CM³ Centralised Mode Management Machine

Most existing home automation systems emphasize remote access rather than intelligent automation. Users are required to manually select modes, configure schedules, or control devices individually through applications. This approach makes the system reactive and increases operational effort. From a system design perspective, the limitation lies in the absence of centralized decision logic that can understand context and act automatically. CM³ is developed to address this limitation by introducing a centralized mode management engine that adapts in real time to environmental conditions and user presence. Once configured, the system operates autonomously without requiring frequent user input.

The objectives of CM³ are as follows

Centralize decision making across multiple devices

Enable instant adaptation based on real-time conditions

Reduce user involvement after initial configuration

Ensure reliable operation without cloud dependency

Allow flexible mode configuration based on user needs

System Architecture Overview

CM³ is designed using a centralized intelligence with distributed sensing and actuation model. The architecture separates decision logic from physical execution, which improves scalability and maintainability.

The architecture consists of

One main control unit for global decision making

Multiple slave units for localized sensing and control

Wireless communication for inter-node coordination

Event-driven data flow instead of continuous polling

This structure allows the system to expand across rooms or zones without altering the core logic.

The main control unit is implemented using the ESP32 S3 Box 3. It acts as the central engine of the CM³ system.

Responsibilities of the main unit include

Maintaining the current operational mode

Processing sensor events received from slave units

Evaluating mode transition conditions

Publishing synchronized control commands

Providing a user interface for configuration

By centralising decision making, consistency is maintained across all connected devices.

Slave units are implemented using ESP32 C3 and ESP32 C6 boards. These units form the distributed execution layer of the system.

Functions of slave units include

Interfacing with sensors

Monitoring environmental parameters

Controlling relays and connected loads

Communicating status updates to the main unit

Deploying slave units close to sensors and loads reduces wiring complexity and improves response time.

CM³ integrates multiple types of sensors to capture environmental context.

Supported sensor categories include

Motion sensors for presence detection

Temperature sensors for thermal monitoring

Humidity sensors for comfort assessment

Air quality sensors for safety and health

Sensor data is processed locally at the slave level to detect state changes. Only relevant events are transmitted to the main controller, which reduces network traffic and processing overhead.

Communication Protocol

Intercommunication between the main unit and slave units is implemented using MQTT.

Key reasons for selecting MQTT

Lightweight protocol suitable for embedded systems

Low bandwidth consumption

Decoupled communication between nodes

Mode-Based Operation

CM³ operates entirely on configurable modes rather than direct device control.

The set of active devices

The behavior of each device

Priority rules for execution

Modes are user-configurable and can be modified without changing hardware. When environmental conditions change, the system evaluates predefined logic and transitions to the appropriate mode, triggering coordinated actions across multiple devices.

Adaptive Decision Logic

CM³ uses event-driven logic instead of scheduled automation.

Decision logic characteristics include

Real-time evaluation of sensor inputs

Immediate mode transitions when conditions are met

No dependency on fixed time schedules

Minimal latency between detection and action

For example, motion detection can activate a presence mode, while prolonged inactivity can trigger an idle or power-saving mode automatically.

Reliability and Deployment Considerations

The system is designed for practical deployment.

Key reliability features include

Local processing without cloud dependency

Fast response due to on-device decision making

Modular hardware for easy expansion

Fail-safe relay control mechanisms

This ensures the system remains operational even during network outages.

CM³ transforms automation into a context-aware system that reacts naturally to user presence and environmental conditions. Users do not interact with individual devices but experience a responsive environment that adapts automatically. By prioritizing centralized intelligence and mode-based control, CM³ provides a scalable, practical, and intuitive automation solution.

ESP 32 C3 or C6 boards

temperature sensor (DHT22)

AQI sensor (MQ135 or any other)

Circuit Diagram Summary (Node using ESP32-C3 / ESP32-C6)

Each node in the CM³ system is built around a Glyph ESP32 (C3 or C6) and acts as a distributed sensing and control unit. Both diagrams follow the same electrical concept; only the ESP32 variant changes.

1. Controller (ESP32-C3 / ESP32-C6) The ESP32 serves as the local processing unit for the node.

It performs three main tasks:

Controls relay outputs

Communicates with the CM³ main unit via Wi-Fi/MQTT

The ESP32 is powered using its 3.3 V pin, and all grounds are kept common to ensure signal reference stability.

2. Power Distribution

ESP32 3.3 V pin supplies the DHT22, PIR sensor, and LDR module

Relay module is powered using VCC and GND from the ESP32 side (logic power)

All components share a common ground line, which is critical for correct digital and analog readings