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⊗5Using Distributed Computing to Automate a Home⊗*


⊗2a few stray thoughts, by Doug Lenat⊗*


.END


Here  are   my  ideas  for   how  a   moderately  large  network   of
microcomputers  might be utilized in  a private dwelling.   The basic
idea is to  place a microcomputer or  two in each  room, and to  have
them communicate via packet radio devices.

As  an  opening example  of  what  I'm  talking about,  consider  the
following  simple function:  turning lights on  and off.   Each local
computer would be responsible for turning on the  lights when someone
enetered its  room, and turning them  off when the  last person left.
Whenever someone  left  its  room, the  computer  would  broadcast  a
warning, and all the nearby microcomputers would  be on the alert for
someone  entering ⊗4their⊗*  area.   Instead  of just  checking every
couple seconds, they might  begin to scan the  room every tenth of  a
second, until somone enters or until another computer tells them that
he's intercepted  the person, or until a certain time limit (e.g., 30
seconds) expires.   In  case one  computer is  "down", its  neighbors
should  be able  to take  over its  work (how?   remember:  each door
connects ⊗4two⊗* rooms).

Some of the ideas I'm about to present are quite futuristic,  calling
for  cheap  LSI-PDP-10's  and  for  reasonable  speech  understanding
real-time abilities.  Others are quite do-able now, but might require
some expensive hardware (e.g., lots of little motors, sensors, etc.).
Some of  these may  be personally repellent  or dangerous  (e.g., the
house's  surveilance  ability), and  would require  careful fail-soft
planning.

Nevertheless, the whole design is worth considering, since:

.BN

(i)  Technology  is  advancing  fast  enough  that   devices  and  AI
techniques which  are on the horizon  now will be  developed within a
decade or two.

(ii) The cost of an upper-midlle-class house in 1986 will probably be
in the $70k  range, what's another  few thousand bucks for  all these
wonderful conveniences?

(iii)  Any features  which  the owner  dislikes can  be  "turned off"
temporarily or even disabled forever.

(iv) Although  this is  clearly  not an  `important problem'  in  any
sense, it is an inevitable encroachment and should be planned for and
thought  about.   It  is also  a cute  example  of the  usefulness of
distributed   computing,   of   packet   radio   communications,   of
microprocessor networks, etc.

.END

In addition to a common  set of functions (e.g., lights on/off), each
room's computer would have special  expertise relevant to that  room.
For example, the kitchen  computer would have control over  the oven,
would  have  sensors to  detect  smoke, etc;  the  front  door area's
computer would  judge  whether each  person  entering the  house  was
expected or an  intruder; the child's bedroom's  system would perform
some  of the activities of a babysitter, etc.   In addition to all of
these microporcessors,  there would  be  one or  two intelligent  CRT
terminals, at which the user could type in detailed requests. Perhaps
he would also have  (and wear) a small  radio transmitter, to  better
communicate withtthe  house.   Speech  understanding is  a much  more
natural mode of  communication (e.g., "Shut the windows!") and may be
feasible  at  the  time  that  the  first  such  house   is  actually
constructed.

Below, the  functions that would  be assumed by the  computer network
are grouped under a few headings for convenience.

λλ  Homeostatic functions: maintain temperature, fresh air, humidity,
light, etc.  These will  be under program control.  For  example, the
temperature  in a  room may  depend on  whether anyone  is in  it, or
whether anyone is ⊗4typically⊗* in it at a certain time, etc. Ability
to phone  for the weather  report, and  plan accordingly; ability  to
sense the eweather  outside and take appropriate actions (e.g., if it
starts puring, close the windows).   Optimize fuel usage.  This  will
be  acheived   by  the  obvious   kinds  of  sensors   and  motorized
ducts/switches.

λλ  Security  functions:  guard  the  integrity  of  the  house  from
intruders and natural  disasters.  Sensors  for unusual heat,  water,
electric  overloads, etc.   Good identification scheme,  with limited
provisions for emergency  entry by maintenance  personnel; e.g.,  use
retinagram for identification (each stranger must  peer into a little
tube  momentarily).   The  house  will also  have  the  capability of
directly phoning the  proper authority  in case of  an emergency  (as
well as  alerting any occupants).   Control  over locks on  doors and
windows.  Inside the house, there will  be emergency manual overrides
located near each  door and  window.  Any  single processor could  be
turned off, with little noticable change in the overall system.

λλ  Amusement  functions:  computer  games; video  recorder;  control
center for  stereo/tv/radio  etc.   Biofeedback,  space  war,  chess,
checkers, go, life.   Ability to  program in new games.  Video games:
ping  pong.    Video  shows:  coordinated  sound and  light  (perhaps
including ligths concealed within walls), etc.

λλ  Data  bank  services:  news  service,  weather,  tv/radio/theater
guides, almanac, etc.   Perhaps acheive this via a  link to a central
data-computer.   Library of  books; Storage of  personal files, rapid
transmissions to other automated homes.  Usage as a  terminal to hook
into any standard timesharing system.

λλ Personal  attention functions: Note the movements  of an occupant,
and switch lights on in front of them (and off behind them). Identify
the permanent residents (e.g., by weight) and store separate "models"
of each of them (their habits, prefernces, etc.). Limited babysitting
capabilities Limited voice  command control: respond  to a few  aural
imperatives and questions (lock the doors, open the window, what's on
TV   now?).     Timer,  automatic  control   of  kitchen  appliances.
Intelligent telephone  knows most commonly-called  numbers, given  an
aural first/last name  of the desired party.  Ability  to call up the
house, identiy oneself, and then ask questions and/or give orders.