Showing papers on "Home automation published in 1996"

Energy management and building automation system

Abstract: An energy management and building automation system including a local area network or home automation data bus. Each load to be controlled is connected to the bus via a control module. A first microcomputer preferably is placed externally to the customer premises, adjacent the electric utility power meter. A second microcomputer preferably is placed inside the customer premises. The two microcomputers communicate with each other and with the various load control modules. The first microcomputer communicates with the utility company via any appropriate communications link. The second microcomputer serves, in part, as an input/output terminal for the system, allowing the customer to set parameters and query the system as to historical and current energy and power usage information by individual loads or by the entire customer premises. It displays reports requested by the customer, relative to current and historical energy consumption by individual loads and/or the premises and also displays messages transmitted by the utility company and by either microcomputer. The first microcomputer acts as a master controller and/or network server, communicating with the world outside the premises and being the primary data collector and operator of load control modules, with the second microcomputer providing certain backup and input/output (e.g., events scheduling and report generation) functions.

System and method for serial communication between a central unit and a plurality of remote units

Abstract: A user-responsive system has a controller and a plurality of remotes. Each remote typically has a corresponding sensor and/or actuator. Applications for this system include, but are not limited to heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, lighting systems, security systems, energy management systems, home automation systems, and home entertainment systems.

Spread spectrum data leap through AC power wiring

Abstract: There have been two serious impediments to the growth of the power-line carrier (PLC) communications industry in particular, and the home and building automation market in general: line noise, which plays havoc with communications' reliability, and the lack of a standard communication network protocol. Both stumbling blocks have been removed-the first, by the development of spread-spectrum PLC technology, which all but eliminates the noise impediment, and the second, by the industry-wide adoption of the Electronic Industries Association's Consumer Electronics Bus (CEBus) standard. The author discusses the use of spread spectrum for distributed control systems. The techniques of spread spectrum and carrier-detect narrowband communication are compared. Impulse noise is also discussed as are frequency hopping and the CEBus approach.

A power line data communication interface using spread spectrum technology in home automation

Abstract: Building automation technology is rapidly developing towards more reliable communication systems, devices that control electronic equipment. This equipment, if controlled, leads to efficient energy management, and savings on the monthly electricity bill. Power line communication (PLC) has been one of the dreams of the electronics industry for decades, especially for building automation. It is the purpose of this paper to demonstrate communication methods among electronic control devices through an AC power line carrier within the buildings for more efficient energy control. The paper outlines methods of communication over a power line, namely the X-10 and CE bus. It also introduces the spread spectrum technology as to increase speed to 100-150 times faster than the X-10 system. The power line carrier has tremendous applications in the field of building automation. The paper presents an attempt to realize a smart house concept, so called, in which all home electronic devices from a coffee maker to a water heater microwave to chaos robots will be utilized by an intelligent network whenever one wishes to do so. The designed system may be applied very profitably to help in energy management for both customer and utility.

Humans and technologies at home: from friendly appliances to robotic interfaces

Abstract: This paper provides a general approach to the problem of designing proper "interfaces" between humans and technologies at home. These interfaces should be designed for "all users", i.e. as friendly and simple to operate as possible, whatever the real technical background and/or motor ability of the user. The paper describes a philosophical approach and the consequent technical solution to these problems proposed in the framework of a European joint research project: the TIDE-MOVAID project (mobility and activity assistance systems for the disabled). The MOVAID approach is based on the assumption that all users are disabled when facing new technologies. MOVAID aims to provide solutions for interfacing all users, including the moderately and severely disabled, with their home environment. The general needs for simplicity and functionality of able-bodied and moderately disabled users are catered for by model friendly interfaces for standard appliances while the need of independence and autonomy of operation of the severely disabled users are catered for by a mobile manipulator robotic interface (the MOVAID unit). In the paper, the MOVAID approach and the prototypes of a novel friendly interface for a microwave oven and of the MOVAID mobile unit are presented in detail. Furthermore, the results of validation tests with moderately disabled users of the appliance interface are reported and discussed.

Multimodal environmental control system for elderly and disabled people

Abstract: The objective of the work presented in this article is to design an environmental control system which allows disabled and elderly users to command a large variety of appliances in their homes The system consists of a central unit which communicates with the different devices through the EHS (European Home System) and TECI (Thomson Electronics Computer Interface) protocols User interacts with a mobile remote control unit through a touchscreen and an input/output voice and audio module The mobile unit is connected to the central one by a radio control link Disabled and elderly users have participated in the different steps of the design starting from the specification phase and continuing in the development in order to match more accurately the design to their needs and to guarantee a final system with a high degree of usability

Energy management and building automation system energy management and building automation system

Abstract: An energy management and building automation system including a local area network or home automation data bus such as the CEBus. Each load is connected to the bus via a control module which may contain a circuit breaker to disconnect the load from the mains upon command or upon occurrence of a power outage. Current monitoring control modules measure load current and power monitor modules monitor power consumed by selected loads, both modules transmitting bus messages indicating load status and status changes. A first microcomputer preferably is external to the customer premises, adjacent the electric utility power meter. A second microcomputer preferably is inside the customer premises. The two microcomputers communicate with each other and with the various modules via the network/data bus. The first microcomputer communicates with the utility company via any appropriate communications link. The second microcomputer serves, in part, as an input/output terminal for the system, allowing the customer to set parameters and query the system as to power usage, displaying reports requested by the customer and messages transmitted by the utility company and by either microcomputer. The first microcomputer acts as a master controller and/or network server, communicating with the world outside the premises, as a communications gateway between voice, video and data services, and being the primary data collector and operator of load control modules; the second microcomputer provides certain backup functions. The utility company can access selected utilization data and control at least some loads via messages to the first microcomputer.

