In contrast to standard computerized homes that can be programmed to perform various functions, the crux of our project is to develop a home that essentially programs itself by observing the lifestyle and desires of the inhabitants, and learning to anticipate and accommodate their needs. The system we have developed controls basic residential comfort systems -- HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), water heater, and interior lighting. The system monitors the environment, observes the actions taken by occupants (e.g., turning up the thermostat; turning on a particular configuration of lights), and it attempts to infer patterns in the environment that predict these actions. If the actions can be reliably anticipated, the system can perform the actions automatically, freeing the occupants from manual control of the home. A secondary consideration of the system is to conserve energy resources, when possible.

http://www.cs.colorado.edu/~mozer/nnh/

last updated 12.24.2004 by administrator