Our home has been a castle, a shelter from the elements and a storehouse for our most precious items. But this is not enough. People want their homes to control the climate and communications, feed their pets and find their socks. But everything is possible. For a few thousand dollars you can implant a brain in your home
It would be tough to find a person that has never dreamed of flying into the future for a couple of hours, where, for example, the lights in our apartment turn on automatically, cold stairs going up to the second floor are heated, the climate and communications are self-controlled and the Internet and cable TV bills are monitored.
In the end, we want our home to be our castle that is secured and unassailable for burglars and even units of military special forces. A time machine is not needed to make such a dream come true. Everything is possible in the present. A so-called smart home will teleport you to science fiction for a few thousand dollars. Even an ordinary apartment built during the Khrushchev era can be turned into an ideal living place.
“Smart home” is a system of electronic and mechanical devices combined in one network that automatically turns on the lights, heats the stairs and scares the living daylights out of your cat when it is home alone.
The beauty of this system is that it does not simply execute commands, but also identifies specific situations. The computer analyzes information and reacts according to how it has been programmed. Moreover, regardless of whether you live in an apartment or a house, the required set of options will be installed according to your personal needs.
One of the main functions of “smart home” systems is security. A fire is virtually impossible as the sensor systems react to the slightest changes in the air composite when carbon monoxide is emitted. When the fire control system is turned on, the air conditioner, gas and electricity are shut off. In addition to that, lighted alarm system will go off, you will hear a voice and a text message and the “smart home” will dial 01.
When there is a water leakage the sensors immediately register it send a signal to the flood prevention valves.
The “smart home” is equipped with several systems that protect it from burglary. The main system monitors the integrity of the entire premises. Sound and light alarms will turn on if someone tries to break into your home through the doors or windows and a text message will automatically be sent to the police.
The second level of security is blocking the doors and windows. If someone managed to break into your home, they will not be able to flee before the police arrive.
In addition to that, the security system can include sensors that register damage to walls and windows, coded locks that prevent burglars from breaking in with master keys, intercoms, etc.
Depending on your preferences and budget, you can buy a centralized or multi-task control system. The centralized system has a “mind of its own” that operates on a central computer that connects all other systems. You give an order that the control center processes and sends to sub-systems for execution. There is, however, one flaw. If the center is damaged, the entire system breaks down.
The multi-task system has no integrated control center. It all consists of sensors and activators each of which works independently. Such a “smart home” is less sophisticated for installation and further upgrade of modifications, though it will cost more.
5 naive questions about “smart home” systems
Can a “smart home” mistake a cat for a burglar?
No. All movement and volume sensors will not react to certain weight. Besides that, you can simply turn on the “home pets” function and the system will include all pets in the list of exceptions.
Can some of the options be installed immediately?
In general, a smart home is an integrated product. Some options are mandatory and the minimal set of sensors, programs and control devices must be installed immediately. Some of the options can be installed later.
How can I live in peace with my smart home? Are there systems of usage, preventive maintenance, repair works, upgrading and other services for “smart homes” in Ukraine and how much do similar services cost?
Any company selling and installing smart homes will be able to replace any broken part or upgrade your system. There are over a dozen such companies in Kyiv. As for the price, everything depends on complexity of work that needs to be done. In most cases, the components of smart home systems serve for many years, so repairs or upgrading will not be necessary.
Can a smart home system crash or not recognize its owner?
Theoretically, it can. However, in order to minimize such risk the system is programmed with all possible back-up and security functions. In addition, if the system does not recognize a voice or simply crashes, it can simply be turned off.
What non-standard functions do smart home systems perform?
There is a spouse loyalty control system. If somebody 10 kilos heavier than your wife lies on the bed, the system will send you a text message. You can also choose your preferred color and light design. Every light-bulb is adjusted to a certain degree of brightness and its parameters are added to a database. As a result, every member of the family can have their own lighting scale. Finally, the system can help you find socks, pets, bottles, newspapers or any object in the smart home database if it is not out of range.
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