UNIT 14 Technology
Warm up - Thinking about the Topic
Look at the images. Talk about them with your partner.
1 What is the English name for each item?
2 How are the items changing?
3 What will happen to the way the items work in the future?
Examples - The TV might show movies from the internet.
The fridge might be connected to the supermarket.
Beginning to Read
Scanning to Find Specific Words
Techno-wizardry in the Home
A
Techno-wizardry sounds like something for the future, but actually homes with advanced technological ability are already in existence. If you want a home that is not only convenie
nt but far safer than a conventional one, then a techno-savvy home is for you. A techno-savvy hou is basically a network of appliances, light switches and various assorted items which intercommunicate, so that the whole hou operates a lot more efficiently and smoothly.
B
Cutting edge technology is being integrated into homes everywhere. In simple terms, a techno-savvy hou has a 'brain'. Techno-savvy systems rely on a control panel, switches or a touch screen to access the desired function. The connections are made using cabling within walls, ceilings and under floors of the hou, or an internal wireless system or a combination of both of the.
C
In order for the system to meet the needs of the home's occupants, it should not be too complex; it must be both convenient and time saving. This means the architect, develope
r and home owner have to co-plan very carefully in order to achieve a truly integrated, easy-to-u system. An integrated hou system operates and manages all the electrical equipment in a home to increa comfort, flexibility, communication, safety and curity, and also to reduce energy consumption.
D
A techno-savvy home can have a tremendous impact on the occupants' lives. Many chores or jobs can be done more simply, as it allows all sorts of electronic gadgets and appliances to perform a variety of tasks. For example, an alarm clock can be programmed to nd a message to the coffee maker to begin brewing the morning coffee. In another example, the refrigerator can suggest what could be eaten as a snack bad on what it has inside. It then communicates with the microwave or oven to suggest a cooking time. It ems hard to believe that the types of refrigerators already exist. They can talk to the Internet and download recipes; they can even order new groceries as required, becau they are able to scan and log bar codes of food items taken from inside.
E
Although there are many smart appliances available on the market and many more becoming available, probably one of the first aspects that is fully automated in a home is the entertainment system. While it is not necessarily making the lives of the occupants easier or making them any safer, it is fun being able to change channels by speaking to the TV, and to u the Internet in conjunction with the television.
F
A techno-savvy hou can save energy by lowering the temperature tting and switching off appliances and lights that are not required. It can also manage heaters, the air conditioning and fans in such a way as to save energy. For example, if the outside temperature is only slightly more than the tting on the thermostat then a smart home will u fans instead of the air conditioner, which us a lot more energy. Also, if the television is not in u, then it will completely turn off the energy outlet, which also saves a small amount of energy. Over an extended period of time the actions can mean a con
siderable saving.
G
Being able to monitor curity from a central system makes the home a safe haven for all occupants. With a single push of a button an alarm system puts the entire home into curity mode. All the windows and doors clo and lock, and the curity systems are activated. Abnt owners can check their curity system via the Internet, due to hidden surveillance cameras around the hou which nd information. A further uful feature is that lights can be programmed to go on and off at random times when nobody is at home to make it look like somebody is there. This feature acts as a major deterrent to criminals.
H
In an emergency, people can panic and not react in the best possible manner, However, a techno-savvy hou can help here, For example at the time of a fire, the fire alarm would activate and the techno-savvy hou's 'brain' immediately calls the fire brigade. It
would also turn on the lights that lead to an exit and unlock all the windows and doors to make the escape route easier,
I
However, any techno-savvy home has a major vulnerability; it relies on a power supply. If this were to be interrupted, chaos would prevail. Being connected to a battery system is esntial, so there is a back up energy supply should there be a power cut. It is esntial, that safe entry and exit points to the home are always available. Provided the system is safe, it will save power and increa curity and pleasure for hou occupants of the future.
