The term “smart home” today means the comprehensive introduction of high-tech devices into everyday life, which make it possible to ensure a high level of comfort for residents. A distinctive feature of systems of this type is the maximum automation of a number of processes with minimal human participation. In addition, one of the criteria for a "smart home" is the centralized control of all devices involved in the complex. The "smart home" system has a modular design and consists of functionally separated blocks with their full or partial integration into a single system. Each module is involved in the performance of strictly designated tasks, meanwhile, the blocks can interact with each other.

Possible modular content of the modern "smart home" system:

• Central control controller, which unites other components and ensures their interaction. Such a controller can be either an industrial solution in the form of a complete device, or a regular computer with the appropriate software.
  
• Climate system. Consists of control units for heating and ventilation, ensures the maintenance of a given microclimate in the room.
  
• Lighting and switching control energy consumers.
  
• STSO(complex of technical means of protection). It includes a fire and security alarm, a video surveillance system and modules for remote notification of the owner about alarm situations.
  
• Accounting, data collection and storage system. The tasks of the module include collecting information from metering devices, fixing various events and providing data for analysis in order to assess the effectiveness of the entire complex.
• Channels of connection. As data transmission channels, networks operating with the TCP / IP protocol in a wired or wireless version are used. Appropriate converters are used to integrate devices with specialized interfaces into a network.

Each of the modules described above can be implemented using various hardware and software. The most common and frequently used solutions are as follows:

Control

As a control controller of the "smart home" system, the use of a single-board computer of industrial design is most justified. Such computers are characterized by small size, low power consumption, absence of mechanical parts (fans, hard drives) and run on open source software. The number and type of available interfaces can in most cases be changed and supplemented.

It is logical that independent programming of such devices requires certain skills and knowledge. Access to the controller is carried out over the network, using the WEB interface or client applications. There are also ready-made solutions designed to manage the entire complex, and provide the user with a simple user-friendly interface for setting up.

To control the "smart home" it is convenient to use universal remotes that support the execution of macros - ordered sets of actions. Radio remotes in this case are more effective than IR remotes, as they allow you to control outside the direct line of sight of the IR receiver. A more modern control panel can be a smartphone with specialized software installed on it.

Climate

Climate control is implemented by evaluating the readings of temperature and humidity sensors. Based on the analysis of these data, automatic adjustment of heating, switching on or off of air conditioning, ventilation and humidification systems is carried out.

Lighting

It is implemented by installing light sensors, presence or combined. If necessary, the control controller allows you to control the lighting according to the schedule. When using dimmer devices, not only discrete, but also smooth adjustment of the brightness of light sources is possible.

Security and safety

The complex of security means may consist of several subsystems:

1. Security and fire alarm (OPS). Presence sensors are used as detecting devices, which react to the appearance in the controlled area of ​​infrared radiation inherent in the human body. To detect the opening of the door, magnetic contact sensors are installed. Fire safety is controlled by smoke, temperature and gas leakage sensors. Many modern fire and security alarm systems have a radio communication module that allows you to notify the owner using GSM or 3G networks. Often, an alarm system allows the connection of any electrical appliances through a dry relay, which allows you to block the lock, turn on the lights, turn on the siren, etc. on an alarm signal. Sometimes the alarm system includes a humidity sensor, which allows you to timely detect the fact of water leakage.

2. Access control system. It consists of an identification device, directly identifiers (electronic keys, radio tags, fingerprint), a blocking device (lock, barrier, automatic gate) and is designed to restrict access to a room or territory.

3. Video surveillance system. It is a complex consisting of video cameras and a device for processing and storing a video signal.

Accounting and data processing

In most cases, this functionality is implemented using the control controller using the appropriate software.

Connection

The transport channel, as a rule, is a local network made using wired or wireless technology. A router is used to manage the network, which allows you to control all network devices and provide protection from unauthorized access to each of them. Modern technologies of high-speed data transmission allow simultaneous use of the network for the exchange of information between computers, the transmission of IP-TV signals, telephony, and the operation of "smart home" components.

