U.S. patent application number 14/638835 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-10 for workstation, method for workstation and computer program product.
The applicant listed for this patent is BLINKAMOVIE OY. Invention is credited to Janne KUUSELA, Jussi MAANIITTY, Tuomas MATTILA.
Application Number | 20150251047 14/638835 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52596419 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150251047 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MAANIITTY; Jussi ; et
al. |
September 10, 2015 |
WORKSTATION, METHOD FOR WORKSTATION AND COMPUTER PROGRAM
PRODUCT
Abstract
The workstation includes a work surface supported at a height
above floor and exercise apparatus supported on floor next to work
surface such that user operating exercise apparatus is in a
position for working on work surface, exercise apparatus extending
on floor away from work surface, and platform for a seat, platform
including means for moving platform with respect to work surface,
wherein workstation is adapted to receive means for moving platform
such that platform is movable on exercise apparatus to different
distances from work surface on at least one straightforward path of
movement and, wherein at said distances same portion of work
surface is towards user positioned for working at work surface,
said distances including at least one distance defining a position
of platform with respect to work surface for operating exercise
apparatus and at least one position of platform with respect to
work surface, where user is seated.
Inventors: |
MAANIITTY; Jussi; (Tampere,
FI) ; MATTILA; Tuomas; (Tampere, FI) ;
KUUSELA; Janne; (Tammela, FI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BLINKAMOVIE OY |
Tampere |
|
FI |
|
|
Family ID: |
52596419 |
Appl. No.: |
14/638835 |
Filed: |
March 4, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 9/20 20130101; A47B
2220/06 20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; A47B 21/02 20130101; A47B
21/0314 20130101; A63B 2220/833 20130101; A63B 2230/01 20130101;
A47C 1/00 20130101; A63B 2071/065 20130101; A47C 7/004 20130101;
A63B 69/0057 20130101; A63B 71/0054 20130101; A63B 2225/09
20130101; A63B 22/02 20130101; A63B 2220/10 20130101; A63B 2230/06
20130101; A63B 2230/30 20130101; A63B 2208/0233 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/02 20060101
A63B022/02; A47B 21/02 20060101 A47B021/02; A47C 1/00 20060101
A47C001/00; A47B 21/03 20060101 A47B021/03 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 5, 2014 |
FI |
20145209 |
Claims
1. A workstation, comprising: a work surface supported at a height
above a floor and an exercise apparatus supported on the floor next
to the work surface such that a user operating the exercise
apparatus is in a position for working on the work surface, said
exercise apparatus extending on the floor away from the work
surface, and a platform for a seat, said platform including means
for moving the platform with respect to the work surface, wherein
the workstation is adapted to receive the means for moving the
platform such that the platform is movable on the exercise
apparatus to different distances from the work surface on at least
one straightforward path of movement and, wherein at said distances
the same portion of the work surface is towards the user positioned
for working at the work surface, wherein said distances comprise at
least one distance defining a position of the platform with respect
to the work surface for operating the exercise apparatus and at
least one position of the platform with respect to the work
surface, where the user is seated.
2. The workstation according to claim 1, wherein the means for
moving the platform has support structures that extend vertically
and horizontally below the seat such that the exercise apparatus
fits below the support structures and the seat, when the platform
is received by the workstation.
3. A workstation according to claim 1, wherein the workstation
comprises a break arrangement that prevents the platform from
moving with respect to the work surface.
4. The workstation according to claim 1, wherein the exercise
apparatus comprises a drive system for driving the exercise
apparatus supported on the floor such that the exercise apparatus
offers resistance to the movement of the user operating the
exercise apparatus; and the drive system is arranged next to a
portion of the exercise apparatus operating against the user.
5. The workstation according to claim 1, including a controller
integrated within the work surface and an interface unit for
connecting to electric mains and to a communications network at the
foot of support structures of the work surface, and the controller
and the interface unit are electrically connected for transmission
of data and electrical power.
6. The workstation according to claim 1, wherein the platform is
configured for movement of the seat in a direction of the edge of
the work surface, said edge being the edge closest to the
platform.
7. The workstation according to claim 1, wherein the workstation
comprises side surfaces located on opposite sides of the exercise
apparatus for extending the width of the exercise apparatus in the
direction of width of the work surface, wherein the side surfaces
and the exercise apparatus form a substantially uniform
surface.
8. The workstation according to claim 6, wherein the platform
defines a center point of rotational movement around a vertical
axis and the platform comprises an arm for the seat, said arm
extending vertically and horizontally away from the stand.
9. The workstation according to claim 8, wherein the arm is
connected to the stand such that the arm is rotatable around a
horizontal axis.
10. The workstation according to claim 1, wherein the exercise
apparatus comprises a treadmill.
11. The workstation according to claim 1 comprising at least one
sensor for detecting a movement of the platform, a drive system for
driving the work surface, a display stand and/or the platform to
different positions, for example a height above the floor, and a
controller operatively connected to the sensor, the work surface
and the drive system and the controller is configured to cause the
workstation to: determine a movement of the platform; drive the
work surface, the display stand and/or the platform between
different positions, for example a height above the floor, on the
basis of the determined movement.
12. The workstation according to claim 1, comprising a sensor for
detecting a movement of the work surface and a controller
operatively connected to the sensor and the exercise apparatus, the
work surface and the exercise apparatus and the controller is
configured to cause the workstation to: determine a change of
height of the work surface; switch operative state of the exercise
apparatus on the basis of the determined change of the height.
13. A method for a workstation comprising a work surface, an
exercise apparatus supported on the floor next to the work surface
such that a user operating the exercise apparatus is in a position
for working on the work surface, a platform for a seat, a drive
system for driving the work surface to different heights above the
floor, one or more sensors installed to locations in the
workstation for measuring movement of the platform, and a
controller operatively connected to the sensors and drive system,
and arranged to cause the method comprising: determine a movement
of the platform on the exercise apparatus to different distances
from the work surface on at least one straightforward path of
movement and, wherein at said distances the same portion of the
work surface is towards the user positioned for working at the work
surface, said distances comprising at least one distance defining a
position of the platform with respect to the work surface for
operating the exercise apparatus and at least one position of the
platform with respect to the work surface, where the user is
seated.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the workstation
comprises one or more sensors for measuring performance of the user
in a working position, the method comprising: determining a working
position of the user; measuring performance of the user in the
working position; sharing the measured performance to the user,
other workstations and/or asocial networking service.
15. A computer program embodied on a non-transitory computer
readable storage medium, comprising program instructions for a
workstation comprising a work surface, an exercise apparatus
supported on the floor next to the work surface such that a user
operating the exercise apparatus is in a position for working on
the work surface, a platform for a seat, a drive system for driving
the work surface to different heights above the floor, one or more
sensors installed to locations in the workstation for measuring
movement of the platform, and a controller operatively connected to
the sensors and drive system, and arranged, when the computer
program instructions are loaded into the controller to cause the
method comprising: determine a movement of the platform on the
exercise apparatus to different distances from the work surface on
at least one straightforward path of movement and, wherein at said
distances the same portion of the work surface is towards the user
positioned for working at the work surface, said distances
comprising at least one distance defining a position of the
platform with respect to the work surface for operating the
exercise apparatus and at least one position of the platform with
respect to the work surface, where the user is seated.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a workstation and
particularly to a workstation comprising an exercise apparatus and
a work surface.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Workstations typically comprise a table serving as a work
surface and a chair positioned next to the table such that a person
can work on the table when he/she is seated on the chair. The chair
can have wheels connected to a stand on which a seat for the person
is positioned. The wheels allow the movement of the chair, when the
person is seated.
[0003] Desktop work is a particular work that is typically
performed in a workstation. In desktop work the person may be
working seated or in an upright position next to a work surface.
Desktop work and immobile working position poses the worker the
several health risks. The person should conduct physical activities
during the workday to prevent these risks. However, leaving the
place of work for the exercise can be difficult or even impossible.
After a day of desktop work the person can go to a health club,
where he/she can work out using various exercising apparatus
including a treadmill.
