Control console for control rooms

Abstract

Control console (1), for control rooms comprising: - curved screens (3.3), on a support profile (3.2) with the same curvature angle (3.6) to allow each operator a curved and ergonomic visual surface; - work surface (20) with support surface (2.1), support (2.2) for supporting the weight of the support surface (2.1) and storage compartment (2.3); - integrated pantograph lifting system (10) for working in a seated and / or standing position, providing extended (1.1) and closed (1.2) configurations and a plurality of intermediate adjustments; said system comprising a central joint (1.3) incorporating five reversibly extractable support levels (1.4); - work surface with multifunctional LED light to display different operating conditions of the console by means of luminous animations of different colors; - touch screens integrated into the work surface to control the functions of the console and the systems present therein; - ergonomic platform (4).

Description

[0001] “Control console for control rooms”

[0002] Description

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The present invention operates in the field of control rooms and large format display systems. In more detail, the object of the present document is a technological console for control rooms which is provided with a vertical adjustment system for operators.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] At present, a variety of complex devices called consoles have been developed in the context of control rooms and large format display systems. Users today generally use control rooms to manage the generation, distribution and transmission of energy, water or gas, broadcasters use them to control numerous incoming and outgoing feeds, while NOC Network Operation Centers and SOC Security Operation Centers use them to track diagnostics of computer systems, communications and security systems. Technology has changed over the years, but the control room is increasingly a true operations center. Essentially, it brings together multiple sources of real-time data presented in a controllable visual format which can be viewed at any size to be used by multiple operators. A company which decides to use consoles specifically designed for a control room acquires the ergonomic and functional control of its environment, recognizing and solving potential problems quickly and efficiently. For all these reasons, a control or command room must be as ergonomic and sound as possible, and without barriers to use.

[0007] Consequently, numerous companies producing consoles have spread, such as Bosco srl, which over the years has launched products for medium and large-sized control rooms and centers for automation, command and control, characterized by their modularity and adaptability giving the possibility of creating sets of consoles placed side by side in line or in a circular manner. They are divided vertically into standard support modules, work surface and upper surface comprising screens and:

[0008] • 24" or 27" monitor, complete with movable arm support with three joints and slides on the work surface;

[0009] • 50" or 55" monitor, complete with VIDEX support in black epoxy powder-coated aluminum;

[0010] • work surface and computer compartment below the work surface with optional 19" rack in height of 5 or 9 units;

[0011] • 19" Rack structure incorporated in the central module to allow housing sockets.

[0012] In any case, all of the consoles of the aforesaid company allow operators to operate exclusively in a seated position.

[0013] Then there are consoles powered by what are called lifting columns which provide the possibility of adjusting the height of the consoles and workstations. Linak can be mentioned among the manufacturing companies, which has designed a 3 -stage lifting column for the height adjustment of surfaces which require high loads, strength and sturdiness, such as: workstations and workbenches, consoles and assembly tables. Designed with grooves on three sides for easy mounting, it can be used as a single or parallel system with 2, 3 or 4 columns or in multi-parallel systems of up to 16 columns. Among the patents in this field, we can mention W02020109662A1 which claims a steel beam with an increased capacity to transfer the horizontal load of a console. The steel beam supports the arrangement of the console support structure and laterally comprises grooves which contain the side plate of the console connected to the end and to the support bases. The steel beam comprises a base plate, two core parts, and an end plate at each end of the steel beam. The console support slot is laterally delimited by side plates within the space of the steel beam and by the side plates, fixed to the end plate and to the base plate.

[0014] US2023136384A1 instead describes an operating console for operating a device including a tactile display. A film covers the tactile surface and has a “function key” comprising a region which is transparent or at least translucent in an environment, and through which the display is visually perceivable, and comprises an arcuate region, which is tactilely perceivable and can be pressed against the tactile surface by the user. The function varies depending on the operating mode in which it is operated or must be operated by means of the control console, or depending on the type of menu with which the control console is operated.

[0015] Among the patents and devices cited so far, there does not seem to be a technological console which can be ergonomically lifted and adjusted by one or more operators at the same time. Therefore, the object of the present patent application is to resolve the above problems.

