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Smart Home Applications in FTB’s demonstration dwelling
The smart home applications in FTB's test dwelling are based on European Installation Bus (EIB).
Overview of EIB devices in the test dwelling
EIB structure and controls of the demonstration dwelling (FTB)
The EIB system of the demonstration dwelling comes with some different kinds of controls, sensors, actors and actor controlled devices:
- 21 pushbutton sensors
- a motion detector
- a Bluetooth adapter for communication with a PDA
- an intercom system
- a Castel BUTLER-system with microphone and telephone interface
- an infrared interface for the connection with a SiCare pilot system
- an infrared interface to the PC for the connection with a special wheel chair
These sensors and controls affect actors that again control 17 end devices which are also connected to the EIB:
- 5 fluorescent tubes
- 3 pair of spotlights
- an exterior light
- a door of flat
- a front door
- 2 window
- 4 jalousie openers
Sensors and operating devices
Pushbutton sensors
The function of the pushbuttons can be compared with the function of a normal electrical switch. When pushed a predefined action takes place. The difference to an electrical switch is a different, EIB specific command can be sent if it is pushed for a long or a short time or even if it is pushed in a certain rhythm. Some pushbuttons have a diode available so that the user gets the chance to know about the state of a controlled device.
Motion detector
The motion detector sends a specific command to an actor when the light is too dim and a motion is detected. It gives no special response to the user. It just sends its command and the specified action takes place.
Bluetooth adapter
Via the Bluetooth adapter it is possible to connect to the EIB system from a mobile device, e.g. PDA. The interaction with the user depends on the installed software.
"Castel BUTLER" System
Communication with the BUTLER system can take place via voice by telephone or headset. It does not need to learn the peculiarities of voice from a new user first. There are some predefined voice commands that the BUTLER can understand but it is also possible to define some individual commands. The system affirms a command by repeating it and asking if it should complete the task. After the confirmation of the command the task will be done.
The Picture shows the Castel BUTLER with headset and cellular phone
"SiCare Pilot"
The SiCare pilot connects via an infrared adapter to the EIB. That way it is possible to send voice commands by the pilot to the devices that are connected to the EIB. Unlike the BUTLER, the SiCare pilot just responds to a certain voice on which it was trained before. Like the BUTLER the pilot needs a confirmation of the given command by the user before the task will be accomplished.
The Picture shows the SiCare Pilot and IR adapter .
PC with visualisation software
The visualisation software shows the layout of the test dwelling to the user. Within this virtual environment the user can send a virtual environment on the monitor and the highlighted controllable devices. The user has some possibilities to send a command to the devices. Virtual devices can be clicked directly or associated buttons can be pressed to send commands to the physical devices. By changing the colour of the virtual device the user gets to know about the current state of the physical device.
The Picture shows the Visualisation software with lights switched off / on
Wheelchair with head control and infrared interface
The visualisation software can be controlled by different peripheral devices depending on the configuration of the PC. An electrical wheelchair is available which can be controlled by head movements of the user. It is also equipped with an infrared interface to communicate with a PC. As all typical mouse features can be emulated via the control (joystick) of the wheelchair a wheelchair user can control the devices connected to the EIB.
The Picture shows the Wheelchair with head control and infrared interface
The kitchen and the corridor
The sensors of the kitchen control fluorescent tubes, spotlights, a window and a lamp of a dining table by EIB. All illuminations of the dwelling can be switched off by a sensor of the corridor. Furthermore it is possible to switch on the lamps of the corridor, of the dining table as well as the fluorescent tubes, the spotlights, and the lamp of the sink in the kitchen. The regulation is managed by ten sensors, whereof only two sensors are located in the kitchen. All other sensors are placed in the corridor.
The living room
By the sensors of the living room fluorescent tubes, a jalousie and the exterior lighting are controllable via the EIB. The regulation is managed by two sensors within the room.
The bedroom
In the bedroom there are fluorescent tubes, spotlights, two jalousies and a window controllable via the EIB. Nine pushbutton sensors are available for the regulation in the room.
WC and bathroom
Two sensors in the WC and one in the bathroom control the fluorescent tubes of these rooms exclusively by the EIB.
The Internet Gateway
EIB to internet gateway of the demonstration dwelling
Last Updated at Wednesday, 20 February 2008