In addition to the above, smart home systems often use devices that do not interact with the entire complex. These can be devices for automatic cleaning (robot vacuum cleaners), automatic watering systems for plants, feeding pets, and much more. Despite the fact that such devices are autonomous, their integration with the system is quite possible by simply turning the power on or off by the control controller.

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What is Smart Home?

The rapid development of modern technologies in recent years has covered almost all areas of our lives. The private housing construction industry was no exception, where we can increasingly hear the concept of "smart home".

And if earlier it seemed like something from the science fiction section or an indicator of "fabulous" wealth and chic, now such a system is becoming really accessible.

System "smart house" (Smart House)- this is a whole network, a lot of devices and devices that interact with each other and are controlled remotely, or with the help of timing programs.

During the operation and operation of this system, safety and comfort are ensured in your home, as well as, which is important at the present time, control over the use of energy resources and optimization of their costs.

The modern "smart home" system, which is becoming more accessible and improving every year, has become an indispensable assistant to the owner of the house. It allows you to forget about small daily tasks, leaving more time for pleasant communication with your family.

Technologies and equipment

"Smart" lighting. It is no secret that for comfort and coziness in the house, as well as for creating a certain style of interior, it is lighting that takes on a big role.

The entire electrical network of the "smart home" is integrated into a single control system, which provides great opportunities for efficient use of electricity, as well as full automation of the process.

For example: the light itself turns on as soon as you cross the threshold of your house. And as you walk up the stairs, your path is illuminated by many small lights that light up as you approach. There can be thousands of such options and they are strictly individual in every house and every family.

Heating. Regardless of the type of system you use to heat your home (gas or electric), underfloor heating, it can also be combined into a "smart" one.

Now you can not only control the temperature in each room separately, but you can even do it remotely by sending the appropriate command from a computer or smartphone.

This allows you to significantly save money, since during your long absence it is possible to reduce the temperature and make it comfortable for you when you return home.

In the event of a system breakdown or gas leakage, the system automatically blocks operation and warns you about this in an accessible way.

Multiroom. In recent years, we are surrounded by more and more electrical appliances for various purposes and functionality, but they are all created with a single purpose: make our life easier and make it more comfortable. Can they be made even "smarter"?

It turns out that with this system, new opportunities open up for all electrical appliances in the house.

Hot coffee and a warm breakfast will be waiting for you by the time the morning alarm rings; as soon as you enter the house, your favorite radio wave will turn on, you will not miss the TV show that you are waiting for ... And there can be many such options.

Ensuring safety in the house. For any home, there are several threats that can be prevented with reliable protection.

A smart home monitors security not only by protecting the house from criminals, but also from natural disasters and force majeure inside the premises: video surveillance both outside and in the room itself, motion sensors, fire alarms, smoke, water, gas sensors, etc. d.

Moreover, if necessary, the system will take action to eliminate the danger or call the appropriate services.

An integrated smart home system is a complete automation of device control in all areas of a house, apartment or office. It allows you to manage both individual blocks and the whole. This can be pressing a button on the touch panel locally, and remote transmission of commands using a smartphone or tablet is also possible.

Various audio, light and video scenarios are pre-written in the program, thanks to which the controller works, that is, the brain of the Smart Home. This saves a lot of time for homeowners. It also excludes the possibility of emergency situations.

The smart home system allows you to set up various modes when the owners are at home, on vacation, receiving guests. The plot of the script is to create comfortable conditions for a person. This can be playing your favorite music, changing the temperature in the room, turning on the movie at a given time.

A smart home automatically turns off electrical appliances, puts them into sleep mode when there are no people. If necessary, the system allows you to switch the automatic control of the equipment to manual mode at any time.

Content

The very first system announced itself in 1961. It was very primitive when compared to modern technology. People in all eras of their existence tried to make their lives easier by improving various devices. This is how the idea of ​​remote control equipment was born.

