U.S. patent application number 09/734835 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-23 for ergonomic systems and methods for operating computers.
Invention is credited to Fateh, Sina, Flack, James F..
Application Number | 20010015792 09/734835 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22265563 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010015792 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fateh, Sina ; et
al. |
August 23, 2001 |
Ergonomic systems and methods for operating computers
Abstract
The teachings of the present invention aid a user in attaining
an ergonomic position with respect to a remote object such as a
display screen (e.g., VDT) or a manufacturing tool. To that end,
various mechanisms which feedback to the viewer information related
to position and orientation are taught. A first aspect incorporates
a feedback mechanism into a display screen. The feedback mechanism
could be formed in a variety of manners. In one embodiment, four
lights are arranged such that a viewer in the proper orientation
will perceive all four lights. However, as the viewer's orientation
varies, one or more of the lights is concealed, thereby indicating
to the user that the orientation is improper. In another
embodiment, the cluster of lights is replaced with a cluster of
four distinct pieces of diffraction grating. The diffraction
grating could be such that the intensity of the reflected light
varies as the viewer's orientation varies. Alternatively, a
hologram could arranged such that the image presented to the viewer
changes, even presenting informative text to the viewer. Another
aspect of the present invention teaches a feedback mechanism that
further provides visual feedback regarding position information. In
one embodiment, a strip of diffraction grating or other suitable
material is applied upon the display screen. The strip is formed
such that depending upon the viewers position, the viewer perceives
a certain image (e.g., "20 Inches," the color green).
Inventors: |
Fateh, Sina; (Sunnyvale,
CA) ; Flack, James F.; (Los Altos Hills, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Brian R. Coleman
OPPENHEIMER WOLFF & DONNELLY, LLP
Suite 600
1620 L Street NW
Washington
DC
20036
US
|
Family ID: |
22265563 |
Appl. No.: |
09/734835 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09734835 |
Dec 12, 2000 |
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09476921 |
Jan 4, 2000 |
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6244711 |
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09476921 |
Jan 4, 2000 |
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09097876 |
Jun 15, 1998 |
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6076928 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
351/239 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0304 20130101;
G06F 1/1605 20130101; G06F 3/012 20130101; A61B 3/032 20130101;
H04N 13/366 20180501 |
Class at
Publication: |
351/239 |
International
Class: |
A61B 003/02 |
Claims
1. A visual ergonomic system for use with a display screen, the
visual ergonomic system comprising a visual feedback device capable
of providing a plurality of images to a viewer of the display
screen, a specific image perceived by the viewer being dependent
upon a position of the viewer with respect to the display screen,
the specific image perceived by the viewer being indicative of the
position of the viewer with respect to the display screen.
2. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 1 wherein the
position of the viewer with respect to the display screen
corresponds to a distance separating the viewer from the display
screen.
3. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 1 wherein the
position of the viewer with respect to the display screen includes
an orientation of the viewer in front of the display screen.
4. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 3 wherein the
visual feedback device includes four light sources arranged such
that a) when the viewer is substantially properly oriented with
respect to the visual feedback device, the viewer will perceive an
image of all four light sources illuminated, b) when the viewer is
oriented at a position above the proper vertical orientation, the
viewer will perceive that the illumination intensity of an
uppermost light source has changed with respect to the image
perceived when properly oriented, c) when the viewer is oriented at
a position below the proper vertical orientation, the viewer will
perceive that the illumination intensity of a lowermost light
source has changed with respect to the image perceived when
properly oriented, d) when the viewer is oriented at a position
substantially to the right of the proper horizontal orientation,
the viewer will perceive that the illumination intensity of a
rightmost light source has changed with respect to the image
perceived when properly oriented, and e) when the viewer is
oriented at a position substantially to the left of the proper
horizontal orientation, the viewer will perceive that the
illumination intensity of a leftmost light source has changed with
respect to the image perceived when properly oriented.
5. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 4 wherein the
intensity of any given light source is substantially inversely
related to the corresponding variance of the viewer from the proper
orientation.
6. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 4 wherein each
light source has two levels of intensity such that when the viewer
is not properly oriented the corresponding light source appears to
not be illuminated.
7. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 4 wherein the four
light sources are light emitting devices.
8. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 7 wherein the four
light sources are embedded within opaque material and arranged such
that each light source has two levels of intensity so that when the
viewer is not properly oriented the corresponding light source
appears to not be illuminated.
9. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 7 wherein the
visual feedback device further includes lenses formed covering the
four light sources, the lenses capable of focusing light generated
by the four light sources to achieve the desired results.
10. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 3 wherein the
visual feedback device is a light reflecting device.
11. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 10 wherein the
specific image perceived by the viewer of the display screen
includes text indicating the orientation of the viewer.
12. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 10 wherein the
specific image perceived by the viewer of the display screen
adheres to a color code indicating the orientation of the
viewer.
13. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 12 wherein the
color code includes green, yellow, and red, green indicating proper
viewer orientation, yellow indicating questionable viewer
orientation, and red indicating improper viewer orientation.
14. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 1 wherein the
feedback device is formed within a housing of the display
screen.
15. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 1 wherein the
feedback device is formed as a unit separate from but attachable to
the display screen.
16. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 1 wherein the
feedback device is positioned substantially at a top, central point
of the display screen.
17. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 2 wherein the
plurality of images includes a first image of five collinear filled
circles that is perceived at a first distance separating the viewer
from the display screen, a second image of three collinear filled
circles that is perceived at a second distance separating the
viewer from the display screen, and a third image of a single
filled circle that is perceived at a third distance separating the
viewer from the display screen.
18. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 17 wherein the
first distance is greater than the second distance, and the second
distance is greater than the third distance.
19. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 1 wherein the
display screen is a computer display screen.
20. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 1 wherein the
display screen is a television display screen.
21. A visual ergonomic system for use with a display screen, the
visual ergonomic system comprising a visual feedback device capable
of providing a plurality of images to a viewer of the display
screen, a specific image perceived by the viewer being dependent
upon both a distance separating the viewer from the display screen
and an orientation of the viewer with respect to the display
screen, the specific image perceived by the viewer being indicative
of the viewer distance and the viewer orientation.
22. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 21, wherein when
the viewer is properly oriented with respect to the display screen,
the specific image perceived by the viewer includes a numeral
indicative of an approximation of the distance separating the
viewer from the display screen.
23. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 22, wherein when
the viewer is improperly oriented with respect to the display
screen, the specific image perceived by the viewer is a function of
one or more numerals indicative of an approximation of the distance
separating the viewer from the display screen, the specific image
indicative of the improper orientation of the viewer.
24. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 23 wherein the
visual feedback device includes a hologram.
25. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 23 wherein the
visual feedback device includes an arrangement of lenticular
devices.
26. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 23 wherein the
visual feedback device includes an arrangement of diffraction
gratings.
27. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 21 wherein the
plurality of images includes a first image of five collinear filled
circles that is perceived at first distance separating the viewer
from the display screen, a second image of three collinear filled
circles that is perceived at a second distance separating the
viewer from the display screen, and a third image of a single
filled circle that is perceived at a third distance separating the
viewer from the display screen.
28. A visual ergonomic system as recited in claim 21 wherein the
first distance is between about 17 and 19 inches, the second
distance is between about 19 and 21 inches, and the third distance
is between about 21 inches and 23 inches.
29. A computer system implementing ergonomic software arranged to
aid a computer user in achieving an ideal ergonomic position with
respect to the computer system, the computer system comprising: a
central processing unit (CPU); a display screen coupled to the CPU;
a measurement device operable to sense a user distance from the
computer user to the display screen of the computer system, the
measurement device coupled to the CPU; and memory coupled to the
CPU, the memory storing computer executable instructions for
sensing the user distance, displaying the user distance on the
display screen, and displaying a recommended user distance from the
computer to the display screen.
30. A computer system as recited in claim 29, wherein the memory
further stores computer executable instructions for determining a
text font size deemed suitable for the user distance, and
displaying a numerical indication of the text font size deemed
suitable for the user distance.
