You've probably heard the term "Smart Home." Sadly, this overused term can mean anything from a home with a Ethernet network, to truly automated living environments. I have tried to bring our new home as close to the latter as possible. Using a number of different home automation technologies, I have created a home that takes care of us, rather than the other way around.

Most of the technologies I will discuss will be self-explanatory, but one is important for you to understand before going any further. X-10 is a technology which transmits signals over a house's wiring system (the power outlets that exist in every home) to turn on lights and appliances. The signals can also be customized to run a macro (for example, a "we're going to bed" macro can turn off all lights, except for the bedroom, set the thermostat to 68 degrees and turn on the security system. [ More information on X-10 ]

Our entire house is equipped with X-10 outlets and wall switches. This means that I can turn on the outdoor lights, the bedroom fan as well as the pinball machine or Coke neon from anywhere in the house. I've also used the X-10 technology for a few customized automation features:

Voice control from anywhere in the world!

While all of the X-10 equipment can be turned on and off at the source or by using one of many remote controls scattered around the house, I can also speak out loud in my office, pick up any phone in the home, or even call the house to control any device using just my voice. Likewise, the system can alert me anywhere in the world if I have left the garage door open, as well as a variety of other things. (Check out the thermostat section for an audio sample.)

Mail sensor

As many of you probably know, I live for mail. One of the smallest, but most complex features in our home is the mail sensor. The light shown above was a cubicle "busy light," used to indicate that the occupant of the cubicle should not be disturbed. After having an engraver create the plastic MAIL sign and setting it up to turn on and off based on an X-10 command, I then had to wire the mailbox. I used an Infrared motion sensor in the mailbox, but then had to add a signal repeater onto our garage because the signal couldn't make it all the way back to the house. Now, when the mail arrives, the sign lights up and my computer says (out loud) "The mail has arrived at 3:15pm."

Whole-house Audio

When I wired the house for our home network, I also ran wires for audio. The picture, at left, shows an audio port. With HAL, I can change rooms and music by voice. For example "Play Sting in the Bedroom" or "Play the fifties music on the patio" will switch to the appropriate speaker system and play the correct genre or artist. Another unique feature is that if the phone rings, or someone comes to the door, HAL pauses the music and announces a call or visitor. -This is a great feature for when I'm listening to music in the shower. Audio locations: Master Bedroom Master Bathroom "Jungle" room The back patio (BBQ)

In addition, I added an audio panel (at left) in the master bathroom so that Nancola can adjust the volume, change music sources or mute the music with a touch of a button. The panel communicates to an IR panel that I installed in the ceiling of the bathroom.

Smart Thermostat

Thanks to a few hours of installation services from my father, I also have an X-10 thermostat. This way, I can call in and check the temperature of the house, or set it to heat up before we arrive home. When we leave, a touch on the control panel by the front or back door sets the heat back, as well as turning off all the lights and appliances in the house. When on "vacation mode," the house will call me with updates if the temperature in the house gets too cold. The best feature is that I can change the temperature in the house from bed, by "calling HAL" from my bedside phone. Listen to an interaction with my thermostat

Cameras

Initially designed as a front door monitor,  we have cameras throughout the house. I can see who's at the front door, check the guest room hallway or monitor the front room, if we have guests. One camera is portable, with a rechargeable battery pack, which will eventually act as a baby monitor. Someday, I might put these up as "Web cams" that you'll be able to monitor as well.

Wireless Internet

Since the Internet is such an important part of my life, the entire house is set up for 802.11b wireless connectivity (thanks to my friend Kuldip, who played tech advisor!). We have a desktop system, two wireless laptops and two PDAs that are equipped for file/print sharing and wireless communication with each other, as well as the Internet. Guests to our home are provided with wireless iPAQs to check their E-mail and surf the Internet.

The Phone System

Being a true "phone person," our house has a fully-integrated telecommunications and intercom system. When a call comes in, the phone number is announced throughout the house and the caller's name and number is displayed on our living room TV (see photo). For frequent callers, I have customized announcements, usually in their own voice.  People who block Caller ID are requested to introduce themselves with a 5-second message. Needless to say, this has cut our phone solicitations to less than 1 every 6 months! Hear an announced call Also, later on I added a feature so that the bedroom phone does not ring until after we awake.

Keyless everything!

Just as it needs high-tech wall switches, a smart home also needs high-tech locks. All exterior doors and the garage can be opened using the right remote in the picture. The black button locks and unlocks the front door and the grey button at the other end opens and closes the garage door. The left remote in the picture provides keyless entry to my vehicle, as well as remote start and acting as a pager, should someone attempt to break into the car.  Wireless keys allow us to let our family members in the house without leaving bed, or if we're still getting ready

Additional cool features:

• When I awake, HAL greets me with "Good morning Dan" and then announces the weather forecast for the day and the current prices of each of the stocks I invest in.
   
• When a visitor arrives, the light turns on and the computer announces "Someone has arrived at the front door."
   
• A sensor automatically turns off the speakers in the bathroom when I leave it after a shower.
   
• Phone calls and visitors are announced in the back bathroom if I'm in the shower.
   
• Another sensor on the garage door, alerts me if it has been left open. If it is not closed in 10 minutes, an SMS is sent to my cell phone in case I left it open while running errands.
   
• The bedroom phone automatically turns off the ringer in the late night and early hours.
   
• When any phone is picked up in the house, either to make or receive a call, the music is muted.