User Interface

User Interface in the present world refers to the visual interface of any technology, application or service that is being accessed, interacted with and used by the end users. At Anusha Technovision Pvt. Ltd., we provide our clients with optimally designed user interfaces for services, both for hard products and applications running on smart devices.

Examples of User Interface

1. Keypads- To complement and help enhance the beauty of interiors, we provide wide range of keypads in a variety of colours, finishes, style and function. The keypad is easy to use, readable, with custom engraved buttons in both wired and wireless options. We can set any mood lighting, control of shades/ HVAC on the keypads. 

2. Touch Screen- The in-house GUI (Graphic User Interface) software is developed in a way that it will be easy to understand icons, that allows end user to control and monitor lights, shades, audio video, security through a touch panel anywhere and anytime. We develop own own GUI and it can be customized according to the requirement of the customers. The various touch screen panels are available in multiple sizes. 

3. Voice Command- Now you can control the entire home with your 

voice. Amazone Alexa or Google home provide the device but we are here to integrate the lighting controls, shades, audio video, security, HVAC system with voice commands. We configure each command according to user’s specific words and choices. 

We at ATPL provide customized keypads that complement the existing interior design of the space, keeping in sync with the existing tone, our panels contrast the colours and finishes of the wall. It provides easy to use, readable buttons and comes in both wired and wireless versions. Lighting moods, controlling of shades/HVAC and multiple other functions can be done using these keypads. The touch screen interface is designed by an in-house UI design team ensuring easy understandable icons with distinct buttons that allow users to control and monitor lights, play audios and videos, and control our phones through the same. The user interface can be customized according to the user, and the touch panels are available in multiple sizes. An interesting inclusion is the addition of voice controls to the panels. Intelligently integrating services with devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Echo, our panels integrate lighting controls, audio and video playback, air conditioning and security features by bringing into one roof all appliances in the house. Commands and order words are customized according to the client’s demands.

Each component in this system viz. the keyboard, touchpad, and voice commands hold their own importance. While keypads enhance the aesthetic appeal of the wall, users also might choose to simply use their personal phones to control the settings. The inclusion of voice control facilities in the system help users to work with both their hands while controlling the various parameters of your home. Integrated with devices like Alexa and Echo, this brings in the next generation implementations in home automation.

- Alok Hada, Anusha Technovision Pvt. Ltd. 

Voice commands (Alexa and Google Home) for Home automation

We at Anusha Technovision (ATPL) are updated with the latest technologies to provide the customers with the best and latest solutions. Currently, home automation based on voice control is what is trending these days and within this context- we introduce you to Alexa and Google Home (GH). 

Yes, Alexa from Amazon and GH from Google, help to provide the home owner, the next level of automation by providing voice controls to an automated home. Voice Control is meaningful for smart-home users, because it lets one control all the connected devices, without having to take out the phone and launch an app. 
Alexa can respond to voice commands from almost anywhere within hearing distances; and the good thing is that unlike like the smart phone, there’s no activation button to press. Simply say the right word (either “Alexa,” “Hey Google”) followed by what you want to happen, and the task will be done—as long as it been set up properly and you are using the correct command. It lets you speak your choice of words and see them being fulfilled such as dimming your lights or playing music tracks and much more.

So who can do all this setup for you?

It's us!  AnushaTechnovision(ATPL) can configure your Alexa/GH with an existing home automation system. And once done, you can call for different lighting moods, play a specific channel on your TV, control your shades, turn on/off your HVAC; in simple words, control each and everything under the system with just a mere voice command, making life simpler than ever—all while your phone stays in the pocket.

We can configure each and every command as per your choice of specific words. Once you get used to the command/quirks, using ALEXA/GH feels much more natural and responsive as compared to a phone-based voice assistant like Apple’s Siri. As a result, you are likely to find yourself using your phone less frequently when you’re at home.  If you thought the transition from flipping light switches to pressing smartphone buttons was game-changing, then having Voice commands control your tasks will be even more satisfying in a true-geek way. And after usage over a couple of months, if you need any tweaks, we even provide a complimentary visit for a final setup of all your ALEXA/GH commands. 

Next step in voice commands?

     Recognizing the voice command of the person and acting accordingly. Some baby steps have been made by Google and Amazon so that a Home owner may not want his hired help to be able to do the same thing that his own voice does.Completing multiple actions with one voice command such as “dim  lights, play music and also turn the bath on”,  at the same time, is not possible, at least yet.

