Example

As an example, below we discuss a few functions provided by the Teletask integrated home system. When you want to program a button in the software, then one of the available functions is allocated to this button. Immediately afterwards, the user must specify the consumer or consumers to which this function will be applied.

Key 1 of this keypad will be given the function “Switch”. The list of possible functions is longer than can be seen on this example. (Illustration source: E&D Systems)

• Switch function: Every time you press the button, the consumer will switch over. With this function, you can only allocate one consumer that is connected to a relay.
• Dimming: A brief push of the button takes the light connected to a dimmer to a setting held in the memory. Another short press results in the light switching off. If the same button is pushed for longer, a dimming process is started. When the pushbutton is released, the light stays in the desired dimmed state. When switching the light on and off, you can use a fade-in and fade-out time. Here too, only one consumer can be allocated to the function.
• Timed function: This function is often used in stairwells. When the button is pressed, the light immediately switches on for a programmed time (for example, five minutes). The light then automatically switches off after this time. With this function, you can select a relay-controlled light or a dimmer-controlled light. In the last case for example, a fade-out time of two minutes can be specified. It ensures that the light goes off very slowly, so that you are not immediately in the dark when the set time has elapsed.
• Motor start/stop: Briefly pressing the programmed button will make a motor that can operate in two directions (roll-down shutter, sunblind, etc.) run in the opposite direction to the previous time. If you press the button while the motor is running, the motor stops. Here too, only one motor can be allocated. If you press the button for longer (> one second), the motor continues running until the button is released.
• Fan function: This is a combination of a light and a fan. When the button is pressed, the light switches on. Pressing it again results in the light switching off and the fan coming on. After a set time, the fan stops automatically. This function is often used in WCs and bathrooms.
• Local mood: This function is used to create local atmospheres. There are 10 lines in the function. A consumer can be placed on each line (relay controlled, dimmer controlled, motor). Each consumer can be told what it has to do: on, off, in a certain dimming state, raise or lower roll-down shutter, etc. Aside from specific consumers, other functions of the integrated home system can also be included on the lines (for example, a timed function).
• Timed local mood: Similar to the previous function. However, for each line, you can specify the time interval between the previous line being executed and the current line being executed. You can also specify whether the function should be automatically repeated after the last line has been executed.
• General mood: This function is used for general operations relating to the entire home. In the first tab sheet, you see a list of all relays. For each relay, you can specify whether the on or off condition has to be generated. In the second tab sheet, you can do the same for the list of dimmers. Aside from on or off, each dimmer can also be set to a certain dimming state. Finally, in the third tab, a maximum of five functions can be executed.
• Transparent function: With this function, the output follows the input. For example, the button at the front door and the doorbell. As soon as the button is pressed, the doorbell rings.
• Audio functions: The functions listed below all relate to controlling an audio distribution system in the home. You choose the audio zone where you want to do something. Then, you select the audio device (CD player, tuner, amplifier, etc.) and specify the function to be performed (volume up/down, next CD, next preferred radio station, etc.).
• Sensor functions: This series of functions is connected to analogue sensors (temperature, humidity, light). With temperature sensors for example, the day temperature or night temperature can be activated with this function. You can also raise the temperature (+ 0.5°C) or lower it (-0.5°C), or set the frost protection temperature.
• Clock functions: These functions relate to the execution of all types of actions that are activated by clocks. A number of clock tables can be activated or deactivated here. There is a choice of a working day clock table, a weekend clock table and a simulation clock table. Only one of the three can be active at any one time. There is also a special clock table that can be switched on or off. Finally, there is the continuous clock table. Actions in this table are always executed.
• If-then-else functions: When this function is allocated to a button, then when the button is pressed, it looks at a condition or stipulation. If the condition is true, a certain program is executed. If the condition is not true, no program or another program is executed.
• Process function: With this function, a consumer continually follows another consumer, state or condition. The state of an output or condition is continually examined and monitored. This function is used to switch on the boiler contact for the central heating boiler as soon as one of the zone valves is open, and to switch it off again as soon as all zone valves are closed.
• Messages and alarms: Text messages can be generated on LCD displays with keypads, touch screens or on the television. A message appears on the screen and disappears automatically after thirty seconds. Examples of a message can be: “Somebody is coming up the drive”. Alarm texts can also be generated. They stay on the display until they have been reset by the user. The text: “Somebody came to the door during your absence” is an example of this.

In this case the alarm: “Time for medication” appears on the television screen at the times when a member of the family has to take medication on a regular schedule. A good reminder for people who are beginning to become somewhat forgetful. (Illustration source: VEI)