ERGONOMIC AND ADAPTABLE MANIPULATION/CONTROL SYSTEM

Abstract: The ergonomic and adaptable control system, which is especially applicable to pushbutton/key- or control column guided machines and apparatus, and which makes it possible for the operator to be able to manipulate the control device without glancing at this or that distraction. At an entry level configuration, the control system is made up of an adjustable work chair (1); a main keyboard section (2A) and a secondary keyboard section (2B) the functions of which can be redefined; a main camera (4A) and a secondary camera (4B) which photograph the two keyboard sections (2A, 2B); a monitor connected to a computer (6) on which is displayed the image information (9) from the two cameras (4A, 4B). On a screen (7) a composite image (11) is displayed, made up of combined image information (9) and a computer (6) generated virtual image (10), showing how the operator's hands and fingers are positioned. The virtual image (10) can be keyboard signs or menues of a computer program.

Description: ERGONOMIC AND ADAPTABLE MANIPULATION/CONTROL SYSTEM The invention embraces an ergono ic and adaptable manipulation/control system that is especially applicable to key/pushbutton- or control column controlled/guided machines and apparatus whose operator should never need to observe the part/s of the body with which the controls are manoeuvred. Key/pushbutton or stick-controlled machines an apparatus, such as computers, telephone exchanges, control room panels, vehicles and electrical keyboard instruments, are normally manipulated via manually operated controls such as keyboards, control columns, trackballs, lightpens or similar devices. So as to be able to handle these devices, the operator usually has to glance at where and how he places his hands and fingers. This is especially evident when the operator uses a conventional keyboard such as that attached to a computer. Even if the operator has had extensive training, he or she often directs attention to his/her hands while working on such a keyboard. This involves a significant disadvantage to the operator as, while more or less simultaneously manipulating the keyboard, he/she has to watch the object of the manipulation, that is to say, the computer screen or the industrial process. Thus the operator's concentration on the objective or procedure will be interrupted, which in many circumstances is undesirable. Even when the functions of a conventional control device are rearranged, for example when one redefines the keys on a keyboard by changing to a different alphabet and by installing special keys, the operator must still glance at the keyboard. Usually the keys are only marked with the functions normally assigned to these keys such as the input of alphanumeric characters or the like. Thus the operator must memorise or in some other way determine which function is assigned to which key. Moreover, the majority of conventional control devices require that the operator adopt only one or two working postures, which sooner or later gives rise to stress-related injuries resulting in aches and pains, pulled muscles and eyestrain. A typical example is the static posture which one is forced to adopt when working with a computer equipped with a conventional keyboard. Adjustable work chairs and desks give only slightly more freedom of choice in working posture. The aforementioned disadvantages with manual control devices apply correspondingly to controls operated by other parts if the body such as the arms, legs, shoulders and head. The invention described in this patent application embodies a control system without the disadvantages described above, and which can be handled without the operator having to glance at that part of the body in contact with the control device. The control system's functions can be redefined without the operator having to look at his/her hand/arm/foot/leg. This control system also makes it possible for the operator simultaneously to watch the o ject/process and the controls. At the same time the system allows him/her greater freedom to choose his/her working posture. The characteristics and advantages of the invention are made clear in the following description of a number of executions, but they are only exemplified by and by no means limited to those given in the working example. This description is made with reference to the figure in the attached drawing which shows schematically a entrylevel execution of a practical configuration. The invention described in the following is, in th main, for a handoperated device, but it is also applicale to a control device worked by other parts of the body. Figure 1 shows schematically and partly in cross-section an initial configuration of a control system according to the invention which has been developed for a computer workstation. In Figure 1 (1) is an adjustable work chair, (2A) is a keyboard main section and (2B) a keyboard secondary section which together perform the same functions as a conventional unitary keyboard, (3A) is a primary source of light and (3B) is a secondary source of light which illuminate the main (2A) and secondary (2B) keyboards respectively. (4A) is the first camera and (4B) the second camera which photograph the main (2A) and secondary (2B) keyboards respectively, (5) is a tool for the transfer of image information (9) from the cameras (4A) and (4B) . (6) is a computer monitor, and (7) is a screen placed in front of the monitor against which, with the help of a projection device (8) , is projected the image information (9) mentioned, which is combined with one of the computer (6) generated virtual images (10) to form a composite image (11) . The keyboard sections (2A) and (2B) are placed near each armrest of the chair (1) . Keyboard sections (2A) and (2B) whether fixed or movable, can even be affixed, for example, to another part of the chair (1) , on a desk or table, on a lighting fixture, adjacent to the computer or screen, to one or more belts fastened around the operator's hips or thighs, to a harness around the shoulders or chest, on the floor, on a neck support or helmet, on the chair (1) back, seat or footrest, on the ceiling or against a wall. It is understood that the keyboard sections (2A) and (2B) can be combined thereby making a unitary keyboard. The keys on sections (2A) and (2B) can have, or not have, markings which show each key's function. In the following, the image information (9) , the virtual image (10) and the composite image (11) refer in most cases to visually perceived information, but includes information that can be sensed audibly or tactilely. Cameras (4A) and (4B) are a form of imaging (reproduction) system (4) and consist of monochromatic or polychromatic TV-cameras, infrared cameras or stereo cameras. The imaging system (4) can be equipped with colour separation filters. If one utilizes infrared cameras or any other imaging system (4) that does not require access to lighting, light sources (3A) and (3B) can be dispensed with. It is understood that in different configurations of the inven tion, the imaging system (4) may consist of only one camera as well as more than two cameras. The imaging system (4) can even be equipped with other types of imaging device, such as a mirror system, optic fibres, low emission short-distance radar, devices utilising magnetic or electrical fields, echo-sounders, soundwave detectors, infrasound, ultrasound, radiowave detectors or different types of physical presence detecting devices, and also combinations of these different imaging devices. Different configurations of the imaging system (4) are described in more detail later. The transfer medium (5) can comprise an electrical cable, an optical cable or be a dedicated wireless transmission link for audible sound, ultrasound, infrasound, visible non-coherent light, laser light, infralight, ultralight, radiowaves or other electromagnetic emissions. The transfer medium (5) can be equipped with signal amplifiers and signal correcting devices. Transfer of the image information (9) can be done in either analog or digital form. The screen (7) can comprise, for example, a transparent disc with a matt surface, a partially transparent and partially reflective disc with or without a matt surface, a translucent LCD type (Liquid Crystal Display) screen or a transparent plasma screen. The screen (7) is placed with the front part relatively near to the computer's (6) monitor. The screen (7) can be divided, integral or made up of a number of freestanding and movable units. The projection device (8) comprises, for example, a projecting system of lenses, cathode ray tubes or devices for projecting laser emissions. In the case of executing the abovementioned first stage development configuration of the control system according to the invention, see Figure 1, the operator sits in the work chair (1) . S/he places one hand on the first keyboard section (2A) and the other hand on the other keyboard section (2B) . The cameras (4A) and (4B) then record a first image (9A) and a second image (9B) of the operator's hands with the keyboard sections (2A) and (2B) respectively. These images (9A) and (9B) , which together produce a form of graphic data (9) , are transferred via the transmission link (5) and the projection device (8) to the screen (7) . The computer (6) generates the virtual image (10) of a keyboard, which is transferred from the computer (6) to the screen (7) , by conventional methods. The virtual image (10) shows a keyboard corresponding to keyboard sections (2A) and (2B) with the addition of each key in the virtual image (10) being marked with the sign of the function for which it is defined. This sign can consist of an alphabetic character, from different alphabets, a numeric character, or even symbolic translations of words or expressions, mathematical symbols and functions, drawings, diagrams and curves, equations, start of program or program section, fonts, colour codes and grey scales, data windows together with pictograms and other figures. On the screen (7) are combined the image information (9) and the virtual image (10) to form a composite image (11) in such a way that the operator sees on the screen (7) his/her own hands placed on a keyboard whose keys' functions are indicated. Since images (9) and (10) are reproduced, and in combination generate the composite image (11) , on the matt surface of the screen (7) , and consequently are found on the same plane, no parallax distortion/errors can occur when the operator examines the composite image (11) . As the composite image (11) should appear sharp to the operator, it is fitting that the image information (9) undergoes image processing before being combined with the virtual image (10) . Such image processing is done with appropriate known procedures and can, for example, involve the operator's hands being reduced to contour images whereby the virtual image's (10) keys can be seen through the operator's hands in the composite image (11) . Other types of image processing can also be employed: For example, each fingertip can be symbolised by a circle, colour code, a flashing light or a likeness of the symbol that for the time being corresponds to the key that the finger actually is placed upon. In this familiar way, the operator defines, with the help of the processes in the computer (6) , which functions the respective keys on the keyboard