Vera Chil project

About the project:

• The project is restricted to research propose only, all rights reserved for University of Waterloo, Canada
• Project authorized to: Prof. Jesse Hoey, University of Waterloo, member of AGE-WELL
• Project written by: Aaron Li, research assistent, University of Waterloo
• This project is intend to build developer environment for smart home system, and support SNAP system as POMDP engine.

Links:

• The description of SNAP is here
• The links for research about SNAP is here

Project Break down

• Vera Chil, python package: the package allow direct control over VERA smart home system
• symbolicPerseusJava, Java package: java implementation of SNAP system

Communication

The two parts is connected with python Popen, controlled on both end:

• Vera communication end is controlled by SnapComm class in Vera packages
• SNAP communication end is controlled by VeraHanlder class
• The main control is on python side

Requirement

• currently have to run in Wifi that within Vera system
• Vera devices/sensor install required

example files

• test.py: example on how to use Vera control system
• snapTest.py: example on how to combine Vera and Snap system

sample analysis: snapTest.py

• in this example, we are going to look at a VERA-SNAP system that

setup the running environment

• vera system, devices and sensors in the system, communication unit is represent as instances
• link all abilities in the system, set up parameters, mark down all parameters. For details please check on help for functions

import os
from Vera import SnapComm
from Vera import Switch
from Vera import Vera 

sc = SnapComm.SnapComm(class_path = "./symbolicPerseusJava", feed = "light")
myvera = Vera.Vera()
light1 = Switch.Switch(myvera, 14)
sc.link_ability('prompt_Af_light1_on', "HINT: Light can be turned on", a_snap='turn_light', fail_action='on', 
               tolence=4)
sc.link_ability('prompt_Rn_light1_on', "HINT: Light is on your left side", a_snap='turn_light', fail_action='on', 
               tolence=4)

setup the running environment

• establish the understanding between VERA and SNAP system

sc.map_oa('light_switch', 'turn_light', light1, lig### Links:
* The description of SNAP is [here](https://cs.uwaterloo.ca/~jhoey/research/snap/index.php)
* The links for research about SNAP is [here](http://arxiv.org/pdf/1206.5698.pdf)ht1)# light1 is both status object and action receive object in this case

interaction

• loop until the target reached

target_action = ""
while not (target_action == "donothing"):
    target_action = sc.read() #check on the ability
    if target_action == "donothing":
        break
    sc.follow_default()
    sc.ability_check(target_action, delay=5)
    
    ob_name = sc.read() #read observation 
    ob_state = sc.get_observation(ob_name)
    sc.write(ob_state)
    
    beh_name = sc.read()
    beh_state = raw_input('Did it? ' + beh_name + ':')
    sc.write(beh_state)

close the connection

sc.end_communication()

Future of the project:

since time spend on the project is very limited, this project is far from complete, the following is suggestion

• Add more supports within Vera system, include more types of devicees and command support.
• Add support system other than Vera.

Contact information

• Prof. Jesse Hoey: [email protected],
• Aaron Li: [email protected],