31. A computer system as recited in claim 30, wherein the memory
further stores computer executable instructions for querying
computer user as to whether to conform the font size of text found
in an active text window displayed on the display screen to the
text font size deemed suitable for the user distance, and in
response to a request by the computer user, conforming the font
size of text found in the active text window displayed on the
display screen to the text font size deemed suitable for the user
distance.
32. A computer system as recited in claim 30 wherein the memory
further includes the computer executable instruction for conforming
the font size of text found in an active text window displayed on
the display screen to the text font size deemed suitable for the
user distance.
33. A computer system as recited in claim 29 wherein the computer
executable instruction for sensing a user distance from the
computer user to a display screen of a computer system results in a
continuous sensing of the user distance.
34. A computer system as recited in claim 29 wherein the computer
executable instruction for sensing a user distance from the
computer user to a display screen of a computer system is only
performed in response to a request from the computer user.
35. A method for ergonomically enhancing an environment for a
viewer of a display screen, the method comprising the steps of:
rendering a first image that can be perceived by the viewer of the
display screen when the viewer is situated in an ergonomically
correct orientation in front of the display screen; rendering a
second image that can be perceived by the viewer of the display
screen when the viewer is located above the vertically correct
ergonomic orientation in front of the display screen; rendering a
third image that can be perceived by the viewer of the display
screen when the viewer is located below the vertically correct
ergonomic orientation in front of the display screen; rendering a
fourth image that can be perceived by the viewer of the display
screen when the viewer is located to the left of the horizontally
correct ergonomic orientation in front of the display screen; and
rendering a fifth image that can be perceived by the viewer of the
display screen when the viewer is located to the left of the
horizontally correct ergonomic orientation in front of the display
screen, whereby the viewer of the display screen is continuously
provided visual feedback regarding an ergonomic status of the
viewer's orientation.
36. A method as recited in claim 35 wherein the first image has a
first illumination intensity
37. A method as recited in claim 35 wherein the second, third,
fourth and fifth images are similar to the first image, but have
illumination intensities that are less than the first illumination
intensity.
38. A method as recited in claim 36 wherein the second, third,
fourth and fifth images are similar to the first image but have
portions that appear to not be illuminated.
39. A method as recited in claim 35 wherein each image includes
textual information indicating the viewer's orientation.
40. A method as recited in claim 40 wherein the textual information
instructs the viewer on how to move into the proper
orientation.
41. A method as recited in claim 35 wherein each of the images
varies dependent upon a distance of the viewer from the display
screen.
42. A method as recited in claim 41 wherein each image provides a
numerical approximation of the distance of the viewer from the
display screen.
43. A method as recited in claim 42 wherein the numerical
approximation of the distance of the viewer from the display screen
is properly in focus only in the first image, otherwise the
numerical approximation of the distance of the viewer from the
display screen is blurred.
44. A method as recited in claim 35 wherein the display screen is a
computer display screen.
45. A method as recited in claim 35 wherein the display screen is a
television display screen.
46. A computer implemented method for providing an ergonomic
environment to a computer user, the computer implemented method
including the acts of: sensing a user distance from the computer
user to a display screen of a computer system; displaying the user
distance on the display screen; and displaying a recommended user
distance from the computer to the display screen.
47. A computer implemented method as recited in claim 46 further
including the acts of: determining a text font size deemed suitable
for the user distance; and displaying a numerical indication of the
text font size deemed suitable for the user distance.
48. A computer implemented method as recited in claim 47 further
including the acts of: querying computer user as to whether to
conform the font size of text found in an active text window
displayed on the display screen to the text font size deemed
suitable for the user distance; and in response to a request by the
computer user, conforming the font size of text found in the active
text window displayed on the display screen to the text font size
deemed suitable for the user distance.
49. A computer implemented method as recited in claim 47 further
including the act of conforming the font size of text found in an
active text window displayed on the display screen to the text font
size deemed suitable for the user distance.
50. A computer implemented method as recited in claim 46 wherein
the act of sensing a user distance from the computer user to a
display screen of a computer system is performed continuously.