sections (2A and 2B) will perform. These functions are given on the virtual image's (10) keys. Consequently, in the composite image (11) the operator can constantly see an actual representation of, on the one hand those functions that are designated to the keys, on the other hand the position for his/her hands ' and fingers in relation to these keys. In a second configuration of the invention, not shown here, the image information (9) is transferred not to a screen (7) but directly to the computer's (6) monitor. In this case obviously no projection device (8) is needed. Combination to a composite image (11) takes place, in the main, in the same way as in the first configuration and therefore is not described in detail in the following. In a third configuration of the invention, not shown here, neither the computer monitor nor the screen (7) is used. Instead the composite image (11) is created, in the main, in some form of computer goggles, in the same way as in the first configuration. In a fourth configuration of the invention, not shown here, neither the computer monitor nor the screen (7) is used. Instead the image information (9) as well as the virtual image (10) is projected against a non-transparent surface, for example a wall or a projection screen, on which surface the operator can watch the composite image (11) . In a fifth configuration of the invention, not shown here, the imaging system (4) does not employ cameras. Instead the keyboard sections (2A and 2B) are equipped with physical presence detectors (12) that indicate the positions and movements of the part/s of the body used for manipulating the controls in relation to the keyboard sections (2A and 2B) . These position and movement indications provide another type of image information (9) and are transferred via the tranmission link (5) . Also they are combined with the virtual image (10) into a composite image (11) in much the same way as for the configurations already mentioned. The abovementioned presence detectors (12) can be of a number of different types. They can consist of, for example, ultralight transmitters and ultrasound receivers affixed to the keys on the keyboard sections (2A and 2B) which measure the distance to the nearest object, for example any of the operator's fingertips. In this connection, if one filters out distances outside predetermined intervals one obtains a simple image of how the operator's hands are placed in relation to the keys. This image can be clarified, in the same way as described above, to an image suitable for combining to a composite image (11) . In a corresponding way the presence detectors (12) can make use of transmitters and receivers which function with infrared or visible light. One can even use presence detectors (12) which are designed to measure changes in voltage or magnetic fields close to the key and/or the operator's finger respectively. Such voltage or magnetic field changes come about if the designated keys have metal surfaces with inherent voltage or magnetic fields and/or the operator wears metalisized gloves with inherent voltage or magnetic fields. Presence detectors (12) can likewise be set up beside their respective keys and be designed so that they detect the presence of a part of the body through measuring the natural radioactivity in the relevant part of the body or through the detection of trace elements or trace compounds on that part. The presence detectors (12) can also have a type, preferably transparent and not rough, of position and contact registering membrane stretched over the keyboard. The operator's fingers press lightly against this membrane in order to register. The presence detectors (12) can likewise consist of resilient data pens attached to the operator's fingers, which can be used with or without specially designed position and contact sensitive devices. Even presence detectors (12) which are designed for purely mechanical detection can be used. Such presence detectors (12) can, for example, have the form of one or many arms that are set up beside the manipulating part/s of the body. They can be attached around one or several fixed points, be movable and be foldable lengthwise if necessary. The arm/s' length and/or static angle and/or turning position can be continuously monitored with conventional methods and be converted to data about the relevant body part's position and movements in relation to. the control device. All the configurations of the presence detectors (12) described above are designed to detect if a manipulating part of the body lies close to or within a positively defined distance from a particular key or certain other part of the control device. In a sixth configuration of the invention, not shown here, there is no real control device. Instead the operator places his hands within one or several defined areas in space which are monitored by a position sensing instrument. Such an instrument is obtainable commercially and works by means of beams of, for example visible light, laser beams, inductive sensors or capacitory sensors. In practice this instrument scans the nodes in a three-dimensional matrix and in doing so indicates if any object, such as a certain part of an operator's hand, is in or not in a certain position in the matrix. So that the sensing instrument clearly distinguishes the object, for example the operator's fingertips, it is equipped with its own light reflecting instrument. To distinguish between the separate defined objects, for example different fingertips, each such object can, moreover, be provided with a distinctive marking, such as a bar code. To each one of the nodes is assigned a clear and if necessary possibly modifiable function, such as attribution