SMART HOME
STANDARDISATION AND THE USER EXPERIENCE From a technological perspective, “central intelligence” is the most promising approach: A “digital butler” has the knowledge about the devices and the different communication channels inside the house. “He” manages to connect different devices with different networks, supporting device-independent solutions. In principle, the exchange of one device will not change anything from the users’ perspective. Systems are being developed in various countries on a national scope; in Germany, for instance, a partner network recently developed a technological standard called SerCho9 – a software-based module toolbox to integrate devices into a manufacturer-independent network. Obviously, the hardware device that connects all the other devices inside a building with the outside world (currently known as “the Router” and “the Internet”) has the potential to fulfil this task as well. A leading networking hardware provider, Cisco recently released CloudConnect10, a service that gives users “anytime, anywhere access to their home network” as a basis for further connected living scenarios. There will be no universal, international standard for Smart Home solutions in the near future. Therefore, from a user perspective, the most important factor is device interoperability and usability. Large technology companies that offer a wide range of consumer devices for the digital lifestyle tend to create “closed” eco-systems wherein their devices interoperate very well while “foreign” devices are excluded. Such closed eco-systems of single suppliers in the Smart Home subsector will almost certainly become obsolete and replaced by open platforms for multiple devices, creating eco-systems to connect people, devices, their homes and cars in seamless, “ubiquitous” scenarios.
Fall detection: floor surfaces equipped with sensors and digital communication are able to help ensure the safety of elderly residents by registering and reporting falls. SensFloor; Future-Shape GmbH
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