GB2598963A - Work space - Google Patents

Abstract

The work space comprises: a housing, a plurality of decontamination components on the housing, at least one detection sensor on the housing, at least one door attached to the housing, at least one electronic lock connected to at least one door. A control system in communication with the at least one electronic lock and at least one detection sensor triggers activation of at least one cleaning protocol using the decontamination components when the work space is not in use. The control system may monitor scheduled use of the work space, may communicate with a booking software and the cleaning protocol(s) will not activate if the work space is scheduled in use. Detection sensor(s) may comprise motion, pressure(13) (14), Infra-red (IR), distance(12), volumetric and/or limit switch sensors. Decontamination components may comprise an air purification component(21) and light sources(3) (15) that emit light at a wavelength within a cleaning range. Also claimed is a method of sterilising work space with a control system in communication with detection sensors.

Description

Work Space The present invention generally relates to a workspace. In particular but not exclusively, relates to the autonomous decontamination of the workspace.

The increased concern of economic disruption due to the rise of new and evolving viruses is paramount when considering business continuity. The workplace has changed from a meet-and-greet, collaborative open space into one that concentrates on flexible and agile ways of working. This has led to the rise in popularity of "hot-desking" as a flexible work environment, owing to the traditional open plan office being known for unbearable noise levels but also lacking the privacy required to enhance employee productivity. Furthermore, in recent times, it has become more prevalent to consider the sterility in the work environment as these work spaces are communal. In general, building services are ill-equipped to cope with the level of decontamination required to guarantee a safe space to work. Improving indoor air quality is only going to become a bigger challenge and ensuring individual workspaces are adequately sanitised is potentially a continuous exercise in self-discipline.

Within the prior art, an example that has attempted to address these problems is W02019224422A1 which discloses a hygienic space, comprising of a sound-proof structure that the user can walk into to make a call or for other needs where privacy is required. The device contains sensors that detect user presence and decontamination components to ensure the space is clean before and after use. The device also contains an air outlet equipped with a flow meter which is configured to provide flow information to said controller. While the device has sensors to detect whether someone is inside the device, it is unable to determine whether the individual has completed their intended use for the device or has simply left temporarily. Consequently, in the case of the latter scenario, the device will activate a cleaning protocol that wastes time for the user who wishes to use the device and also wastes energy by unnecessarily activating its cleaning protocol. In addition, the device lacks a means of fully ensuring that the device has been completely cleaned after completion of its cleaning protocol.

Another example is KR101798699B1 which discloses a personal learning environment that comprises a single-person pod which a user can use for private study. The device contains sensors for temperature and humidity to improve the conditions within the pod for the user, in addition to containing an anti-microbial device to clean the space. As noted, while the device does provide sensors for personal use, these are not designed to determine whether someone is in the device. As a result, there is the potential for a scenario where energy is wasted with unnecessary electronic usage if the device has been accidentally left open. In addition, leaving doors open while the anti-microbial device is active can be unsafe for anyone in the surrounding environment, as the vast majority of decontamination methods are unsafe/carcinogenic for human consumption.

It is the object of the invention to seek to mitigate some or all of these disadvantages.

Accordingly, the invention provides a work space comprising; a housing, a plurality of decontamination components on the housing, at least one detection sensor on the housing, at least one door attached to the housing, at least one electronic lock connected to at least one door and wherein a control system in communication with the at least one electronic lock and at least one detection sensor triggers activation of at least one cleaning protocol using the decontamination components when the work space is not in use.

Preferably, the control system monitors scheduled use of the work space and wherein at least one cleaning protocol in the housing will not activate if the work space is scheduled in use.

Preferably, the plurality of decontamination components may include a plurality of light sources including at least one UV (including using Far UV-C wavelength 207 nm-222 nm), blue light source (400 nm-470 nm) or another light source that emits light at a wavelength that cleans and decontaminates (a cleaning range). A cleaning range as stated in this specification, is to be interpreted as a wavelength between approximately 200 nm-470 nm. The light sources may be positioned around the interior of the housing to clean all surface areas in the housing. The light sources may be angled to direct light around the interior of the housing or alternatively, reflectors positioned in regions around the interior of the housing may be used to direct light around the interior of the housing.

