The purpose of this project is to help improve the efficiency of a computer lab by controlling the power of the workstations and the lights based on user inputs.
Upon entering the room, the user will be able to select their desired workstation through the use of an application on a touch-screen device. This app will show the lab layout with a color scheme to illustrate the scale of efficiency at each workstation as the picture beside shows.
After choosing the desired workstation, the light and the plugs at the station will be powered on. When the light turns on, it will initially be set based on input from an external light sensor and in accordance with UNI EN 12494-1. standards. Afterwards, the user will be able to adjust the lighting through the use of a desktop application if he/she is not satisfied with the initial quality of light.
The user will have 5 minutes after selecting the desired workstation to power on the computer before the light at the workstation will be turned off. After the user shuts down the computer, the light at the workstation will be turned off after a few minutes in order for the user to have sufficient time to vacate the workstation. If the user decides to “lock” the computer and not shut down the workstation, the light at the workstation will dim until the user logs back into the computer. During this time, if the user does not return to the workstation in 30 minutes, the workstation and light will shut down.
In addition to the individual workstation lights, there will also be separate ambient lighting present in the room. This light will be necessary when there are users in the lab not currently on powered workstations. This light will not be adjustable by the users and is only present for safety reasons. The light will be regulated to comply with the same standards listed above by adjusting the light based on the ambient lighting picked up by the external sensor.
