Environmental Control Units: Combining Home Automation and Assistive Technology

["aeo27455" <aeolius@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

   While our new home was being constructed to allow easier access for
my son's
wheelchair, I began to investigate other means and technologies that would
improve his
quality of life. Currently proficient with an Apple MacBook Pro, Josh is
familiar with the
Macintosh Platform. Therefore, in my quest for a "smart home"
solution, I called several
home automation companies in my area. Most replied with the typical
"appliance
salesman" response, offering an embedded Crestron (appliance control)
and Lutron
(lighting control) solution. Another specialized solely in HAI systems, an
expensive
proprietary solution combining both lighting and appliance control. None
seemed to offer
the "Think Different" approach that I was looking for. None
offered a package that
included proven assistive technologies.

I looked at Mac OS X, the current Operating System for the Macintosh, and
the more
feature-laden Mac OS Server. Containing a wealth of Accessibility
Solutions, such as
Speech Recognition and VoiceOver, an audible interface for those with
visual impairments,
Mac OS X seemed the perfect solution for Josh's needs, yet none of the Home
Automation
bids I received took advantage of Apple's operating system.

Using the Macintosh OS and accompanying hardware such as the Mac Pro or
Xserve, I
can establish a wireless network throughout the home, using a combination
of the Airport
Extreme Base Station coupled with several Airport Express modules to expand
the range of
the wireless network. The newest base stations support the 802.11n draft
standard and
allow the connection of a shared hard drive and printer. This would allow
Josh to use a
laptop computer, such as the MacBook Pro, anywhere within the house.
Macintosh OS X
also includes Bonjour, a messaging program that would allow all networked
computers in
the home to connect with one another for intercom-like functionality. For
outdoor use, a
more robust solution, such as the D-Link DWL-7700AP Wireless Outdoor Access
Point,
could be coupled with the Airport Extreme Base Station.

In addition to Mac OS X, there are several software applications, which
would improve
Josh's independence, within the house. Indigo 2.0, a home control server,
would allow Josh
to remotely control lights, fans, appliances, and other devices, using his
MacBook Pro. This
software interfaces with both INSTEON and X10 compatible devices, including
PowerLinc
interfaces. In essence, I could replace a wall switch or electrical outlet
with a PowerLinc
device, which would utilize the home's existing wiring and only require the
services of an
electrician, to give Josh control of turning on his own lights, closing his
blinds, and other
typical daily activities.

To assist Josh with his leisure time, I have looked at the Kaleidescape
Movie Server
System, which would allow Josh to access numerous DVDs without having to
physically
handle the discs. For a shared audio solution, Apple's iTunes application,
part of Mac OS X,
will link the music libraries of each networked Macintosh in the house and
play the music
through speakers connected to Airport Express modules. Apple has also
announced the
Apple TV, a device that will connect to a standard television and transfer
media, such as
music, movies, and pictures, from a nearby Macintosh.

Should a fire or similar emergency arise, I would equip the home with a
limited
arrangement of automatic doors. For external doors, I would use two Open
Sesame door
units, each equipped with parallel mounts for wide-opening doors, and an
electric strike
plate. These could be controlled either from an external keypad, interior
pushpad, or X10
computer interface. As Josh's room contains two pocket doors, one leading
into the body
of the room and another leading into the bathroom, I would use two
Gentleman Sliding
Door Operators, a pneumatic device requiring the use of an external air
compressor. This
same device can be configured to open Josh's windows and is X10 compatible,
accessible
using his MacBook Pro and Indigo software.

For an additional measure of security, network security cameras, such as
the Toshiba IK-
WB11A or Panasonic BL-C30A, could be installed, both inside the home and
outdoors.
These would be accessed from Josh's iBook using an application called
SecuritySpy.

To access Indigo, SecuritySpy, Bonjour, or Mac OS X in locations not
equipped with a
computer workstation, a touch screen wall panel can be created by combining
a Xenarc
700TS with a Mac Mini, a solution far lest costly than similar touch screen
offerings from
HAI and comparable home automation companies.

Should voice recognition within Mac OS X prove unreliable, there are other
options, such
as the AVSI Mastervoice Series II, a voice-activated home automation system
compatible
with X10.

As our new home is being constructed on a 20-acre farm, I have investigated
several
options that would allow Josh to participate in both daily chores and
leisure activities.
Using a hardware interface such as the LabJack U3 USB based multifunction
data
acquisition and control device, coupled with an automated feeder like the
Agpro Pro
Feeder, Josh would be able to use Indigo to feed our horses, goats, pigs,
alpacas, and
dogs. Using the Rain8 X10 Sprinkler Controller, he would be able to refill
their water bowls
as well. A LabJack might also allow Josh to monitor and maintain our indoor
aquariums or
an outdoor koi pond, using an application called Maquarium.

I know I do not posses the knowledge or time necessary, on my own, to
create an
Environmental Control Unit (ECU) for Joshua. I lack the experience and
resources to
properly wire the system and use Mac OS X to concoct appropriate
AppleScript/Automator
routines, devise widgets, and troubleshoot. There is one local company,
Softwired
Systems, which has expressed an interest in helping to establish the
backbone of a
Macintosh-based home network capable of serving as an ECU, while a
Seattle-based
company, Hubbell Automation, Has experience with Indigo and other home
automation
solutions. The Open Sesame Doors and Gentleman Doors must be purchased
through
GSTS Designs in Madison, NC.