UI CETL - Lightboard

The goal of the project is to design and create an easy to use and cost effective lightboard for CETL at the University of Idaho.

=Problem Definition=

Background
Main Purpose

A lightboard is an apparatus that is used in many universities today. It is primarily used in online and flip classes where the main form of information obtention is done by watching videos or lectures online. The lightboard is a preferred method of teaching by some professors because it provides a more personal experience than either a normal whiteboard or a document camera. The lightboard will especially shine in the University of Idaho's Engineering Outreach program and other classes like it because of the professor's ability to answer real time questions about topics while still looking into the camera and being able to write. It will also allow professors to prerecord lectures that they want to do and edit them into such a way that there is more information and less filler time.

How it Works

The lightboard will function using a principle called frustrated total internal reflection. This principle states that light within a medium will internally reflect because of the differences in two indices of refraction. However, when you put a marker on the glass, it will disrupt the angle at which the light will reflect, frustrating it. The frustrated light will then both reflect internally and emit light out of the glass, giving the marker the illuminated look that the lightboard is known for.

Deliverables
The Lightboard must act as a see-through, portable whiteboard that can be used in tandem with a filming system so that instructors may teach online and filmed classes while looking directly at the camera. The Lightboard must be produced for a fraction the price of a complete one that can be purchased online. The design must also be able to easily be transported around campus for wide use.

Specifications
Functionality/Usability


 * Writing on the board must be bright and easily visible as a result of “frustrated total internal reflection”


 * Writing on the lightboard should be comfortable for a wide range of users


 * An easily accessible area for notes, books, resources, and marker storage will be integrated into the design of the lightboard


 * LED lights must be dimmable and easily adjusted by the user without leaving the viewing area.


 * Thin sheets of frosted plastic can be attached to the viewer side of the glass in multiple locations for projections to be utilized

Mobility


 * The lightboard can be moved around on flat ground by a single user safely


 * Components of the board must be capable of fitting through a standard door (6’8” x 2’6”) without substantial disassembly or time investment
 * The Enclosure shall fit within the following:


 * Length < 8 ft


 * Width < 5 ft


 * Height < 7 ft

Safety


 * The frame design shall be sturdy enough to support the glass pane with a generous factor of safety


 * The Lightboard should resist tipping when a reasonable force it applied to the upper regions of the board


 * All electrical safety regulations will be met.

Cost Effectiveness


 * Cost to build a Lightboard prototype shall not exceed $2000

=Design Considerations=

Design Points

There are three main points to this design: the frame, the shelf, and the glass.

Testing

Our plan to test our prototype will consist of creating mini lightboards out of both Starphire and window glass. We will build a small frame and lay in the LEDs, so that it can illuminate the small pieces of glass. From there, we will treat them as normal lightboards and see how each board looks when being used in the correct setting. We will be looking to see that the marker is easy to read and that it is properly lit up. Our tests from this prototype will help us decide which kind of glass to use in our final product.

=Project Learning=

=Final Design=

=Validation=

=Team Members=

=Additional Documentation=

Project Schedule



Meeting Minutes



Presentations



Client Interview