Smart home: systems that ensure the meeting of fantasy with reality

The concept of Smart Home in the minds of most people is associated with George Jetson and his futuristic home, where Smart Home functions are presented: security and fire alarm systems, as well as all kinds of technologies that make life much easier. They are becoming more affordable and widespread and promise to be a large-scale trend pretty soon.

The Smart Home system allows you to control all communications and equipment in the house

Smart home: what is it, advantages and disadvantages of the system

For people who do not yet know that it is a Smart Home, information about this amazing home control system will be very interesting. However, if we are talking about home automation technologies, then it is worth noting that they have long stepped beyond the threshold of fiction and have become an integral part of the everyday life of modern people. First of all, you should define what it is - the Smart Home system.

Using the system, you can control every corner of the house

This technology is a set of devices that are united by a control device. The process of managing this wireless web occurs either through the remote control or using the owner's tablet or smartphone. What previously seemed like miracles has become an opportunity for any person to make their living more comfortable.

Most of the well-known technology companies, including Samsung and Google, are active in the production of products for home automation. This is largely due to the revolutionary success of tablets and smartphones. These portable gadgets have spread all over the world. Thanks to the round-the-clock Internet connection, they can be used to control various devices.

The wireless Smart Home kit includes devices that interact with each other through appropriate computer networks.

Absolutely all appliances that are present in every modern home, for example, stoves and refrigerators, can be affected by such a technical system.Most of these devices, which require electricity to function, can be connected to a home network and controlled by the user even at a considerable distance. Regardless of whether a voice command was provided or a signal from the remote control, the Smart Home will react in any case.

The system can be controlled using a smartphone, tablet and computer

Speaking about the Smart Home system, an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of which will be presented below, it should be noted that most of the applications are responsible for lighting control, safety, and temperature control using a thermostat. Thanks to this software, Smart Homes acquire unrivaled comfort and convenience.

Note! The price of installing the Smart Home system is not that high. This is due to the fact that the cost of "smart" devices does not differ much from the price of analogs that lack intelligence.

Smart home: systems that make life easier and more comfortable

Thanks to the Smart Home control system, life can become much more convenient and simpler. Surely everyone dreams of being able to control lighting, temperature and many household devices without getting up from the couch. Wherever the owner is: on vacation or at work - the system will in any case keep him informed of events, and thanks to security systems, trouble can be prevented. For example, ready-made Smart Home systems, which are aimed at providing security, will not only notify the owner of the start of a fire, but also unlock the doors, call a specialized service and indicate the optimal path for evacuation.

The cost of the Smart Home system primarily depends on the amount of equipment used, with which the following functions can be performed:

The system can turn on heating in the room before the morning awakening of residents

• road lighting for comfortable trips to the toilet at night;
• feeding pets on a schedule;
• setting up the TV so that children can watch it only at the time specified by their parents;
• heating the air in the bedroom before getting out of bed;
• turning on the coffee machine at the right time.

Despite the fact that the price of installing the Smart Home system may initially scare, in the future the owners will have the opportunity to experience some kind of savings from this solution. This is due to the fact that the presented technology makes it possible to use resources with maximum efficiency. Thus, it can be argued that the price of the Smart Home system is fully justified by its functionality.

It is interesting! The system promises significant benefits for the elderly who live alone. The house will remind you of the need to take medications, call an ambulance in case of a fall, and also monitor the amount of food eaten.

If an elderly person tends to often forget everything, the Smart House will certainly turn off the water to prevent a flood or the stove in the absence of a cook. Speaking about how much the Smart Home system costs, it is worth noting that its price is in any case less than the payment for the services of a geriatric center.

To save time on making coffee, this process can be automated

Smart home: price and a few more characteristic features of the system

Perhaps for people who have not been able to make friends with computer technology and have difficulty using remote gadgets, information about Smart Homes can be a serious test. Difficulties in using an automated system can be a decisive factor in deciding on dismantling a Smart Home system. Indeed, in this case, a person's life will not become more comfortable, but will bring continuous inconveniences.

In such a situation, it is recommended not to abandon the "smart" systems for the home, but to start by mastering the simplest equipment and gradually improve your skills.

Note! Before purchasing the necessary devices, you should carefully study the Smart Home system: photos, videos, as well as the declared technical parameters and user reviews will help you get the necessary information. Thanks to this, you can choose extremely efficient and easy-to-use devices.

