Controlling Electrical Appliances Using an Open Source Technology

This paper discusses the development of a universal remote control system in a house. It utilizes the use of Bluetooth and Java technology on mobile phones in controlling electrical appliances. The aim of this universal remote control is to eliminate the need for having many remote controls at home in view of the fact that almost all electrical devices and appliances come with their own proprietary remote control. This system also expands the capability of the IrDA remote control technology since typical IrDA remote controls does not confine to the physical barriers. The developed universal remote control consists of two categories, which are client application that involves a mobile user interface and mobile phone for Bluetooth communication that interacts with the circuit where the electronic components reside. It applies immediate direct manipulation of the circuit to implement a real time communication and update the states of appliances as soon as it is been modified. In a nutshell, the end product gives flexibility to the users by promoting the usage of their mobile phones as a universal remote control for their electrical appliances.