of defined symbols or start of program sequence. If, for example, the„.position sensing instrument in dicates that an operator's fingertip is at a certain node, the sequence is executed until this node is assigned the function. In this configuration the image information (9) , for example, is made up of a schematic description of how the operator's hands are positioned in the threedimensional matrix. The virtual image (10) can show schematically how function equipped nodes are positioned in space. The composite image (11) consequently shows the operator's hands in relation to the functions. The operator can execute a certain function through placing, for example, a. particular fingertip at a specific point in space, when with help of display system he/she can continuously follow how he/she moves his/her hands in relation to the three-dimensional matrix, and consequently in relation to the afore-mentioned predetermined functions. In a seventh configuration of the invention, not shown here, likewise there is no actual control instrument. In this case the operator places instead his hands on a surface that can be provided with a contact sensing instrument. The image information (9) is shown, preferably after image processing, continuously on the computer (6) monitor, on which simultaneously is shown the appropriate program, menus, CAD-drawings or the like. Preferably image processing is done so that a particular fingertip or fingertips are identified and shown on a specified monitor as one or more appropriately shaped markers at the same time that the operator can or cannot see some form of image of his/her own hands on the monitor. The operator can, by moving his/her hands, change the position of the defined markers on the monitor. When any marker is indicated in a particular place, the operator can assign to this place an audible function by pressing the corresponding finger, fingertip or other part of the body against that contact sensing instrument or against another instrument. Other markers can also be acσomodated within this configuration. In an eighth configuration of the invention, not shown here, there is no virtual image (10) . In this configuration only image data (9) concerning actual controls is utilised, possibly after image processing. In this case the imaging system (4) is a conventional TV-camera that records a normal unitary keyboard being used by the operator, who then looks at the picture of this keyboard on a conventional TV-receiver connected to the computer, while placing his/her hands on the actual keyboard. The operator watches his/her computer or other control process on the computer monitor. In a ninth configuration of the invention, not shown here, the actual control instrument consists of a virtual image of the controls. In this configuration, which can be available in several variations, the operator places each of his/her hands directly against a monitor. On each monitor is shown, for example, computer (6) generated virtual images of the controls, such as a keyboard section with keys on which the related function is marked. The operator then moves his/her fingers along these virtual keys while they are depicted with the help of the imaging system (4) and are reproduced for the operator in the composite image (11) , which in this case consists only of the image information (9) , possibly image processed. Within the concept of the invention there are a number of other devices, not described here, that can be used for generating images (9, 10 and/or 11), and visual, audial or tactile illustrations of this accomodation. Consequently, in a general and all-embracing way, the control system is characterised according to the invention as a system for manipulating controls in which the detectable position and movement of those parts an operator's body which carry out the manipulation, are assigned defined and adaptable manoeuvering functions, and as a system by which the operator is given continuous visual, audible or tactile, but at every instant, precise, information which in a predefined way consists of combinations of data bearing upon the position, movement and manoeuvering functions and, in connection with which the operator can oversee simultaneously and without interruption the process he/she is supervising or, put in another way, take in part of the information regarding the object/s and/or process/es which the control system is intended to manoeuver. Within the conceptual framework of the invention, even though it is described above in substance for use with a manually operated keyboard, it is understood that it can be adapted easily to other manually directed control systems such as joysticks, trackballs, mice or light pens; also controls which are manipulated in other ways than with the hands, for example head or foot operated controls, and those which are used by handicapped persons with the help of the appropriate functional part of the body, such as the knees, shoulders or eyes. Control can be effected even when those body parts used are extended with the help of different objects within the scope of the invention. Nevertheless, it is understood that any one operator may utilise one or several manouvering system to guide the system. For example, an operator can employ separate but preferably coordinated instruments and controls which are anoeuvered by the hands, feet and head. Within the concept of the invention, even if the operator has at his/her disposal mostly different controls/instruments, each of which is represented in the computer (6) generated virtual image (10) or is a direct representation of the relevant control, then he/she can still change between controls during the course of an operation.

