Where the smart house really differs from other houses is that a communications infrastructure is installed that allows the various systems and devices in the home to communicate with each other. The modern home contains a variety of systems, such as central heating, fire and security alarms, and devices, such as televisions and lights, that usually exist in total isolation from each other. In the smart house, these systems and devices are able to pass information and commands between them so that, for example, the security alarm can turn the lights on or off.
In developing the smart home, it was studied how people currently use their homes and worked out how different technologies could make everyday tasks simpler or easier. Existing equipment in the home can be adapted to provide more functions; for example detectors normally used for security alarms can be used to identify if someone is in a room. New equipment can also be installed to automate tasks such as opening doors or windows.
Over the last 15 years, computerized controls have become more and more common in our homes. Computers control our washing machines and microwaves, they turn our heating on and off, and they have provided new ways to monitor the safety and security of our homes. The smart home looks at expanding the use of these computers into other parts of the home, creating a single network that can be easily and conveniently controlled. The use of computer controls removes the need to actually flick a switch or turn a knob to make something work and allows elements of the home to be controlled remotely by, or to respond automatically to, the people living in it.
The use of computer controls allows the home to be operated in a variety of ways. Some of these will be more appropriate to some people than others. Below are a number of examples of the way the home can operate.
The security alarm panel fitted in the hall also operates as an answering machine and can be used to dial into the house and tell it to do certain things. This system relies on a PIN number, similar to the one used at a cash point, to ensure that only you can control the house in this way. It has a series of voice prompts that will guide you through the operation of the house.
· If you are late coming home one evening, you can call the house and get it to close the curtains as it gets dark.
· If you have been away from the house for a few days and want to be sure the house is warm on your return, you can call the house and switch the central heating back on.
This system can also be used to call you at work or on a mobile phone, if somebody rings the doorbell when you are not in the house.
· Friends can speak to you and find out when you will be back so they can arrange to visit again.
Integrated security The home security system can be enhanced because the security alarm is able to communicate with other devices in the home. · When leaving the house, a single signal from a key fob, similar to those used for car alarms, can turn on the security alarm, close any open windows, and make sure all the doors are locked. · When coming home, the same key fob can turn off the security alarm, open the front (or back) door , and switch on the hallway light. · If there is a gas leak, or if a ring on the cooker blows out, detectors in the house will identify this and turn the gas off at the mains. The house will sound an alarm to warn you of this and also disconnect the light switches, so that they cannot be used accidentally and cause a spark. Integrating the control of the house with some additional devices can make it easier for some people to live independently at home. · To assist people who need to use a wheelchair, the house can be equipped with motors to raise and lower cupboards and sinks. For example, if you wanted to make a hot drink the remote control in the lounge could be used to lower the wall cupboard or sink so that they were in the most suitable position when you came into the kitchen. When you finished, they could move back into their normal position, which may be more suitable for other people in the house. Aspects of routine daily life and chores can be automated. · When you wake up in the morning, you can push a control by the bed that turns the bedroom light and television on, starts the shower or bath running, opens the downstairs curtains and switches on the kettle. When sitting down in the evening to watch television, a single button on the remote control can turn the set on, draw the curtains and dim the lights. The smart home system is designed to keep you and your house safe in any circumstances. In the case of power failure, all the devices in the house will revert to a safe mode. So, for example, you will still be able to unlock doors. In the same way as in a normal house, some of the systems like the central heating will not work without power. Most of the special devices in the home have a battery back-up so they can be used in a power outage, though they may need to be operated by their switches rather than a remote control. If you are away from home for a few days, the security alarm can tell the curtains to open or close in the morning and evening and also turn some of the lights on and off during the night to make it look as if the house is still occupied.
Safety systems
In case of fire, the smoke and heat detectors in each room will activate the fire alarm. The system can then do any or all of the following: - Call the fire brigade or a care centre, giving details of the alarm automatically. - Flash all the lights in the house and sound a siren. - Turn lights on, if it is dark, to guide you to the exits. - Unlock the outside doors - if someone is in the house - to aid a safe and speedy exit.
Independent living
If you regularly get up in the night, the house can use its motion detectors to identify this and gently turn on the lights in the bedroom for you, minimising the risk of you tripping and falling. It could then light up the way to other rooms, such as the bathroom or kitchen, and turn the lights out when you return to bed.
Making life easier
What happens in a power outage?