[0004] US2006/0247109 describes a combination of exercise apparatus
and a computer workstation. A movable seat is integrated to the
computer workstation. The seat can be rotated away from a working
surface for operating the treadmill.
[0005] In the combination of the treadmill and computer
workstation, the movement of the seat requires space next to the
workstation. This means that workstations cannot be positioned
close to another workstation which decreases the efficiency of the
use of office floor space.
[0006] On the other hand, in the combination of the treadmill and
computer workstation, the seat is integrated to the workstation and
cannot be easily replaced. Moreover, the integration of the seat to
the workstation poses restrictions on the properties of the seats
that may be used with the workstation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide
workstation, method and computer program product so as to alleviate
at least part of the above disadvantages. The objects of the
invention are achieved by a workstation, method and computer
program product, which are characterized by what is stated in the
independent claims. The preferred embodiments of the invention are
disclosed in the dependent claims.
[0008] According to an aspect there is provided a workstation,
comprising a work surface supported at a height above a floor and
an exercise apparatus supported on the floor next to the work
surface such that a user operating the exercise apparatus is in a
position for working on the work surface, said exercise apparatus
extending on the floor away from the work surface, and a platform
for a seat, said platform including means for moving the platform
with respect to the work surface, wherein the workstation is
adapted to receive the means for moving the platform such that the
platform is movable on the exercise apparatus to different
distances from the work surface on at least one straightforward
path of movement and, wherein at said distances the same portion of
the work surface is towards the user positioned for working at the
work surface, said distances comprising at least one distance
defining a position of the platform with respect to the work
surface for operating the exercise apparatus and at least one
position of the platform with respect to the work surface, where
the user is seated.
[0009] According to an aspect there is provided a method for a
workstation comprising a work surface, an exercise apparatus
supported on the floor next to the work surface such that a user
operating the exercise apparatus is in a position for working on
the work surface, a platform for a seat, a drive system for driving
the work surface to different heights above the floor, one or more
sensors installed to locations in the workstation for measuring
movement of the work surface of the platform, and a controller
operatively connected to the sensors and drive system, and arranged
to cause determining a movement of the platform on the exercise
apparatus to different distances from the work surface on at least
one straightforward path of movement and, wherein at said distances
the same portion of the work surface is towards the user positioned
for working at the work surface, said distances comprising at least
one distance defining a position of the platform with respect to
the work surface for operating the exercise apparatus and at least
one position of the platform with respect to the work surface,
where the user is seated, driving the work surface or the exercise
apparatus to a different position on the basis of the determined
movement.
[0010] According to an aspect there is provided a computer program
product comprising executable code that when executed, cause
execution of functions of a method according to an aspect.
[0011] According to an aspect there is provided a computer program
embodied on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, the
computer program being configured to control a processor to perform
a method according to an aspect.
[0012] According to an aspect there is provided a workstation
according to an aspect including means to perform a method
according to an aspect.
[0013] Some embodiments provide flexibility to workstations used
for office work. The seat may be positioned to different distances
from the work surface such that the use of different seats and
working positions are facilitated in the workstation. In different
positions of the platform with respect to the work surface, the
work at hand may be located at the same portion of the work
surface.
[0014] Further improvements will become apparent from the detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] In the following the invention will be described in greater
detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the
attached drawings, in which
[0016] FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d illustrate a workstation comprising
an exercise apparatus and a platform for a seat movable in a
straightforward path on the exercise apparatus, according to an
embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates various seats attachable to a platform
according to an embodiment;
[0018] FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 illustrate adaptations of the workstation
for receiving the platform such that the platform is movable on the
exercise apparatus, according to an embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates side surfaces in a workstation according
to an embodiment;
[0020] FIGS. 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e and 7f illustrate platforms guided
by rails in a workstation according to an embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates suitable locations for a brake
arrangement in a workstation according to an embodiment;
[0022] FIGS. 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d are profile views of brake
arrangements as viewed from one end of the exercise apparatus in a
workstation according to an embodiment;
[0023] FIGS. 10a and 10b illustrate a display stand in a
workstation according to an embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 11 is an architectural view of the workstation
according to an embodiment;
[0025] FIGS. 12a and 12b illustrate operation of a treadmill in a
workstation according to an embodiment;
[0026] FIGS. 13a and 13b illustrate structural arrangements of
parts of the workstation according to an embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 14 illustrates examples of measurements performed by
sensors of the workstation according to an embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 15 illustrates implementation of the workstation
according to an embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 16 illustrates location of the control unit in a work
surface according to an embodiment;
[0030] FIGS. 17a and 18a illustrate movement of the seat in a
platform according to an embodiment;
[0031] FIGS. 17b, 18b and 18c illustrate structures of platforms
having a movable seat;
[0032] FIG. 19 illustrates a process for a workstation according to
an embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 20 illustrates various working positions of the
workstation according to an embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 21 illustrates transitions between working positions
according to an embodiment; and
[0035] FIG. 22 illustrates a process for measuring performance in a
workstation according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d illustrate a workstation comprising
a work surface 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, an exercise apparatus 104
and a platform 106 for a seat 108 movable on the exercise apparatus
to different distances d.sub.a, d.sub.b, d.sub.c, d.sub.d from the
work surface on at least one straightforward path, according to an
embodiment. The view of the workstation is from the side of the
workstation, whereby a user 112 working on the work surface is
positioned sideways to the viewing direction. At different
distances of the platform with respect to the work surface the same
portion 110 of the work surface is towards the user positioned for
working at the work surface. In this way the work at hand may be
located at the same portion of the work surface in different
positions of the platform with respect to the work surface. The
work at hand may comprise working by using a computer, a computer
display or computer accessory e.g. keyboards and other interface
devices on the work surface, reading, writing, etc. The work at
hand does not have to be moved to a different position on the work
surface even if the platform is moved from one distance to another
distance for working on the work surface.
[0037] By positioning the chair on the platform and on the exercise
apparatus, e.g. treadmill, a single work position in relation to
the work surface may be provided, where the same portion of the
work surface is used for working when working
seated/standing/walking and the change between these positions is
quick and convenient. The person working on the work surface does
not have to move horizontally i.e. left or right in relation to the
work surface, when he/she changes the working position.
[0038] Some work in the workstation may be done while walking, e.g.
talking in telephone, but some work may require a seated position,
e.g. drawing on the work surface. Placing the seat on treadmill in
said manner allows the change between the positions to be quick and
convenient and therefore saves time.
[0039] The work surface supported at a height h.sub.a, h.sub.b,
h.sub.c, h.sub.d above a floor 110. The exercise apparatus is
positioned on the floor next to the work surface such that a user
operating the exercise apparatus is in a position for working on
the work surface. The exercise apparatus extends on the floor away
from the work surface, such that the exercise apparatus allows the
user positioned next to the work surface to operate the exercise
apparatus, while the user works on the work surface. Exercise
apparatuses may be operated differently depending on the structure
of the exercise apparatus. The structure of each kind of exercise
apparatus is typically adapted to train a certain part of the human
body. This means that the user operating the exercise apparatus may
be moving differently and different parts of the body depending on
the kind of the exercise apparatus. Examples of the possible
movements of the user operating the exercise apparatus comprise
standing, rowing, pedaling, walking and running. Accordingly, the
exercise apparatus may comprise a rowing machine, a cross-trainer,
a treadmill or an exercise bike, for example. The cross-trainer or
elliptical trainer is conventionally also referred to as X-trainer.
A treadmill may be a treadmill for running and/or walking. A
treadmill conventionally has a belt that is running at a speed for
running, jogging or walking on the treadmill. In an embodiment, the
treadmill may be designed only for walking, whereby the treadmill
can have a shorter belt than a treadmill for running. In this way
the space required by the workstation may be reduced.
