Home automation shall include centralized control of lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), appliances, and other systems, to provide improved convenience, comfort, energy efficiency and security. Home automation for the elderly and disabled can provide increased quality of life for persons who might otherwise require caregivers or institutional care.

A home automation system integrates electrical devices in a house with each other. The techniques employed in home automation include those in building automation as well as the control of domestic activities, such as home entertainment systems, houseplant and yard watering, pet feeding, changing the ambiance “scenes” for different events (such as dinners or parties). Devices may be connected through a computer network to allow control by a personal computer, and may allow remote access from the internet.

 

HVAC

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) solutions include temperature and humidity control. This is generally one of the most important aspects to a homeowner. An Internet-controlled thermostat, for example, can both save money and help the environment, by allowing the homeowner to control the building’s heating and air conditioning systems remotely.

Lighting

Lighting control systems can be used to control household electric lights.

  1. ■Extinguish all the lights of the house

  2. ■Replace manual switching with Automation of on and off signals for any or all lights

  3. ■Regulation of electric illumination levels according to the level of ambient light available

  4. ■Change the ambient colour of lighting via control of LEDs or electronic dimmers

Natural lighting control involves controlling window shades, LCD shades, draperies and awnings.

Audio and video

This category includes audio and video switching and distribution. Multiple audio or video sources can be selected and distributed to one or more rooms.

Security

Control and integration of security systems.

With Home Automation, the consumer can select and watch cameras live from an Internet source to their home or business. Security cameras can be controlled, allowing the user to observe activity around a house or business right from a Monitor or touch panel. Security systems can include motion sensors that will detect any kind of unauthorized movement and notify the user through the security system or via cell phone.

This category also includes control and distribution of security cameras.

  1. ■Detection of possible intrusion

    1. ■sensors of detection of movement

    2. ■sensors of magnetic contact of door/window

    3. ■sensors of glass breaking

    4. ■sensors of pressure changes

  2. ■Simulation of presence.

  3. ■Detection of fire, gas leaks.

  4. ■Medical alert. Tele assistance.

  5. ■Precise and safe closing of blinds.

Intercoms

An intercom system allows communication via a microphone and loud speaker between multiple rooms. Integration of the intercom to the telephone, or of the video door entry system to the television set, allowing the residents to view the door camera automatically.

Other systems

Using special hardware, almost any device can be monitored and controlled automatically or remotely, including:

  1. ■Coffeemaker

  2. ■Garage door

  3. ■Pet feeding and watering

  4. ■Plant watering

  5. ■Pool pump(s) and heater, Hot tub and Spa