Privacy Protecting Wall-Mounted Workstation

Abstract

A computer workstation including a switch, a monitor outlet and an input device tray. The input device tray is configured to support at least one computer input device. The switch is operationally associated with the input device tray such that when the input device tray is moved from its operational position, the switch is actuated. The monitor outlet is conductively connected to the switch such that when the switch is actuated, power to the monitor outlet is eliminated. The switch may also restore power to the monitor outlet when the input device tray is returned to the operational position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to computer workstations and, more particularly, to a wall-mounted computer workstation to protect against unauthorized viewing of confidential information displayed on a computer monitor.[0002]Health care providers are mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to take reasonable steps to ensure the confidentiality of patient information. This task becomes especially daunting in the hectic and fast-paced environment of many hospitals and medical clinics. Increasingly, nurses and other medical practitioners enter patient information directly into a computer terminal located in the hallway outside examination rooms or at some other centralized location easily accessible to the public. As a result, other patients and third parties will come into close proximity with these computers and be able to view any confidential information displayed on the monitors.[0003]Various methods have been uti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]In one embodiment, when the input device tray is moved from the operational position, the input device tray actuates a switch that eliminates the supply of power to the computer monitor. In one embodiment, the workstation includes a monitor outlet and this action eliminates the supply of power to the monitor outlet. This configuration causes a computer monitor plugged into the switched monitor outlet to be turned off contemporaneously with the input device tray being moved from the operational position, thereby preventing unauthorized parties from viewing the monitor after the input device tray is closed. The input device tray may be biased away from the operational position so that it automatically moves into the closed position in the absence of user interaction. For example, the tray may be spring-loaded or use a lift-assist gas cylinder to bias the tray in the closed position. Alternatively, biasing devices, such as a spring or gas cylinder, may be used to offset the weight of the tray and keyboard without providing sufficient force to automatically move the tray to the closed position.

Problems solved by technology

Alternatively, biasing devices, such as a spring or gas cylinder, may be used to offset the weight of the tray and keyboard without providing sufficient force to automatically move the tray to the closed position.

Furthermore, unlawful access is curtailed without the need to install additional software on the computer or to issue RFID badges to all employees.

Images