Method and apparatus for workspace ergonomics and fitness

Abstract

A workspace fitness apparatus, comprising a standard workspace such as a computer desk or cubicle, a plurality of physical activity devices arranged upon or about the workspace, a plurality of interactive devices for computer operation comprising keyboard, pointer, and voice-recognition elements, such as to facilitate physical activity for fitness and health benefits without interrupting other work-related activities.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 628,399, titled “CUBICLE GYMNASIUM”, filed on Oct. 31, 2011, the entire specification of which is incorporated hereby by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention is in the field of fitness equipment, and more specifically the present invention relates to the configuration and arrangement of fitness or exercise equipment within and about a workspace while maintaining minimal intrusion upon the working environment and allowing unimpeded use of working materials regardless of the level of fitness activity, and optionally comprising elements for operation of a computer workstation while maintaining a level of physical activity.[0004]2. Discussion of the State of the Art[0005]In the field of physical health, Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT™, which is a trademark and service mark of Mayo Foundation...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a workspace designed for the use of a computer such as an office cubicle is utilized. In such an environment it may be desirable for a worker to be able to pursue physical activity while working, such that physical health or fitness may be promoted with minimal negative impact on productivity. According to the embodiment, a plurality of devices may be utilized in an arrangement such as to facilitate the use of a computer workstation such as a laptop or desktop computer, or a retail point-of-sale (POS) terminal. Such devices may include (but are not limited to) keyboard or number pad input devices for typing or operating text-based software such as sales or customer service management software commonly utilized in various roles and in a variety of industries, pointer devices such as a mouse for operation of basic computer functions and operating systems and such as may be commonly found in consumer computer setups, or non-tactile interactive systems for operating a computer such as speech recognition software installed on a computer for operation via verbal input. Such devices mentioned are exemplary and it will be appreciated that a variety of similar or alternate devices may be utilized according to the invention, and that new and alternate devices and technologies may become available which may be utilized according to the invention. Such devices or software elements may be arranged in such a way as to facilitate operation of a computer in a variety of ways, such as with one or both hands interchangeably by means of multiple or ambidextrous input devices (as an example, an exemplary arrangement might include two mouse pointer devices, such that a worker may utilize one with either hand interchangeably as may be desirable), or such that a user may freely and easily switch to operating a computer without the use of their hands—as an example, an exemplary arrangement might be setup in such a way that a user may simply stop using any keyboard or pointer devices and begin speaking to the computer utilizing speech recognition software, with no manual configuration or change necessary, such software being available immediately on the computer for convenient and immediate switching between input methods as may be desirable. Using such hands-free means of operation not only allows a user to pursue other activities with their hands and arms, but also may reduce the overall use of manual input methods described above, reducing the likelihood of wrist or other upper extremity strain or injury. The opportunity to use either, both, or neither hand interchangeably encourages “student driver” training of the non-dominant hand which may improve dexterity and allow the option of using whichever hand is more appropriate for each given task, or optionally using whichever hand is not otherwise occupied (such as when performing other physical activities in addition to other workspace tasks), and also encourages the development of good hands-free computer operation skills (such as clear enunciation as may be desirable for some ASR software) as may be appropriate, allowing a user more flexibility in computer-related tasks and greater opportunity for workspace fitness activities which may benefit from the option to operate a computer without the use of hands, freeing them up for such activities. Furthermore, an alternate video output for a computer may be utilized, such as head-mounted displays (HMD) or “video glasses”, which place a computer display inside a pair of glasses or goggles in such a way as to be focused for use while being worn. By utilizing such a display, a user is given far greater flexibility in their movement and posturing within a workspace as they no longer are required to look directly at a display positioned in the workspace, and such use encourages better ergonomic posture and comfort for a user by discouraging neck strain from holding the head in a fixed or awkward position while operating a computer. Such alternate display means may be utilized in conjunction with hands-free input means to facilitate an even greater level of fitness potential, for example a user might perform a standard workout routine engaging the upper body, lower body, and extremities as might be expected in a fitness gym and ordinarily impossible in a computer workspace (or at least impossible without completely interrupting the operation of a computer), all while still operating a computer workstation via hands-free means and while viewing a wearable display for complete freedom of movement.

Problems solved by technology

Using such hands-free means of operation not only allows a user to pursue other activities with their hands and arms, but also may reduce the overall use of manual input methods described above, reducing the likelihood of wrist or other upper extremity strain or injury.

Images