How to Amplify Light from a LCD screen 1

[6478780366]

Hi, I'm an Industrial Designer looking to carry and amplify light off an LCD. I've been experimenting with various forms of light pipes to carry light off my computer monitor's screen, however I have not yet been successful in amplifying the light in order for it to be noticeably visible. I'm looking into using a Fresnel Lens, but I'm not sure if it would make a significant difference.
Any suggestions?

 

[ykee]

Is this really what you need to do?

If you tell us what the problem is that you are trying to solve, we could probably help you with a solution that would be better than trying to capture an image from a monitor and displaying that somewhere else.

 

[6478780366]

I apologize...I'll try to make my question more clear.

I am attempting to create something that you can stick on top of your laptop that changes color, depending on a user's preference....i.e. red=angry, green=envious, blue=sad, etc.. its sort of a social cue for people surrounding you to know how you're feeling and if it is ok for them to approach you to talk.

There will be a 'box' on the screen that you can change colors depending on your status (this is a software), and the light guide that is touching the monitor will extract the colored light from this 'box' that is emitted from the screen. This colored light will travel up the light pipe and light up this 'thing' sitting on the top of your laptop for everyone to see.

I've been able to design this light pipe, however I cannot seem to amplify the light to make it brighter.

Does this make more sense?

 

[lumenharold]

You cannot amplify light with a passive light pipe. The following has been posted a number of times here and has some helpful design guidelines.

http://www.ciri.org.nz/downloads/Lightpipe design.pdf

Only common way to amplify light is LASER.


Harold
SW2009 SP2.0 OPW2009 SP0 Win XP Pro 2002 SP3
Dell 690, Xeon 5160 @3.00GHz, 3.25GB RAM
nVidia Quadro FX4600

http://www.lumenflow.com

 

[IRstuff]

Most lasing media are only efficient at a few wavelengths, and nothing comes for free. A typical pulsed YAG laser requires about 200 microseconds of pumping to get a 5 nanosecond pulse, and the majority of the pump energy turns into heat.

As for the OP, what's wrong with wiring some LEDs to a USB port (exists) controlled by that same application? You could then add the spinner thingy on police cars...



TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[ykee]

Star for IRstuff, this has the added benefit that you don't have to stick anything to your monitor.

 

[lumenharold]

"...nothing comes for free" is my point exactly in that a passive device won't do what the OP wants it to do. LEDs, a flashing light, a 500mW green laser (exageration intended) will all make the users intent clear but they are not passive. He wants to amplify light with a light pipe.

My note about the LASER is that it is how light gets amplified in a fairly common application, not as a suggestion for the product. It wasn't sarcasm either....


Harold
SW2009 SP2.0 OPW2009 SP0 Win XP Pro 2002 SP3
Dell 690, Xeon 5160 @3.00GHz, 3.25GB RAM
nVidia Quadro FX4600

http://www.lumenflow.com

 

[IRstuff]

Sorry, wasn't trying to impugn your comment about lasers, just that relative to the OP's apparent piggyback requirement, that a laser requires relatively massive input to achieve the desired output.

As for the OP's basic requirement, it's to provide an indicator, passively, if possible. If the desired approach is impractical, one cannot continue that path, and must trade-off the requirement for something that's more practical and feasible.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[lumenharold]

Oops! No apology needed as I wasn't offended. Tone in email or on a forum is difficult to gather. I guess that's what the smilies and all are for, eh? I always learn something from your replies and that is much appreciated.

I think the current standard for indicating that you don't want to be bothered, headphones and a scowl, will be hard to top. Good luck 6478780366. Perhaps hiring a lighting consultant will required.

Harold
SW2009 SP2.0 OPW2009 SP0 Win XP Pro 2002 SP3
Dell 690, Xeon 5160 @3.00GHz, 3.25GB RAM
nVidia Quadro FX4600

http://www.lumenflow.com

 

[IRstuff]

No problems, we're good.

Perhaps, what the OP really needs is a USB-powered Cone of Silence ;-)

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[6478780366]

Thank you all for your input and advice. I will stick with the most obvious and simple solution and go with LEDs.....I was trying to do something new and innovative, but certainly not all that feasible.

Cheers!