The Smart Hub will serve as the center of the SALE system. It will connect to every other device, and will coordinate all actions taken by the system. It will be made based on the Home Assistant software suite, which provides many of the basic features such as automations and matter compatibility. It will communicate with the sub-devices of the smart home via the Matter protocol; it should support multiple of the different transport techniques under that protocol (such as WiFi, Zigbee, and Thread). The Smart Hub will also be responsible for data logging and voice processing, as well as maintaining configuration about the home’s state. Lastly, due to its central role, the Smart Hub must have a battery backup, and maintain itself via software updates.

 

The Smart Hub will be implemented using the open-source Home Assistant software suite. This suite can be run on numerous host computers; however, there are some premade modules available. Research will need to be done to determine which pre-made module and configuration options should be acquired, or if a custom design is needed. Voice assistant processing is also available via open-source software. By using open-source components, the team has the flexibility to modify and extend them as needed or necessary for the project, and can furthermore contribute those improvements back to the central repository.

Requirements:

  1. The Smart Hub shall be able to record actions taken to files.
  2. The Smart Hub shall be able to record data from various sensors/inputs to files.
  3. The Smart Hub shall have enough storage for 30 days of files.
  4. The Smart Hub shall be able to remove old data automatically as required by space.
  5. The files on the Smart Hub shall be able to survive power loss.
  6. The Smart Hub shall have password protection in order to access.
  7. The Smart Hub shall have encrypted connections used for all signals.
  8. The Smart Hub shall have Smart Mobile Device and Remote Support Station pairing.
  9. The Smart Hub shall have backup battery power for at least 90 minutes. 
  10. The Smart Hub shall be able to track battery power from software
  11. The Smart Hub shall have the Ability to unpair from devices
  12. The Smart Hub shall pair to matter devices.
  13. The Smart Hub shall utilize a Home Assistant to send matter commands.
  14. The Smart Hub shall be powered via connection to an outlet.
  15. The Smart Hub shall include a system status consisting of an RGB display, where different colors indicate whether the system is functioning properly or not.
  16. The Smart Hub shall have a physical on/off switch on the device.
  17. The Smart Hub shall have the ability to connect a keyboard and screen to the system for debugging.