Today we control each device in the home
individually, whether it is the air conditioning or the telephone.
In the future these devices will be controlled by computer from anywhere
in the house. Additionally they will add new features. One
example of this is the refridgerator recently announced by Electrolux.
This refridgerator will be connected to the internet and be able to order
food to restock itself. Intelligent devices like this will become
everyday items.
Companies such as Microsoft and IBM are already selling
software packages that allow users to control lights, air conditioning
and other appliances from home computers. Software like this will
became a primary component of new appliances, and updates will be available
free over the internet to expand the abilities of the appliance.
Items such as stereos and lights will be controlled
in similar fashions. Many household items, such as lights, will not
have to be controlled, but will be automatically adjusted. Each person
will either carry a card on their person or will be detected by sensors.
The main household computer will then identify that person and access their
preferences. Lighting, music, pictures on the wall and temperature
will be adjusted accordingly. If information is not available on
the person, a standard set of preferences will be loaded and a new profile
will be created.
Profiles and appliances will be controlled through
displays throughout the home. We will no longer have to control devices
from different places in the house. These displays will be central
to controlling the home environment of the future. Further information
on topics discussed is found in the developments section under flat panel
displays, complete systems on a chip, and computer controlled appliances.