[0040] In FIG. 1a, the work surface is illustrated at a height
h.sub.a above the floor that allows working on the work surface,
when the user is seated. Typically the work surfaces for seated
work are arranged at height, where the user seated before the work
surface such that the upper arm and the forearm of the user is at
about 90 degrees angle, when the forearm is positioned on the work
surface. Suitable heights for most users working in a seated
position include heights between 70 cm to 100 cm.
[0041] In FIG. 1b, the work surface is illustrated at a height
h.sub.b above the floor that allows working on the work surface,
when the user is in a half-standing position before the work
surface. In the half-standing position the user is partly seated
and partly standing. In FIGS. 1c and 1d, the work surface is
illustrated at a height h.sub.c, h.sub.d above the floor that
allows working on the work surface, when the user is in an upright
position before the work surface. The height of the work surface in
FIGS. 1b, 1c and 1d may be determined in a similar manner as in the
work surface in FIG. 1a with the difference that the absolute
height is greater in the half-standing position of the user than in
the seated position of the user, and the absolute height is greater
in the upright position of the user than in the half-standing
position of the user. In the upright position the user may be
operating the exercise apparatus. The height of the work surface in
the upright position and combined with operating the exercise
apparatus may be used to determine yet another height of the work
surface such that the working on the work surface is facilitated in
the combined situation of the upright position of the user and the
user operating the exercise apparatus. Examples of the combined
situations include situations, where the user is walking or running
on a treadmill, or working out on a cross-trainer.
[0042] The platform is movable on the exercise apparatus in the
direction that is substantially perpendicular to the viewing
direction of FIGS. 1a to 1d. In FIGS. 1a and 1b, the platform is
moved to a distance d.sub.a, d.sub.b defining a position of the
platform with respect to the work surface, in which position the
user is seated before the work surface for working on the work
surface. In FIGS. 1c and 1d, the platform is moved to a distance
d.sub.c, d.sub.d defining a position of the platform with respect
to the work surface which position allows operating the exercise
apparatus. In FIGS. 1c and 1d, the position of the platform with
respect to the work surface allows preferably the user also to work
on the work surface. The combined working on the work surface and
operating the exercise apparatus is facilitated by the position of
the platform as well as the height of the work surface.
[0043] In FIG. 1c, the platform is positioned under the work
surface. In this way the space away from the work surface and
behind the user, is free from obstacles. In FIG. 1d, the platform
is moved to a distance from the work surface that exceeds a maximum
distance of the straightforward path of movement and the platform
is removed from the workstation. In this way the platform may be
moved anywhere around to workstation or to another room and the
workstation is free from obstacles, when the user operates the
exercise apparatus.
[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates various seats 204, 214, 224, 234
attachable to a platform 202 according to an embodiment. The
platform may comprise a receiving member and the various seats may
comprise attachment members that are configured to communicate with
the receiving member such that the seat is attached to the
platform, when the seat is positioned on the platform. In this way
the seat attached to the platform may be changed to match various
personal needs and/requirements concerning functionalities of the
seat. In one example the seat may be a seat configured for
half-standing seating position of the user. Such a seat may be the
saddle seat 204 for example.
[0045] FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 illustrate adaptations of the workstation
300, 400, 500 for receiving a platform 302, 402, 502 for a seat
such that the platform is movable on an exercise apparatus 308,
408, 508, according to an embodiment. The platform comprises means
304, 404, 504, for moving the platform on the exercise apparatus to
different distances from a work surface 306, 406, 506 on at least
one straightforward path of movement. The workstation may be the
workstation of FIGS. 1a to 1d. Different working position, e.g. an
upright position, a half-standing position or a seated position may
be obtained by height adjustment of the platform and position of
the platform with respect to the work surface. The seat attached to
the platform may be changed into any seat that has an attachment
member for attaching to the receiving member of the platform as
described in FIG. 2. In this way, working position of the user may
be adapted to various working positions and according to personal
needs.
[0046] In FIG. 3 the platform comprises wheels that provide the
movement of the platform on the exercise apparatus. The wheels 304
are installed to ends of support structures 308 of the platform
such that they are between the floor 312 and the support structures
316. The support structures extend vertically h.sub.p and
horizontally w.sub.p below the seat towards the sides of the
exercise apparatus such that the exercise 308 apparatus fits
between the support structures and the floor, when the platform is
received by the workstation. When the platform is received by the
workstation, the platform is positioned on the exercise apparatus.
The vertical height h.sub.p and the horizontal width w.sub.p of the
platform may be determined by the width and height of the exercise
apparatus. Preferably, the support structures and the exercise
apparatus are adapted with respect to each other such that the
height and width of the exercise apparatus are smaller than the
height and width of the platform defined. The height of the
platform may be measured as the height from the floor at the
position of the maximum height of the exercise apparatus. The width
of the platform maybe measured as a distance between the wheels on
opposite sides of the exercise apparatus. The support structures
may be dimensioned according to the height and width information of
the platform to provide movement of the platform on the exercise
apparatus to different distances with respect to the work
surface.
[0047] In FIGS. 4 and 5 the exercise apparatus comprises rails 410,
510 that provide the movement of the platform on the exercise
apparatus. The rails are installed to the sides of the exercise
apparatus and in a direction defined by the path of movement of the
platform. The platform comprises support structures 416, 516 that
extend vertically h.sub.pr and horizontally w.sub.pr below the seat
such that the exercise apparatus fits below the support structures
and the seat, when the platform is received by the workstation. The
height of the platform may be measured as the height from the
exercise apparatus. The width of the platform maybe measured as a
distance between the ends of the support structures. The ends of
the support structures 404, 504 are adapted to communicate with the
rails such that the platform is movable on the rails and supported
by the rails against vertical movement receive the platform. In
this way the exercise apparatus is supported on the floor 412, 512
and the platform is supported to the exercise apparatus via the
rails. In the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 the width of the
platform may be substantially the width of the exercise apparatus
that includes the rails, but in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the width
of the platform exceeds the width of the exercise apparatus. FIGS.
7a to 7d illustrate in more detail various embodiments of the rails
and corresponding support structures.
[0048] In the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, the platform may be
moved off the workstation. In FIG. 3, the platform may be rolled on
the wheels off the platform from the far end of the exercise
apparatus with respect to the work surface. Provided that the width
of the platform is large enough such that the wheels are
sufficiently removed from the sides of the exercise apparatus, the
platform may be lifted off the exercise apparatus. In FIG. 4, the
platform may be moved off the rails from the far end of the
exercise apparatus with respect to the work surface. The ends 404
of the support structures are preferably shaped such that the
platform may be positioned on the floor for seating on the platform
that is removed from the rails.
[0049] In FIG. 5, the work station may correspond to the
workstation of FIG. 4 with the difference that the far end of the
rails with respect to the work surface is installed a terminal 514.
The terminal is positioned at the end of the rails and keeps the
platform on the rails. Accordingly, the platform may not be removed
from the workstation via the ends of the rails at the far end of
the exercise apparatus. In this way, accidental movement of the
rails may be prevented for safety in the use of the platform. The
terminal can be optional accessory in the workstation and it can be
attached and removed according to the user preferences.
[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates side surfaces 602 in a workstation 600
according to an embodiment. The work station may be the workstation
in FIGS. 1a to 1d. The side surfaces 602 are located on opposite
sides of the exercise apparatus 604. The side surfaces extend the
horizontal width w.sub.tot of the exercise apparatus by the width
w.sub.s of the side surfaces such that the total horizontal width
becomes w.sub.tot=w.sub.e+w.sub.s+w.sub.s, where w.sub.e is the
width of the exercise apparatus. The side surfaces on the opposite
sides of the exercise apparatus may be mirror images of each other.
The side surfaces are preferably positioned to the workstation such
that the side surfaces and the exercise apparatus form a combined
surface that is extended by the side surfaces in the width
direction w.sub.ws of the work surface. Preferably the combined
surface forms a substantially uniform surface such that the person
seated working on the work surface may move on foot in the width
direction of the work surface without a danger of tripping. On the
other hand, when the person is seated the side supports give
support to the feet. In this way the working positions may be
provided in the width direction of the work surface and on a wider
area than the exercise apparatus can provide. Preferably the widths
of the side surfaces are such that the total width w.sub.tot of the
combined surface corresponds to the width of the work surface. The
side surfaces also enable conventional chairs that have wheels as
are known from many offices to be used with the exercise
apparatus.
