Floating Luminescent Indicator Using Optical Waveguide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Open office environments face challenges with privacy and distraction due to coworker activity, and existing noise masking techniques can become uncomfortable over time, while there is a need for effective visual indicators of status or tasks to avoid awkward intrusions and protect confidential work.
Innovation Solution
A visual task or status indicator featuring a tube with a riser region and an illumination output region, using optical diffuser materials and waveguides to create a 'floating internal luminescence' effect, allowing for controlled light patterns and colors to indicate status without cluttering the workspace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional status indicators are placed on workspaces, then status information is provided, but the workspace becomes cluttered and visually distracting
Solution Approach 1:
The light source and electronic components are extracted from the visible workspace area and placed in a hidden base unit. Only the optical fiber tip remains visible on the workspace surface, providing status indication without clutter. The optical fiber acts as a conduit to deliver light from the hidden source to the visible indicator point.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical fiber serves as an intermediary element between the hidden light source in the base and the visible status indicator on the workspace. This intermediary allows light transmission while maintaining spatial separation between the bulky electronics and the clean workspace surface.
2Loss of information
If light sources are placed directly in visible locations, then status indication is clear, but the appearance is unattractive and intrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is extracted from the visible area and placed in a hidden base unit. The optical fiber delivers light to the workspace without the unsightly electronics being visible, maintaining both clarity of indication and aesthetic appeal.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple colored LEDs are used within the hidden base to provide different status indications through color changes. This allows clear status communication without requiring visible mechanical indicators or complex external lighting assemblies that would create visual distraction.
3Loss of information
If multiple indicators are deployed across workspaces, then comprehensive status monitoring is achieved, but installation and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single multi-functional base unit can control multiple optical fibers and indicators simultaneously. The base contains multiple colored LEDs and control circuitry that can manage various status indications across different workspaces through a unified system, reducing overall installation and control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into independent modular units - a controllable base unit and separate optical fiber indicators. This segmentation allows flexible deployment where multiple indicators can be distributed across workspaces while being centrally controlled, simplifying both installation and management.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides an attractive, unobtrusive, and effective visual indication of status or tasks, enhancing workplace productivity and etiquette by reducing distractions and maintaining a clean, clutter-free environment while allowing for precise tuning of indicators to specific workplace needs.
Implementation Method 1
The waveguide is configured to confine light within the waveguide outside of the illumination output region
Implementation Method 2
The waveguide is configured, such as by treating the surface, to emit light laterally in the illumination output region of the tube
Implementation Method 3
The tube has the tube wall comprising an optical diffuser material at least in the illumination output region
Data Source
AI summary
A visual task or status indicator comprises a tube having a riser region extending away from a base and an illumination output region distal to the riser region. The tube has the tube wall comprising an optical diffuser material. A waveguide, such as a polycarbonate strand or other optical fiber or a bundle of optical fibers, is enclosed within and extends through the riser region into the illumination output region of the tube. The waveguide is configured to emit light laterally in the illumination output region. A light source is coupled to the waveguide. The light source can have a plurality of output light modes, including various colors or intensities or patterns of colors and intensities. Control circuitry is connected to the light source to select the output light modes in response to a control signal. A plurality of indicators can be controlled from a central control hub.