Smart home owners often face certain security problems. For example, if successfully connected to the network, hackers can turn off the alarm system, making the house vulnerable to burglary. However, at the same time, installing the Smart Home system on a turnkey basis or with your own hand still makes sense. After all, houses and without "smart" gadgets can be hacked by means of classic techniques, honed over the years, while the likelihood of encountering a robber-hacker is absolutely small.

Considering the capabilities of the Smart Home system, its price is fully justified

Household appliance manufacturers are trying to improve their products, hoping that home automation will only grow in popularity. This is confirmed by the Xiaomi Smart Home systems (an overview of working components can be found on the Internet). Due to tablets and smartphones, as well as due to the corresponding software applications, this direction is actively developing. However, tens of years may pass before the Xiaomi Smart Home system becomes similar to the world of the Jetsons, since, despite numerous achievements, there is still no standard system for automating all these gadgets. It is impossible to give a definite answer to the question of how much a Smart Home costs, since each project is individual.

Do-it-yourself smart home system installation: basic principles

Lately, a comfortable life has become more and more fashionable. Each person does their best to make it easier using a variety of gadgets. The simplest example is a television remote control, thanks to which you can control the device without leaving the couch.

All devices can be controlled remotely, as long as the system allows it. By organizing the Smart House system with your own hands, you can create the most cozy and comfortable living conditions.

The presented system is designed to perform the following functions:

• climate regulation;
• control of the brightness level of lighting devices;
• ensuring security;
• house management in general.

To complete the installation of the system with your own hands, you must have the necessary equipment and knowledge

At the same time, it is absolutely not necessary for the Smart Home to carry out absolutely all programs. Each consumer configures the functions that he personally needs.

Note! To create a reliable Smart Home and control it, it is necessary to correctly select technical means, seriously approach the development of programs and gain experience in the field of engineering and design.

If a person is wondering how to make a Smart Home on his own, it should be borne in mind that certain knowledge and some equipment will be useful for this. If for technical means it will be enough just to go to the store, then knowledge is to be gained.

Smart home system: installing the operating system and choosing functions

The main element of Smart Homes is a control panel, and often a computer plays its role. Thanks to him, you can solve many problems within the system. It is capable of performing a large number of functions and integrating all structural elements. First of all, you need to equip it with the Linux operating system.

To connect the Smart Home system, you will need to install the Linux operating system

After the operating system is installed on a computer or a server, a site on the Apache platform will have to be created specifically for it.This is perhaps the most difficult task.

Of course, you can find ready-made modules on the Internet, but if you want to do everything on your own, you have to work hard. First of all, you need to understand the functioning of MySQL and PHP, understand the installation sequence of the scripts that will be used all the time, and you also need to report system data. Thanks to the jQuery library, it will be possible to create a very user-friendly site. Its engine will greatly facilitate the process of working with infobases. Before getting started, you need to determine the functions that are priority, for example:

• heating / light control;
• Fire safety;
• signaling;
• blocking doors.

Next, you have to decide on the necessary details: a server or a computer, wires, Wi-Fi, controllers.

Each user connects priority functions

In the process of organizing the security system, the installation of video cameras should be carried out. From them, the signal will not only be transmitted to the main console, but also recorded. Thanks to this, it will be possible to exercise control over everything that happens on the territory of the house or apartment in the absence of the owners.

Simultaneously with video monitoring, motion sensors can be configured. Their work will be done on the principle of cameras. To do this, you need to download the necessary modules and understand their features. In addition, it is possible to exercise control over the lock. You can configure it in such a way that the control takes place through a smartphone.

Important! It is recommended to select a lock that can work without electricity, so that in the event of a power outage, you do not remain outside or be locked in the house.

Smart home: basic features and functions of the system

A smart home, the cost of which may seem overpriced at first glance, provides an opportunity to significantly save waste on electricity and space heating. He will monitor all kinds of systems and devices - it all depends on what functions will be included in the controlled object.

A smart home will allow you to protect yourself and your home, as well as make your life more comfortable

The system of switches is also important. Probably everyone knows the feeling when you don't want to get out of bed to press the cherished key that puts out the light. Smart home will help with this. You can install devices on any control key, thanks to which it will be possible to do this remotely. In addition, you can adjust the brightness of the lighting and determine the number of included devices using dimmers directly from your mobile device.