Preferably, the at least one electronic lock in combination with rubber seals on the door forms a hermetically sealed doorway.

Preferably, the at least one electronic lock deactivates when air quality inside the work space decreases below a threshold determined by the control system.

Preferably, the at least one electronic lock releases the door when an external fire alarm is triggered.

Preferably, the decontamination components comprises an air purification component to decontaminate the incoming air within the interior of the work space.

Preferably, the air purification component extracts clean air into the environment outside of the work space.

Preferably, the control system monitors indoor air quality within the housing and the outside environment through internal and external readings.

Preferably, the detection sensors include at least one of motion, pressure, Infra-red (IR), distance and/or volumetric sensors to report on the occupation of the work space. The sensors may further comprise temperature, air quality and humidity sensors to monitor the environmental conditions within the work space internally and externally.

Preferably, the door is connected to a contact switch which provides feedback to determine if the door is closed before at least one cleaning protocol will be activated.

Preferably, the work space includes components for accessing at least one wireless data protocol within the housing. These may include 3G, 4G, SG, Bluetooth TM, LTE and WiFi. The work space may be used as an access point for the wireless network in a building.

Preferably, the control system includes using booking software to regulate usage of the work space or a network of work spaces within a public environment.

Preferably, the work space is movable and may be reconstructable as required.

The workspace includes a reconstructable, self-assembly housing that is formed through a plurality of walls, wherein at least one wall has as opening where at least one door is attached and arranged to close the opening. The work space housing is constructed by means commonly known and used in the art for constructing other work space housings/pods (for example, see Patent number KR10179869981, KR101287637B1 or QULO by Space Republic). Preferably the housing is constructed through non-flammable plywood, glass, metal, and plastic by known means. In some embodiments the housing further comprises material foam for soundproofing and additional soundproofing material foam for an integrated seat that is connected within the interior of the housing. These materials are also non-flammable. Preferably, the roof, floor and wall structures are formed in such a way as to be modular and self-assembled consisting of sealed assemblies that are sound dampening. Preferably the outside of the housing will have an integrated button/switch that the user touches to activate opening and closing of the door in order to enter the work space. In some embodiments this button is a touch-free module comprising a proximity sensor that can detect when a user's hand is near the module in order to activate opening of the door.

The door(s) as stated in this specification is within the definition of a movable barrier that allows the user to ingress into and egress out of an enclosure (in this case the work space). Preferably there is at least one door that is attached to the housing by hinges, by known means, but in other embodiments the door(s) can be a sliding door(s). Preferably, the housing will have a single door attached, but in other embodiments the housing will have at least one other door attached to another side of the housing. Preferably the door(s) comprise glass panels which are transparent or translucent to allow other persons to see when the work space is occupied. In other embodiments, the glass panels are etched so the occupant can have increased privacy within the work space. Preferably rubber seals are fitted around the door to create a hermetically sealed lock when combined with the electronic lock, when the door is closed. The door(s) are connected to at least one electronic lock. In other embodiments, where there is more than one door attached to the housing, each door may be connected to its own electronic lock or the housing will have one electronic lock which acts as a central lock to each door.

Preferably the electronic lock is an electromagnetic lock which preferably, is in communication to a microcontroller and which is preferably, integrated into the door(s) and in other embodiments is installed on a separate component of the housing. In other embodiments, the electronic lock may be connected to an electronic keypad or the electronic lock may be a radio frequency identification (RFID) lock that is operated by a key card/fob or pass. In other embodiments, the door may be opened by pressing a button that opens the door when the electronic lock is unlocked. In other embodiments, the door may be opened through the use of a touch-free proximity sensor that detects when the user's hand is near the entry module that is integrated into the door or wall of the housing and connected to the control system within the work space. Preferably, in combination with the electronic lock and the rubber seals that form the hermetically sealed doorway, the soundproofing capability of the work space is improved in addition to forming an air tight space which maintains the sterile work environment.