Claims: PATENT CLAIM 1. An ergonomic and adaptable control/guidance system, which is designed for operation in such a way that detectable positions and movements of an operator's body parts which contribute to such a manipulation are assigned fixed and adjustable connections with definite and adaptable control functions which enable the operator to be given continuously, and at each point in time accurate information, preferably visual, audio or tactile, regarding in a definite way combined combination, or combined combinations, of data concerning the mentioned position, movement, control functions and connections, simultaneously so that the operator can observe without interruption, or in other ways take in information about the object or objects of the manoeuvre and/or which processes the control system is designed to manoeuvre, characterized by being equipped with instruments which continuously sense position and/or movement for the designated part of the body within one or more demarcated spaces. 2. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with Claim 1, characterized by the position and/or movement detecting instruments which sense the position and movement of the body parts referred to, in relation to nodes within a two or three dimensional matrix, preferably with the assistance of visible light beams, laser beams, inductive sensors, capacitive sensors or three dimentional image processing, the latter being effected with the help of stereo-cameras, where each of the nodes mentioned is allotted one or more defined and adaptable manoeuvering functions, images of actual objects or of computer (6) generated virtual images. 3. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with Claim 1, characterized by the position and/or movement detecting instruments continuously detecting position and/or movement of the body parts referred to, within one or more demarcated areas of a plane and which preferably are made up of one or more contact sensing media; a reproduction system (4) , which generates image information (9) showing the relevant body part's aspect and/or relative position and/or movement; a system for processing the image information (9) , a computer (6) with associated monitor, a device for transferring (5) image information (9) to the relevant monitor or other display device; such device could be equipped with signal amplification and signal correcting device, such a control system is designed to be utilized by the operator placing his/her guiding body parts, preferable the hands, on the contact sensing medium, and in so doing the image information (9) is processed so that a particular designated fingertip or fingertips is identified and shown on the associated monitor or display system as one or more appropriately shaped markers at the same time as the operator can or cannot see a depiction of his/her own hands on the monitor or display device, and at the same time some form of program data or other information is displayed, from which the operator through moving his/her hands alters the position of the markers on the monitor or display system and when certain markers are found in certain defined locations attributes to this location, the applicable function through pressing the corresponding finger or fingertip, or other part of the body against the contact sensitive medium or other instrument. 4. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with Claim 1, characterized by being made up of one actual control, of one or more of the operator's body parts, and of one or more parts combined, and an imaging system (4) , which generates image information (9) , that shows the aforementioned actual manipulation instrument, and which indicates the designated body part/s appearance and/or position and/or movement in relation to the specified manipulation instrument; a medium for the transfer (5) of image information (9) , which can be provided with signal amplification and signal correcting devices and also one or more clarifying device/s, which receive the relevant image information (9) and which clarifies for the operator the pertinent image information (9) , at which either the image information (9) in the case of the display/screen combines with that of the computer (6) generated virtual image (10) of a virtual control device into a composite image (11), which is such that it simultaneously shows those functions the specified actual control unit for the time being is defined for and the designated body part/s position/s and/or movements in relation to the designated actual control, or solely the image information (9) is shown on the display system. 5. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with Claim 4, characterized by the the actual control system being equipped with a movable main keyboard section (2A) and a movable secondary keyboard section (2B) , which preferably are operated by each of the operator's hands and together discharge the same functions as a unitary keyboard and whose keys have or have not function markings, and that the virtual control instrument is a virtual keyboard which in appearance accords with keyboard sections (2A) and (2B) . 6. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with Claim 4, characterized by the actual control device being provided with one or more virtual images of a control device which preferably are shown on one or more monitors or TV-screens, at which the operator places and moves each of his/her hands directly against the image/s on the designated monitor/s. 7. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with any of Claims 4 to 6, characterized by the imaging system (4) consisting of one or more cameras, which preferably are monochromatic or polychromatic TV-cameras, infrared cameras or stereo cameras, and which have disconnectable or detachable colour separation filters, together with, in the case of the reproduction taking place in of visible light, one or more lighting units which illuminate the actual control device together with the bodyparts which are used at the management of the actual control device. 8. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with any of Claims 4 to 6, characterized by the imaging system (4) comprising one or more low-emission short-distance radar units. 9. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with Claim 5, characterized by the imaging system (4) consisting of a primary camera (4A) and a secondary camera (4B) , which preferably are monochromatic or polychromatic TV-cameras, infrared cameras or stereo cameras, and which evenly photograph the main keyboard section (2A) and the secondary keyboard section (2B) respectively; equally the operator's hands and/or fingers when placed upon these keyboards' sections (2A,2B), also in the case of the reproduction taking place with the help of visible light, a main lighting unit (3A) and a secondary lighting unit (3B) illuminating keyboards (2A) and (2B) respectively, equally any hands or fingers placed upon these keyboard sections (2A,2B). 10. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with Claim 4 or 5, characterized by the imaging system (4) being equipped with one or more presence detector/s (12) affixed to the actual control unit and which register the designated body part/s position and/or movements in relation to the said actual control unit and which in that connection relay data from which, combined with retrieved information describing the appearance of the actual control unit, is generated the said imaging information (9) . 11. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with Claim 10, characterized by the presence detectors (12) fitted to the actual control unit, consisting of ultrasound transmitters and ultrasound receivers which measure the distance to the nearest object, such as any of the designated body parts, and in doing so, preferably after filtering out distances lying outside predetermined intervals, obtain the image information (9) which indicates how the designated body parts are positioned in relation to the actual control unit. 12. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with Claim 10, characterized by the presence detectors (12) being comprised of transmitters and receivers working with infrared or visible light. 13. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with Claim 10, characterized by the presence detectors (12) designed so that they indicate position and/or movement of the designated body parts through the measurement of electric tension or magnetic fields at most points of the actual control unit and/or at the body parts in contact with it; at which the actual control unit is provided with metal surfaces with overlaid voltage and/or magnetic fields, and/or the body parts that manipulate the actual control unit have one or more metalicised surfaces with latent voltage and/or magnetic fields respectively. 14. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with Claim 10, characterized by the presence detectors (12) being affixed to the actual control unit and are designed so that these detect position and/or movement of the designated body parts through measuring the natural radioactivity in the designated body part/s or by detecting those tracer substance/s which have been adhered to the mentioned body parts. 15. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with Claim 10, characterized by the presence detectors (12) being designed as one or more contact registering membrane/s, preferably transparent and not rough, affixed to the actual control unit, the membrane/s is/are formed so that it/they can be pressed by the body part, such as a fingertip, or by designated body parts to which are affixed resilient data pens. 16. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with Claim 10, characterized by the presence detectors (12) consisting of resilient data pens attached to the operator's fingers, which are utilized with or without specially designed position and contact sensing devices. 17. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with Claim 10, characterized by the presence detectors (12) being designed for mechanical detection of position and/or movement of the designated body part/s, and they can be set up around one or more fixed points, can be arms which are movable or foldable length wise and attached to the manipulating parts of the body and in doing so the designated arm/s' length and/or static angle and/or turning position can be continuously monitored and converted to data concerning the relevant body part's position and movement in relation to the actual control unit. 18. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with any of Claims 2 and 4 to 17, characterized by the display system consisting of a transparent screen (7) between the computer (6) and the operator, preferably near the computer (6) , this screen can be split or integral, ' or can consist of a number of freestanding units and is preferably a matt glass or plastic disc, a partly translucent LCD-screen, a translucent LCD-screen or a plasma screen, also a projection device (8) , which preferably consists of a projection lens system, cathode ray tubes or a device for projecting laser beams and which generates the aforementioned image information (9) on the screen (7) , when the image information (9) on the screen (7) is combined with the virtual image (10) to form the composite image (11) . 19. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with any of Claims 2 and 4 to 17, characterized by the display device being comprised of one or more computer (6) matching monitor/s, to which the image information (9) is transferred and on which can be displayed simultaneously the composite image (11) and other data from the computer (6) . 20. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with any of Claims 2 and 4 to 17, characterized by the display system consisting of computer goggles worn by the operator which are connected to the computer (6) , to which the image information (9) is transferred to these computer goggles which can simultaneously display the composite image (11) and other data from the computer (6) . 21. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with any of Claims 2 and 4 to 17, characterized by the display system consisting of an opaque surface, for example a wall or projection screen, against which is projected, or displayed in some other way, such image information (9) as the virtual image (10) , that the operator can look at the composite image (11) on the such a surface. 22. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with any of Claims 2 and 4 to 21, characterized by the system being equipped with devices for the processing of image information (9) , which image processing preferably is such that the composite image (11) simultaneously and distinctly shows the virtual image (10) and position and/or movement of the operator's hands and/or fingers in relation to the actual control unit. 23. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with any of Claims 2 to 22, characterized by the functions of the actual control unit being able to be redefined with the help of the system; that the existing functions of the actual control device are shown in the virtual image (10) , and that said existing functions are displayed to the operator by means of the composite image (11). 24. The ergonomic and adaptable control system in accordance with any of Claims 1 to 22, characterized by the angles between the composite images of the existing functions relative to the image/images of the body part/s and the actual control device being able to be altered through image processing or by mechanical means, and that the existing functions also are displayed precisely in the case of the altered angles.

Inventors: ARVIDSSON TORBJOERN, ARVIDSSON, TORBJOERN
Applicants: ARVIDSSON TORBJOERN, ARVIDSSON, TORBJOERN
Application year: 1992
Main classification: G06F3
IPC codes: G06F3