| We hear of Smart technology in the media all
the time; from Smart cars to Smart phones and even Smart robotic
pets. Curiously this title of 'Smart', frequently pops up in
reference to kitchen appliances: Smart fridges, Smart vacuum
cleaners, Smart microwaves, I've even seen a Smart bin! On
further consideration however, perhaps it makes sense that there
are so many Smart devices in the kitchen as the concept revolves
around making life easier and less labor intensive.
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The aforementioned devices are usually given
the title of 'Smart' as they host a level of connectivity to
external sources, usually the internet. Taking the Smart bin
for example, this bin would scan the items being put into it
and then it could automatically order that item, over the
internet, from the local supermarket, smart huh?! This
concept carries over to the term Smart Home but on a larger
scale. Smart Homes are all about integrating all the systems
in the modern house through a communications infrastructure.
The modern home contains a variety of systems, such as
central heating, security, home entertainment,
communications and lighting, that are usually in total
isolation from each other. |
In the Smart-Home, these systems and devices
are integrated together into one system so that they can
communicate and pass commands between them. Having different
systems interface with each other means that, for example, if a
motion sensor was triggered not only could the security alarm be
activated but the lights could automatically turn on, the blinds
or curtains could open, the doors and windows could lock, the CCTV cameras could start panning and recording and the home
entertainment system could blast music at maximum volume.
Smart Homes are achieved through a combination of making devices
or systems susceptible to automation and then linking them all
through dedicated cable or by sending a special signal through
the mains electricity cables. Once everything is linked up this
removes the need to actually flick a switch or turn a knob to
make something work and allows elements of the home to be
controlled remotely by, or to respond automatically to, the
people living in it. For example, all the lights in the house
could be controlled from a wall pad in the master bedroom, the
heating could be turned on by SMS text or the blinds would
automatically shut when the TV was turned on.
With network systems becoming faster and cheaper and the rise of
wireless technology, Smart Home systems are not only becoming
more affordable and easier to integrate but, more importantly,
as society becomes more technologically competent, more people
are recognizing the real benefits of a safer, more fun, more
energy and labor efficient environment to live in, hoo-ray the
Smart-Home.
About the Author: High Tech Home magazine is
your number one Smart-Home resource.
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