Appliance Control is the generic term applied to the control of household systems to make our environments more comfortable. These systems include:
- Refridgerators
- Ovens
- Microwaves
- Washers
- Dishwashers
- Clothes Dryers
- Jacuzzi and Pool Pumps
- HVAC Systems
- Lighting Control
- Stove Tops
- Security Systems
- Home Entertainment Devices
- Home Networking
- Home Computers
These household systems can be mapped roughly into two classes. The first elements on the list represent devices which must turn a motor, measure temperature, control temperature, provide a user interface, measure sensors and perform other operator or network requested functions. In the future, this will also include power management connected to the power grid.
The second class of items, towards the end of the list, generally need communications, control and user interface functions but don't require motor control the same way. In some cases though, motor control is still required - the case where the lighting control system uses existing lighting and manages shades automatically for example. In either case, there is a great deal of common functionality and therefore common hardware and software. Appliance Control is the sum of all this capability in both hardware and software.