Man has always strived for comfort. One of the first "intellectual" houses was the housing of the rich in America. They were equipped with various home appliances and electronics. Over time, they began to implement ideas for the combined management of all devices from one place. “Intellectual” buildings began to appear, reflecting complex solutions to the tasks set. The Smart Home system was built using structured cabling.

The official year of the emergence of the Smart Home is 1978. At the same time, the term Smart Home was born. American systems operated at a frequency of 60 Hz and a voltage of 110 V, so they did not take root in Russia.

One of the first features of smart automation was smooth lighting control. Initially, the idea was embodied with the help of dimmers (or dimmers). They allowed to dim the light in the room, reducing the illumination in it. This mode is convenient when watching movies and as a way to save power consumption.

With the development of new technologies, dimmers have been replaced by programmable controllers, which have assumed the role of automatic control not only of lighting, but also of other systems necessary for a comfortable stay of a person in a building.

Installing a smart home system is very popular. It controls the operation of all devices in the premises of the cottage or office. The control complex is built on the basis of sensors that monitor current parameters. Information from the sensors is fed to the control elements, which, according to a given program, give a command to the actuators and devices. Using the Internet, it is possible to remotely monitor all equipment in the building, as well as remotely control it.

The smart home can control the following:

• indoor and outdoor lighting, architectural lighting, advertising;
• ventilation, air conditioning;
• space heating (heat-insulated floor system, radiators);
• all types of alarm systems (security, fire, emergency);
• permission to enter the building;
• video surveillance (local and remote);
• distribution of video and audio signals (multi-room);
• heating of steps, stairs, paths and storm drains;
• alternative sources of electricity (diesel generators, batteries);
• energy consumption (distribution of loads by phases, limiting the excess of maximum loads);
• various pumps (drainage, sewerage, irrigation of the territory);
• entrance gates;
• roller shutters, curtains, blinds.

What are smart home systems

To implement the system, all equipment used must be compatible with each other. To this end, the Electronic Industries Alliance was formed to develop a single electronics standard. This decision allowed various companies to produce universal equipment used in the Smart Home.

Classification of systems according to the main criteria:

• centralized / decentralized;
• wired/wireless;
• with open/closed protocol.

Ready-made Smart Home systems help save time when managing various entertainment and engineering systems in the premises.

Centralized and decentralized home control - the number of modules and their work

Centralized Management represents one logical module. Its role is played by a programmable controller with a large number of outputs. An individual program is written for a specific object for such a computer. Based on this software, all engineering networks and actuating devices are managed.

The advantage of a centralized system is the ability to manage the entire building from one place and in a single interface. Using the central controller, you can create scenarios of various complexity, linking them to certain actions, seasons or days. This option allows you to connect a large number of different equipment. Companies such as AMX, Crestron, Z-Wave, Ectostroy, Bechoff specialize in this.

When a centralized system is set up, the performance of all equipment will depend on the controller and the program embedded in it. If the computer fails, then all the modules tied to it will cease to function. It is optimal to connect this complex through an uninterruptible power supply.

If you need to reprogram the Smart Home, and the programmer is not around, then the algorithm will have to be written again. Therefore, an important selection criterion is the selection of a reliable and high-quality controller.

decentralized system can also be called distributed. In this case, each element of the system (actuating device) is an independent microcontroller with a type of memory in which information is stored even in the event of a power failure. This factor increases the reliability of the complex as a whole. If any element fails, the entire system of the apartment or house continues to function further, with the exception of the “dropped out” link.

The decentralized system is reliable, with the ability to connect additional "smart" blocks to create special scenarios. On sale there is a wide range of panels for controlling devices, differing in functionality and design. The leading manufacturers in this area are: ABB, Scheider Electric, HDL, Berker, Gira, Vimar.

The disadvantages of the complex include a large number of equipment that complete the shield. It can periodically break down, which will entail material costs for replacement.

Use of conductors and wireless technologies

Wired Smart Home System It is built on the principle of transmitting all signals from control devices to execution units via an information bus. Such a bus can be special conductors or twisted pair.

