Home automation is the newest buzz-word doing the rounds in the home-building industry. Almost everyone wants to have an automated home, with remote controls.
Some people may opt for a simple a remote or automatic control of a few lights. For others, it could be security alerts for the whole house. Other people may choose to install advanced sensors for voice recognition or heating and ventilation systems. As a very basic definition, we tend to refer to home automation as anything that gives you remote or automatic control of things in and around the home.
Home automation involves an integrated system of monitors that automatically operate different functions such as lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, appliances, entertainment, and security. The homeowner can program, control, and monitor the house with the help of a keyboard, “touch screen” controls, and even by telephone or remote controls. This article is aimed at home-owners seeking home automation. The three basic types of home automation controls are individual control devices, distributed-control systems, and centrally controlled systems.
Individual control devices usually refer to only singular appliances or function. Sensors are fitted in the appliance itself and is controlled either with a remote control or touch-screen function. Individual control devices are used in a wide variety of successful applications. There are many examples of individual control devices. These range from outdoor lighting to security sensors. The VCR or a TV or a DVD player when programmed are common examples of individual control device.
The science bit
A distributed-control system uses standard electrical wiring, telephone wire, video wire, radio frequency signals, and infrared signals. Microchips are installed in appliances or outlets to allow communication through the home electrical wiring. In such systems it is not necessary to use a keyboard or a PC for complete control. Homeowners have the option of using a television set to monitor the system’s status.
Centrally controlled systems directs signals between a central computer and the appliances present in the house. Such a system can control all appliances whether microchips or sensors are there in the appliances or not. If the controller fails or something goes wrong with the main computer then the whole system fails. In a “smart” home or automated home system, a central control system distributes incoming household electricity to a unit in each room of the house.
The distribution unit or network box only provides power to an appliance upon request by a “smart” appliance. “Smart” appliances (can be bought from here) have microprocessor chips that enable them to “communicate” with the main PC that is installed. After the request for power is processed, the network box in the room will supply power to that particular appliance. If the network senses that there is some problem, like a broken cord or connection, or appliance is incompatible, then the appliance will be denied power. http://www.zigbee.eu is a great site to look up for home automation.
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