However, we firmly believe that Alexa/GH isn’t a comprehensive smart-home system. It won’t replace a well-programmed graphic user interface on your IPad or iPhone, and at least as of now, it won’t allow for complex integrations of multiple devices (“turn the lights green when rock music plays in the kitchen” is not a valid command), and it won’t always be the most practical means of interacting with your other devices. Rather, we should think of it as an interface for your smart home, that provides additional means of control and functionality that an app on your phone can’t. This makes it an easier product to rely upon!

-Alok Hada, Director, Anusha Technovision Pvt. Ltd

Switches

All modern comforts today in a home, that can be related to technology - from lighting, fans, A/c, entertainment to kitchen appliances, have one thing common - the little button that transforms the sleeping tech gadget into a source of enjoyment, comfort or simply getting the work done. Every one of these gadgets has to be turned ON, and therein lies this seemingly common, but very important aspect – A Switch.

Lighting today does not simply have to be on/off, it can be modified to get the perfect level with the help of dimmers. Matching with the technology of the audio systems, the smart switches also give us complete control, to set the light according to mood. 



One of the major reasons of switches giving way to automation keypad is the user friendliness- a keypad is annotated properly, and each button is engraved and designed to remove any confusion about its functionality.

As design and technology are linked closely, the design of the switches has also undergone evolution. The switch stands out on a plain wall, and therefore designers tried to conceal them. Switches have become flatter, crisper, smarter, better-looking and now offer a variety of colors and materials to choose from.

A technology taking the center stage these days is the Palladium keypad by Lutron, a sleek 3x3 inch keypad, with 8 buttons that replaces a complete bank of switches. It is centrally linked to the automation system; as a result, lighting scenes, music or motorizedcurtains shades- everything can be controlled by just one keypad. Each button individually is backlit and custom engraved making it easy for the user to read, under all lighting conditions.

In the near future, I foresee that standalone switches will become obsolete. As home automation systems advance, gadgets will increasingly work as part of a larger ecosystem to provide a one-stop solution for all user needs.

- Alok Hada, Director, Anusha Technovision Pvt. Ltd

Hi-Tech Security

The current image of discrepancy between the quality of modern day luxuries and amenities, between the two ends of economic spectrum is disappointing. This is perhaps, one of the strongest social contributors to the increase in crime rate across Indian cities. Most people involved in crimes, are from an economically unstable background. Social media posts revealing family details enhance the scope of public information, while unchanged passwords on house locks allow easy access to previously hired helps. These draw attention and opportunity for theft.

Surveillance systems have been around for some time. What is now common is the ability to view the camera output on the go, on most smart phones. Technology now allows us (with IP cameras) to have constant surveillance of our homes, irrespective of wherever we are in the world.

Video door phones (VDP) provided by many developers in apartments, are old features. What is new is IP video door phones- For many nuclear families where no one is at home when the hired help arrives to do work, a simple press of the bell on the IP VDP allows the homeowner sitting in office to see who is at the door, and also open the door to allow access.

In the case that a glass break sensor turns on alarm signaling intrusion, the security system which is linked to the lighting control system, could start flashing the whole house lights on, thus scaring away a potential burglar. Simultaneously when the alarm turns on a signal to the home owner who is away – in the form of a message or email signals potential trouble at home.

What is also new, is the addition of intelligence to the security systems. For example- A Home owner who was planning to have biometric locks, for entry in the house wanted us to allow access to some house hold helps only at certain times of the day. A normal biometric lock once having read in someone’s thumb print, cannot restrict the access depending upon time of the day. However with a separate intelligent thumbprint reader (removed from the lock) each reading can be sent to a server, where conditional logic would then send the signal to lock and enable opening - depending upon the person and also the time of the day.

Hi tech security systems can take such observations into account to reduce the possibility of theft. By linking security systems in a home to other automation systems, the house can be made more secure.

Something that would soon be available in security systems is the ‘Facial recognition’ feature. Something that is not very far on the horizon of technology is the intelligence in access control systems to make  even thumb print control redundant and upgrade to facial recognition, wherein  locks read your face and provide entry to the owner inside the home.