The advantage of a wired system is its reliability due to the use of shielded conductors. This eliminates interference and interference in the network. Also, this data transmission system has a high response speed. When a particular command is given, there are no delays due to interference or other factors.

So, when organizing a wireless system, the command response may be delayed. A person by pressing the button again tries to achieve the operation of the device. There is a clogging of the information bus with duplicate signals, which can lead to the freezing of the entire complex.

To organize a wired Smart Home system, a diverse selection of control elements is offered, which are smart switches. Such mechanisms are multifunctional and have a stylish design. In such systems, it is easier to introduce any new element of multimedia or climate control.

The wired system is fireproof and has a long service life without revision. The disadvantages include the lack of mobility of the location of the switches. Also, the cable exit points to the control panels must be provided in advance.

High-quality installation of information networks is important for the reliable operation of the system. The organization of a Smart Home is possible only in new housing or at the beginning of repairs. With classical wiring laid, it will be technically impossible to organize the system.

Wireless system It is built on the principle of radio signal transmission from the main device (control panel) to the executive body. This solution allows you to reduce the number of wires laid in the room and the time for installing devices. Wireless equipment is very suitable for installation in a wooden house, where it is necessary to minimize the integrity of natural materials. The main manufacturers of this type are: Z-Wave, Berker, HDL, Zamel, Vitrum, Gira.

The advantage of such a complex is the possibility of installation in buildings with ready repairs and conventional wiring. Each wireless control panel communicates with other panels and can send commands to them. This interconnection of equipment allows you to create different lighting scenarios in different rooms.

Mobile control panels can be located in convenient places for owners. They are made of two types: built-in and laid on. The radio system does not require a special preliminary design. Therefore, such a Smart Home system is easily implemented with your own hands.

The operation of all "intelligent" devices depends on the quality of the radio signal. The disadvantage of the wireless complex is that many household electrical consumers cause interference to transmitted signals. Batteries will also need to be replaced regularly.

Wireless Smart Home is limited in functionality due to the instability of the transmitted signals. Therefore, the security of such a complex is lower, since there is the possibility of signal jamming by hackers.

Open/Closed Automation System Protocol

The protocol is a code system for the interconnection of all devices with each other, on the basis of which the Smart Home works. In Europe, the KNX protocol is considered the most popular. The advantage of this type is the interaction with the non-volatile memory of devices, as well as the independent operation of each device.

The KNX protocol is open. This data transfer standard is very popular. Therefore, there are no problems with the service of such a system if necessary. The products of many manufacturers work in this "language". It is tested for compatibility with each other.

The advantage of an open protocol is a large selection of devices with different designs or a suitable set of functions. The leading manufacturers are: KNX, Wago, Bechoff. Competition between manufacturers is increasingly causing the release of updated and improved models. The cost of such devices, with an open protocol, is higher than a closed one.

Due to the inflexibility of devices with open communication and their dependence on certain standards, new products began to appear on the market that operate on a closed proprietary protocol. This led to a reduction in the cost of manufacturing equipment and a simplification of the programming process. Many manufacturers began to have their own line of products that other firms do not manufacture. Equipment operating on a closed protocol is manufactured by: ABB, HDL, Vimar, Bticino.

Among the advantages of closed protocol technologies are non-standard interesting solutions at affordable prices, mobility in the market. The disadvantages include the factor of the buyer's dependence on one manufacturer.

What are the benefits of a smart home system? Is it worth buying?

Smart systems are becoming more and more popular and affordable. The market offers a large selection of multifunctional devices for home automation. Saving resources is manifested in their consumption only at the necessary moments when people are at home. In other cases, the system puts the house into an energy-saving mode. This is especially true for private housing and cottages with a large area.

A smart home can take care of pets too. According to a given program, it turns on the supply of food, water, adjusts the light in the aquarium or opens the doors for the animals to leave the house. You can watch your four-legged friends on your tablet. If there are animals in the house, it is advisable to organize a wired network by hiding all the wiring behind the walls. Control panels must be built in. This will protect the system from damage.

