Home Automation with Linux
Original: "Home Automation with Linux"

Home automation may seem a science fiction dream, but, in reality, it is not only quite ordinary, but it is relatively simple, if it started with Linux.

In the simplest case of intelligent control of household appliances and utilities begins with wired and wireless modules and relays that utilize plug-and-play, which can easily interact with a small home server, responsible for the implementation of actions on schedule and monitor. In the most complex version of the home automation can include the controls of the environment, home security systems and many other things that, no matter what they are called, are important for business, as well as to maintain normal living conditions.

The most common purpose is a home automation lighting control and monitoring of the environment (space heating and air conditioning). Both these problems can be resolved in accordance with the schedule drawn up in advance on / off devices, or in accordance with the data coming from sensors light or temperature, and can be programmed so that will be addressed in different ways, depending on time of day, days, weeks or the season. The composition of home automation systems can also include a tracking system, including lighting in response to the reaction of motion sensors, sensors placed on the doors / windows and surveillance cameras, that in case of a broken window will include coverage in addition to calling the police and other standard operations , securing housing.

Increasingly, fans of home cinema use means of automatic control of lighting and other appliances where there is watching movies. In most audio / video receivers, home theater projectors and motorized projection screens have the ability to control the serial port that allows you to easily connect them in a single system along with other home automation devices. Moreover, almost any household electrical device - from sprinkler installation to elektropodemnika and blinds - can be remotely controlled and, therefore, can be controlled by a computer, part of the home automation system. The only drawback - get the modules to which the device will be connected to an automatic service, and to find a program with which to manage the device.
Standards

At the heart of any home automation system is the communication standard, under which the exchange of messages between system components. In the home automation industry, there are several standards, some of them - proprietary, and some - the open, some are only one manufacturer of systems, and some - many. In the oldest standards for transmitting the control signal is used as a rule, the electricity supply, but the newer systems use solely or radio, or a combination of radio and power supply.

Standard X10 is the simplest of the well-known standards, it is an open standard and uses a network of supply. Although he has a top speed of signal transmission, only 20 bits per second, low-cost components makes it a popular choice, especially for beginners in this field. X10 standard was established in 1975, but there is a newer standard called INSTEON, which is backward compatible with X10. Transmission rate control signal in the new standard is much higher, there is a built-in error detection and retransmission of the signal, and is used to transfer the hybrid channel - radio and network power. However, unlike the X10, INSTEON specifications are patented and are only used by its developers - by Smarthome Technology.