Souliss's internal "Typical" command structures and actual infrared bitstreams.

What are the key technical constraints mentioned?

A major constraint is the limited memory per node in Souliss (MaCaco shared memory), which limits the number of slots available for storing infrared command codes.

How does the Souliss IR Cube prototype work?

It acts as a central hub with infrared LEDs on all four sides to ensure 360-degree coverage, allowing it to send commands to devices throughout a room.

What role does Typical T14 play in this implementation?

Typical T14 is utilized because it is natively supported by the Souliss Android App and openHAB, allowing infrared commands to be triggered via existing UI elements without extra software changes.