In the case of children, the Smart Home system will allow you to control their behavior in an apartment or house. You can restrict the inclusion of the TV and computer. Or provide access to the Internet if they meet certain conditions.

The most important advantage of the "intelligent" home is remote monitoring and control over housing. The system protects against intrusion by thieves. It is also a good way to prevent accidents. In a critical situation, you can turn off the water, turn off the power supply or transmit a fire signal. All notifications and warnings are sent as messages to the building owner.

The Smart Home system determines prices by its versatility. For the budget option, the main logical modules are purchased, and over time, additional ones are purchased, which will expand the capabilities of the complex.

Video about the smart home system

Miracle technology, how to make a budget smart home?

Too "smart" devices will limit people's freedom

Smart home systems shouldn't get too complicated, experts say. Making too much smart will limit the freedom of our lives, said Hans Alois Wieschmann, head of the Philips Research Center for Data and Artificial Intelligence. The main function of such devices is process automation, he believes.

Excessive complication of "smart home" systems poses a threat to human freedom. This opinion was expressed by the head of the Philips Research Center for Data and Artificial Intelligence Expertise Hans Alois Wieschmann. He was quoted in May 2019 by RNS.

According to him, it is necessary to fill the house with such devices carefully and metered. “In terms of devices for the home, we are working on them and making them smarter. However, we do not believe that installing sensors in every place in the house and in any device is the right way to develop,” the Philips expert emphasized.

2018

Hackers will mine with household appliances

Experts from the American analytical company Stratfor came to the conclusion that hackers will be able to use the "smart home" for cryptocurrency mining in the future, Izvestia reports in February 2018.

The danger threatens all devices included in the "smart home" system. Presumably, hackers will be able to mine through a direct attack or by infecting equipment with a virus.

"Hackers will be able to connect to any device, whether it's a lighting fixture or a dishwasher, giving hackers a central node to which they will direct their attack," said Scott Stewart, vice president of the company.

Also, analysts believe that hackers will be primarily interested in software assistants, since they have full access to the user's technology.

Some manufacturers

• InwiON - Wellink Technologies - Platform for remote control of residential and non-residential premises (control of electricity, household appliances, video surveillance with analytics function)
• Wiren Board 4 - Contactless - Universal controller with software for automating and monitoring sensors, meters. Platform for smart home devices
• EVIKA Logic Machine -Evika LLC - Platform for the implementation of integrated building automation systems

Before answering the question “how much does a smart home cost”, you need to not only decide what will be included in a particular scenario, but also decide on its manufacturer. The price of the finished system also depends on the company.

The "smart home" system is a software package that combines each device into one network, controlled by the program

Among the many options there are both budget and expensive devices.

Popular manufacturers, equipment

European, American and domestic companies received the greatest recognition in Russia. Among them:

• Schneider Electric (France);
• ABB (Switzerland);
• Gira and Merten (Germany);
• Vimar and Teleco (Italy);
• Crestron (USA);
• Amexis Group, SMARTOP, "Reasonable Home", "Smart Home" and many others - Russia.

The types of equipment with which control is carried out can be divided into two subgroups. These are the engineering and intellectual parts. The first includes everything that requires the constant receipt of commands for its proper functioning, that is, any device that needs to be controlled manually. It can be engineering communications.

The devices are controlled by modules, they can be placed in control panels or directly in front of the equipment

The second subgroup is aimed at managing the previous one. Each automatic unit, controller and sensor, and all such elements constitute the brain of the system, without which it will not work.

Equipment of the company "Reasonable House"

It is impossible to call "smart" separately installed automatic sensors that work independently of each other. Each controller must be tied to a common control panel, the access key to which is available to the owner of the house.

Smart home kit "Zipato"

Manufacturers offer a fairly large number of ready-made models that do not require additional programming and materials. Before purchasing a device, it is advisable to carefully study the market, familiarize yourself with the proposed capabilities and differences in equipment in terms of reliability, ease of use and price.

