Adapt HomeControl
 - system description

Adapt HomeControl (AHC) connects any controllable electronic devices in a property together in one system, so that the user may control lighting, heating, curtains/blinds, AV equipment, security/alarm, gas fireplace etc, from one or more uniform control panels.

The system is an Ethernet based control-system consisting of a proprietary microcontroller within a component called AHC3000. This controller has a series of various inputs and outputs that connect to external equipment for controlling purposes or for feedback information to AHC (i.e.. temperature).

AHC utilises standard components that are tested and stable. Examples include UMPC’s (Ultra Mobile PC’s), wall-mountable PC’s, Lighting systems such as Lutron, EIB, Moeller X-comfort, audio/video equipment (ELAN, Linn, Marantz, Philips, Pioneer, Sony, etc.) and most well known devices for data networks.

All logic and signals to external devices lie in the controller. This means that the system will still operate if the user interfaces are switched off or fail. It is possible to reprogram logic, user interface and graphics remotely over the Internet.

AHC is developed by Adapt AS and produced in Norway. Adapt works continuously to further develop and improve the system. If you have special requirements beyond our standard solutions, we will be happy to look into customization.

What does AHC do?

Audio/video equipment, lighting control systems and cameras are just a few of many devices that can be connected to AHC. More examples include other controllable units such as blinds, garage doors, garden irrigation systems. You can create scenarios that involve different components in different contexts, but are easy for the family to use in their daily routine.

The user can set up time settings so that the system performs pre-programmed operations (macros) on given days and times.

If planned at an early stage (for cabling purposes), AHC can be programmed to check that entrance doors and windows are locked and that the cooker and coffee maker are switched off.

In addition to controlling the house from wired and wireless control panels, AHC can be controlled via the Internet and SMS. The system can even send warnings via email and SMS if it senses a break-in or a fire.

AHC is programmed using an Adapt developed program called AHC Studio. Using AHC Studio is simple, utilising a drag-and-drop system. “Objects” are dragged into the work area, and links are made between them in order to perform any particular function. An object can for example be a lamp that is to be switched on or off by other objects. Some of these objects may be connected to a user interface (wall-panel), where the user can activate an event in the system. This wall panel runs on a PC in the form of a panel PC, Ultra Mobile PC, laptop or stationary PC. The GUI (Generual User Interface) is created in Macromedia Flash, which is a standard and popular vector animation tool amongst web-designers. A web-designer could therefore create a custom GUI for customers who want something completely customised. A user interface design can contain an unlimited number of pages.

Symbols are easy for everyone to understand. AHC standard symbols can be replaced and/or moved around. Colours and fonts can be changed. Background pictures and other aspects of the display can also be changed.

In addition to control, the system contains messaging solutions. For example when children come home from school before their mother and father, or go out to a friend’s house, they can press a button to send a predefined email to their parents about what they are doing.

Likewise emails can be sent home to the children. Thus the solution acts as a general and unified message centre. A virtual message board can be used by the family to “stick” virtual yellow labels, both when at home or at the office.

Other examples of information include looking up market/stock prices and surfing the internet.

How does AHC work?

AHC is connected to the home data (IP) network and to the devices that are to be controlled. One or more user panels will be connected to the data network, either wired or wireless.

The controller contains a control profile that is created in cooperation with the customer (AHC Studio is used for this)

User panels are set up using a Flash interface created in co-operation with the customer. This flash file is saved on Adapt’s internal web server.

AHC communicates with the user interfaces through the house’s data network and with the web server on the Internet. For example, every time the temperature changes, it is automatically sent to all the user interfaces and to the web server, thus making it possible to see the temperature over the Internet.

The system takes the initiative to communicate with the web server at set intervals making it unnecessary to open the firewall to the Internet. This increases security of the user’s network.

AHC3000 can:

• control 8 devices via IR, 2 via serial RS232, connects 7 temperature sensors, 12 relays, accept 5 digital control signals from other devices (on/off, contact closures) and control additional devices through “socket objects” over Ethernet.

• send and receive mail, for example warnings or alarms.

• contain up to 100 timers and 200 delays which are used to create functions in the future . For example, turn on the heating at a given time or switch off a light after a given period.

• save a large number of scenarios that can later be activated. It can also be taught by the user to remember sequences of events (macros).

If more inputs/outputs are required than the available ports, one or more units can act as slaves, to the master unit, still part of the same system.

If AHC is employed in more than one physical location (for example at home and at the summer cottage), then it is possible to control everything via one unified user interface.

The use of AHC3000 is described here for use in a private home. It can just as well be used at an office, block of flats, a ski/summer resort, or for control of an entire hotel.

Adapt is continuously working to develop new possibilities and create libraries to communicate with more devices.

 Please contact us for more information
and a demonstration.