[0051] FIGS. 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e and 7f illustrate platforms guided
by rails in a workstation according to an embodiment. The
workstation may be the workstation of FIG. 4 or 5. FIGS. 7a to 7c
and 7f are profile views as viewed from one end of the exercise
apparatus 702, 712, 722, 732, 742. The profiles illustrate
different structures for providing the rails in the workstation.
FIG. 7d shows a wheel arrangement of the platform for the rail
illustrated in FIG. 7c.
[0052] In FIG. 7a, the exercise apparatus has a protrusion 706 that
extends horizontally outwards from the top surface of the exercise
apparatus. The platform has support structures 704 that attach to
the protrusion. The ends are shaped to curve around the protrusion,
when the platform attached to the exercise apparatus. Accordingly,
the ends have a hook-like shape. The exercise apparatus may have
protrusions on both sides of the exercise apparatus as illustrated
in FIG. 4 by the rails on both sides of the exercise apparatus. The
protrusions support the platform against vertical movement. In this
way safety may be provided for seated and half-standing working on
the work surface.
[0053] In FIG. 7b the exercise apparatus has a groove 716. The
groove runs on the side of the exercise apparatus for moving the
platform as guided by the groove. The platform has support
structures 714 that attach to the groove. The attachment is
provided by the shape of the ends of the support structures towards
the floor. The ends have protrusions that extend horizontally
towards the exercise apparatus such that the protrusions are
supported to the groove. The exercise apparatus may have
protrusions on both sides of the exercise apparatus as illustrated
in FIG. 4 by the parallel rails. The grooves support the platform
against vertical movement. In this way safety may be provided for
seated and half-standing working on the work surface.
[0054] In FIG. 7c the exercise apparatus 722 has a protrusion 726
similar to the protrusion in FIG. 7a with the differences that the
protrusion has a concave surface 730 towards the floor. The
platform has support structures 724 that have wheels 728. The
wheels may be fixed, such that they do not turn around a vertical
axis. In this way the platform may be kept on a straightforward
path, when moved.
[0055] FIG. 7d shows a wheel arrangement of the platform for the
rail illustrated in FIG. 7c. The wheel arrangement comprises a
wheel 752 that moves the platform on the floor and a wheel 754 that
guides the platform in a trail 756 formed by the concave surface of
the protrusion towards the floor. The guiding wheel is in contact
with the concave surface for guiding the movement of the platform.
The floor wheel does not need to contact the concave surface.
Accordingly, the arrangement of the wheels may be such that the
guiding wheel is in contact with the concave surface and the floor
wheel is in contact with the floor, when the platform is on the
exercise apparatus. In this way the friction of movement on the
floor level may be controlled separately from the friction of
movement caused by the concave surface, whereby the wheels and
contact surfaces may be adapted for each purpose.
[0056] In FIG. 7e the exercise apparatus 732 has a protrusion 736
similar to the protrusion in FIG. 7c. The platform has support
structures 734 that have wheels 738 similar to FIG. 7d. The
exercise apparatus also has another protrusion 740 that is below
the protrusion extending from the top surface. The lower protrusion
may be extending below the upper protrusion such that the height
between the protrusions allows the wheel 738 between the
protrusions to fit and roll between the protrusions. The lower
protrusion may have a concave surface for guiding the wheel similar
to the upper protrusion, but with the difference that the concave
surface is upwards, to the wheel.
[0057] In FIG. 7f the exercise apparatus 742 has a protrusion 746
similar to the protrusion in FIG. 7a. However, the support
structures 744 of the platform have been adapted such that the
platform is movable on the floor by attaching wheels 748 to the
ends of the platform.
[0058] FIG. 8 illustrates suitable locations 802, 804 for a brake
arrangement in a workstation 800 according to an embodiment. The
workstation may be the workstation in FIG. 4 or 5. The brake
arrangement prevents the platform in the workstation from moving
with respect to the work surface. The brake arrangement may
comprise one or more braking surfaces and levers that are
operatively coupled such that, when a lever is operated, braking
surfaces are pressed against each other and the braking surfaces
are in a closed position and the brake is closed. When the lever is
not operated, the braking surfaces may be in an open position,
where there is no contact between them and the brake is open. When
the braking surfaces are pressed against each other, friction
between the braking surfaces causes a force that resists movement
of the platform. The parts of the brake arrangement may be
distributed between different locations or they may be positioned
to a single location in the workstation depending on implementation
of the brake arrangement.
[0059] FIGS. 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d are profile views of brake
arrangements as viewed from one end of the exercise apparatus 902,
912 in a workstation according to an embodiment. The brake
arrangement comprises a braking surface 904, 914 installed to a
support structure of the platform. In FIGS. 9a and 9b the braking
surface is installed to a support structure of the platform in a
horizontal direction. In FIGS. 9c and 9d the braking surface is
installed to a support structure of the platform in a vertical
direction. In FIGS. 9a and 9c the braking surface on the exercise
apparatus is not in contact to a meeting surface and the brake
arrangement is in an open position, whereby the platform may be
moved without the brake arrangement preventing it. In FIGS. 9b and
9d, the brake arrangement is a closed position, whereby the braking
surface is pressed to the meeting surface on the exercise
apparatus. The exercise apparatus may have friction material
located in its surface that is pressed against the braking surface.
In this way the braking effect may be improved. Preferably, the
braking surface and the surface of the exercise apparatus may have
a high friction coefficient in the meeting surfaces for efficient
braking of the platform.
[0060] The horizontal braking surface 904 may operate against the
top surface of the exercise apparatus. The vertical braking surface
914 may utilize a rail on the side of the exercise apparatus. The
rail may be provided by a protrusion 916 according to the
illustration of FIGS. 9c and 9d. The braking surface may be adapted
to the shape of the protrusion. In this way the total area of the
surfaces pressed against each other is greater than if the braking
surface would meet the side of the exercise apparatus without the
protrusion. In the illustration, the end of the protrusions towards
the braking surface is convex and the braking surface has a concave
form matching to the convex form of the protrusion such that the
surfaces are pressed against each other, when the brake is closed.
It should be appreciated that a braking surface may be matched also
to other shapes of the rails than the protrusions. FIGS. 7b, 7c and
7e illustrate examples of different shapes of rails that the
braking surface may be matched to. Accordingly, the braking surface
may be shaped for engaging rails including protrusions or grooves
of different shapes and numbers. The braking surface may be
operated by a lever (not shown). The lever may be manual lever
movable by a foot or an arm of the user positioned in the
workstation. On the other hand an electrical motor may be arranged
to drive the brake between the closed and open positions. Moreover,
an electromagnetic brake may be used, such that the braking surface
is moved between the closed and the open position by switching of
the electric current on and off.
[0061] FIGS. 10a and 10b illustrate a display stand 1002 in a
workstation according to an embodiment. The display stand may form
a part of the work surface 1004. The workstation may be the
workstation in FIGS. 1a to 1d. A computer display may be positioned
on the display stand of the workstation according to the
illustration. Preferably, the display stand is located in a portion
of the work surface that is remote from the user that is seated, or
standing and/or operating the exercise apparatus 1006 in the
workstation. In FIG. 10a, the display stand is shown at a height
for seated work h.sub.ds and in FIG. 10b the display stand is shown
at a height h.sub.dw for working on the work surface in an upright
position, e.g. for working, when the user is walking or standing.
The display stand may be driven to different heights by an
electrical motor or a manual arrangement for height adjustment that
are well-known from current office desks.
[0062] It should be appreciated that, when work is performed in a
seated position or a standing next to the work surface, the height
of the display may be substantially the same. However, when the
work is performed next to the work surface, while walking on the
treadmill, the person walking has his/hers eyesight directed to a
higher level, than, when working in a seated position or standing.