Preferably, in the event of fire, the electronic lock releases the door(s) when an external fire alarm is triggered through activation of the control system within the work space. In an embodiment, this is achieved by way of wired or wireless relay switching. i.e when a building fire alarm panel activates a relay in the unit switches state, the work space control system which is connected to the building's electrical systems, interprets this switching in the state to know a fire is happening. Normally, the same relay in a fire alarm system automatically switches over to release any electrical lock on any external doors of the building. Preferably, in other embodiments, a wireless transmitter can also be positioned within a specified range of the work space which is paired with a unit within the work space housing. When a fire alarm in the building is activated, the wireless unit transmits the signal instantly to the work space and deactivates the electronic lock and activates a flash beacon and an alarm within the work space housing which informs the user to leave the work space.

Preferably, the electronic lock deactivates and releases the door(s) when the air quality drops below a threshold determined by programmed software in communication with the control system connected to the sensors (which measures volatile organic compounds (VOC), carbon dioxide (CO2), PM2.5, pressure, temperature and humidity) and in addition to programming of the microcontroller software in communication with the electronic lock.

In some embodiments, the work space can be further connected to external detection systems through the control system connecting to other work space units via a network or through connection to a central electrical supply within a building. This can trigger the door lock and thereby serve as an additional safety measure. In some embodiments, the control system is in communication with additional temperature and humidity sensors which permits control of the conditions within the interior of the work space. In some embodiments the interior of the work space will comprise a manual lever that will override the electronic lock to open the door which will act as a fail-safe in the event of a fire or other hazard where the user is required to leave the work space and the electronic lock has failed to deactivate or disengage due to external electrical issues.

The electronic lock is in communication to the control system that connects to at least one sensor component that monitors occupancy within the work space. Preferably, the sensors are at least one of motion, pressure, Infra-red (IR) sensors distance and/or volumetric sensors, in addition to conventional switches and limit switches in communication with the door(s).

Preferably, the electronic lock is connected to a microcontroller that provides cloud-based control to allow remote locking and unlocking of the door and thereby control access to the work space. Preferably, the cloud-based control is connected to the mains supply of the work space and electronic sensors within the work space to allow activation and deactivation of the fail-safe safety features in the work space, in addition to allowing remote powering down of the work space using the cloud-based control.

Preferably, the workspace is assembled on castors enabling it to be easily moved within its environment. Preferably the work space has a mains switch on the back of the housing to permit remote powering off of the work space. Preferably, the work space utilises an access point for at least one wireless data protocol including 36,46, 56, Bluetooth TM, LIE and WiFi. The housing itself may be used as an access point for the wireless data protocol(s). Preferably data may be collected from users including based on location, frequency of bookings, average usage periods and peak time periods of activity within a network of work space housing units. This is to optimise geographical convenience on where the work space housings are located, how many work spaces are currently occupied in a particular location and/or to optimise supporting facilities in the outside environment that are connected to the network.

Charge outlets may also be supplied within the housing, providing USB-A and USB-C connectivity. The housing interior may contain at least one Mains plug to provide a plug-andplay solution for the occupant. Preferably, the housing contains at least one Mains plug in the exterior of the housing to allow the work space to be connected to a power supply wherever the housing is transported to.

Preferably, the work space is positioned in a larger space that may or may not have sufficient cleaning protocols in place to combat high risk contaminants such as viruses and other microbes. An in-built decontamination system using decontamination components integrated into the work space housing ensures the air and surfaces within the workspace are at least 95% free from pathogens. Preferably, the decontamination components comprise at least one of a UV (preferably Far-UVC), blue light or other light source that emits light at a wavelength that cleans and decontaminates (a cleaning range); a wavelength that will kill viruses and other microbes. Preferably, the decontamination components further comprise an air purification component to decontaminate the incoming air within the interior of the work space. In some embodiments this is an air ioniser or air purifier. Preferably, this air purification component may release clean air through high volume air extraction into the outside environment. Preferably, a network of work space housing units can monitor and regulate air quality within the outside environment. Preferably, at least one decontamination light source is placed within an extraction duct within the wall or roof of the housing to further decontaminate the incoming and extracted air.