Possible types of control

Every detail of the finished system must meet the stated needs. In addition to high-quality functioning, device control should be simple and understandable. The three most common ways are:

• control via computer;
• control using sensors on the panel;
• control of equipment operation via smartphone.

Any of these methods is convenient in its own way in operation. To transmit commands, they mainly use online mode or radio signals. The wireless network allows you to get rid of a lot of cables, and in some models you can use the touch panel as a remote control. Mobility is a very important quality, not all systems assume its presence.

If you install a certain kind of software on a smartphone, then you can monitor the correct functioning and adjust the work from a distance. Approximately the same control is carried out through a computer or laptop - the program or the transition to the server of this model of "smart home" allows you to give commands to the main controller or to more local receivers, each of which is responsible for its own piece of equipment. Orders given from the smartphone do not violate the script.

PC control is convenient, but it depends on the availability of electricity and a stable Internet connection.

The ideal solution would be to combine all types of control into one by ordering a common control complex. The downside of such a decision will be the increased price for the implementation of the idea.

Ordering the selected turnkey model: what is the cost?

The price of a ready-made set of hardware and software varies depending on the initial data. The minimum cost of the system is several thousand rubles, the maximum is limited only by imagination. The total amount includes the following:

• the price of the equipment that will be used in a particular case;
• designing a "smart home" scenario - if this is not a ready-made model, then a certain amount will have to be paid for the individual selection of the capabilities of a smart device;
• mounting receivers and transmitters, cables (usually the presence of the latter allows the cheapest and easiest option with minimal features);
• installation of software, taking into account the chosen method of regulating the operation of the system.

Usually, another 20% is included in such an estimate for unforeseen expenses, albeit rarely, but arising during the installation of all elements of the device. Summarizing, we can say that the approximate cost of a particular model with a turnkey installation depends on the complexity of execution, the number of controlled mini-systems, and all of the above. In addition, the inconvenient location of engineering communications, which will make it difficult to mount the equipment, can additionally affect the price increase.

The cost of "Smart Home" consists of plug-in control modules. A system for a home or office center is best planned at the design stage

There are two options for getting a turnkey smart home: do it yourself or order from a company specializing in the manufacture of such devices. The Russian market offers quite a variety of models that will satisfy any need. You can find a suitable script for any budget.

The system may include simple heat and light controllers controlled from a computer, or it may consist of a huge number of various modules and sensors that regulate almost any area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe home, creating the most comfortable conditions with minimal participation of the owner.

Installation

Do-it-yourself installation on a turnkey basis can be overwhelming for an average person who is unfamiliar with the basics of programming. But this option will be much more economical and simpler, and with proper management will bear fruit.

1. Determining the tasks that a ready-made "smart home" should perform. If you do not want to contact specialists, you will need to carefully study all the possibilities offered by a Russian or foreign manufacturer. It is necessary to fully know all the capabilities of a properly installed system, and decide which of them will be put into practice.
2. Ideally, you need to choose the components for creating a "smart home" from one manufacturer whose products have been carefully studied and trustworthy. This is done so that there is no contradiction in the work of components from different companies, especially if we take into account the desire of each of them to add some kind of “zest” to their products.
3. After the manufacturer is determined, the necessary elements are purchased. There should also be one Russian supplier, this will help in replacing devices that for some reason turned out to be incompatible with the bulk.
4. Choosing the right system to manage. At this stage, most often they stop at two methods: the touch panel and the smartphone. The main indicators for the phone will be the price of outgoing SMS and calls, as well as the distance at which this operator guarantees the quality of services provided. You can choose one of the special tariff plans, with the help of which control over the operation of the system will be carried out.
5. Mounting, which involves the installation of elements according to the scheme supplied with the equipment, the launch of the necessary programs and the work in test mode until the turnkey is ready.

The installation of smart home systems must be entrusted to professionals, they must know the rules for installing low-voltage systems, refrigeration systems, electrical installation, heating, ventilation and all other connected utilities and equipment

The device requires careful installation and patience during the installation process. With the slightest uncertainty about a positive result, it will be the best decision to leave this work to professionals.