Patent · US Expired

System and method for controlling workspace environment

US6640142B1 · kind B1 · utility

22Cited by
19References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 2, 2000
Grant dateOct 28, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 20, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG05B15/02
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An occupant of a cubicle or office can activate transparent partitions to partially or completely enclose a cubicle and/or office to minimize noise, optimize privacy, lighting, air flow and temperature. This transparent partition is coated with a thin layer material connected to electrodes. Once the occupant decides that changing working conditions (e.g., minimize noise, optimize privacy, adjust lighting, air flow and/or temperature) is needed, the occupant can activate the thin transparency control layer by appropriate electronic control. Movable parts of the partitions may also be adjusted. The transparent partitions may be made darker or opaque. Movable partitions may be used to provide optimized privacy, noise level, lighting, air flow and temperature control. Conversely, the partitions may be made transparent and movable sections retracted to permit greater worker-to-worker interaction.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.