51. A computer implemented method as recited in claim 50 wherein
the displayed user distance is updated continuously.
52. A computer implemented method as recited in claim 46 wherein
the act of sensing a user distance from the computer user to a
display screen of a computer system is performed only in response
to a request from the computer user.
53. A visual feedback device operable to provide a viewer feedback
suitable for assisting the viewer in attaining a desired position
with respect to the visual feedback device, the visual feedback
device comprising an active area capable of providing a plurality
of images to the viewer, a specific image perceived by the viewer
being dependent upon a position of the viewer with respect to the
active area, the specific image perceived by the viewer being
indicative of the position of the viewer with respect to the visual
feedback device.
54. A visual feedback device as recited in claim 53 further
including an inactive area having a flat surface, the proper
orientation of the flat surface being substantially parallel to a
plane perpendicular to the viewer's line of site, the active area
being angled at an incline with respect to the flat surface of the
inactive area.
55. A visual feedback device as recited in claim 53 wherein the
active area is a center active area, the visual feedback device
further comprising a left active area and a right active area, the
center active area operable to provide the viewer visual feedback
corresponding to whether the viewer is centered within a tolerance
along a line orthogonal to the center active area, the left and
right active areas working in conjunction to provide the viewer
visual feedback corresponding to whether the viewer is located
within a range of proper distances from the visual feedback
device.
56. A visual feedback device as recited in claim 53 wherein the
active area is a multi-phase lenticular device.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of
ergonomic work environments. More specifically, the present
invention teaches methods and systems for aiding a computer user in
finding an ergonomic position within a work environment.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Whether working or relaxing, a growing proportion of the
world's population spends prolonged periods in fixed, sedentary
positions, with their vision and attention focused on a small
portion of their environment. For example, office workers are
required to work at computer terminals performing tasks such as
word processing, data entry, and generating computer graphics.
Students are regularly using computers for study and in the
classroom. Computers and televisions are commonly viewed for
entertainment and information purposes. These types of activities
have unintended side effects such as eye fatigue, eye strains
difficulty focusing, headaches, backaches, and general muscular
discomfort.
[0003] These and other symptoms are often the result of an improper
arrangement of the sufferer's environment and his position and
orientation within that environment. Often, steps the sufferer may
take to alleviate one symptom may in turn cause other, perhaps more
subtle, problems. For example, a video display terminal (VDT) user
may position himself in a certain manner to avoid back discomfort,
yet in so doing end up an improper distance from the VDT, as well
as poorly oriented, thereby causing eye fatigue.
[0004] James E. Sheedy, in his U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,539, described
what he termed a "Visual Tool for Assessing the Ergonomic Position
of a Video Display Terminal." Sheedy's Visual Tool consists of a
substantially planar measurement tool having a plurality of
measurement indicia arranged to indicate the distance above and
below a center point of the measurement tool. An alignment
indicator, essentially a fabric tape measure, is attached to the
center point and can be grasped by a user and extended outward. A
VDT user may position the measurement tool over the face of the VDT
and then determine a desired vertical orientation and distance from
the face of the VDT by use of the Visual Tool. Hence Sheedy's
Visual Tool provides the VDT user one manual device for determining
his or her position and orientation in front of the VDT. Note,
however, that the VDT use cannot simultaneously view the VDT while
using Sheedy's Visual Tool.
[0005] What are needed are tools for providing a user dynamic
visual feedback enabling the use to obtain a proper, ergonomic
orientation with the computer work environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The teachings of the present invention aid a user in
attaining an ergonomic position with respect to a remote object
such as a display screen (e.g., VDT) or a manufacturing tool. To
that end, various mechanisms which feedback to the viewer
information related to position and orientation are taught. A first
aspect incorporates a feedback mechanism into a display screen. The
feedback mechanism could be formed in a variety of manners. In one
embodiment, four lights are arranged such that a viewer in the
proper orientation will perceive all four lights. However, as the
viewer's orientation varies, one or more of the lights is
concealed, thereby indicating to the user that the orientation is
improper. In another embodiment, the cluster of lights is replaced
with a cluster of four distinct pieces of diffraction grating. The
diffraction grating could be such that the intensity of the
reflected light varies as the viewer's orientation varies.
