Research

The research in the GW H21C Lab focuses on providing a seamless integration of technology within a simulated living space. Using currently available sensors and other technologies connected to the Internet, the home will become a context-aware environment, able to identify who is present and react accordingly. This will enable home residents to communicate with ease, to receive music and video anywhere, to have remote access to home appliances and environmental controls, and to monitor the home remotely to provide safety against intrusion, fire and other hazards.

 During the first year of the lab, researchers created the hardware and software infrastructure for a truly automated and personalized home. 

 During the second year, the emphasis was on implementation of working prototypes in the areas of home personalization (Personal Information Management System, Java Cell Phone), home security (Safe at Home / Passive Sensors, Keyless Door / RFID, Password Free Computer / RFID) and home extension (Streaming Music, Email and GPS Data to the Home and Car). 

During the third year of research, we developed the HomeOS to provide integration across systems and databases produced during the first two years and deployment of the research ideas into prototype products. Several new antennas were developed for deployment into the home environment to enable the system to identify occupants and locate objects in the home using RFID technologies.