Just the Facts Maam
During the evening news, the weatherman comes on and tells us what the temperature is
outside. Hell tell us if its raining or snowing (even though we could look
out the window and see that), and hell probably show us pictures of what it looks
like outside based on their "live cameras." From there, hell forecast
what the weather is going to look like over the next week, maybe even the next two weeks.
This is all very nice and convenient, because it helps us plan what we may want to wear
to work. It helps us know that we should dress light if its going to be hot, dress
warm if its going to be cold, and he may also warn us that we should have our
umbrella ready just in case it rains. Isnt technology great?
Todd Littleton has become his own forecaster, thanks to technology. But
he doesnt forecast the weather outside; instead he keeps track of the weather
inside - inside the house that is. Todd is making full use of his ActiveHome hardware and software. He has his house
lights hooked up to motion sensors, and ActiveHome
Modules. He also has his heating and air-conditioning hooked up to the system. And
hes taken the process one step further.
"I have a web interface to the ActiveHome software," Todd
tells us, "that allows anyone in the house to load a browser and click on the room
of choice and it will provide them with household statistics." With this program,
the family can get anything they need. That includes the temperature in any particular
room, what lights are on or off, and it lets the viewers know if theres any
movement in the room (meaning someones in the room), which is measured by the
motion sensors.
But it also allows the user/family member to make changes in the rooms
as well. "It allows us to select and change the lighting in the room, or turn up
or down the heat," Todd told us. "Whats more, it allows us to keep
electrical costs down in the house. And the whole family is part of it." If Todd
wants to find out whos using the most electricity and for what, its as easy
as looking up on the computer and finding out which room is the warmest in the winter,
and coolest in the summer. He can also monitor whos using all the lights, and
which rooms are the most lived in. "This is all great information when youre
trying to keep costs down and not waste electricity."
What an interesting way to use the product. Its possible that we
could end this story by saying, "This inside weather report was brought to you by
Todd Littleton, and ActiveHome."
Note: some of the software applications and hardware required for the
described scenario are third party X10 compatible.
Send comments or feedback on this article to xzone@x10.com
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