The My Lights option allows a user to control their lighting from a PC (using a standard Web Browser).

When accessing the My Lights page, the occupant is given an opportunity to control the default 'device' for their user id. Note that the default device is set on the Users screen by the administrator. Note: For purposes of this document, device will refer to a relay in a lighting control panel that controls the lights of an occupant. In addition to choosing a state, the occupant may optionally specify the duration of the override. Current state of their device is also indicated on this screen. There is a check box that allows the user to specify that accessing this page will 'automatically' override their lights ON. This is useful when used in conjunction with saving a 'bookmark' or 'favorite' to their desktop as a link to this page. In this way, a user can have an icon on their desktop that will automatically activate their lights.

Below the Override Control section is an option to change or 'Configure' their device. The Configure Device option may be restricted for individual users according to their Role.

Finally, a section entitled "Recent Actions" is listed which provides a recent history of override actions via the WebLink on their device.

Figure 9.1. My Lights

To assign My Lights users, a user must be assigned for each device. There are two methods to accomplish this.

There are benefits to both methods that will have to be evaluated. With the first method there is a one-time setup for each device. Users will have to know which code to use to login. In the second scenario, there is a better audit trail, allowing user's override control to be monitored. This comes with an additional cost of maintaining the users on the WebLink.

Assigning users for My Lights requires that the user be given one of the three MyLights roles.

These three options are similar except that “My Lights – On Only” will not allow a user to command their device off. “My Lights Full” will allow the user to change their device at their own discretion. Otherwise an administrator must make the changes when a user needs to change their device.

Once the users have been created, the administrator can send the user the instructions to log into the WebLink and Click on the My Lights link at the left side of the page. If they will be using the Desktop Override, they will also need instructions to download the software and install it on their local machine. Then, lastly, they will need to enter their username, password, and weblink address into the configuration dialog.

	Note
	The timeout for the Desktop Override is a system wide setting on the WebLink. Likewise, the maximum duration allowed is also a setting on the WebLink.

	Note
	You should program the relay controlled via MyLights to have a "Override Duration" timer that is at least 50% longer than the Override Frequency. This will help avoid false off conditions.

Should it be desired that a user's computer activity be tied to occupancy, the My Lights Desktop Override will monitor computer activity and send an activity heartbeat to the user's device while in use. This requires the associated device to be set for timeout and not occupancy mode. In this way, the user's lights will turn off after a period of inactivity. This also works for several users sharing a device. When the last one leaves the area and their heartbeat stops, the lights will go out.

My Lights Desktop Override is a Windows based program. It is designed to run on Windows 2000 and/or Windows XP. The installation program can be run directly from the WebLink on the client computer. The client computer running the Desktop Override requires network communications connectivity over TCPIP to the WebLink. The WebLink must be reachable either by DNS name or IP address. A very small packet of data (less than 1k) will be sent to the WebLink by the Desktop Override periodically. The interval, the Override Frequency, is configurable, a typical interval is every 15 minutes. See the section called “Setup - Settings Tab - Properties” for how to set this interval.

Installing the Desktop Override can be done from the download link at the bottom of the My Lights page on the WebLink. The software is downloaded and installed. Then upon first run, the user must enter their username, password and the weblink name or IP address. Then the Desktop Override will create a lightbulb icon in the user's system tray. From this icon, the user can control their device. The user can also send one-time overrides to keep the device on for a specified amount of time. (Allowing them to have lights while doing activities not related to the computer)

Figure 9.2. My Lights Desktop Override Installation Kit

After the Desktop Override is installed, it will need to be configured. The configuration screen is very simple, and requires only the user id, password, and the DNS name or IP address of the WebLink. Note that the WebLink can be configured to not require a password, so the password is optional. There is no need to enter http:// at the beginning of the server address. Simple enter the DNS name or IP address of the WebLink

Figure 9.3. Desktop Override - Setup

For the convenience of the user, there is an option to play a sound just before the heartbeat ceases. Click the Sound button on the Configuration screen to set this up. This allows a user who is having an impromptu meeting or long phone call, to know that their lights will shortly be turning off. They can tap a key on the keyboard or move the mouse and the lights will remain on.

Figure 9.4. Desktop Override - Configuration

After the My Lights Desktop Override is installed and running on the client computer, you will see a Light Bulb icon in the task bar. The lightbulb will indicate the current status of the lighting load that is controlled via My Lights.

Figure 9.5. Taskbar Icon

The Desktop Override will automatically keep the occupants lights ON whenever the computer is active (either through keyboard or mouse activity). On occasion, it may be necessary to keep the lights ON during a meeting or phone call when computer activity is minimal. This is easily accomplished by right clicking on the Light Bulb icon on the task bar. There you will see options for keeping the lighting load ON for an extended period. The maximum time value allowed is a configuration setting on the WebLink itself.

Figure 9.6. Desktop Override - Taskbar Icon - Right Click Options