Automated System Feature Explanations - Continued

This explains the completely automated features of your Home Automation Control System.

Entrance Monitoring
Your system can make an audio announcement through the audio subsystem and turn on entry lights after dark when a visitor approaches the residence entrances. In addition, the picture from your video security and gate cameras can automatically appear on television sets and video capable touch screens when a guest arrives at any entrance.

Replacement Smart Stat
This "smart" thermostat has communications capabilities. It is used on smaller systems where a full Climate control system is not being used.

Video Security Monitoring
You may view on your touch screens the picture from any of the video security monitoring cameras on your property. You may also view the cameras four at a time or sequentially if you should so desire. Cameras can be fixed position cameras or can have pan, tilt, and zoom functions. Control of the pan, tilt, and zoom functions can be done from a touch screen or handheld remote control.

Optionally, equipment can be installed to allow you to view your cameras from a remote location using regular telephone lines. This would allow you to look in on your property from any location with similar equipment and view any camera image.

Vehicle Identification
This is the processor that reads the signal from the active driveway loop detector mentioned in driveway monitoring.

Spoken Security Responses
Your system can issue spoken and visual screen messages to alert you and provide the intruder's location ("An intrusion has occurred in the Great room"). When an intruder is detected, the system can speak to inform him that he has been detected ("You have been detected and the police have been alerted"). The system can alternate between telling the intruder he has been detected and notifying you where the intrusion has occurred, until the security subsystem is reset. If a fire is detected, the system can tell you the location of the fire ("A fire has been detected in the east basement")

Power Control
Your system can control power to dangerous devices such as power tools, outlets for irons and blow dryers, and other high current, high voltage devices. The system can automatically turn off power to these devices on a time schedule, when the residence is unoccupied, or by a passcode to prevent unauthorized users from accessing dangerous equipment. This is especially well suited for workshops, and to prevent the "did I leave the iron plugged in?" question halfway to a show or meeting. The control system would control a low voltage signal to a Square-D low voltage controlled circuit breaker. These need to be installed by a licensed electrician.

Automated Show Start
You can have your theater automated in such a way that when you sit in your seat the show would automatically start, with no input from you other than sitting down.

Electronic Door Locks
Your system controller can lock doors for you automatically when you leave the residence or when you retire for the night. Your door locks can be controlled in groups or individually by any telephone in the residence or remotely should you desire it. This feature can allow you to answer the any door from any telephone in the residence and unlock the door to allow entry.

Driveway Monitoring
Your control system can detect a car as it enters, or leaves your driveway and can announce through the audio subsystem its arrival or departure. In addition, your system can turn on exterior lights at night and activate the gate entry camera.

Optionally, up to sixteen vehicles can be automatically identified to allow automatic activation of entry gate operators, garage doors, or even to allow the residence to have the proper music, lighting, and temperature set upon your arrival (home mode for Bob, or home mode for Rachel) naturally, if the residence is already occupied this feature will be overridden. Entry time and identification of vehicles can be logged as well.

Automatic Vehicle Starting
As an option your vehicles can have remote starters installed in them. This will allow you start your vehicles without being near them or to warm them up on a cold day before entering them. If you should start your vehicles while they are still one of the garages, the control system will automatically open the proper garage door to prevent the build up of dangerous carbon monoxide.

Security Lighting
You can have extremely bright security lighting set to come on when you wish it or when your security system detects an intruder.

Automated Exterior Lighting
Your exterior lighting can be automated to come on at a low level at dusk and come to full brightness when your building is approached, then return to low level safety lighting again after a short time period.

Pathway Lighting
Your control system can monitor the stairways and hallways of your home and automatically turn on dimmed pathway lighting at night to prevent you or your guests from tripping on an unseen item or falling on unfamiliar stairs. In addition the system can monitor approaches to the bathrooms and slowly brighten the lights to a low level so that night vision is unimpaired. If you desire, dedicated buttons can be programmed to light specific pathways and sequences of lights. Many clients have a button to provide sequenced pathway lighting for "midnight snacks".

Pool Safety Monitoring
The control system can include pool safety monitoring. When this feature is activated (automatically when the security system is armed), your system will provide a spoken warning over the inside and outside audio zones if somebody accidentally enters your pool area. If the entry should occur when the residence is unoccupied the security system can notify the proper authorities.