An embodiment provides a workstation that has several states that
are defined by the working positions. Each working position, e.g.
standing, walking, running, half-standing or seated position, may
have its own state. The state may be defined by a position of the
work surface, position of the platform, operating mode of the
exercise apparatus and/or position of the display stand. A change
of the current state may be determined by a change of any of the
position of the work surface, position of the platform, operating
mode of the exercise apparatus and/or position of the display
stand. The next state may be determined on the basis of the changed
information that indicates the next state. The exercise apparatus
may be a treadmill, whereby the operating modes may comprise belt
running, belt stopped, belt speed, walking, jogging or running. In
this way, the workstation may determine a change of the operating
mode of the exercise apparatus, determine a next state of the
workstation that corresponds to the new operating mode of the
exercise apparatus, and drive the work surface, platform, exercise
apparatus and/or the display stand to their new positions or
operating mode that are defined by the next state. The state
transitions of the workstation are described in more detail below
with reference to FIGS. 19, 20 and 21.
[0063] In an embodiment, a display stand may be driven to a new
position together with the work surface on the basis of the
determined operating mode. For example, the display stand may have
an automated elevation or lowering with the elevation or lowering
of the work surface. When the work surface is driven upwards or
downwards the display stand is moved to the same direction
automatically with the work surface. The altitudes of the work
surface and the display with respect to each other may be different
in different working positions, e.g. seated working, standing,
walking, running, half-standing or jogging. When the display stand
and the work surface are elevated or lowered their absolute
distance of movement may be different. Indeed, the adjustment
length of the display stand may be shorter than adjustment length
of the work surface, whereby, the display stand may be elevated or
lowered proportionally less than the work surface, when they are
moved.
[0064] FIG. 11 is an architectural view of the workstation
according to an embodiment. The workstation includes an exercise
apparatus and a work surface according any of the various
embodiments described herein. The work surface has a drive system
1102 for driving the work surface to different heights from the
floor and/or for driving the platform to different distances from
the work surface. The drive system of the work surface may drive
only a portion of the work surface, for example a display stand
according to FIGS. 10a and 10b. On the other hand a workstation may
comprise several parts including the display stand, and each of the
part may be driven to different heights by the drive system.
[0065] The exercise apparatus has a drive system 1104 for driving
the exercise apparatus such that it offers resistance to the
movement of the user operating the exercise apparatus.
[0066] The drive systems may have electrical motors, whose rotation
is transferred into movement of the work surface, platform, display
stand and/or the exercise apparatus.
[0067] A controller 1106 is connected to the drive systems for
controlling their operations. One or more sensors 1108, 1110, 1112
are connected to the controller for obtaining information for
controlling the drive systems. A memory 1114 is connected to the
controller for storage of data and/or instructions. The controller,
memory, drive systems and sensors are electrically connected e.g.
by electrical wiring, such that signals and data may be
communicated to and/or from the controller.
[0068] The controller may be implemented by a central processing
unit (CPU). The CPU may comprise a set of registers, an arithmetic
logic unit, and a control unit. The control unit is controlled by a
sequence of program instructions transferred to the CPU from the
memory. The control unit may contain a number of microinstructions
for basic operations. The implementation of microinstructions may
vary, depending on the CPU design. The program instructions may be
coded by a programming language, which may be a high-level
programming language, such as C, Java, etc., or a low-level
programming language, such as a machine language, or an assembler.
The memory may be a volatile or a non-volatile memory, for example
EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, firmware, programmable logic,
etc. The memory and the controller may be connected by an
electrical connection provided e.g. by a printed circuit board,
where the memory and the controller are installed.
[0069] In the architecture of the workstation, the controller and
memory may be provided by a general purpose computer or an embedded
system that is connected to the sensors and drive systems. The
general purpose computer may further have a network interface
providing connectivity to a Local Area Network or a mobile
communications system. The network interface may be provided by a
network adapter connectable to a Universal Serial Bus connection,
or a Network Interface Card, e.g. an Ethernet card. Various
embodiments described herein may be implemented according to the
architecture of FIG. 11.
[0070] FIGS. 12a and 12b illustrate operation of a treadmill 1202
in a workstation 1200 according to an embodiment. The workstation
may be the workstation in FIGS. 1a to 1d, where the treadmill is
installed as the exercise apparatus. The treadmill is positioned
under a work surface 1204 and the treadmill extends away from the
work surface such that a user may be positioned on the treadmill
next to the work surface for working on the work surface in upright
and/or seated position. In FIG. 12a, a position of the treadmill is
illustrated, where the treadmill forms a single surface aligned
with the horizontal level, R.sub.level. The horizontal level may be
defined by a floor for example. In FIG. 12b, a position of the
treadmill is illustrated, where the treadmill is inclined at angle
.alpha. to the horizontal level H.sub.level in FIG. 12a. The
inclination is upwards, such that the end of the treadmill in the
running or walking direction is higher than the opposite end of the
treadmill. Accordingly, the treadmill is in a position for a user
positioned on the treadmill to experience an uphill, when the user
is running of walking.
[0071] The workstation may be moved between the positions of the
treadmill illustrated in FIGS. 12a and 12b on the basis of input
obtained from one or more sensors of the workstation, when the
workstation is implemented according to the architecture of FIG.
11. In an embodiment, the workstation may determine a position of
the platform 1206. If the platform is positioned at a distance x
from the work surface such that the user may work on the work
surface in a seated position, the treadmill may be driven to the
uphill position of FIG. 12b. Accordingly, in this way the treadmill
may be used as a footrest during seated work in the workstation.
The foot rest position may be for example a maximum climb position
of the treadmill. FIG. 12a may illustrate a starting point, where
the platform has been moved to the distance x for seated working
and FIG. 12b may illustrate the position of the treadmill after the
treadmill is driven on the basis of the position of the
platform.
[0072] On the other hand, if the platform is positioned at a
distance from the work surface such that the user may work on the
work surface in an upright position, the treadmill may be driven
from the position of FIG. 12b to the position of FIG. 12a. In this
way the position of the treadmill may be adapted to a training
program of the treadmill, e.g. training programs: cardio work out,
calorie burn and hill climb. On the other hand, even if no training
programs were used, horizontal position allows a natural standing
position for the user next to the work surface.
[0073] FIGS. 13a and 13b illustrate structural arrangements of
parts of the workstation according to an embodiment. The
workstation comprises an exercise apparatus 1302, work surface 1304
and drive system 1306 of the exercise apparatus. In FIG. 13a, the
workstation is illustrated by a three dimensional view from an
elevated position behind the exercise apparatus. In FIG. 13b the
workstation is illustrated by a view from above showing the
arrangement of the parts inside a housing 1308 of the workstation
below the work surface. The work surface and housing are
illustrated by dashed lines.
[0074] The drive system of the exercise apparatus is capable of
driving the exercise apparatus such that it offers resistance to
the movement of the user operating the exercise apparatus. In the
structural arrangement, the drive system is located next to the
portion, e.g. a belt of a treadmill, of the exercise apparatus that
operates against the user.
[0075] The drive system may be located within the housing that
covers the drive system from dust and tampering. The housing may be
formed by panels on the sides of the exercise apparatus. Tee panels
may form the side surfaces illustrated in FIG. 6. The positioning
of the drive system provides that the space in the front part of
the treadmill is not elevated higher than the level of the
treadmill belt that is part of the treadmill, where the user walks.
Placing the drive system on the side parts of the workstation
leaves empty the leg space of the worker who in sitting position
will position his/her legs to the frontal part of the
treadmill.
[0076] The drive system connects to the exercise apparatus via
mechanical connection such that a driving force is transferred from
the drive system to the exercise apparatus for driving the exercise
apparatus. In one example the exercise apparatus is a treadmill and
the drive system drives the treadmill. The mechanical connection
between the drive system and the treadmill drives a belt of the
treadmill, for example by driving an axis that rotates the belt.
The structural arrangement of the drive system next to the exercise
apparatus facilitates keeping the height of the exercise apparatus
low as measured from the floor.
