Braun R&D

Developing connected devices.

Connected weather station

I was commissioned to research & develop adding connectivity to the existing range of Braun weather stations (produced under license by Zeon Ltd). The main base station is a WiFi base station, and creates an AdHoc network for initial setup, if WPS is not available. The external sensor communicates to the internal main unit using 433Mhz. One of the most critical aspects of this design is the user setup procedure. It was designed to be as simple as possible - preventing user frustration.

Prototype app design & development.

Prototypes were designed and built using off the shelf modules, and coded to run on an AVR platform. An iOS app was also developed to query the base unit, which in turn queried the external sensor then sent back all the data over wifi so the app can display the data. The main unit enclosure was laser cut from MDF, and finished in matt black with silver decals - featuring a pure white oLED display. The external sensor is an off the shelf box, also with the same external finish. All prototypes work as if they were consumer items.

Connected devices

After looking at the weather stations I was tasked with creating a home automation system, much like Phillips Hue or Belkin WeMo. The core of this project focused on the user being able to connect the system to their existing home network with an innovative zero setup procedure. I created a system that when initially connected sends out a network wide broadcast. The companion app is coded to look for this message. When found the app handshakes with the device and from then on they are paired on the network. The only button on the device is reset, to clear all paired data.

Prototypes were designed and built using off the shelf modules, and coded to run on an AVR platform. An iOS app was also developed to work with the system I designed for auto handshaking. The main unit enclosure was laser cut from MDF, and finished in matt black with silver decals. The light bulb is an existing unit, but modified with a 433Mhz receiver and AVR MCU circuit. The main unit can switch devices such as light bulbs, power sockets etc over 433Mhz, from the companion iOS App.

Connected clocks

App controlled physical alarm clock

With IOT becoming more commonplace, I was tasked to update a regular alarm clock to app control. The basic idea behind this project is to use a smartphone to set all the features on the clock, rather than having a multitude of buttons and switches. An existing analogue clock was modified to include AVR control, Bluetooth comms and associated tech. Innovations include the introduction of a physical moving analogue clock face, and pop up alarm button. The clock can replicate remote control signals. For example in the morning if you want to have the TV on and set to a channel, the clock can set this as it wakes you up. An app was also developed to help evaluate the product.

Light control clocks

I was asked to look at how to extend the functionality of a standard clock. Considering that alarm clocks are normally found on the bedside table, along with a bedside light, why not have the clock control the light. A prototype was made. An existing clock was modified to include a new AVR micro controller, interfaced to the existing clock. A 433Mhz transmitter was added to communicate with the concept light bulb. The light bulb is an existing unit, but modified with a 433Mhz receiver and AVR MCU circuit. Firmware allows the clock to turn the light on or off, dim the bulb & gradually turn on the light when the alarm sounds.