Home automation
From Free net encyclopedia
Home automation is a field within building automation, specializing in the specific automation requirements of private homes and in the application of automation techniques for the comfort and security of its residents. Although many techniques used in building automation (such as light and climate control, control of doors and window shutters, security and surveillance systems, etc.) are also used in home automation, additional functions might be the control of multi-media home entertainment systems, automatic plant watering and pet feeding, automatic scenes for dinners and parties, etc.
The main difference between building automation and home automation is, however, the human interface. In home automation, ergonomics is of particular importance: the control should be largely image-based and self-explanatory.
Home Automation can be used to control many items within your home, from lighting (remote controlled or motion controlled), Whole House Audio & Video, computer control and automated blinds and curtains.
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Home Automation Tasks
Audio
This category includes audio switching and distribution. Audio switching determines the selection of an audio source. Audio distribution allows an audio source to be heard in one or more rooms. This feature is often referred to as 'multi-zone' audio.
HVAC
HVAC solutions include temperature and humidity control.
Intercoms
An intercom system allows communication via a microphone and loud speaker between multiple rooms.
Lighting
Lighting control systems involves aspects related to controlling electric lights and window shades and drapery. This category also typically includes control of exhaust and ceiling fans.
Security
Control and monitoring of security systems. This category also includes control and distribution of security cameras.
Video
This includes video switching and distribution.
Energy autarkic radio sensors and radio switches
This novel technology has been developed by EnOcean. Battery-less and wireless radio switches and radio sensors offer many new possibilities for home automation and for building automation in general. These devices use environmental energy (e.g. button pushes, temperature differences, vibrations, light, etc.) for the transmission of radio signals (energy harvesting). They are completely maintenance-free. The transmission range of the radio signals is approx. 35 m in the interior of buildings. The radio signals are encoded so that each device will communicate exclusively with its correct partner device(s).
High-End Home Automation Companies
The following companies offer home automation solutions that fully integrate audio, video, cameras, intercom, lighting, HVAC, telephones and security into a single system. Note that full integration with any system or electronic component is extremely rare and handled adequately by very few systems.
Lighting and Appliance control Companies
The following companies offer lighting and appliance controls.
- Home Automation Inc.
- EDT
- Lutron
- X10
- Smarthome
- Insteon Technology
- MySMARThome
- Pluto
- Lagotek
- EnOcean
- Stargate
- Clipsal Integrated Systems
Security System Companies
Some security systems also offer lighting and HVAC control. However, this integration is usually limited to the security system keypads and does not include advanced audio/video switching and distribution except for Home Automation, Inc.
See also
External links
- Home Automation Glossary Making Sense of Terminology Associated With Home Technology
- hightechhomemag.com Online Magazine; News, Articles, Forums, Directory, RSS, Mailing List
- Linux Home Automation - general home automation information with respect to Linux (links, documentation and software).
- Misterhouse - Open Source Perl program to control various aspects of your home. Runs under Windows, OSX, BSD and Linux.
- Wired Home Weblog - Home Automation news and reviews.
- Pluto - all-in-one home automation solution (open source).
- l'e-maison - Automated home in France.