I recently embarked on an exciting project to create a custom profile system for controlling my home’s lighting and heating. The goal was to develop a flexible and user-friendly system that allows for time-based control with one-hour resolution, making it easy for even non-programmers to adjust settings. Here’s how I approached it and the results I achieved.### Project OverviewThe system revolves around ‘Profiles’ that users can configure through simple widgets. These profiles can control various devices, such as lights and heaters, by adjusting parameters like brightness, temperature, or boolean states (on/off). The profiles are designed to be intuitive, allowing users to set values for each hour of the day.### Widgets and ConfigurationThe core of the system consists of three main widgets:1. ProfileLooper: This widget allows users to adjust values for each hour using sliders. Depending on the profile type (percentage, temperature, or boolean), the appropriate slider is displayed.2. ProfileLooperPopup: A configuration popup where users can set the profile name, type, and interpolation settings. Interpolation smooths transitions between values, ideal for lighting effects.3. ProfileGraph: Provides a visual representation of the profile’s values over time, helping users understand how their settings will be applied throughout the day.### Implementation Details- Persistence: To ensure settings are retained after restarts, I utilized mapdb persistence for all profile-related items.- Interpolation: For smoother transitions, especially in lighting, interpolation between hourly values was implemented.- User Experience: The widgets were designed to be as user-friendly as possible, with clear visual feedback and easy navigation.### Results and BenefitsThe system has proven to be highly effective and versatile. It allows for precise control over lighting and heating, with the flexibility to adapt to different daily routines. Users can easily create multiple profiles for various scenarios, such as workdays, weekends, or specific events.One challenge encountered was browser performance when opening multiple instances of the ProfileLooper widget. However, this was mitigated by advising users to view one profile at a time.### ConclusionThis project has significantly enhanced my home automation setup, providing a powerful yet accessible tool for managing lighting and heating. I encourage others to explore similar projects, as the benefits in terms of convenience and energy efficiency are substantial.If you’re interested in implementing a similar system, feel free to reach out for more details or assistance!