More than security

May 2011 Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection

Home automation can integrate security functionality.

Intruder alarm installers today face a highly competitive environment and a market not growing as fast as it could do. Intruder alarm integrators typically offer CCTVs, DVRs, access controls, automatic gates, intercoms as part of a total package. The intruder alarms available are not highly differentiated, all typically offering the same features and capabilities with little consumer brand recognition. As a result, price competition in established markets is fierce, as end-users know that any alarm installation company listed in the phone book is likely to be able to offer a similar system.

Cytech home automation systems provide an alternative and an additional source of revenue that is readily accessible to electrical engineers who have developed their interest in smart home technology and its intruder alarm capabilities.

A security system, or more accurately, an intruder alarm system is an essential part of most homes in most developed countries. Alarm systems typically have one or more keypads, magnetic sensors on external doors and windows and one or more motion sensors or passive infrared detectors (PIRs) within the house. When the alarm system is armed, any intrusion detected by the sensors causes the sounders to be activated, and perhaps the alarm monitoring company to be notified.

Many home owners install security systems to obtain the benefits of lower insurance rates. However the true benefits of home security far exceed any savings in insurance. When the alarm system is connected to a central home automation controller, or is part of a home automation system then an intelligent home becomes possible.

A basic means of integrating security with lighting is the signalling of events from the former to the latter. Most simple alarm systems have a few outputs that are triggered by say, an intruder alarm or the system being armed and disarmed. In this manner, the lights can be made to switch on in the event of an alarm or to switch off when the system is armed. In a practical home automation system, it is only necessary to control strategic lights so that they can respond to predefined events.

More sophisticated security systems are available that are well suited to act as the main controller in a home system or to communicate with another controller. Such systems have many programmable outputs as well as the ability to communicate via a serial interface like RS232 or Ethernet to lighting and other third party products. Events like the arming and disarming of the security system, movement in any zone, opening and closing of doors and windows and the occurrence of specific alarms like intruder, fire, and power failure can be linked to lighting and other subsystems in the home. This allows the security sensors to play a larger role in the intelligent home than just detecting intruders. Various sensors in the home include motion, doors, windows, temperature and light act as eyes and ears for the intelligent home.

Home automation is not just for the very rich, with full scene control of every lighting circuit, and entertainment systems with touchscreens in every room. It should be understood that it is not necessary to be able to control every light and appliance in the house, to have a practical home automation system.

Any reasonably sized house can be a candidate for automation. The key to practical and affordable automation is the integration of strategic appliances, lights, security and other subsystems in the home to create an intelligent home which provides comfort, convenience and energy savings for the occupants. I believe there is a large untapped opportunity to bring affordable home automation incorporating smart security systems to a much wider market.

See the video on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHS6zTFFLiM.





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Wireless security makes its mark
Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection
Alarms have always had a wireless component since the first monitoring control room was launched, but internally, homes and companies used to install cables to connect various sensors and devices to the control panel.

Read more...
Lock it down
OPTEX Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection
Securing wide outdoor areas presents several challenges that differ significantly from those faced in smaller, more confined environments, and choosing the right intrusion detection technology is the key to safeguarding these spaces.

Read more...
Smart, reliable detection in any conditions
OPTEX Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection
In its discussions with companies operating in South and Southern Africa’s detection and alerting technologies market, SMART Security Solutions spoke to OPTEX for more information on its solutions and technologies.

Read more...
The unseen barrier: AI and perimeter monitoring
Verifier Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection Surveillance AI & Data Analytics
Perimeters have been one of the most important security aspects since antiquity, but what does perimeter monitoring look like in the age of AI, CCTV, thermal detection and modern off-site surveillance?

Read more...
Surveillance on the perimeter
Axis Communications SA Hikvision South Africa Technews Publishing Editor's Choice Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection
Cameras have long been a feature in perimeter security, with varying reports of success and failure, often dependent on the cameras’ planning, installation and configuration, as well as their integration with other perimeter solutions and centralised management platforms.

Read more...
Directory of suppliers
Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection
The Directory of Product and Solution Suppliers for the alarm, intrusion, and perimeter markets includes details of companies that provide security and risk mitigation products, advice, and services to these verticals.

Read more...
Visual verification raises the security game
Technews Publishing Inhep Electronics Holdings Videofied SA Editor's Choice Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection
Incorporating alarm signals with live surveillance footage, visual verification enables a human observer in a control room (onsite or offsite) to gain a clear understanding of the situation, thereby facilitating informed decision-making.

Read more...
Two systems to enhance the efficacy of intrusion detection
Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection
The OPTEX RedScan Pro and RedScan mini-Pro sensors, as well as the company’s Fibre SenSys solution, are highly accurate intrusion detection systems that employ two very different yet powerful technologies, providing two types of intrusion detection solutions.

Read more...
From wireless alarms to smart homes
Elvey Security Technologies Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection Products & Solutions
The final brand SMART Security Solutions features in its discussions with companies operating in South and southern Africa’s detection and alerting technologies market is DSC, distributed in the region by Elvey Security Technologies.

Read more...
Hadeda-proof sensor technologies
Reditron Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection
SMART Security Solutions highlights Takex, represented locally by Reditron, speaking to Gordon Moore, Reditron’s National Sales Director, and Mark Crichton, Takex Channel Manager for South Africa.

Read more...