Automatically adjustable desk and tabletop desk with presence detection, usage tracking and methods thereof

Abstract

An apparatus and method for automatically adjusting and monitoring use of an adjustable standing desk are disclosed. The invention provides an electric adjustable standing desk with memory to store a user's preferred sitting and standing heights for the desk. A setup mode allows the user to store and adjust the preferred sitting and standing heights. A sensor allows the user to quickly adjust from the sitting to standing heights or vice versa. The invention also provides for presence detection to detect and ensure that a user optimizes the standing functionality.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The apparatus and methods disclosed herein relate to an automatically adjustable standing desk and adjustable desktop capable of monitoring the amount of usage in either sitting or standing modes. More specifically, the apparatus provides memory capable of storing the preferred sitting and standing heights for a user as well as indicating to a user the amount of time the user operates the desk in either sitting or standing modes. Additionally, the apparatus allows a user to adjust the desk into sitting or standing modes without the necessity of any physical force. Additionally, as disclosed herein, the features of this invention may be easily adapted to operate with various models of preexisting height adjustable desks with only minor modifications. Furthermore, the apparatus and methods disclosed herein provide for a novel presence detection system to ensure optimal use and maximize the health benefits associated with an adjustable standing desk.[0002]In a 2008 stud...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a device that automatically adjusts and monitors the use of an adjustable standing desk. The device has a memory to store the user's preferred sitting and standing heights for the desk, and a setup mode allows the user to adjust these preferences. There is also a sensor that allows the user to quickly move from sitting to standing heights or vice versa. The device also includes a proximity sensor that detects the user's presence and a notification system that maximizes the user's standing usage.

Problems solved by technology

Further studies have found also concluded that people who sit for long periods of time have an increased risk of disease.

A study in 2010 reported that prolonged periods of sitting can compromise metabolic health even in adults who otherwise meet physical activity recommendations.

First, numerous studies have shown that excessive sitting shortens a person's life span by several years and increased the chance of dying from heart disease significantly.

Powering down the body like that for long periods of time can lead to a cascade of negative effects.

As such, office workers often experience back pain which stems from not using their backs enough.

Years of slouching in a chair may take a substantial toll.

One lab in Oregon concluded that people who sit more are at greater risk for herniated disk and strained cervical vertebrae in the neck leading to permanent imbalances.

However, prior art electric adjustable standing desks fail to provide ease for users to easily adjust to their optimal sitting and standing positions.

Additionally, prior art electrical adjustable standing desks fail to properly inform its user of the optimal duration of standing during a typical work day.

Additionally, prior art electric adjustable standing desks consume additional power as the desks await instructions to raise or lower the desk.

Despite the knowledge by an office user of the health benefits of standing at the adjustable standing desk, these health benefits are very rarely maximized as a challenge remains in ensuring a user sufficiently uses the adjustable standing desk in a standing capacity.

This lack of optimal use is even more noticeable in the afternoons as the user becomes more tired after lunch.

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