We propose to implement a home automation system that will process data from
various types of sensors and other input mechanisms and user-programmable
event schedules to adjust and customize the home environment. Using sensors
such as motion, light, video, and audio, this system will create a
comfortable and safe atmosphere.
Our system will require level-sensitive light sensors to control the
luminosity of a given light according to the ambient light in a room. For
instance, as the sun sets in one room, the lights will gradually brighten to
maintain a constant light level.
Depending on currently-available hardware voice recognition systems, we
would also like to incorporate voice commands. Furthermore, using such
hardware, we could recognize the user's voice to customize a room's
environment according to that person's preset preferences, including light
level, background music, and temperature levels.
The system will also have a video surveillance subsystem. Incoming images
will be processed and displayed according to the input source allowing the
system to respond to the occupant's motion and path. For instance, as the
system will know the layout of the home along with the cameras' locations,
it could ascertain the user's trajectory and turn on, say, the kitchen
lights if the user seems to be heading towards the kitchen, or,
alternatively, the bathroom lights if she is heading in the opposite
direction.
Additionally, the system will have an intuitive user interface, possibly via
a touch screen, which will enable the user to program various events that
will occur in response to certain actions. In fact, all of the system's
functionality will be programmable via the user interface. For instance, the
scope of parameters will range from the timing and intensity of lights and
volume of music on a per-user basis.
Finally, the system will have a status monitor that indicates the state of
each room and sensor, and can display video from the surveillance cameras.
N.b. We realize that implementing this entire project is an ambitious goal,
and understand that we may not be able to complete it all in five weeks.
However, we believe that we can design the system in such a way that we can
add additional functionality as time permits.