Ergonomically designed large display multipurpose workstation

Abstract

Apparatus for facilitating the operation of computer systems connected to very large display systems. The invention comprises monitor and keyboard supports which are independently adjustable vertically, horizontally, and angularly. The keyboard support is designed to allow the monitor to pass behind for any given vertical, horizontal, or angular orientation of the monitor relative to the keyboard. The invention is configurable to facilitate operators in the standing or sitting positions and can collapse to allow mobility through typical doorways.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119(e)[0001]This patent application claims the priority benefit of the filing date of a provisional application, Ser. No. 61 / 401,177, filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Aug. 6, 2010.STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST[0002]The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalty thereon.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]With the advances in computer and display technology, and the dramatic shift in people's work responsibilities and task demands, small, standard computer monitors are no longer the norm because they no longer meet the demands of the workplace. In fact, there has been an increasing trend in the integration of large displays into the workplace. However, while there has been a great deal of work conducted on designing ergonomically friendly office furniture, to date no published guidelines exist for large display workstations. What ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]One objective of this present invention is to provide an apparatus for facilitating the operation of computer systems connected to very large display systems.

[0016]Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for facilitating the operation of computer systems connected to very large display systems in which the monitor height and keyboard height are independently adjustable vertically, horizontally, and angularly relative to the operator.

[0017]Still another objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for facilitating the operation of computer systems connected to very large display systems which can collapse for transportability and mobility.

[0018]Briefly stated, the present invention provides an apparatus for facilitating the operation of computer systems connected to very large display systems. The invention comprises monitor and keyboard supports which are independently adjustable vertically, horizontally, and angularly. The keyboard support is designed to allow the monitor to pass therethrough and / or behind for any given vertical, horizontal, or angular orientation of the monitor relative to the keyboard. The invention is configurable to facilitate operators in the standing or sitting positions and can collapse to allow mobility through typical doorways.

Problems solved by technology

With the advances in computer and display technology, and the dramatic shift in people's work responsibilities and task demands, small, standard computer monitors are no longer the norm because they no longer meet the demands of the workplace.

However, while there has been a great deal of work conducted on designing ergonomically friendly office furniture, to date no published guidelines exist for large display workstations.

What works for a small monitor does not work for a large monitor.

For example, maintaining a 20 inch viewing distance (recommended for small computer displays) in front of a 56 inch display creates significant visual discomfort for the user.

Moreover, utilizing traditional workstation design for large displays will not allow the user the ability to view the entire computer screen.

In the absence of an ergonomically designed workstation, potential side effects and physical problems include, but are not limited to, neck and shoulder pain, lower back pain, and strain of the wrists.

Additionally, Walser provides no means to extend or retract the keyboard in the horizontal direction.

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