[0077] Also further parts of the workstation may be located around,
e.g. next to the exercise apparatus. Examples of these parts
include a control unit 1310 of the drive system that may connect
electrically to the drive system for adjusting the speed of the
treadmill by electrical command signals to the drive system.
Similar to the drive system, the control unit may be located in the
same or separate housing 1308.
[0078] The work surface may be supported to the housing
accommodating the drive system and/or the control unit. The
structural arrangement of the drive system and the control unit of
the exercise apparatus to the sides of the exercise apparatus
allows utilizing the area under the work surface more
efficiently.
[0079] FIG. 14 illustrates examples of measurements performed by
sensors of the workstation according to an embodiment. The
workstation may follow the architecture of FIG. 11. The sensors may
be positioned to locations indicated in the FIG. 14. Dashes lines
illustrate different positions of the work surface, display stand,
seat and the platform.
[0080] The measurements may comprise one or more of a group
comprising: vertical height of the work surface 1400, operation of
the exercise apparatus 1410, position of the platform 1420 with
respect to the work surface, user positioned on/off the exercise
apparatus 1430, platform on/off the exercise apparatus 1440, seat
type detection 1450, user weight and/or vital functions 1460,
platform position 1470, brake open/closed 1480, display stand
height 1490, time seated on the seat, time the exercise apparatus
has been used, time stood in the workstation.
[0081] The exercise apparatus may be a treadmill, whereby a
measurement of operation of the exercise apparatus may be used to
determine, whether the treadmill is operated or not. The treadmill
is operated, when the belt of the treadmill is running. On the
other hand if the speed of the belt is zero, it may be determined
that the treadmill is not operated. A suitable sensor may be a
sensor for the speed of the belt. It should be appreciated that the
speed of the belt may not need a separate sensor, but the speed may
be obtained from the treadmill, for example via an electrical
connection to a controller unit of the treadmill. The treadmill may
have one or more sensors for measuring the belt speed, heart rate
and/or inclination of the belt. Accordingly, measurements of the
sensors of the treadmill may be obtained to be used in driving one
or more parts of the workstation, e.g. the platform, work surface
and/or display stand, between different positions.
[0082] The vertical height of the work surface, display stand
height, position of the platform with respect to the work surface,
user position on/off the exercise apparatus, platform on/off the
exercise apparatus, brake open/closed an display stand height may
be determined by sensors, whose activation indicates that a
condition is met regarding the measurement. The sensor may be a
switch that connects an electrical circuit upon a condition being
met. The condition may be a height, weight or position of a
structure. The condition may be set for the sensor by installing
the sensor to a location in the workstation and the sensor may be
activated by a movement a part of the workstation to the location
or the user touching the location.
[0083] For example, the position of the platform on the exercise
apparatus may be measured by two sensors positioned on the exercise
apparatus at different distances from the work surface. When rails
are used in the workstation for moving the platform, the sensors
may be installed to rails. Then, when the platform arrives at the
location of the sensors, the position of the platform may be
detected by the activation of the sensor. In a similar manner the
position of the platform that is movable on the exercise apparatus
without rails may be determined by positioning the sensors on the
path of movement of the platform.
[0084] In another example position of the user may be determined by
a sensor that is activated by the user stepping on the exercise
apparatus. Such a sensor may be a pressure sensor for example.
[0085] In another example the presence of the platform on the
exercise apparatus may be determined by a sensor installed to the
rails, when the rails are used for moving the platform in the
workstation. On the other hand, when rails are not used for moving
the platform, the presence of the platform on the exercise
apparatus may be determined by installing the sensor on the path of
movement of the platform. Sensor for determining the position of
the platform on the exercise apparatus with respect to the work
surface may be used to determine whether the platform is positioned
on the exercise apparatus. When the sensors are not activated, it
may be determined that the platform is off the exercise
apparatus.
[0086] In another example the user weight may be determined by a
digital scale. The scale may be positioned under the exercise
apparatus, for example.
[0087] In another example vital functions of the user may comprise
a heart rate or blood pressure. The heart rate may be measured by
handles that are conventional in present treadmills. The handles
may be installed to the work surface reachable to the user.
[0088] Various sensors suitable for measurements in the workstation
comprise light sensors that are activated by changes in
illumination conditions, pressure sensors and switches.
[0089] FIG. 15 illustrates implementation of the workstation
according to an embodiment. The workstation may follow the
architecture of FIG. 11. Now referring to the architecture of FIG.
11, the controller 1106 may be integrated within the work surface
1502 or attached below the work surface. The integration may be
preferred since this leaves the work surface unobstructed by the
controller both from its top and bottom surfaces.
[0090] An interface unit may be provided at the foot 1506 of the
supports 1504 of the work surface. The interface unit may be
located in the housing that accommodates the drive system or the
control unit of the exercise apparatus, illustrated in FIGS. 13a
and 13b. The interface unit may include connectors to the electric
mains, a communications network. The communications network may be
a mobile communications network, a Wide Area Network or a Local
Area Network (LAN), for example an IEEE 802.11 based Wireless LAN.
Examples of the mobile communications networks comprise the Global
System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio
Service (GPRS) and their developments that are currently in
commercial use. A web server may be connected to the interface
unit. The web server may be co-located with the interface unit or
the controller. The controller and the interface unit may be
electrically connected for transmission of data and/or electrical
power.
[0091] FIG. 16 illustrates location of the control unit 1602 in a
work surface 1604 according to an embodiment. The control unit may
be the controller in the architecture of FIG. 11. The work surface
may be implemented in the workstation of FIG. 15. The control unit
is preferably located on one side of the work surface, where the
user is seated or standing, when he/she is working on the work
surface.
[0092] FIGS. 17a and 18a illustrate movement of the seat 1702, 1802
in a platform 1704, 1804 according to an embodiment. The movement
is provided in a direction d.sub.w of the edge of the work surface
1706, 1806. The edge may be the edge that is closest to the
platform. The direction is illustrated by arrows. The dashed lines
shows the area and positions, where the seat may be moved from a
starting position of the seat illustrated in black. In the starting
position the seat at a shortest distance from the work surface.
This distance may be defined by the position of the on the exercise
apparatus, when the platform is moved on rails of wheels to that
position, e.g. by following the path of movement provided by rails
or wheels, when the platform is on the exercise apparatus according
to the illustration of FIG. 3, 4 or 5.
[0093] In FIG. 17a, the movement is a rotational movement around a
center point defined by the platform. The rotational movement takes
place in a plane formed by the top surface of the work surface. The
rotational movement moves the seat away from the work surface and
to a new position in the direction of the edge of the work surface
as the seat is rotated away from the starting position.
[0094] In FIG. 18a, the movement of the seat takes place on a
straight path. The path that is perpendicular to the path of
movement of the platform to different distances described in
various embodiments herein.
[0095] FIGS. 17b, 18b and 18c illustrate structures of platforms
having a movable seat. FIG. 17b illustrates a structure that
provides the movement of the seat in the area illustrated in FIG.
17a. The platform includes a stand 1708 that is connected to
support structures 1710. The support structures extend horizontally
and towards the floor 1712. Various embodiments described herein
illustrate examples of support structures. The stand includes an
arm 1714 that extends vertically and horizontally away from the
stand. The stand may be rotatable around a vertical axis such that
the seat positioned at an end of the arm remote from the stand may
be moved according to the illustration of FIG. 17a.
[0096] The arm may be connected to the stand such that the arm is
rotatable around a horizontal axis 1716. The connection of the arm
to the stand allows movement of the seat to different heights for
seated work or working in an upright position that are illustrated
in FIGS. 1a to 1d.
[0097] FIG. 18b illustrates a structure of the platform for
movement illustrated in FIG. 18a. The structure is viewed from
above. The platform includes one or more rails 1810 that are
arranged to extend in the direction that is perpendicular to the
path of movement of the platform to different distances from the
work surface. A stand 1808 for a seat may be mounted to be movable
on the rails. In this way the seat attached to the stand may be
moved according to the illustration of FIG. 18a. Support structures
1812 of the platform extend towards the sides of the exercise
apparatus for connecting to rails and/or wheels as illustrated in
FIGS. 3 to 5. The support structure provides support against the
flipping of the platform by movement of the seat on the rails.
