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Smart Thinking: Socio-Medical and Assistive technological Research for Today

These page are meant to provide a brief overview of the different types of smart home technology that are currently available. They are not supposed to be a complete guide but an introduction to the area. To get a more in depth view, I would suggest that you follow the manufacturers links in the Links page.

1. Devices and their properties
2. Types of smart home technology

1. Devices and their properties
A glossary of smart home terms

There are a number of standard smart home devices that are important to consider in the design of any home. Most of these are used within the home security sectors. The difference between this sector use them and the smart home designer is that the latter are interconnected and have the ability to communicate with each other through either a fieldbus (a wire that connects all the devices,similar to a normal wire) through infra red or radio control. The following are the main devices and terms used commonly:

Actuator
Another name for a motor. Mechanical devices such as window or door openers require actuators to undertake the task.

Bus System (fieldbus)
A dedicated set of wiring specifically installed for the purpose of transmitting data to and from electronic devices within a building.

Communication Protocols
The agreed 'language' that electronic systems use to pass information to each other. All systems rely on their own protocol. Some systems such as LonWorks have protocols which are manufacturer specific. Consequently this means that configuring these products is more difficult. As well as setting out the actual electronic 'words' the systems will use, the protocol will also define how 'loud' and at what 'pitch' the messages will be sent as well as what responses are required to confirm that the information has been received.

Computer Peripherals
A generic term for the devices used by a computer that fall outside of the basic requirements of processor, monitor, keyboard and mouse. These will include printers, scanners, external storage devices, etc.

Environmental Controls

Environmental Controls allow the user to have control over simple devices within a room such as door and window openers. They can also be connected to a control box in order to perform a number of different controls.

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
The bundle of mechanical services used to control environmental conditions in the home, also known as environmental controls.

Information and Communication Technologies
The bundle of technologies relating to the electronic storage and retrieval of information and the transmission of such information. Storage and retrieval is typically the function of a computer system, while communication can range from telephony (both land line and mobile) to the internet and more specific computer networks (such as those found in offices).

Infra-red
A wavelength of light beyond the visible spectrum, infra-red can be used as a method of transmitting signals. The most common application in the home would normally be in remote control units.

IR
Within smart home design IR stands for Infra red, this can be in the form of a receiver situated on the wall in a convenient location or a controller, which sends IR signals to the IR receiver.

Iris Recognition
In a similar manner to fingerprints our eyes have a unique and identifiable pattern. Iris recognition systems use cameras to view and analyse the patterns of the iris with a much higher level of certainty than can be applied to say a fingerprint. This is currently being trailed for cashpoint dispensers and other security features.

Kbits
A unit of data volume; in the cases used in this report it relates to the volume of data that can be transmitted by a specific medium each second.

Microprocessor
A series of complex electronic circuits on a silicon chip. These carry out the calculations for any electronic product, from timers and calculators to large computer systems.

Optical Fibre (Fibre Optic)
The use of glass fibres as a medium for the transmission of information. In a similar way to electrical wiring optical fibres can be used to transmit data, but instead of using electrical current optical fibres use light. This allows huge amounts of data to be transmitted through a relatively narrow cable. Telephone and cable television systems use optical fibres for transmission but convert this signal to more conventional electrical signals in the home or workplace.

PIR
The magic eye, that is used to detect movement within a room. PIRs can trigger devices on detection of a presence.

Personal Data Assistants (PDA)
A small computer with limited functionality, PDAs were developed as a sort of electronic filofax, combining diary, address book, notebook and alarm clock together. More recent PDAs have featured links to personal computers handwriting recognition and e-mail and fax facilities. The use of PDAs can be developed for people with memory problems and other cognitive impairments.

Plug and Play
Equipment that is designed to be fully compatible and recognisable by the network and software it will be connected to. Plug and play equipment should be able to be connected to and configured by the system with little to no input from the user.

Powerline
The use of existing electrical cabling for the purpose of transmitting data to and from electronic devices within a building. Powerline transmission sends a data signal at a different frequency to that used for normal electrical current transmission which can then be detected by devices connected to the circuit.

Pressure Pad
Similar to the types used in home security, if a person steps on the pressure pad a signal is sent to the control unit and an action is triggered.

Smart Cards
Cards similar in size and shape to a credit card but with a microprocessor embedded in them. Smart cards (similar to cashpoint cards) can contain data about the person they belong to that can be read either by inserting them in a machine or remotely over short distances.

Telemedicine
The remote delivery of medical services, by the use of internet or other remote links. Telemedicine can range from remote diagnosis by a doctor from symptoms verbally described to the transmission of detailed x-ray or photographic images by a nurse to a doctor back at the surgery or hospital. The development of telemedicine in likely become expanded greatly in the future.

Teleworking
The practice of conducting work activities remotely from the workplace utilising computer and communications systems. Teleworking can range from having the work telephone diverted to, for example, your home to being able to access and alter data stored on mainframes and servers in the main office from a remote location over a conventional telephone line.

Twisted Pair
A kind of cabling where two relatively thin wires are twisted together. The term twisted pair can also be applied to wires with bundles of pairs of wires where the wires will only be used in twos. Telephone cabling in the home typically uses a twisted pair for transmission of sound and data.