Alternatively, a hologram could arranged such that the image
presented to the viewer changes, even presenting informative text
to the viewer.
[0007] Another aspect of the present invention teaches a feedback
mechanism that further provides visual feedback regarding position
information. In one embodiment, a strip of diffraction grating or
other suitable material is applied upon the display screen. The
strip is formed such that depending upon the viewers position, the
viewer perceives a certain image (e.g., "20 Inches," the color
green). In preferred embodiments, the left and right eyes perceive
different images such that when the viewer's orientation is
improper, the image perceived by one eye is different from the
other.
[0008] Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed
towards ergonomic software capable of executing on a computer
system having a sensor capable of measuring the distance between a
viewer and a display screen of the computer system. The ergonomic
software measures and displays the viewers setback from the display
screen, as well as making suggestions regarding preferred font size
and viewer position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The invention, together with further objectives and
advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the
following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings which are described below.
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a computer system having a visual
feedback device in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a cluster of light sources forming the
visual feedback device of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3a illustrates a computer user positioned at an
orientation above the ideal vertical ergonomic position.
[0013] FIG. 3b illustrates an image of the visual feedback device
of FIG. 2 as perceived by a computer user oriented as shown in FIG.
3a.
[0014] FIG. 4a illustrates a computer user positioned at an
orientation below the ideal vertical ergonomic position.
[0015] FIG. 4b illustrates an image of the visual feedback device
of FIG. 2 as perceived by a computer user oriented as shown in FIG.
4a.
[0016] FIG. 5a illustrates a computer user positioned at an
orientation off of the ideal horizontal ergonomic position.
[0017] FIG. 5b illustrates an image of the visual feedback device
of FIG. 2 as perceived by a computer user oriented as shown in FIG.
5a.
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a computer system having a visual
feedback device in accordance with yet another embodiment of the
present invention, the visual feedback device capable of rendering
different images dependent upon the distance of the computer user
from the computer system.
[0019] FIGS. 6a-6c illustrate three different images the computer
user will perceive at three different distances from the visual
feedback device of FIG. 6.
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a computer system having a visual
feedback device in accordance with still another embodiment of the
present invention, the visual feedback device capable of rendering
different images dependent upon both the computer user orientation
and the distance of the computer user from the computer system.
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates several different images the computer
user will perceive at different distances from and orientation to
the visual feedback device of FIG. 7.
[0022] FIGS. 9-10 illustrate top and front views of a visual
feedback device in accordance with yet another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a computer system having a distance
position sensor in accordance with a separate embodiment of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates an ergonomic software display window
generated by the computer system of FIG. 11 when executing the
ergonomic software of the present invention.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0025] The methods and systems of the present invention enable a
user to maintain an ergonomic position with respect to a remote
object such as a display screen (e.g., VDT) or a manufacturing
tool. Failure to achieve a proper position and orientation of a
user's viewpoint with respect to a VDT, tool position, calibrated
indicator, etc., often causes physical discomfort such as eye
fatigue, back strain, etc. The present invention is directed
towards simple mechanisms which provide the user meaningful
feedback related to both his position and orientation. In the
following description of various aspects of the present invention,
the VDT example is often used for ease of reference. However, those
of skill in the art will recognize that the present invention is
not limited by this particular application, but is suitable for
other applications such as television displays, tool position
indicators, status readouts or any environment wherein a viewer
wishes to maintain a particular position.
[0026] A first embodiment of the present invention will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 1-5. FIG. 1 illustrates a
computer system 100 including a display screen 102 and a cluster
104 (exploded in FIG. 2) of four light sources 106-112. The light
sources 106-112 are arranged such that a properly oriented viewer
will perceive all four light sources as illuminated. As described
in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 3a-5b, as the viewer's
orientation varies, one or more of the light sources disappears
from view, thereby indicating to the viewer that her orientation is
improper.