[0098] FIG. 18c is a vertical cross-section of the platform of FIG.
18b, where the rails and stand mounted on the rails is shown. The
cross-section is viewed in the direction of movement provided by
the rails. The rails are formed by parallel grooves having an
upturned V-shaped cross-section.
[0099] An embodiment is a process for a workstation according to an
embodiment. The process may be performed by the workstation that
follows the architecture of FIG. 11, for example. The process
determines current positions of the exercise apparatus, the
platform, display stand and/or the work surface in the workstation,
e.g. the workstation in FIGS. 12a and 12. Changes in the current
positions are determined for controlling the positions of the
exercise apparatus, display stand and/or the work surface. The
workstation may drive the exercise apparatus, display stand and/or
the work surface to different positions, e.g. to different heights.
In the flowing, the process is described in a workstation, where
the exercise apparatus is a treadmill. However, also other exercise
apparatuses are viable. In the process the position of the
treadmill is controlled. However, instead or additionally, the work
surface height and/or the display stand height may be
controlled.
[0100] The process is now described referring now to the
workstation in FIGS. 12a and 12b and the process in FIG. 19. The
process starts 1902, when the workstation is operational and
capable of measuring positions of the platform and the treadmill.
The workstation maybe connected to the electric mains or other
source of electrical power for powering the operations described in
the process. One or more sensors may be installed to the
workstation for performing at least part of the measurements
according to the illustration and description of FIG. 14.
[0101] In 1904 a current position of the platform is determined.
The position of the platform may comprise a distance from the work
surface as illustrated in FIGS. 1a to 1d. Accordingly, it may be
determined, whether the platform is actually on or off the exercise
apparatus. And if the platform is determined to be on the exercise
apparatus, the position may be determined more accurately with
respect to the work surface.
[0102] In 1906 a current position of the treadmill is determined.
The treadmill may have an inclined position with respect to the
horizontal level or the treadmill may be aligned with the
horizontal level. The different positions are described in more
detail above with reference to FIGS. 12a and 12b.
[0103] In 1908 movement of the platform may be determined. The
movement may be determined by one or more sensors that detect a
change in the position of the platform with respect to the work
surface. The changed position may be a changed distance to the work
surface, e.g. the platform may have been moved towards or away from
the work surface, and even off the exercise apparatus.
[0104] In 1910, a next position of the treadmill is determined on
the basis of the movement of the platform. If 1912 the next
position of the treadmill is the same as the current position, the
treadmill position is not changed and the process may end 1916. The
current position and the next position may be the same e.g. when
the platform is not moved.
[0105] If 1912 the next position of the treadmill is different than
the current position, the treadmill may be driven 1914 to the next
position. The treadmill may be driven by the controller of the
workstation sending a control signal over an electrical connection
to the treadmill control unit. The control signal may be an
electrical signal and cause the drive system of the treadmill to
incline the treadmill between an uphill, downhill, and/or level
ground positions.
[0106] In 1916, the process ends after the position of the
treadmill is determined after measuring movement of the
platform.
[0107] It should be appreciated that in the process of FIG. 19,
instead or additionally to the exercise apparatus, e.g. the
treadmill, also the display stand, platform and/or the work surface
may be driven to different positions that are illustrated in
various embodiments herein. Although the driving has been described
in FIG. 19 to be performed on the basis of movement of the
platform, it should be appreciated that movement or a change of
operating mode of any part of the workstation, for example the
exercise apparatus, display stand, platform and/or the work
surface, may be used to determine that one or more of the other
parts of the workstation should be driven to a new position or an
operating mode.
[0108] FIG. 20 illustrates various working positions of the
workstation according to an embodiment. The working positions may
comprise positions P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5 that represent
corresponding states of the workstation. Each of the working
positions is defined by a set of two or more parameters comprising
positions and operating mode of the parts of the workstation. The
parts of the workstation may include a work surface, a display
stand, a platform and an exercise apparatus. The workstation and
its parts may be configured according to the various embodiments
described herein such that various working positions are provided.
In the illustration of FIG. 20, the work surface may have at least
two positions ws1 and ws2, the display stand may have at least two
positions ds1 and ds2, the platform may have at least two positions
p1 and p2, and the exercise apparatus may have three operating
modes m1, m2 and m3.
[0109] FIG. 21 illustrates transitions between working positions
according to an embodiment. The working positions are illustrated
as states P1 to P5 according to FIG. 20. Transitions between the
states are illustrated as connections between the states. The
connections illustrate the states that are closest to each other,
when the distance between states is measured by the number of
parameters that are different. Accordingly, the states that are the
most similar in terms of their parameters are connected. For
example, for state P1, P2 is the closest state, and for P4, the
states P3 and P5 are the closest.
[0110] In an embodiment, the process of FIG. 19 illustrates
changing the states of the workstation, wherein the states are
defined by the working positions. P1 to P5. The positions P1 to P5
may correspond to working in a seated position, a half-standing
position, standing, walking and running, respectively. The working
positions may be as described in FIG. 20. Transitions between the
states may be as described in in FIG. 21. Accordingly, movement of
the platform from position p1 to p2 indicates a change of the state
of the workstation from a current state P1 to a next state that has
the platform in the position p2. Following the table of FIG. 20 and
the state transitions in FIG. 21, the next state is P4, that has
the platform in the position p2. In state P4, the exercise
apparatus, e.g. a treadmill, has operating mode m2, whereas in
state P1, the operating mode is m1. After the next state is
determined as P4, the exercise apparatus is driven to the new
operating mode m2 that may be also a new position, e.g. uphill or
downhill position of the treadmill belt. Also the work surface and
display stand may be driven to their new positions defined by the
state P4.
[0111] The process for changing the states of the workstation
according to FIG. 19 may start in 1902, when the workstation is
operational and capable of measuring positions and/or operating
mode of the platform, work surface, display stand and/or the
exercise apparatus.
[0112] In steps 1904 and 1906 the current state of the workstation
may be determined. The determining may be performed on the basis of
information obtained from one or more sensors installed to the
workstation. The state may be any one of the states P1 to P5 for
example. The current state of the workstation comprises at least
two parameters, e.g. two or more from ws1, ds1, p1 and m1.
Operating modes of the exercise apparatus e.g. a treadmill, may
comprise one or more positions. Examples of the positions comprise
positions of the belt of the treadmill in uphill or downhill
direction. The positions ws1, ds1 and p1 may indicate positions of
the work surface, platform and display stand as described in
various embodiments herein.
[0113] In 1908, the movement of parts of the workstation or a
change of the operation mode is determined. The determining may be
performed on the basis of information obtained from one or more
sensors installed to the workstation. Information may be received
from sensors connected directly to a controller and/or from sensors
in the exercise apparatus. For example the belt speed may be
received from a treadmill as described above in connection with
FIG. 14.
[0114] In 1910, a next state of the workstation may be determined.
The information received from the sensors may comprise a position
or operating mode of the work surface, platform, display stand or
the exercise apparatus. The received information may be used to
update the parameters of the current state. When the updated
parameters match to the current state the current state is not
changed and the process may end in 1916. When the updated
parameters do not match to the current state, the next state of the
work station is different than the current state and the process
proceeds to 1914, where the workstation may be driven to the next
position. One or more parts of the workstation, the platform,
display stand and the exercise apparatus may be driven. Driving of
the parts may be caused by the controller of the workstation
sending an electrical control signal to the drive system connected
to each part.
[0115] In 1916, the process ends after the state of the workstation
has been controlled.
[0116] The next state may be the state that is directly indicated
by the updated parameters of the current state. On the other hand
the next state may be the state that is indirectly indicated by the
updated parameters of the current state. In one example of directly
indicating the next state, referring now to FIG. 20, the current
state may be P1 that is defined by parameters of the work surface
at position ws1, the display stand at position ds1, the platform at
position p1 and the operating mode of the exercise apparatus m1.
