Have you ever imagined walking into your home to be greeted by soothing music, cool wafts of air-conditioner and the soft intensity lights to help you relax?. That's the new intelligent homes for you!
In fact the concept of intelligent homes started in the 1980s in the United States and since then has undergone several changes around the world.
The technology uses touch-screens and user-friendly software that impacts four key areas in any building --energy efficiency, life safety systems, telecommunications systems and workplace automation.
The two main methods of home automation are:
Plug in System, the popular one, wherein modular systems are simply plugged in walls and communicate through power or radio lines.
The other is the Hardwired system where the solution is planned and installed in the walls of the building during construction stage.
Lighting has, by far, been the most popular use of home automation. One can switch on/off or dim the lights from a remote control moreover can also create mood lighting or play preset function for the room such as dinner lighting, party lighting etc. The motion sensor lights get automatically on when detect a movement and turn off after a period of time. Similarly air-conditioners with self adjusting settings can adjust the cooling pattern depending upon the number of people present in the room, can be preset to preferred temperature setting and also can be controlled through computer, PDA or cell phone.
Of course, other than light fittings, there's natural light to consider too. Motorized curtains, blinds and shades can be raised or lowered by a remote from the comfort of your couch, and can be programmed to open or close at a predetermined time even when you are away. Additionally light sensor blinds automatically extend and retract according to the position of the sun. Then there are entertainment systems where all the audio visual equipment are controlled by a single remote with programmed settings which will select the speakers through which to play audio, button to start the DVD, raise the motorized projection screen and dim the lights to give a complete home theater experience.
Sure enough security is an important aspect for any house owner and an automated security system provides far more protective and safer experience than traditional methods. While with cameras you can view your house through internet, the motion sensors can send you an e -mail or text message if they sense movement or breaking of glass. Furthermore wireless alarm systems can also detect gas leakage or fire accidents. Apart from these there are automated systems that inform owner of energy, water and gas consumption as well as wireless electronic meters that display the cost of electricity used and send Alarm alerts for excessive loads.
The home automation has both practical as well as environmental benefits. Managing your home appliances and gadgets is at your fingertips now. Programmable washing machines, refrigerators, ultrasound steered vacuum cleaners, automated lights, air-conditioning and ventilation as also Internet-connected video camera to check on baby sitter can make life that much easier for working couples. Conveniences like an alarm to have the lights gradually increase intensity or ensuring the coffee is brewing and the television switches on to the favorite news channel can be a boon to a weary soul after a hard day. Equally advantageous are the advanced systems that lock up all the doors and windows as one's leaving or video door phones with alarm systems that can provide security to elderly couples. Additionally automated lights and appliances can save up to 75% of electricity whereas automated window covering can minimize solar heat gain. Besides intelligent air- conditioning systems can significantly reduce energy consumption thereby offering monetary savings plus conserving energy resources.
Automation makes life simpler however intelligent home systems are still considered lifestyle products as they are perceived to be expensive but one can go for individual products as per their need from security systems to internet enabled refrigerators. The biggest challenge though is that the complex products may baffle not so tech savvy people. We still have a very long way to go where intelligent homes are concerned, but the concept is catching on particularly with the new generation.
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