Learning Portfolio 2

Results
Our team created a range of design concepts towards solving the issues
presented within the problem statement. Towards the aspects of lighting and
temperature, we as a team have considered solutions ranging from data collation
from the Bureau of Meteorology to light, proximity and temperature sensors. This
could be integrated in a wireless system that would become reactive towards the
internal and external environment of the house, adjusting accordingly. During
this process we generated a variety of possible sensors to be used such as
phototransistors, thermistors, etc. Additionally, in relation to the state of health
of the occupants in the house, we had researched biosensors resulting in the
possibility for the use of light sensors to monitor pulse and blood pressure.
Reflection
My first solutions
Initially I had reviewed our problem statement, identifying the two main issues as
energy efficiency and the state of health of the occupants. Following that, I
revised the lecture on conceptual design learning that I had to first establish the
functions and their requirements for the problem before generating design
alternatives. In this case, for the problem of energy efficiency, I had established
the functions as to controlling the light and temperature within the smarter
house, hence increasing energy efficiency. Following this I researched the
keywords energy efficiency, light and temperature before I had
brainstormed possibilities in a table. As a result, I had come to the solution of the
possible use of proximity, light and temperature sensors, including various
sensors alternatives such as IDP sensors, photodiodes and thermistors. Through
the use of these sensors, a reactive system could be created for light regulation
with the 1st possibility being the automatic adjustment of lights depending on the
environment and occupancy, while another would be smart blinds that would
automatically change their angling depending on the external environment.
Furthermore, for temperature regulation, a fan or heater could also be activated
depending on the input received by the sensors. Similarly, I had established the
function for the 2nd issue of monitoring the health of the occupants to be to
monitor pulse and blood pressure. This had resulted in my research of modern
day technology such as pulse oximetry and brainstorming, resulting in the
possibility of light sensors to be used. Although, this idea may be too advanced
for us, I had kept it as a possibility to a range of possible solution.
Team Activities