In addition, the climate control system will provide the ability to monitor the degree of humidity and temperature by connecting 1-Wire sensors to the server. Thanks to this, comfort and coziness will be provided, regardless of the weather whims.

Related article:

Forced ventilation. Types and installation of mechanical ventilation systems

The device of mechanical systems. Equipment and installations for ventilation. Features of the installation of forced systems in the kitchen and toilet.

Thermal control is also an important feature. Its essence boils down to the fact that you can configure the operation of the batteries in such a way that they are turned off after the owners leave, and turned on a couple of hours before they return. This can significantly save both resources and money. True, it will be necessary to install special temperature sensors, but this will allow the rooms to be heated to the set temperature. In addition, absolutely any household appliances can be connected to the system.

The equipment responsible for heating must be connected to sensors that will transmit data to the controller. In addition, the following components come in handy:

The system is able to turn off the water in the event of a leak or if one of the residents forgets to turn on the tap

• expansion modules;
• thermocouple;
• relay blocks;
• display;
• adapters;
• waterproof thermometer.

The installation of all these devices is carried out in accordance with the scheme, then they are tested, after which the program code for the controller is created, taking into account the system capabilities.

Note! The presented diagram will make it possible to forget about the problem associated with the automation of heating. You can program the desired parameters yourself and then change them. The controller will read the sensor readings and control the boilers.

By giving "intelligence" to your own home, you can not only save money, but also give yourself comfort and safety. Now there will certainly be no reason to worry about leaving the children alone at home.

The climate control function allows you to maintain the desired temperature and humidity in the room

Smart home system for a country house: an overview

Many people are increasingly asking themselves how much a turnkey Smart Home system costs. And it is not surprising, because the comfort provided by this technology is rather difficult to compare with anything. This is the ability to automate lighting, heating, as well as any video monitoring data. A single Smart Home protocol can include the following functions:

• ventilation and lighting control;
• control of audio and video equipment;
• fire alarm and video monitoring system management;
• control of drives, sensors and prevention of emergency situations.

It is interesting! Most people do not even imagine how many daily tasks can be assigned to an automated system. For example, during departure, you can give the task to water plants or feed pets.

In addition, rooms can be air-conditioned in hot weather or heated in cold weather. Due to climate control, which is configured in accordance with the desires of a particular person, you can not only live in comfortable conditions, but also maintain them during his absence. This is especially true if there are animals or plants that require special care.

Smart home system can monitor the building inside and outside

The Smart Home system will provide the ability to control those objects that users indicate. Turn on the sauna by the time of arrival, fill the pool with water, boil the kettle before waking up, turn on the toaster - all this is not fiction, but quite real things that modern technology can do.

At the same time, all equipment is being monitored. In the event of a malfunction, it simply will not turn on, and the system will send a "distress signal" to the owner using a call or message. Thus, with regard to the Smart House system, the prices of ready-made systems are fully justified by their broadest and useful functionality.

Automation parameters are especially important in case of illegal entry into the house or into its territory. The inspectors will immediately report that a stranger has entered the house. The program can inform the owner, take a photo of the intruder, call the police, lock the doors and execute all the commands that are previously laid down. In addition, the video monitoring function will help fix thieves.

Note! A similar picture is observed in the case of a water or gas leak, as well as a fire. The sensors will help block the water supply in order to prevent flooding. In addition, they will automatically call the appropriate service and notify the owner of a problem.

In a modern country house, the system will become an irreplaceable assistant

Home automation is not only a guarantee of prestige and convenience. This system can be entrusted with many small things that can simply be forgotten: feed the fish, check the degree of humidity in the garden, water the lawn, ventilate the room.And, of course, it will provide the highest level of security that can hardly be achieved without the installation of the appropriate equipment. Thanks to the illumination of garden paths while driving, turning on the lighting at the time of entering the house and the ability to control the degree of illumination on the site, you can significantly save your family budget.

Today the possibilities of the presented technology are close to limitless. This is due to the emergence of more and more advanced technical means ready to help the owners of the house in order to provide them with all the necessary amenities and comfort.

Smart home system for an apartment: innovative standards of comfort

A feature of the Smart Home system in an apartment is that it is not just a control and interconnection of all communications and devices. This is a kind of mechanism that is able to independently recognize certain situations and react to them according to a predetermined algorithm. The possibilities of a smart home are truly wide, the main thing is to use them correctly.