[0027] In FIG. 1, orientation refers to a viewers position within
an x-y (or horizontal-vertical) axis 120 parallel to the plane of
the display panel. It has been found that a suitable orientation
for a viewer of a display screen 102 is at about its top, center
point. Hence in FIG. 1 the cluster 104 is located at the top,
center point of the display screen 102, and is arranged such that
all four lights are perceived when the viewer is substantially
directly in front of the cluster 104. However, the cluster 104 may
be located at a different position (on or off the display screen
102) and/or arranged to appear fully illuminated from different
viewer orientations. For example, the cluster 104 may be positioned
at the lower left corner of the display screen 102 yet be arranged
such that all four lights are perceived when the viewer is
substantially oriented at a center point 122 of the display
screen.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates the image of the cluster 104 perceived by
a viewer that is properly oriented along the x-y axis 120. That is,
the properly oriented viewer is capable of perceiving illumination
from each of the light sources 106-112. (For the sake of present
discussion, the properly oriented viewer is located near or
substantially upon the origin of the x-y axis.) FIG. 3a illustrates
a viewer 130 whose horizontal orientation is proper but whose
vertical orientation is above the origin of the x-y axis 120. FIG.
3b illustrates an image 132 of the cluster 104 that would be
perceived by the viewer 130 oriented as in FIG. 3a. Specifically,
the viewer 130 perceives the cluster 104 as if the uppermost light
source 106 were not illuminated. FIG. 4a illustrates the viewer 130
whose horizontal orientation is proper but whose vertical
orientation is below the origin of the x-y axis 120. FIG. 4b
illustrates an image 134 of the cluster 104 that would be perceived
by the viewer 130 oriented as shown in FIG. 4a. Specifically, the
viewer 130 perceives the cluster 104 as if the lowermost light
source 110 is not illuminated. FIG. 5a illustrates the viewer 130
whose horizontal orientation is off of the origin of the x-y axis
120. FIG. 5b illustrates an image 136 of the cluster 104 that would
be perceived by the viewer 130 oriented as shown in FIG. 5a.
Specifically, the viewer 130 perceives the cluster 104 as if the
rightmost light source 108 is not illuminated.
[0029] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, light
sources 106-112 may take on any suitable form providing an image
that varies with respect to the viewer's orientation. For example,
light sources 106-112 may be light emitting sources such as LEDs or
light bulbs embedded within the display screen 102, properly
recessed within the display screen 102 to achieve the desired
result. Alternatively, lenses covering the light emitting sources
may focus or polarize the light in order to achieve the desired
result. It is also contemplated that light sources 106-112 may be
light reflective devices such as a hologram, a lenticular parallax
panoramagram variable aspect display, other lenticular devices,
diffraction grating, columnates, etc.
[0030] Alternatively, the light sources 106-112 could be four
distinct pieces of diffraction grating formed such that the
intensity of the reflected light varies as the viewer's orientation
varies. Hence, rather than providing discrete,
illuminated/non-illuminated feedback to the viewer 130, the cluster
104 could provide continuous feedback with the illumination
intensity decreasing as the viewer moves further out of
orientation. Alternatively, a hologram could be formed such that
the image presented to the viewer changes, even presenting
informative text to the viewer. (E.g., "MOVE LEFT!" or "MOVE
RIGHT!") Such holograms could be implemented in many ways, whether
through diffraction grating or lenticular devices.
[0031] Another aspect of the present invention teaches a feedback
mechanism that provides a viewer visual feedback regarding his or
her distance from the display screen. For example, a strip of
diffraction grating or other suitable material applied upon the
display screen may be formed such that depending upon the viewers
position, the viewer perceives a feedback image (e.g., "20 Inches,"
a green band, a red band). Three separate embodiments of this
aspect will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6-6c, FIGS.
7-8, and FIGS. 8-9, respectively.