[0016] Description of the invention

[0017] A control console is described with the present document which solves the above problems and with which a new concept of operating workstation for control rooms for management and monitoring in very diversified work environments is proposed.

[0018] The console is advantageously divided into three main levels, the first from the top includes a support profile hosting at least three linear screens, preferably 16:9 of 27" or larger, preferably curved. The aforesaid profile, preferably made of aluminum, is provided with the same curvature angle as the screens to allow each operator a curved and ergonomic visual surface. The total length of the projection surface of the aforesaid screens is preferably equal to or less than the length of the work surface.

[0019] The console includes a horizontal work surface, provided with a support surface and a support which supports the weight of the aforesaid support surface. Furthermore, the support is advantageously coupled with a storage compartment, dedicated to containing the electronic components, the wiring and the reception system.

[0020] Continuing downwards, a pantograph lifting system is advantageously placed, as the central and crucial part of the entire console.

[0021] It allows each operator to work in a seated or standing position while being configured to achieve a variety of height adjustments of their choice by means of a controller integrated in the console.

[0022] Finally, at the base, an ergonomic platform is placed having a lateral extension which gives stability to the entire upper structure and which allows the operator's feet to rest thereon. Further advantageous versions of the present invention also include a server connected to the screens and reception systems integrated in the console, as well as KVM switch systems to allow operators to manage other devices installed in the control room, video wall devices and any sources and applications used by the operators. Furthermore, the console is capable of managing, if necessary, all the further control and monitoring systems previously installed in a building, offering a centralized and complete control of the entire structure which uses the console in question.

[0023] The console comprises AV systems built on an IP network architecture, existing or specifically built to allow the transport of source signals which are then converted into a desired format (by means of software and / or by means of a hardware device) and transported over a network architecture.

[0024] In a further version, the console comprises network systems for managing the video, audio and / or any USB interface signals which decode said source signals by means of software and / or by means of a hardware device.

[0025] In advantageous versions, the aforesaid work surface is preferably made of HPL material and has dimensions of 2640 x 958 mm for a height between 650-1300 mm, reaching a weight less than 300 kg in the version with a 2640 mm work surface. The screens can have variable sizes and resolutions. Finally, each of the components described so far is advantageously and possibly made of stereolithography-printed resin, chromed and polished aluminum.

[0026] In a further version, the console in question includes a work surface comprising at least a multifunctional LED light to display a plurality of operating conditions of the console itself by means of luminous animations of different colors.

[0027] Possibly and advantageously the aforesaid work surface 20 integrates tactile screens adapted to control a plurality of functions of said console and the systems installed therein.

[0028] Finally, a further XL version of the console includes an extended semicircular work surface with a double pantograph lifting leg with work surface dimensions preferably 3173 x 1757 mm. Description of the figures

[0029] The invention will be described hereinafter in at least a preferred embodiment by way of nonlimiting example with the aid of the appended figure, in which:

[0030] - FIGURE 1 shows a front view of the console 1 in question in an open configuration 1.1. Note the support surface 2.1 arranged to allow an operator to maintain a comfortable position even while standing. The screens 3.3 installed on top of the console 1 are provided with a curvature angle 3.6 which allows the operator an ideal view;

[0031] - FIGURE 2 shows an exploded view of the console 1 in question: note, starting from the bottom, the platform 4 which supports the pantograph lifting system 10 which can be reversibly extended upwards by means of support levels 1.4, each of which has an end connected to a central joint 1.3. The work surface 20 is placed above, which includes a central support 2.2 supporting a support surface 2.1 above and housing a storage compartment 2.3 below. Finally, on top a support profile 3.2 supports at least three screens 3.3.

[0032] - FIGURE 2A shows a view of the pantograph lifting system 10 comprising a central cylindrical joint 1.4 which encloses a plurality of support levels 1.4 adapted to open and close. 2B instead shows a detail of the extended configuration 1.1 and the closed configuration 1.2 of the console in question.

