Reflection 5

Today we learned about the cost of home security. An automated home can be a very simple grouping of controls, or it can be heavily automated where any appliance that is plugged into electrical power is remotely controlled. Costs mainly include equipment, components, furniture, and custom installation. Ongoing costs include electricity to run the control systems, maintenance costs for the control and networking systems, including troubleshooting, and eventual cost of upgrading as standards change. Increased complexity may also increase maintenance costs for networked devices.

Reflection 4

Me and my partner learned that 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.

Reflection 3

I learned that 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), and the use of domestic robots. Devices may be connected through a computer networak to allow control by a personal computer, and may allow remote access from the internet. Through the integration of information technologies with the home environment, systems and appliances are able to communicate in an integrated manner which results in convenience, energy efficiency, and safety benefits.

Reflection 3

Home automation may 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.

Reflection 2

I learned how most people invent things from the simple household appliances. Even devices as innovative as smart house security was created by someone who was just trying out something new with left over household appliances. Smart house security makes me think of the movie Home Alone, when the boy used all  of his household items to protect himself.

Day 1 Reflection

We finished the reearch paper and turned it in. I kearned alot about a project called X10. In 1970, a group of engineers started a company called Pico Electronics in Glenrothes, Scotland. Pico revolutionized the calculator industry by developing the first single chip calculator. The project overtime devloped into the first prototype of a smart house.