A smart or intelligent home uses readily available devices many of which are currently used in home security systems, such as
It also uses other familiar devices, like infra-red transmitters similar to TV remote controls, smoke, heat and gas detectors, door entry systems, powered doors etc
In an intelligent house all these devices are connected together on a communication network. This communication network can be one of the following
Enabling devices to communicate efficiently means that one device can then instruct other devices to perform functions if other certain conditions are met. The initiating device could be any device in the house. In this way a collection of separate devices can be organised and programmed to carry out complex functions.
Smart homes have the potential to enable elderly and disabled people to lead independent lives in their own homes. However, the devices and their interactions need to be chosen and designed in such a way that the system as a whole meets the very specific needs of the householder. It is the task of the Process Facilitator, in consultation with the client, to define the precise functionality required.
Example
Elderly person, who has high risk of falling and injuring themselves, needs to be able to get to the toilet during the night safely. The functionality that could be provided for this case could be as follows:
If householder gets out of between hours 10pm and 8am then lights in bedroom and hall comes on at 50% of illumination ramping up to 100% over 1 minute, the bathroom light is switched on at 100%. After leaving the bathroom, the bathroom light automatically switches off. After the person gets back into bed the bedroom light is dimmed from 100% to 50% over 1 minute and then switched off.
If householder does not leave bathroom after a specified time, say 30 minutes, the community alarm is activated. Between the hours of 8am and 10pm anyone stepping on the pressure pad (visitors or cleaner) will not activate this functionality.
The above scenario can be implemented by using only a pressure pad by bed, PIR’s in hall and bathroom and the community alarm system.
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