FPCB Micromirror-Based Laser Projection Availability Indicator

This paper presents a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) actuator-driven micromirror (referred to as FPCB micromirror hereafter)-based laser projection indicator. The device integrates two FPCB micromirrors, one red laser, one green laser, a dichroic laser combiner, and driving/control circuit. It generates and projects red or green static or rotating laser pattern on a remote translucent film to indicate availability, which well solves the wiring problem associated with traditional availability indicators. The FPCB micromirror consists of an FPCB electrostatic rotation parallel plate actuator with a silicon mirror plate bonded on its top. The FPCB micromirror is of much lower cost with much higher surface quality and larger aperture than conventional microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) micromirrors. The model of controlling the FPCB micromirrors to generate a rotating ellipse is derived and the prototype is fabricated and tested.

I. Introduction

Availability indicator is a device to show if you are available or not by switching between green and red color lights, e.g., green light means that somebody can have a conversation with you while red color indicates that you should not be interrupted. The research [1] reveals that interruptions consumed 28% of knowledgeable workers’ time in the United States in 2005, the cost of which is equivalent to $588 billion. When peripheral tasks interrupt the primary tasks, it requires 3%–27% more time to get the task completed. In the meanwhile, mistakes and the anxiety are increased twice with 31%–106% more annoyance [2], [3]. Thus, the availability indicator is a very useful tool in avoiding interruptions to improve productivity.