The National Chung Hsing University (hereinafter referred to as “NCKU”) was established in 1919; it is a renowned university in central Taiwan and is also one of Taiwan’s national universities with the longest history. Microprogram has over 25 years of experience in the research and development of software/hardware integration; it collaborated with NCHU and used the “Smart Space Management Solution” to realize the digital transformation of the library. Equipment and services provided by Microprogram can be seen everywhere from individual research rooms, group study rooms and multimedia seat, etc. Not only did this reduce the manpower burden of the librarians, but it also brought more convenient and friendly service experiences to all teachers and students.
[Actual cases]
NCHU, NCKU, NTHU, NSYSU, CCU, NDHU, NKUST, AU, NYCU, NYUST, CNU, CYUT, NTTU, NCYU, KMU, NUU, HWSHCooperation
- Microprogram had previously cooperated with NCHU on Smart Energy Saving Classroom and the campus mail system and built the “Smart Space Management System” for many iconic colleges and universities. It has rich experiences.
- Microprogram has expertise in RFID smart recognition technology and is able to provide the most complete IoT solution based on the needs of the university.
The goal
The NCHU Library is a building with 1 story underground and 7 stories above ground; it is very spacious inside and is the best field for all teachers and students to search for information and to read, discuss and exchange knowledge. Therefore, the university hopes that the various facilities in the library can be fully utilized and that the space usage and service efficiency can be maximized in order to avoid the waste of resources. The issues and solutions are as follows:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| The borrowing process is complicated and time-consuming, and it is not convenient enough | Not only can users operate kiosks on-site to make reservations with cards, reservations can also be made online through mobile phones and computers to reduce the time for administrative work |
| The electric bill burden is huge with limited budget | The card authentication mechanism is adopted for users to use once arrived; lights are turned on when checked-in with the card and power is automatically disconnected when the reserved time is up to achieve the goal of energy-saving |
| There are many spaces in the library and manual management is difficult | Customized “Backend Reservation Management System” is provided to make it easier to control the space and equipment usage status, improving management efficiency |
| The volume of users’ discussions is too loud and is affecting others | “Decibel sensors” are used to monitor the volume in the discussion rooms and reminds users to beware when exceeded the limit, maintaining the quality of reading in the library |
| The issue of occupying spaces with objects is difficult to resolve | Reservation-type seat management is adopted so when users leave their seats for too long, the seats will be released automatically for the next user |
Benefit
- The satisfaction level of NCHU’s self-study space reservation system service is 86.2%
- Smart energy-saving results can reduce power consumption by 40% annually
- The average monthly usage of the “individual research rooms” in the library increased by 256% after the improvement
The difference
- Planned the “Learning Space Management Platform”: Through the collection and analysis of big data, observe user needs and further optimize system services
- Temporary leave for meal mechanism: If users leave their seats temporarily during meal times, the seats in the self-study room will be extended and reserved automatically for 90 minutes; users can return to self-study after finishing their meals
- Special service hours: During examination, winter or summer vacation periods, administrators can flexibly adjust the opening hours of services in the library from the backend system
- Smart schedule setting: Administrators can set the computers in the library to shut down automatically during closing hours and also push event messages and notifications on the computer screens as needed
- Personnel motion detection: “Infrared sensors” are installed for lights to turn on/off automatically, reducing power consumption
Service
Product
NFC Card Reader – Simple Desktop Type
- Use with kiosk to provide users with the function to make reservations with cards
Smart Identification Card Reader Controller – OS Type
- Insert card to turn on the power at the seat and the space
- It incorporates an RFID smart module. Combined with features such as password or card identification, it can by synchronized with access, attendance and information systems
E-Payment Card Reader – Desktop Type
- The identification of users is confirmed using a card for access control
- Has a passive key protection mechanism
Backend Reservation Management System
- Query usage and reservation status of spaces and equipment
- Control power and air conditioning in the library
- Set open periods for spaces and equipment
- Report generation and download