I know with "smart home" technology coming along, there may be a device out there for this already. Why buy it when it can be built! I'd like to try and build something that "piggy-backs" on a plug-in device (i.e. clothes washer/dryer, dishwasher, etc...) that can monitor the amount of current/power being used. From there, when the current/power usage goes up by a certain percentage (user configurable) an SMS/email is sent out from this piggy-back device (wifi, cell-phone, etc...) to a specific person. My thoughts on using current/power for monitoring is simply out of a universal standpoint. Instead of building something specific (modifying an existing appliance) this device can be used universally. Shoot, even a coffee maker would be awesome. Especially when you're as deaf as a post like me and could use a visual notification. The main thing I'm thinking of is a way to remotely notify someone when, say a load of laundry is done. Or, your coffee maker is done but you're in another room and can't hear it. The current will first rise (indicating the start of the operation) and then fall (indicating the end of the operation). A clothes or dish washer will be a bit more difficult, since they cycle on/off so often. Maybe device profiles can be used to ensure there's enough time to account for the gap between cycles on a washing machine. Just a thought.
