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Cortex (A Smart-Device Hub)

Jason Smith and Noah Hendershott

Faculty Advisor: Philip J Bernhard, Dept. of Computer Science, Florida Institute of Technology

Abstract

Motivation

Features

Results

Design

Future work?!

Limitations/improvements

Cortex is an innovative smart home hub aimed at automating household processes by utilizing users' mobile phones for location tracking within the home through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. Cortex uses a suite of sensors hosted on ESP32 chips to optimize and improve the performance of smart devices in the home. The sensors collect data from the users smartphone and relay it to the hub device to triangulate the users location within their own home.

When attempting to calibrate devices to the Cortex environment we tested with:

  • iPhone 13
  • Samsung Galaxy S8
  • Samsung Galaxy S10

We found that though each device has its own signature most devices within the same line are exceedingly similar.

Future work for Cortex will focus on enhancing the system's capabilities and addressing current limitations. This includes exploring alternative methods for location tracking, such as Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, to improve accuracy and overcome BLE connection constraints. Additionally, expanding compatibility with a broader range of IoT devices will increase the system's versatility and user appeal. Research into machine learning algorithms for personalized automation recommendations based on user behavior and preferences will further elevate the user experience. Lastly, optimizing the system's hardware and software components for reduced latency and lower costs will make Cortex a more accessible and marketable solution for smart home automation.

  • Modern smart devices are designed to talk with two not three BLE devices simultaneously
    • This required multiple iterations to even partially overcome
  • Currently only works with philips hue devices
    • Originally intended to work with many APIs but due to time constraints unfulfilled
  • User tracking within the home
  • Personalized automations
  • Automatic activation of automations based on user location
  • Web accessible UI
  • Ability to enable a few preloaded scripts
  • More than 60 million American households have smart devices in them
  • 71% of all American households have at least one smart connected device

All of these households have devices with more potential. Everyone who has lights that can be activated remotely could benefit from Cortex, everyone who has a smart lock can benefit from Cortex, anyone who wants their smart devices to work with them to improve their lives can benefit from Cortex.