[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates a computer system 100 having a display
screen 102 with a viewer position feedback device 200 affixed
thereto. The viewer position feedback device 200 is capable of
presenting three images 202-206 to a viewer situated in front of
the display screen 102. An image 202 as in FIG. 6a showing five
filled circles 208 will be perceived by the viewer who is
positioned about 18 inches (e.g., 18+/-1.0 inches) away from the
display screen 102. An image 204 as in FIG. 6b showing three filled
circles 208 will be perceived by the viewer who is positioned about
20 inches (e.g., 20+/-1 inches) away from the display screen. An
image 206 as in FIG. 6c showing one filled circle 208 will be
perceived by the viewer who is positioned about 22 inches (e.g.,
22+/-1 inches) away from the display screen.
[0033] The filled circles 208 can be presented in different colors
to further distinguish the distances. Outside of the optimal
viewing range, the image presented by the feedback device 200 could
take on any suitable form. For example, the image could be blank,
provide textual information ("TOO CLOSE" or "TOO FAR"), or appear
as a red strip thus indicating improper viewer positioning.
[0034] With reference to FIGS. 7-8, yet another embodiment of the
present invention will now be described. FIG. 7 illustrates a
computer system 100 having a display screen 102 with a viewer
position and orientation feedback device 300 affixed thereto.
Feedback device 300 as drawn indicates possible images for display,
but does not necessarily represent how these images would be formed
and arranged on the surface of feedback device 300. Instead, as
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the arrangement of
images on the feedback device will depend upon the technology
(e.g., lenticular devices, diffraction grating, etc.) selected for
implementation.
[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the feedback device 300 is capable
of presenting a plurality of images to a viewer situated in front
of the display screen 102. Images 302-306 represent images
perceived by the viewer when he or she is properly oriented in
front of the display screen 102. For example, the image 302 appears
as the numeral "18" when the viewer is properly oriented and is
positioned about 18 inches from the display screen. Images 310-312
represent images perceived by a viewer improperly oriented in front
of the display screen 102. For example, the image 312 appears as a
combination or blurring of the numerals "18" and "19," or the image
312 may be implemented to "flicker" back and forth between the
numerals depending upon slight variations of the viewer's position.
In any event, the perceived image indicates to the viewer a rough
estimate of her distance from the display screen 102 but,
importantly, also indicates that the viewer is improperly
oriented.
[0036] FIGS. 9-10 illustrate another embodiment of a viewer
position and orientation feedback device 320 capable of providing
feedback similar to that described above with reference to FIGS.
7-8. FIG. 10 provides a front-view of feedback device 320 (i.e.,
the view apparent to a properly situated viewer), with the active
areas 322 and 324 directed towards the viewer. A center portion 326
may display a constant logo, while the active areas 322 and 324
provide the orientation and/or position feedback important to the
present invention.
[0037] FIG. 9 provides a top-view of feedback device 320. As seen
therein, the active areas 322 and 324 are formed having inclined
surfaces 323 and 325. By selecting the angle of incline for
surfaces 323 and 325 appropriately, a "sweet spot" is formed where
the viewer is located in the proper orientation. The available
field of view provided by active areas 322 and 324 (and thus the
viewer feedback area) will depend upon the construction of and
material chosen for making the active areas 322 and 324. Thus, it
is preferable that the angle of incline for surfaces 323 and 325 be
selected to take advantage of the available field of view. That is,
the angle of incline should be selected to provide the viewer
feedback in those areas were he or she would most likely be
situated. However, it will be appreciated that the field of view
provided by active areas 322 and 324 may be such that no incline
(i.e., flat surfaces) is even necessary. In any event, those
skilled in the art will understand the details necessary for
selecting the suitable angle of incline and achieving the desired
field of view.
[0038] Another particular embodiment that can be described with
reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 is implemented such that the center
portion 326 is a center active area 326. In one preferred
implementation of this embodiment, the viewer feedback is
accomplished through a multi-phase (animated, 3D, 4D, etc.)
lenticular device. In this embodiment, the lenticular device will
display a finite number of images over a suitable viewing range.