[0033] - FIGURE 3 shows the console 1 in question seen from behind in an open configuration 1.1.

[0034] - FIGURE 4 shows a front view of the console 1 in question in the closed configuration 1.2: such a configuration allows an operator to work in a seated position.

[0035] - FIGURE 5 shows the console 1 in question seen from behind in a closed configuration 1.2.

[0036] - FIGURE 6 is a detail view of the aforesaid curvature angle 3.6 of the screens 3.3 having an integrated video camera 3.4

[0037] - FIGURE 7 shows a view of the KVM and video / audio source systems, connected to a network system and installed in the console 1 in question which manages further devices connected thereto such as video walls. Detailed description of the invention

[0038] The present invention will now be illustrated by way of a purely non-limiting or binding example, resorting to the figures which illustrate some embodiments related to the present inventive concept.

[0039] Fig. 2 shows all the components of the control console 1 for control rooms in question.

[0040] Starting from the bottom, it is articulated as follows: an ergonomic platform 4 supports the weight of a lifting system 10 which in turn supports a work surface 20 on which the operator is supported for working.

[0041] Three curved screens 3.3 are installed above, arranged on a support profile 3.2: both of the aforesaid components are designed with the same curvature angle 3.6.

[0042] The aforesaid platform 4 allows:

[0043] - supporting of the weight of the legs of an operator who is working in a seated position;

[0044] - stability to the entire upper structure, also extending laterally.

[0045] The aforesaid pantograph lifting system 10 is integrated inside the console and, as shown in Figs. 1, 3, 4 and 5 includes:

[0046] - an extended configuration 1.1;

[0047] - a closed configuration 1.2;

[0048] - a plurality of height adjustments.

[0049] Such configurations ensure each operator the option of working:

[0050] - in a sitting position;

[0051] - standing;

[0052] - in a mixed working mode which includes sitting and standing working times.

[0053] The movement mechanism of the system 10, shown in Fig. 2A, is structured as follows:

[0054] - a central cyl indri cal j oi nt 1.3 ;

[0055] - a plurality of reversibly extendable support levels 1.4.

[0056] The movement of the aforesaid central joint 1.3 is activated by means of the controller integrated in the console 1 : by rotating on the horizontal axis thereof, the system 10 carries out a transition from the aforesaid closed configuration 1.2, allowing an extension of the said supports 1.4 vertically, towards the desired height, extending until reaching the aforesaid extended configuration 1.1.

[0057] The aforesaid work surface 20, preferably made of HPL material shown in Fig. 2 comprises:

[0058] - a support surface 2.1 adapted to allow supporting objects and the weight of an operator;

[0059] - a support 2.2, below, adapted to support the weight of the aforesaid support surface 2.1 and host a storage compartment 2.3;

[0060] - called storage compartment 2.3 acts as a housing of electronic components, wiring and reception system,

[0061] - at least a multifunctional LED light adapted to allow displaying a plurality of operating conditions of said console 1 by means of luminous animations of different colors,

[0062] - touch screens adapted to control a plurality of functions of said console and of the systems installed therein.

[0063] The dimensions of the work surface 20 are preferably 2640 x 958 mm for a height comprised between 650-1300 mm depending on the selected configuration. The entire console reaches a weight less than 300 kg.

[0064] The aforesaid screens 3.3 have a surface of 3 x 879.7 x 336.5 mm and a resolution of 3 x 3840 xl600 pixels and are provided as shown in Fig. 6:

[0065] - with the aforesaid curvature angle 3.6 which allows each operator a curved and ergonomic visual surface preferably longer than 264 cm;

[0066] - with at least an integrated camera 3.4; the screens 3.3 are connected to at least a server connected to:

[0067] - AV systems built on an IP network architecture, existing or specifically built to allow the transport of the signals shown in Fig. 7;

[0068] - KVM switch systems for managing further devices installed in a control room, such as video wall devices and sources and applications used during work, also shown in Fig. 7;

[0069] - further control and monitoring systems installed in a building using said console 1 in said control rooms in the building, offering a centralized and complete control of an entire structure; network systems adapted to manage the video signal, audio management and / or any USB interface and decode said sources in software mode and / or by means of a hardware device as shown in Fig. 7.

