PACT Magazine

Pact is a standalone home security system that is based from a monitoring unit
utilising proximity sensing, video and audio recording and a clever key system as
well as separate monitors for extra security around the home. It operates through
the home WiFi network and uses smartphones and an application interface to
set up, control and monitor the system. Pact recognises when a smartphone is
connected to the network and uses this as a smart key arming or disarming the
security system. This eliminates the often unpleasant passcode process apparent in
many home security systems on the market.
Pact operates by using the home WiFi network allowing Pact to be an isolated and
standalone system with no reliance on external resources evident in most standard
home security systems. The installation, monitoring and maintenance processes can
now be executed by the user where typically these were handled through external
companies. Connecting the system is done through the application making the
installation process simple and hassle free. Being controlled internally ensures that
the system is secure from people outside the network and from people without
access. The system only draws a small amount of data as a result of the uploading
of video streamed content to the user’s phone. Other benefits of utilising WiFi
connectivity include: automatic or user controlled software updates, the ability to
disconnect, transport and reconnect the system without affecting the settings or
user defined presets as well as the ability to monitor the home remotely through the
smartphone application.
The main component of this system is the Pact monitor unit which can be positioned
anywhere in the home with WiFi connectivity. This small cylindrical tower has a
minimal user interface with only one button on the product. Using intuitive gestures
this button turns the device on and off, syncs the device to other monitoring units
and temporarily disables monitoring. This is aided by a subtle, unobtrusive internal
lighting system that provides immediate feedback and communicates the devices
current operations to the user. Positioned at the front of the unit is a small wide
angle camera that captures motion when the system is armed. At the rear, below
the button is a USB Micro B connection to power the device through a rechargeable
Lithium-Ion battery and is also used to extract any data stored on the internal
memory. The product was designed to be integrated within any household so a
monochromatic aesthetic combined with a contemporary minimalist form was
employed.
PACT 06