The air inlet apertures and air outlet apertures may be positioned in at least one of the root wall and/or the floor based on user preferences. Where multiple work space housing units are to be positioned in close proximity, housings with roof inlets and outlets may be desirable to ensure adequate air flow. The light emitting sources may be positioned at the ceiling, walls worktop, seating area or in the floor. The materials for the interior surfaces of the workspace may be chosen in such a way that the chemical properties will not be disrupted by the light source or ionisation of air and will not produce increased static charge or emit any level of chemical pollutants (for example benzene, ethylene glycol or formaldehyde) that may be harmful to the user. By forming channels or ducts with a configuration where they are constructed with at least two angular turns within the walls, roof or floor structure joined within a modular assembly, the work space maintains optimal sound-proofing by avoiding leakages whereby sufficient air flow is provided and noise caused either by turbulence or backdraft is eliminated.

Preferably, a booking system forms part of the control system that is in communication with the electronic lock which regulates usage of the workspace and ensures a deep-clean in between each occupation through activation of the cleaning protocols by the control system at the end of the day once scheduled use is finished or as part of a scheduled cleaning rota by the control system. In another embodiment, activation of the cleaning protocols using the decontaminating light sources can be activated through a switch on the outside of the housing, where activation can be triggered if a person standing outside of the work space housing holds down a "clean" button which is connected to the wall of the housing. Here, sensors will determine whether a person is inside the work space and the cleaning protocol will only activate through the control system if the sensor detects that a person is not inside the work space and the door is detected as being closed. In an embodiment, visual and audio feedback that the work space is being cleaned is provided through flashing LED colour change from an RGB LED light inside the work space housing, in addition to activation of a speaker system inside the work space. Activation of a flashing light or audio noise would provide instant feedback to the user that they should evacuate the work space in the event of a fire.

Preferably the control system regulates usage of the work space or a network of work spaces within a public environment where there are multiple work space units within an area. This is achieved through booking work sessions within a work space through separate software that is in communication with the network of work space control systems. In an embodiment, a work session can be booked for a period of time through use of separate software and in between booked slots, time is allocated for autonomous cleaning of the work space through activation of the decontamination components by the control system. In an embodiment, where a session is booked, the work space can be accessed by BluetoothTM, where a user activates Bluetooth' connectivity with a Bluetooth' signal receiving module within the work space that is in communication with the control system and electronic lock. To ensure the correct user enters the pod, the user is sent a verification code that they must input on making the Bluetooth" connection in order to successfully open the door or alternatively, the BluetoothTM ID is compared to the booking ID to ensure it matches before the door will open. In other embodiments, the user can use an app on a mobile device that is in communication with the control system in the work space through wireless data protocols. In order to open the door, the user must input a PIN or code in the app that the user was sent by separate software. In another embodiment, an NFC receiving module is in communication with the electronic lock and in order to open the door, the user must use a communal key card/fob that was acquired upon booking the work space or alternatively, connect through NFC connectivity with a mobile device.

Through the booking software, even if the workspace is scheduled as still being occupied, the cleaning protocol(s) will not begin, even if the work space is determined as being empty by the sensors and the control system. This ensures the convenience for the user, for not having to wait to re-enter the work space if the user leaves temporarily.

Preferably, the decontamination process can be accelerated at set times between occupation of the workspace through configuration of the software in communication with the control system. The electronic lock is also a determining factor in the delivery of the cleaning protocols as the decontamination components to clean the workspace cannot be triggered unless the door is locked. Motion sensors, pressure pads, infrared sensors, distance and/or volumetric sensors, in addition to conventional switches and limit switches in communication with the door(s) are able to detect whether the workspace is occupied and in turn determines readiness for commencing the cleaning protocols. Once the work space is determined as ready to be cleaned by the control system, at least one cleaning protocol will run a set duty cycle before all sensors return to their idle state and the door unlocks to await the next occupant to enter the work space.

The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying figures.

Figures Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the housing of the work space.

Figure 2 shows the interior of the same embodiment of the work space as figure 1. Figure 3 shows the exterior of the same embodiment of the work space as figure 1.

