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REAL ESTATE VIEWS - BEVERLY HILLS COURIER MAY 9,2003

Houses which utilize computer technology (artificial intelligence) to enable various devices and systems to have automatic functions are known as "smart houses." These houses are capable of being remotely controlled through the internet as well as on remote devices and represent a growing trend in home design.
Smar1 houses are equipped to automatically control. security systems as well as opening and closing skylights, regulating heating and air conditioning, cooking and other oven functions, activating entertainment systems, light switches and a host of monitoring functions.

There is a growing trend for a homeowner's smart house to be capable of being accessed privately on the internet so that a person can monitor and control all of the functions either from a central control panel at home, through the internet, or through telephone lines. Personal digital assistants (PDA) will likely play a major role in performing remote-computer functions. Theoretically, many of the home functions could be remotely controlled from anywhere in the world.

Literally all smart houses are utilizing advanced security systems. These include motion-sensing devices, integrated telephone electronic security systems which allow people to remotely monitor and change their security codes or disable or activate their alarms from distant locations. Just think, your plumber calls you to say he's at your house and ready to go to work, and you simply press a button to permit access. Wow!
What about the potential to learn from these "smart" devices? Within the next several years the world of virtual reality (holograms) will enter our homes and provide us with instant learning opportunities. Your child's virtual math tutor will be right there in the house. No travel time to the school or university. How about taking a ride on a roller coaster without ever leaving your living room?

The smart house can be especially helpful for elderly owners with disabilities who are not mobile or who have to be monitored from a remote location. Sensors of all kinds may be utilized to enable caregivers to monitor their activities as well as provide security devices, food

preparation and a host of other activities, all by either remote control or through the internet. "Smart" home devices allow seniors to be confident and comfortable and truly represent a breakthrough in their care. If they need more sun they merely press a button to automatically open the blinds; if they need to open the refrigerator they can do so at the touch of a button or over the Internet.

Sooner than later, "smart" devices will be able to monitor a person's vital functions and functions of specific organs and automatically transfer data in real time to caregivers and medical personnel. It can save lives and give us a better life in so doing. If loved ones need these monitoring and alarm functions, they are just around the corner.

Hooray for the "smart house" and all of its potential for enabling us to live better lives.
Jan Eric Horn is a real estate agent and the Executive Director of Coldwell Banker’s Architectural Division, and has specialized in selling architect-designed houses for the past 21 years. He is a featured speaker on architecture at museums, universities, seminars and radio and television A member of the Board of Directors of the Beverly Hills Architectural Conservancy, he lives in Beverly Hills and works in the Coldwell Banker Beverly Hills South office on Canon Drive. He can be reached at 310-442-8079.

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