- Alok Hada, Director, Anusha Technovision Pvt. Ltd

Commercial Automation

The key to smart technology is “Flexibility”. Corporate offices want flexible spaces; Today’s open office space could be tomorrow’s meeting room. Commercial spaces are designed with cubicles and materials that can be easily shifted around. With the increasing speeds and bandwidths available for internet, collaboration of teams across countries is now easy. It is not uncommon in a corporate office such as Intel where a  team of 10 people comprises of 5 people working for 5 different companies on a single project, thus pooling in resources and saving costs.

In that respect, with smart lighting, and smart control of various devices- flexibility is enhanced. Smart Video conferencing within various branches across cities is a necessity today. The personalized use of space that provides right lighting and air conditioning  correspondingly increases the productivity which is the mantra for all corporates. Significantly less energy is used, thus contributing to overall reduction in greenhouse emissions. Cost saving, in terms of running expenses, is also increased with smart technology thus allowing companies to spend more on employees, who are the key to growth.

Now, imagine a big building with more than ten thousand Lighting Fixtures. Lighting ManagementSystem (LMS) is increasingly used for saving energy in “green” buildings as lighting energy consumed, as a percentage of total energy consumed, in a commercial building varies between 25-35%. LMS, which comprises of a software system tying up various components such as occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, manual dimming smartly controlled motorized shades etc. helps combine comfort and energy saving. A significant saving in this energy, contributes to the total energy savings in the building. Measurement of how much energy is saved, and advance warning on life of lamps are the tools used by building utility managers. DALI LED dimming is another increasingly common trend. DALI which stands for “Digital Addressable Lighting Interface” - allows each Lighting fixture to be individually controlled irrespective of load wiring. This gives each user, his own level of comfort lighting thus playing an important part in productivity. Shades in open areas are controlled by software that mimics the path of the sun and thus avoids glare, but at the same time allows useful sunlight to come into the interior space. The sun movement is taken into account and so is the orientation of the building and space to have intelligent shades.

Imagine a system that gives an advance warning to the estate manager on lamp failures for lighting fixtures or, take the example of automatic scheduling of spaces in an available meeting room by automatically detecting presence and turning on various devices in the room or vice versa, where-  if the room is not occupied within minutes of scheduled timing, the room reallocates itself to the next user! Thus, building automation not only enhances user comfort and productivity, but also  improves the ease of serviceability and use of space, coupled by energy efficiency to make building designs informed, responsive and thus, truly sustainable.

-Alok Hada 

Director, Anusha Technovision Pvt. Ltd.

Energy Efficient Lighting

Lighting constitutes about 35% of the energy consumption in commercial buildings, making it the highest energy consuming component, according to data obtained from the US government. In India, lighting is the second highest component of energy consumption in buildings, only next to HVAC systems, and estimated to be at least 20-25%.

From the data, we can identify that lighting is a crucial factor in efficient building designs and automation systems. There is an effort to make individual lighting fixtures as efficient as possible, but the industry must acknowledge the fundamental role of Lighting Controls in furthering the objective.

Lighting Management systems can cater to three major sectors – Residential, Hospitality and Corporate/Commercial. In residences, preset lighting control systems can cater to aspects of ambience and convenience. Attractive wall-mounted, custom-engraved, and backlit lighting keypads add aesthetics, with optional control via wireless keypads or smart phones providing easy access and flexibility of use.




In the Hospitality sector, the major focus is on achieving the correct ambience with lighting controls.Hotels such as the ‘ITC Group’ who are  energy conscious, also stress on reducing energy consumption through controls. Here again, the preset Lighting control systems play a role. In commercial or corporate settings, the main driver for automation is the ability to reduce power consumption through the usage of sensors such as occupancy sensors and day light sensors. This is all then monitored and measured through a Lighting Management System (LMS), called Quantum System from Lutron. In the last 3-4 years, this sector has experienced tremendous growth.

Where energy efficient lighting fixtures are low hanging fruits, allowing reduction in usage, without compromising on the quality of ambience or convenience; Lighting Controls form the network, the tree itself, enhancing flexibility to change the transfer of resource depending on real-time requirements.

By incorporating state of the art Lighting Management systems, buildings can achieve energy savings targets and desired management levels with real time monitoring and control. Integrating hardware and software, and to service and combine dimming modules, occupancy sensors, motorized shades, sun trajectory sensors, daylight sensors and time clock controls; supported and optimized by data that is collected from sensors, time clocks and scientific sources; spaces can be made more resilient.

- Alok Hada, Director, Anusha Technovision Pvt. Ltd