Figure 4 shows a work flow of the control system and activation of the UV decontamination components in an embodiment of the work space.

Figure 5 shows a block diagram of the control system and activation of various electrical components in an embodiment of the work space.

In reference to figures 1-3, a work space is self-assembled and constructed through means typically known in the art for constructing such devices. In this embodiment, the work space is connected to a building's electrical supply through a Main supply plug at the back of the work space housing. In an embodiment of the invention, when a user wishes to use the work space, the user approaches the housing of the work space and activates the electronic lock 6 by triggering the entry module 5 on the exterior of the housing to open the door. In this embodiment, the device uses a touch-free, proximity sensor within the module to detect when the user's hand is near the module. In other embodiments, a button may be pressed to open and close the door. In an embodiment an electromagnetic lock (Maglock) connected to a microcontroller, is connected to the door. In an embodiment, the interior of the work space comprises a custom PCB 1 located within the wall of the housing, a display 2, light controls 4, a modem 8, a router 9, a Mains socket and charge point 10, speakers 17 and a Mains supply inlet 18 and data inlet 19 located at the back of the housing.

In an embodiment once the user is inside the work space, the Maglock 6 will lock the door and will not re-open unless triggered by the occupant or through external means in the event of an emergency, such as a fire. In an embodiment, the interior of the housing comprises a flashing beacon 16 to indicate a fire. In an embodiment, in the event that the occupant leaves the work space temporarily, booking software which is in communication with the control system (that is in communication with an Infrared distance sensor 12, seat pressure sensor 13 and floor pressure sensor 14 and the Maglock 6) will communicate with the control system that the work space is scheduled in use. As a result, the control system will not activate the cleaning protocol(s) inside the housing if the work space is still scheduled in use. In an embodiment when the booking software is not utilised, and in other embodiments which utilise the booking software in communication with the work space and where the booking software records the work space not in use, the detection sensors inside the housing will monitor the interior of the housing to detect if there is currently an occupant inside the work space housing. Where an occupant is not detected, through a combination of a lack of detection from the detection sensor 12-14, and no activation of the door limit switch 11 which detects proximity of the door and provides feedback to determine if the door is locked before at least one cleaning protocol will be activated, a signal from the control system is sent to the Maglock 6 and triggers the door to lock. Once locked, providing the control system determines the work space is ready for decontamination, at least one cleaning protocol scheduled within the housing will activate. In other embodiments, the work space contains other combinations of the Infrared distance sensor 12, seat pressure sensor 13 and floor pressure sensor 14, for example having only the seat pressure sensor 13 and floor pressure sensor 14.

In an embodiment, an air cleaning protocol(s) is activated comprising an air ionisation treatment which starts where air from the external environment is cleaned, purified and transferred into the workspace via an inlet 22 at the point of entry to prevent very large particulates from entering the work space housing. In an embodiment, the fans 7 are positioned after the inlet 22 to provide sufficient airflow within the housing. A filter 20 is positioned either side of the fans 7 to filter particulates. In an embodiment, the filter 20 is a triple filtration filter comprising high efficiency nano DNO catalyst and a HERA 13 filter. In other embodiments, other particulate filters are used, as commonly known in the art. In other embodiments, the fans are positioned in alternative locations within the housing walls or roof. In an embodiment, an aperture for distributing air into a main chamber is located as part of the wall structure within the housing. In an embodiment, the aperture distributes air via a dedicated channel or duct within the wall structure of the housing. A channel or duct formed as part of the wall structure of the housing connects to an ion generator 21 to thereby distribute a cleaned airstream into the work space via the outlet aperture 23 formed as part of the internal wall structure of the housing. On air extraction, the channel or duct distributes air to the outlet aperture 23 which extracts cleaned air back into the surrounding environment. In another embodiment, the work space contains multiple air inlets and outlets that are positioned in the roof, wall and or floor of the housing. In another embodiment the channel or duct is formed as part of the roof structure of the housing.