[0070] Finally, it is clear that modifications or variations which are obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the invention described so far, without thereby departing from the scope of protection offered by the attached claims.

Claims

Claims1. Control console (1) for control rooms designed to allow management and monitoring operations in diversified work environments; said console (1) being characterized in that it comprises:- at least three screens (3.3) linear screens, preferably 16:9 of 27” or curved, even more preferably of 38”, arranged on a support profile (3.2), preferably in aluminum, made with the same curvature angle (3.6) of said screens (3.3); said curvature angle (3.6) being suitable to allow each operator a curved and ergonomic visual surface preferably of a length greater than 264 cm;- at least a work surface (20) including a support surface (2.1); said work surface (20) comprising at the bottom a support (2.2) capable of supporting the weight of said support surface (2.1) and a storage compartment (2.3) capable of acting as a housing for electronic components, wiring and reception system;- an integrated pantograph lifting system (10) designed to allow each operator to work in a sitting or standing position and / or to program a mixed working mode which includes sitting and standing working times; said system (10) providing an extended configuration (1.1), a closed configuration (1.2) and a plurality of height adjustments; said lifting system comprising a central cylindrical joint (1.3) capable of incorporating a plurality of reversibly extendable support levels (1.4); said central joint (1.3), starting from said closed configuration (1.2) being able to rotate on its horizontal axis allowing an extension of said supports (1.4) upwards until reaching a desired height or said extended configuration (1.1); said system (10) being managed and activated via a controller integrated in said console (1);- an ergonomic platform (4) designed to support the feet of an operator who is working in a seated position; said platform (4) being equipped with a lateral extension suitable for giving stability to the entire upper structure including said lifting system (10), said work surface (20) and said screens (3.3) and profile (3.2) supported by said platform (4).

2. Control console (1) for control rooms, according to the previous claim 1, wherein a work surface comprising at least a multifunctional LED light suitable for allowing a plurality of operating conditions of said console (1) to be displayed via luminous animations of different colors.

3. Control console (1) for control rooms, according to any of the previous claims 1 or 2,wherein said work surface (20) integrates touch screens suitable for controlling a plurality of functions of said console and the systems therein installed.

4. Control console (1) for control rooms, according to any of the previous claims, which includes at least a server connected to said screens (3.3) and to any reception system integrated into said console (1).

5. Control console (1) for control rooms, according to any of the previous claims, which includes KVM switch systems suitable for allowing each operator to manage each additional device installed in said control room, with a video wall device, as well as each source and application used by said operators.

6. Control console (1) for control rooms, according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises means of connection to control and monitoring systems installed in a building that uses said console (1) in said control rooms control in the building, offering centralized and complete control of an entire facility.

7. Control console (1) for control rooms, according to any of the previous claims, which includes AV systems built on an IP network architecture, existing or built specifically to allow the transport of signals; once received by said reception system, each source is converted into a desired format via software and / or by means of a hardware device and transported over a network architecture.

8. Control console (1) for control rooms, according to any of the previous claims, which includes network systems suitable for managing the video signal and decoding said sources in software and / or via hardware device.

9. Control console (1) for control rooms, according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said network systems are also suitable for integrating audio management and / or any USB interface.

10. Control console (1) for control rooms, according to any of the previous claims, wherein said work surface (20) has dimensions of 2640 x 958 mm for a height of between 650 - 1300 mm; said work surface (20) being preferably made of HPL material.

11. Control console (1) for control rooms, according to any one of the previous claims, wherein each of said screens (3.3) is equipped with a surface of 3x 879.7x336.5 mm and a resolution of 3x 3840x1600 pixels.

12. Control console (1) for control rooms, according to any of the previous claims, wherein linear screens equipped with a surface of 3x 879.7x336.5 mm and a resolution of 3x 3840x1600 pixels can be reversibly installed.

3. Control console (1) for control rooms, according to any one of the previous claims, wherein each of said components is made of stereolithography-printed resin, chromed and polished aluminum.

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