The received information from the sensors may indicate that the
position of the work surface is changed to ws2. The received
information may be used to updated the parameters and arrive at
parameters ws2, ds1, p1, m1 which match to the parameters of state
P2 and thereby directly indicate the state P2 for the workstation.
In one example of indirectly indicating the next state, referring
again to FIG. 20, the current position may be P1 similar to the
above example. However, the received information from the sensors
may indicate that the position of the platform is changed to p2.
The received information may be used to update the parameters of P1
and arrive at parameters ws1, ds1, p2, m1 which indirectly indicate
states P4 and P5, since those are the only states that have the
platform in the position p2. The next state is then determined as
the state that has the smallest distance from the current state P1.
Following the state transition in FIG. 21, the state P4 is only
three state transitions away from the current state, whereas P5 is
four state transitions away, and state P4 is determined as the next
state. It is possible to limit the possible state transitions e.g.
based on the distance between the states. The distance between the
states may be determined based on a state transition graph as
illustrated by FIG. 21 or based on a number of common parameters
between the updated parameters and states of the workstation.
[0117] It should be appreciated that the exact determining of the
position of the platform may not be necessary, but a mere movement
of the platform may be used to determine, whether the treadmill,
work surface and/or display stand should be driven from their
current position.
[0118] An embodiment provides a process by a workstation according
to an embodiment, where movement of the work surface is determined
and used to control an operative state of the exercise apparatus,
e.g. treadmill. The process may be started as explained above with
FIG. 19. The current position of the work surface may be
determined. On the other hand it may be sufficient to determine
only the movement and the new height following the movement of the
work surface. Accordingly, the movement of the work surface
comprises a change of the height of the work surface. When the
height of the work surface is changed as a consequence of the
movement of the work surface the new height of the work surface
maybe used for switching an operative state of the treadmill. The
treadmill may be controlled by the workstation as described in FIG.
19. The operative states of the treadmill may comprise belt running
and belt not running. Accordingly, when the work surface is moved
to a lower height from the floor, the operative state of the
treadmill may be changed to belt not running, wherein the belt is
stopped. In this way the workstation can be adapted to a seated
working position next to the work surface, where treadmill cannot
be used. On the other hand, increasing the height of the work
surface from the floor may be used to switch the operative state of
the treadmill to bell running, whereby the belt may start running
at a predefined speed, e.g. at walking pace.
[0119] FIG. 22 illustrates a process for measuring performance in a
workstation according to an embodiment. The workstation may be
implemented according to the architecture of FIG. 11. The process
starts 2202, when the workstation is operational and capable of
measuring positions and/or operating mode of the platform, work
surface, display stand, and/or the exercise apparatus.
Additionally, the workstation has a timer functionality for
measuring time in one or more working positions of the workstation.
The timer may be provided by a clock in the controller of the
workstation. The working positions may be described by states as
explained above e.g. in FIG. 20.
[0120] In 2204, the current working position of the workstation may
be determined. This may be performed as described in steps 1904 and
1906 of FIG. 19 above.
[0121] In 2206, time spent in the working position maybe measured.
The measurement may start, after the workstation has been moved to
the working position, for example after the workstation has been
driven to the new position in step 1914 of FIG. 19.
[0122] In 2208, the measured time may be shared to the person
working in the workstation, to other workstations and/or to an
external server. The measured time may be displayed to the person
via a display. The display may be arranged on the work surface and
connected electrically to the controller of the workstation. The
connection between the display and the controller may be a VGA
(Video Graphics Array) or HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia
Interface) connection, for example. The connection to the other
workstations or to the external server may be provided by a
communications network, e.g. the Internet. The external server may
be executing a web service that hosts one or more web pages. The
received time may be embedded to a web page that is retrievable on
the server. The access to the web page may be limited to the person
working in the workstation or the access maybe allowed to a group
of persons. The web server may host a social networking service,
e.g. the Facebook, where the web page is retrievable as part of the
social networking service.
[0123] The external server may receive information of time spent in
working positions from one or more workstations according to an
embodiment. The server may process the information received from
the workstations and generate aggregate data on the basis of the
received information. The aggregate data may indicate an aggregate
performance of all the workstations. The performance may be defined
in calories, duration of the exercise, etc. The aggregate
information may be embedded to a web page generated by the server
to be retrievable to the workstations according to access rights,
similar to the time information received from a single workstation
described above.
[0124] The process ends 2210 after the measured time has been
shared.
[0125] The sharing of the measured information allows also feedback
to the person using the workstation and may comprise a
recommendation of changing his/her working position.
[0126] The working position may comprise a working position, where
the person in the workstation is operating an exercise apparatus.
Such a working position maybe the working positions P4 and P5 in
FIG. 20 for example. When the exercise apparatus is in the working
position, various measurements illustrated in FIG. 14 as associated
description may be performed to obtain further performance data in
addition to the time spent in the working position. The performance
data may comprise, time spent in a working position, calories
burned, heart rate, etc. The calories burned may be estimated on
the basis of the weight of the person and heart rate and further
parameters that may be measured by sensors and/or obtained from the
user via a user interface, as is conventional in present treadmills
for example.
[0127] In an embodiment, a workstation according to the
architecture of FIG. 11, or a part of the workstation, in
particular a CPU, may send and receive data from one or more other
workstation units that may comprise a platform for a seat, a work
surface, an exercise apparatus, a display stand, an interface unit
and a web server which are described in various embodiments herein.
In this way, when a person starts operating an exercise apparatus
in a working position, the workstation may obtain information e.g.
by using sensors, that the user is on the exercise apparatus and/or
the exercise apparatus is being used, and send information of the
commencement of the exercise and/or performance of the exercise to
the web server, to a display or directly to other workstations. The
exercise apparatus may be a treadmill, whereby the person walking
on the exercise apparatus may be determined. In this manner a
worker in the workstation or a third party may follow how many
workstations in a certain network are currently walking/or paused
and collect aggregate data of the usage of the treadmill
networks.
[0128] An embodiment provides a computer program embodied on a
distribution medium, for example a non-transitory computer readable
storage medium, comprising program instructions which, when loaded
into an electronic apparatus, cause the controller to perform a
method according to an embodiment.
[0129] The computer program may be in source code form, object code
form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some
sort of carrier, which may be any entity or device capable of
carrying the program. Such carriers include a record medium,
computer memory, read-only memory, electrical carrier signal,
telecommunications signal, and software distribution package, for
example. Depending on the processing power needed, the computer
program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or
processor or it may be distributed amongst a number of computers or
processors.
[0130] The techniques described herein may be implemented by
various means so that an workstation implementing one or more
functions described with an embodiment comprises not only prior art
means, but also means for determining a movement of the platform on
the exercise apparatus to different distances from the work surface
on at least one straightforward path of movement and, wherein at
said distances the same portion of the work surface is towards the
user positioned for working at the work surface, said distances
comprising at least one distance defining a position of the
platform with respect to the work surface for operating the
exercise apparatus and at least one position of the platform with
respect to the work surface, where the user is seated, and driving
the work surface or the exercise apparatus to a different position
on the basis of the determined movement.
[0131] More precisely, the various means comprise means for
implementing functionality of a corresponding workstation described
with an embodiment and it may comprise separate means for each
separate function, or means may be configured to perform two or
more functions. For example, these techniques may be implemented in
hardware (one or more apparatuses), firmware (one or more
apparatuses), software (one or more modules), or combinations
thereof. For a firmware or software, implementation can be through
modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the
functions described herein. The software codes may be stored in any
suitable, processor/computer-readable data storage medium(s) or
memory unit(s) or article(s) of manufacture and executed by one or
more processors/computers. The data storage medium or the memory
unit may be implemented within the processor/computer or external
to the processor/computer, in which case it can be communicatively
coupled to the processor/computer via various means as is known in
the art.
[0132] It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as
the technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented
in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are not limited
to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of
the claims.
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