In addition to the air ionisation treatment cleaning protocol, in an embodiment, another cleaning protocol is activated which comprises a light source(s) connected to a microcontroller, which emits light at a wavelength that cleans and decontaminates (a cleaning range). In an embodiment, UV treatment starts (using Far-UVC or conventional UVC) where light from the light sources emitting a wavelength between 207 and 220 nm (for Far-UVC) or (100nm to 280 nm for conventional UV-C) covers the area within the workspace via at least one roof mounted light 3 and a wall mounted lamp 15. In another embodiment, the mounted light and/or lamp light sources are positioned on the floor in addition to the roof and wall respectively. In an embodiment, the mounted light 3 is an excimer lamp or LED strip light. In an embodiment, the channel or duct for distributing air to the outlet aperture 23 contains a UVC light source to further clean the air.

In another embodiment, reflectors, for reflecting UV light around the interior of the housing are placed in regions around the interior of the housing to direct light from the light source(s) to every region of the interior of the housing to disinfect all work surface within the interior of the housing of the work space. The reflectors are made from any suitable material that will reflect UV light, for example polished aluminium foil. The positioning of the light sources and/or reflectors within the housing ensures that all sides of the seat, work surface and interior of the housing are fully cleaned after use of the work space. The time set to fully clean the work space is determined by the control system that sets a time for each decontamination component to activate and then deactivate. This ensures the decontamination components are not left on unnecessarily leading to wasted energy from the electricity needed to run the decontamination components, in addition to the time wasted for the user in waiting to enter the work space.

Figure 4 provides a work flow of the control system in operation. The workflow demonstrates an example of the co-operation of the detection sensor circuitry within the work space housing and the monitoring of the Maglock control circuitry for activating the UV cleaning protocol. The work spaces utilises the control system for activation of the cleaning protocols within the work space. In an embodiment, digital electronic circuitry logic gates, as commonly known in the art, are used to determine when to activate the cleaning protocols within the work space. In an embodiment using NAND and NOR logic gates within the "occupied" circuity, If the detection sensors detect that the work space is unoccupied, a signal is sent to the NOR gate, which will proceed to send binary information in the form of pulses (pulse elongation step) which is then interpreted as an "occupied" signal. This signal is then sent to the NAND logic gate in the UV control circuitry to form part of the criteria for determining activation of the UV cleaning protocol. In this example, if either the "Seat Sensor", "Distance Sensor" or "PIR Sensor" (passive infrared) a re activated then the occupied signal will be active, indicating there is a person present inside the work space. In the event where the sent signal determines that the work space is not occupied, then that will form the first criteria for activating the UV control circuitry for activating the UV cleaning protocol. For the second part of the criteria, within the Maglock control circuity, signals in the form of activation of an enter/exit button, detection of a fire or activation of a Maglock microcontroller (MCU) (through activation of one of the unlocking methods) are sent to an NAND gate which in turn will determine whether to activate the Maglock control to open or lock the door. In this example, if either "Maglock MCU", "Fire", "Enter Button" or "Exit Button" are activated then the Maglock is disengaged and the door is open. In the event where no signal is sent to the NAND gate to trigger opening the door, the NAND gate will activate the Maglock control to lock the door. This locking door event will then form part of the second criteria for activating the UV cleaning protocol in the UV control circuitry. Additional criteria that must be met in order to activate the cleaning protocol include the UV microcontroller being inactivate and the door limit switch being inactive. If either the UV microcontroller (MCU), Door Limit Switch, Occupied Signal or Maglock control signals are active (active low) then the UV Control signal cannot be activated and the UV source will be off. For the other cleaning protocols (e.g using the air fan and ion generator), a similar work flow using logic gates maybe used for determining whether to activate these decontamination components. In other embodiments, the air ionizer is left on while the work space has an electrical supply due to its minimal electrical usage (less than 1w) and no health concern to the user. In this example, activation of the air fan would form that cleaning protocol. It would be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the above example is relevant to a specific embodiment of the invention and different combinations of logic gates may be used in other embodiments to control activation of the decontamination components. In other embodiments, the control system utilises programmed software rather than logic gates to determine when to activate the cleaning protocols in response to the fulfilment of criteria as described in the previous embodiment.