When it comes to comparing the Smart home system for private property and an apartment, it is worth noting that there are certain differences. For example, if in houses the functions of an automated system are aimed at characteristic moments, for example, controlling garden lighting, perimeter security, watering the lawn and regulating the closing of garage doors, then for apartments this list is limited to the most demanded functions. These include:

For convenience, you can fully automate the ventilation and lighting systems in the apartment

• climate control;
• light regulation;
• closing doors remotely;
• multiroom;
• home theater.

The setting of the functioning of fans, air conditioners, underfloor heating is done in such a way that in each room you can set a certain temperature mode and maintain it by default. The process of turning on and off the equipment is carried out according to the schedule (depending on the degree of humidity and indicators of the presence sensors). There is also a control system for water heating devices.

Note! Thanks to the prescribed scenarios (morning, evening, office, cinema), the lamps are united into independent working groups.

The Smart House in the apartment controls absolutely all sources, both central and local, as well as additional lighting devices from a single device remotely.

The multi-room function allows you to control audio and video systems from anywhere in the apartment

The ability to remotely monitor the state of locks on the entrance doors is one of the most important advantages of the Smart Home system technology. The owners' reviews are indisputable confirmation of this. Thanks to her, you will not have to go back in a hurry or worry all day about whether the apartment is closed or not.

The multiroom system provides an opportunity to enjoy your favorite tracks anywhere in the apartment. From any room, you can give the player commands to turn on, turn off, adjust the volume, and select songs. The same goes for television signals and digital streams. For example, a call and an image that came from an intercom can be played on any of the devices within the apartment.

A home theater is a set of interconnected players, speakers, receivers, and projectors with automatic control.

Smart home in an apartment: an individual set of functions

If earlier we were talking about the functions that most owners of apartments with the Smart Home system prefer, then more individual characteristics will be described below. Their presence is related to the personal preferences of the owners.

The Smart Home system has a huge range of possibilities

Thanks to motion sensors, to which the lighting reacts, the light in the room can turn on when people are present and turn off when a person leaves.

It is interesting! The target object in the presence sensors is the person. The movement of animals is ignored by the program in order to save electricity.

The voice control function provides the ability to turn on the coffee machine, lighting, electric kettle, stereo system, as well as start the washing machine or close the blinds using a voice command.

Thanks to a special mode called "Vacation", you can significantly reduce your electricity consumption. At the same time, the Smart Home security system is relevant, which provides an imitation of the presence of the owners. It consists in the fact that in the rooms, in accordance with a given program, the lamps are switched on and off.

If desired, each family member can customize the system for themselves

In the ranking of the best Smart Home systems, the function of feeding four-legged family members and watering plants takes pride of place. The owners can formulate scenarios according to which irrigation will work at a certain time or depending on the degree of soil moisture. In addition, food will be supplied to the fish tank or cat feeder according to the daily schedule. This option is incredibly convenient, especially in the case of frequent and long absence of apartment owners.

The Who's Home mode is able to recognize which family member has come home by means of a key ID or smartphone ID. This activates a personal scenario prescribed for a specific person, for example, a coffee maker, a boiler in the bathroom, or a TV on your favorite channel is turned on.

The Smart Home system in apartments provides the ability to set the priority of loads, turn off irrelevant loads in the program mode in case of exceeding the electricity consumption limit.

As for the Smart Home system for an apartment, the price for its installation pays off quickly enough. The fact is that, on average, the amount in a receipt for utilities for a "smart" room, in comparison with non-automated housing, is several times less.

It is even possible to automate watering of plants and feeding of pets

It is interesting! The secret to saving lies in the rational configuration of devices that consume electricity. They switch to reduced power or turn off altogether when they are not needed, for example, at night or when the owners are not in the room.

The control application maintains detailed statistics on electricity consumption by individual devices and the apartment as a whole. At the same time, you can perform a comparison of indicators with the previous month and adjust the functioning of devices to minimize costs.

The Smart Home system, both in the conditions of suburban estates and in city apartments, is a modern technological solution. Even despite the relatively low cost, not a single person who has tried to live in such a house at least once will want to dismantle the Smart Home system, since this is a guarantee of comfort, high safety of households and saving the budget.