User Interface (GUI)
The method or methods by which the user of an electronic device conveys their intentions to the device and receives feedback. On a computer for example the user types on a keyboard and points and clicks with a mouse and receives feedback from this on the screen of the monitor.

Warden Call Systems
Emergency communication systems fitted in accommodation that is supported by a warden (such as dwellings for the elderly or people with disabilities). Warden call systems can be used to either send an emergency alarm or to allow a two way communication system direct between warden and the person occupying the dwelling.

2. Types of smart home technology

Blue tooth
Blue tooth technology is a set of protocols for the design of systems that allow radio frequency control over the system. The technology is readily available for download off the web for designers to integrate into their products. Blue tooth enables devices to be connected together within a short distance (ideal for home automation). At present this technology is still in its infancy but is likely to become the leader once the substantive problems are ironed out.

Busline based technology
Busline technology involves the use of a cable which is either softwired or hardwired into the home. The data is transferred through the cable to the devices enabling the devices to communicate with each other. Many companies are now developing Powerline equivalents although the reliability of Powerline has not been substantiated for use within housing for people with disabilities. Busline systems are generally ideal for disability engineering and design for homes. Within the field of busline there are a number of companies who are involved in the production of the system and many different protocols that within the field are:

BatiBus
CEBus
EIB
LonWorks
It is best to access the individual sites for further information on any of these. You will find them within the Links page

X10
The most common and accessible form of smart home technology. This technology is computer centred and devices are NOT able to communicate with each other. The device receives its instructions from the computer which will usually be running one of the many packages for home automation. Generally this type of technology is NOT suitable for use with people with disabilities as it does not have the level of reliability that the fieldbus systems have. There are some software packages which are designed specifically for people with disabilities such as HomeVoice and HomeISA (see http://appliedfutures.com) but any system that relies on a computer is always as weak as the computer itself.

Smart Thinking: Socio-Medical and Assistive technological Research for Today

The Independent Health Research Consultancy

Computer Peripherals
A generic term for the devices used by a computer that fall outside of the basic requirements of processor, monitor, keyboard and mouse. These will include printers, scanners, external storage devices, etc.

Environmental Controls

Environmental Controls allow the user to have control over simple devices within a room such as door and window openers. They can also be connected to a control box in order to perform a number of different controls.

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
The bundle of mechanical services used to control environmental conditions in the home, also known as environmental controls.

Kbits
A unit of data volume; in the cases used in this report it relates to the volume of data that can be transmitted by a specific medium each second.

Microprocessor
A series of complex electronic circuits on a silicon chip. These carry out the calculations for any electronic product, from timers and calculators to large computer systems.

Plug and Play
Equipment that is designed to be fully compatible and recognisable by the network and software it will be connected to. Plug and play equipment should be able to be connected to and configured by the system with little to no input from the user.

User Interface (GUI)
The method or methods by which the user of an electronic device conveys their intentions to the device and receives feedback. On a computer for example the user types on a keyboard and points and clicks with a mouse and receives feedback from this on the screen of the monitor.

The Independent Health Research Consultancy

Computer Peripherals A generic term for the devices used by a computer that fall outside of the basic requirements of processor, monitor, keyboard and mouse. These will include printers, scanners, external storage devices, etc.Environmental Controls

Environmental Controls allow the user to have control over simple devices within a room such as door and window openers. They can also be connected to a control box in order to perform a number of different controls.

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) The bundle of mechanical services used to control environmental conditions in the home, also known as environmental controls.

Kbits A unit of data volume; in the cases used in this report it relates to the volume of data that can be transmitted by a specific medium each second.

Microprocessor A series of complex electronic circuits on a silicon chip. These carry out the calculations for any electronic product, from timers and calculators to large computer systems.

Plug and Play Equipment that is designed to be fully compatible and recognisable by the network and software it will be connected to. Plug and play equipment should be able to be connected to and configured by the system with little to no input from the user.

User Interface (GUI) The method or methods by which the user of an electronic device conveys their intentions to the device and receives feedback. On a computer for example the user types on a keyboard and points and clicks with a mouse and receives feedback from this on the screen of the monitor.

The Independent Health Research Consultancy

Computer Peripherals
A generic term for the devices used by a computer that fall outside of the basic requirements of processor, monitor, keyboard and mouse. These will include printers, scanners, external storage devices, etc.

Environmental Controls

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
The bundle of mechanical services used to control environmental conditions in the home, also known as environmental controls.

Kbits
A unit of data volume; in the cases used in this report it relates to the volume of data that can be transmitted by a specific medium each second.

Microprocessor
A series of complex electronic circuits on a silicon chip. These carry out the calculations for any electronic product, from timers and calculators to large computer systems.

Plug and Play
Equipment that is designed to be fully compatible and recognisable by the network and software it will be connected to. Plug and play equipment should be able to be connected to and configured by the system with little to no input from the user.

User Interface (GUI)
The method or methods by which the user of an electronic device conveys their intentions to the device and receives feedback. On a computer for example the user types on a keyboard and points and clicks with a mouse and receives feedback from this on the screen of the monitor.