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Related Links Department of Electronic Engineering of CityU Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited
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Smart buildings create smarter lives By Shirley Lai A
new concept for smart buildings involves information technology and
computer intelligence. The
two dimensions of this development are intelligent building management and
smart home systems. The
former project began in May 1999. It was implemented for facility and
estate administration in Hong Kong. Intellinet
Management and the Department of Electrical Engineering at the City
University of Hong Kong jointly developed the intelligent management
system. Mr.
Dominic Chau is managing director of Intellinet Management. He
said that the system unites information technology and property
management. According
to him, the new system is a more advanced, network-based management
system, whereas traditional management systems rely primarily on manual
control. To
property services providers, the system facilitates building management. Once
a problem in the facilities is detected by computers, an e-mail message is
sent to their computers or mobile phones, informing them to take remedial
measures. To
facilitate security control, a remote video surveillance system is used. Digital
video recorders are installed at specific locations of some residential
areas. The
digital recording function allows
authorised managing staff to retrieve records stored in the
cameras. The
system also benefits residents. By
clicking a mouse, residents can check the progress of maintenance with
online information. Besides,
they can monitor their children playing in the clubhouse and view
shuttlebus schedules and notices from the management office through the
Internet. In
addition, the system uses smart card sensors to identify residents and
visitors. Some
smart buildings in Ma On Shan even accept Octopus cards as the residential
smart cards. Ms. Esther Mak is a resident of Vista Paradiso in Ma On Shan. She
said, “The smart card brings convenience to me, since I don’t need to
remember the access passwords for both the lobby and podium entrances.” Cash
value can also be stored in the smart chip of the card. Residents
use their smart cards to pay shuttlebus fares and clubhouse booking fees. Mr.
Lawrence Fung has been living in East Point City in Junk Bay, in one of
the smart buildings, for 2 years. He
said that there is still room for improvement in the system. He
said, “Sometimes the smart card sensors at the shuttlebus malfunction
and not every shuttlebus is installed with sensor.” Nevertheless,
not all the residents are used to this system. Conventional
paper announcements are still posted on building’s notice board, said
Mr. Chau. The
intelligent management system was first implemented in 37 residential
sites and there will be more than 200 at a later stage. By
January 2001, it will be applied in all residential buildings owned by the
Sun Hung Kai Properties. The
local smart home system is still being experimented with. Recent
applications are limited to using smart card system and buildings’
homepages. Some
residents in smart homes are able to use telephones to control the
electrical appliances. In
the future, the intelligent system may apply to medical services and
elderly care. Care
workers wish to utilise the remote control system to take care of patients
and elderly. In
case of emergency, the network-based system will instantly signal for
help. Also,
a planned intelligent toilet is designed for people to test urine samples
at home. Concerning
the future development of the intelligent house, Mr. Chau is optimistic. Said
he: “There is a global trend toward automatic operation and artificial
intelligence. “As
the Internet develops, people will certainly adapt to this kind of
‘e-living’ easily. “However,
the current system applies only in high-class private buildings. “It takes time for acceptance and penetration of the new technology.” |
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