Programmable consumer device interface

Abstract: A device for incorporation into a variety of consumer appliances for use in a home automation environment. The invention comprises an electronic hardware module having software resident on the module, providing an interface between an appliance and other elements on a communications system employing the "Consumer Electronics Bus" protocol. The present invention interprets data messages sent to the appliance and signals the appliance in a preprogrammed manner. Also, the invention can be programmed to generate a specific data message for transmission to another appliance. The invention accommodates the various communication media, levels of electrical noise, and operating speeds allowed by the "Consumer Electronics Bus" protocol.

Future flexible power delivery system and its intelligent functions

Abstract: In this paper, the authors propose a "flexible, reliable and intelligent electrical energy delivery system (FRIENDS)" and discuss its intelligent functions. In the near future, electrical power systems will be facilitated by dispersed energy resources and dispersed energy stores on the demand side. The electrical power delivery system itself will have to be changed to co-operate with these facilities. The authors have proposed a flexible system named FRIENDS for such a situation. Noticeable intelligent functions for FRIENDS are flexible network reconfiguration for uninterrupted power supply, protective control, on-line information service to customers (including automated metering), DSM and home automation as well as multi-quality power supply. In this paper, the new concept of the power delivery system of FRIENDS is explained, and how the intelligent functions can be realized in it is discussed.

A configuration tool for HomeNet

Abstract: The central goal of home information systems, and home automation in general, is to provide convenient and efficient integration and interoperation among appliances in a household. The necessary software tools need to present a comfortable user interface for end-users that allows one to control and maintain the system on several levels of expertise. One major aspect is the configuration of the home system according to the user's needs and preferences. We present the architecture of an adaptable, expandable, network technology independent configuration tool for a home system called HomeNet Configuration Tool (HCT).

Remote control home automation device

Abstract: PURPOSE: To provide a remote control home automation device provided with versatility capable of remotely controlling the plural kinds of equipments to be controlled by a telephone set through a telephone line. CONSTITUTION: This remote control home automation device is provided with a remote control signal transmission part 12 for outputting remote control signals for controlling an air conditioner or the like, a telephone line control circuit 9 and a microcomputer 3 for reading the control data of the equipment to be controlled freely inputting stored in a storage part 14 beforehand and letting the remote control signals based on the control data be outputted from the remote control signal transmission part 12 when remote operation signals are inputted from the telephone set T to the telephone line control circuit 9.

Home networks - from toasters to hdtv

Abstract: Homes of the future will require the interconnection of a myriad of digital devices. Users will want to watch a movie in their digital VCR located in their living room on a TV located in their bedroom. They’ll want to get video clips from their computer to watch on their TV, they may want to print a Web page viewed on their living room TV to a printer in their den, and they may even want to program their toaster from their ATV. Home networks must have the capability for all these functions - and more. This paper describes the work of the VESA Home Network standards committee to make this a reality.

Public networks and home networks

Abstract: This paper gives new possibilities of public and home networks to provide new services in the near future and the result of a project using the PSTN and ISDN in tele-assistance services. The author and his group are involved in work related to the European standard Home System (EHS) and the development of software for a service centre connected to the home providing assistance to the elderly and disabled people connected to the service. One of these are the CASA TIDE project that aims to design, develop and evaluate an integrated solution offering a global service environment to elderly and disabled people to monitor and control a range of application suited to the requirements of this category of the population. This solution integrates a communication access to public communication networks (PSTN, ISDN and CATV) to link the home to service centres and provide a new, secured but completely socially integrated environment for elderly and disabled people.

A measurement communication system [for home automation]

Abstract: The proposed paper deals with a design of a measurement communication system consisting of sensors and communication modules. The technology used is integrated circuits and custom built hybrid circuits with the possibility of complete integration when having large series. The application studied is for economical and sustainable use of working and living environments, based on sensors for home automation applications and environmental monitoring. The system uses CEBus protocol and spread spectrum carrier technology and operates on existing electric power supply lines, thus minimizing installation costs. It enables universal low cost and highly efficient measurement communication lines for measurement and control purposes with the optimal resolution of 12 bits for measured data.

A platform for a home automation application layer design

Abstract: A platform for the design of the application layer for the Consumer Electronics Bus standard is presented. The software implementation allows for efficient interaction with the other layers and provides users with a user-friendly interface that allows for easy access and efficient updating of methods and contexts files. Specific implementation issues related to the interaction between the different primitives, data structures, and databases are presented.

Security system for access, identification and monitoring presence in apartments, offices and shopping centres, which can perform electronic transactions by means of smart card.

Abstract: Security system for access, identification and monitoring presence in apartments, offices and shopping centres, which can perform electronic transactions by means of smart card. The system covers the control of access of persons to premises, their identification, monitoring their presence and tracking their movements. It also covers the performance of electronic transactions, both standard (official electronic money) and non-standard (own money or barter). This system is applicable to apartments, offices and shopping centres. Each user has a unique personal smart card, which in addition to having graphic information recorded on the integrated circuit, will have recorded on it all the information necessary for using the systems to which the user has access. Similarly, the card may incorporate other media for storing additional information, both magnetic and optical. It has application in the industrial area of security systems and in the area of home automation.