Figure 5 shows a simplified block diagram of the circuitry within an embodiment of the work space connecting the various electrical components within an embodiment of the work space. In the diagram, when the "input" components are activated, electrical signal is sent through the electrical circuitry to activate the relative electrical component in the "output" section. This embodiment contains optional features of the temperature sensor, noise sensor, humidity sensors, router, RGB LED dial for the RGB LED, screen and the USB A, USB C and Ethernet port as shown in the figure. In other embodiments, other combinations of the optional features may be included within the work space. The work space utilises a complex electrical circuity configuration that connects the electrical inputs of the Mains, wireless data protocols, the entry/exit switches, detection and non-detection sensors within the work space to provide outputs of Mains outlets and USB connections, router connectivity, Maglock controller activation for the Maglock and activation of the UV controller for activation of the UV light source respectively. The circuitry is also connected to other decontamination components, including the fan and ion generator.

Claims (21)

1. Claims 1. A work space comprising; a housing, a plurality of decontamination components on the housing, at least one detection sensor on the housing, at least one door attached to the housing, at least one electronic lock connected to at least one door and wherein a control system in communication with the at least one electronic lock and at least one detection sensor triggers activation of at least one cleaning protocol using the decontamination components when the work space is not in use.
2. 2. A work space according to claim 1, wherein, the control system monitors scheduled use of the work space.
3. 3. A work space according to claim 2, wherein, the at least one cleaning protocol will not activate if the work space is scheduled in use.
4. 4. The work space according to any preceding claim, wherein, the at least one electronic lock deactivates when air quality inside the work space decreases below a threshold determined by the control system.
5. 5. A work space according to any preceding claim, wherein, the control system communicates with a booking software to regulate usage of the work space or a network of work spaces within a public environment.
6. 6. A work space according to any preceding claim, wherein, the plurality of decontamination components comprises a plurality of light sources that emit light at a wavelength within a cleaning range.
7. 7. A work space according to claim 6, wherein, the plurality of light sources are angled around the interior of the housing to direct light around the interior of the housing.
8. 8. A work space according to any of claims 6-7, wherein, reflectors are positioned in regions around the interior of the housing to direct light around the interior of the housing.
9. 9. A work space according to any of claims 6-8, wherein, the plurality of light sources comprises at least one Far-UVC source.
10. 10. The work space according to any preceding claim, wherein, the at least one detection sensor comprises at least one of motion, pressure, Infra-red (IR), distance, volumetric and/or limit switch sensors to detect occupation in the work space.
11. 11. The work space according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one of temperature, air quality and/or humidity sensors to monitor the environmental conditions of the work space.
12. 12. The work space according to any preceding claim, wherein, the at least one electronic lock in combination with rubber seals on the door forms a hermetically sealed doorway.
13. 13. The work space according to any preceding claim, wherein, the at least one electronic lock releases the door when an external fire alarm is triggered.
14. 14. The work space according to any preceding claim, wherein, the decontamination components comprises an air purification component to decontaminate the incoming air within the interior of the work space.
15. 15. The work space according to claim 14, wherein, the air purification component extracts clean air into the environment outside of the work space.
16. 16. The work space according to any preceding claim, wherein, the work space comprises components for accessing wireless data protocols within the housing.
17. 17. The work space according to claim 16, wherein, the work space may be used as an access point for a wireless network in a building.
18. 18. The work space according to any preceding claim, wherein, the work space is movable and is reconstructable.
19. 19. The work space according to any preceding claim, wherein, the work space housing and/or interior comprises soundproofing material.
20. 20. The work according to any preceding claim, wherein, at least one door is connected to at least one contact switch which provides feedback to determine if the door is locked before at least one cleaning protocol is activated.
21. 21. A method of sterilising a work space comprising; a housing, a plurality of decontamination components on the housing, at least one detection sensor on the housing, at least one door attached to the housing, at least one electronic lock connected to at least one door and wherein a control system in communication with the at least one electronic lock and at least one detection sensor triggers activation of at least one cleaning protocol using the decontamination components when the work space is not in use.