For example, a total of 28 image phases over a total viewing angle
of 58 degrees (i.e., plus and minus 29 degrees from the center
viewing axis) would be suitable. When used with a computer monitor,
for example, the feedback device 320 should be viewed in the
direction of its center active area 326 at a distance of about 22
inches from within a circle having a radius of about 4 inches.
[0039] In this embodiment, the center active area 326 is intended
to guide the user to maintain his or her eye position near a line
orthogonal to the plan of the feedback device 320 and originating
at the center of the center active area 326. For example, an
optimal eye position may be plus or minus 10.25 degrees from this
orthogonal center line. When the user's eyes are within this
optimal angle, a positive message such as "GOOD CENTER POSITION" is
visible to the user within the center active area 326. As the
user's eye position moves to either side of the optimal angle, a
meaningful message such as "MOVE RIGHT" would become visible to the
user.
[0040] The left and right active areas 322 and 324 are intended to
work in conjunction with one another to guide the user in
maintaining a proper distance from the feedback device 320. Viewing
the right-most active area 324 from the optimal distance (e.g.,
about 22 inches) along the orthogonal center line, the right-most
active area 324 displays a positive message such as "GOOD DISTANCE"
within a predefined viewing range, e.g., a viewing angle of about
15 degrees plus or minus 10 degrees to the left of a line
orthogonal to near center of the right active area 324. Outside of
this range, a meaningful message such as "CHECK CENTER POSITION AND
MOVE CLOSER" is displayed. The leftmost active area 322 would
function in an analogous manner.
[0041] The embodiments of the present invention described above are
"stand alone" feedback devices that work independent of the
computer system to provide real-time feedback to a user of the
computer system. This feedback enables the user to achieve an
ergonomic environment with respect to his or her position and
orientation to the computer system. Additional aspects of the
present invention further contemplate integrating the position and
orientation information into ergonomic software executing upon the
computer system. The ergonomic software can utilize the position
and orientation information to optimize the computer system setup
(e.g., display font size, brightness, etc.), as well as provide
additional feedback through the computer system to the user.
[0042] Turning to FIGS. 11-12, one embodiment of the
above-described ergonomic software in accordance with the present
invention will now be described. FIG. 11 illustrates a computer
system 100 having a display screen 102, a cluster 104 of four light
sources 106-112 embedded within the display screen 102, and a
viewer position sensor 350 disposed at about the center of the
cluster 104. The viewer position sensor 350 is operable to measure
the distance of an object properly oriented in front of the
position sensor 350. As will be appreciated, a number of such
distance measurement devices exist, such as sonic and infrared
measurement systems. Shown on the display screen 102 is an
ergonomic software icon 360 having a minimize/maximize button 362
and a close button 364, and also a display of the viewer's position
from the display screen 102.
[0043] Selecting the minimize/maximize button 362 opens up an
ergonomic software window such as the window 370 shown in FIG. 12.
The ergonomic software window 370 displays a viewer distance 372, a
recommended viewer distance 374, a current font setting 376, a font
change button 378, a measure distance button 380, and a settings
button 382. The viewer distance 372 displays the most recently
measured distance of the viewer from the viewer position sensor
350. For example, in certain embodiments the measurement system is
continuous and the viewer distance will constantly vary with the
viewer position. However, in other embodiments the viewer distance
372 will only update when the measure distance button 380 is
selected.
[0044] The recommended distance 374 displays a recommended viewer
position that is either provided by the ideal visual ergonomic
software or can be set by the viewer through the settings button
382. The current font setting 376 preferably displays the font size
of text displayed in an active window present on the display 102.
Selecting the measure distance button 380 forces the position
sensor 350 to measure (if possible) the distance from the viewer to
the display screen 102. Once measured, the viewer distance 372 is
updated and a suitable font size is selected. Selecting the font
change button 378 immediately after selecting the measure distance
380 will change the font size of the corresponding text to a
recommended font size based upon the viewer distance and the chosen
settings.
[0045] Although only a few embodiments of the present invention
have been described in detail herein, it should be understood that
the present invention may be embodied in many other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
Therefore, the present examples are to be considered as
illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be
limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the
scope of the appended claims.
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