S.W.O.T Analysis of Pachube Feed

I've chosen Arduino LightSensor Feed from Pachube, Arch1391.


"This feed displays light input data ranging from 0 to 1023, as collected by a light dependent resistor within an Arduino scheme. A high value currently represents low light intensity and a low value represents high intensity. these values are translated into an angle value from 0 to 90 degrees which forms the rotation of one or more servos.These servos power circular shutters which block circular openings in a facade system during periods of high daylight intensity, and un-block the openings during periods of low intensity. In this way, the facade is able to maintain soft natural internal lighting at all times."

S.W.O.T Analysis 

Strengths 

This idea is simple but is an innovative way to control lighting in a room. It is a simple, intuitive way of varying light levels without having to manually flick a switch. The amount the shutters move varies depending on light intensity and therefore allows for varying and incremental light levels in the room. The overall outcome means that the occupants of the room are experiencing an appropriate amount of light and therefore are comfortable in the space.

   

Weaknesses 

The obvious weakness would be if there was an obstruction covering the sensor and therefore producing inaccurate information to determine the positioning of the shutters. The idea of having a consistent level of lighting in a room may not be suitable for all activities or purposes for the room and consequently may need to be able to be switched off and/or used in conjunction with a manual lighting system.

Opportunities 

In public spaces (being used during daylight hours) I imagine this could be a useful way automatically controlling light levels. For spaces which need consistent lighting (day and night) and in the instance of dark days, I think this system would be further enhanced if the sensor was also attached to an artificial lighting system to ensure a consistent level of lighting at all times. The possibility of having different settings which adjust the scaling of the information to accommodate for a range of different purposes for the space would be another opportunity for this kind of technology.


Threat


The main threat I can see with using this feed is how common the theme of light is among the various feeds. I imagine it could, therefore be compared directly to many other analytics engines.