Abstract:
A posture-checking device includes a reference-datum locating member including a reflective surface and at least one datum indicia which is movable with respect to a display device to setup the reference-datum locating member to provide an indication of proper posture for a specific user. The reference-datum locating member reflects a reference-datum fixedly associated with the user, for example, eyes, nose, mouth, in relation to the datum indicia. After initial setup, the visually checks the relationship of the reference-datum with respect to the datum indicia while interacting with the display device, and adjusts his or her posture as indicated by any discrepancy. A system may employ one or more reference-datum locating members for adjusting.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     This disclosure generally relates to devices, systems and methods for checking and maintaining proper posture, and more particularly to a device, a system and a method for maintaining proper posture while interacting with a display device.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     Individuals increasingly interact with various display devices for work, personal use or both. Such display devices may, for example, take the form of computer displays or monitors, television screens, radar screens, security monitors or other display devices.  
         [0005]     Proper placement of the display device with respect to the user reduces the likelihood of the user developing skeletomuscular problems. However, even when properly setup, poor posture may lead to the user developing skeletomuscular problems.  
         [0006]     Proper posture typically entails holding the head upright while maintaining a natural curve of the spine such that the moment exerted on the spine by the body is at a minimum. However, modern occupations typically entail sitting at a display device for long periods of time. During such interactions, users typically become fatigued and may adopt poor or incorrect posture, for example tilting their head downward and leaning forward in a chair. The user is often highly focused on a task, and consequently is not aware of their change in posture.  
         [0007]     Accordingly, in recent years there has been a noticeable rise in skeletomuscular injuries among those who frequently interact with display devices, such as computer users. Such injuries are especially hazardous to long-term health because they gradually occur over time, without noticeable decline signals during a daily routine to warn users of the potential for skeletomuscular injuries. Additionally, once such injuries occur, their treatment often involves a prolonged process of physical therapy or medication or both, and in severe cases, surgical procedures. Furthermore, poor posture results in gradual deformation of the spine, which in turn exhibits an unpleasant appearance often associated with, but not limited to, an arched back.  
         [0008]     Devices have been introduced, such as keyboard trays and ergonomic chairs, to aid in correcting poor posture while the user interacts with a keyboard or other input device. However, these devices are only beneficial if the user remembers to use them properly, and such devices typically lack means for periodically reminding the user to maintain the desired position for a prolonged period. Furthermore, these devices are unrelated to affecting the posture with respect to the display device, which is often a crucial aspect of maintaining proper posture. Accordingly, methods have been introduced to manipulate seating positions with respect to the display device to attain proper posture. However, it is common for multiple users with distinct skeletomuscular attributes to use a common workstation or display device. For such users it is not practicable to frequently reposition the display device to provide a proper reference point that suits each user&#39;s unique skeletomuscular attributes. Additionally, such methods are lack means to remind users to align their body with the display device.  
         [0009]     A device, system and/or method of allowing or encouraging a user to maintain proper posture while interacting with a display device is desirable, particularly one that is inexpensive, easy and convenient to use, and that accommodates users of different skeletomuscular attributes, and that is capable of periodically reminding the user of the proper posture to be maintained.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     In one embodiment, a posture-checking device for use by a user of a display device in maintaining posture over time, includes reflecting means for reflecting a reference-datum fixedly associated with the user of the display device, the reflecting means mounted for movement with respect to the display device to setup the posture-checking device for the user, and at least one datum indicia positioned to provide a reference datum extending at least partially across a portion of the reflecting means to provide an indicia of proper posture when the reflected reference-datum is aligned with respect to the at least one datum indicia.  
         [0011]     In one embodiment, a posture-checking system for a display device includes at least a first reference-datum locating device having a reflective surface and at least a first datum indicia, and first mounting means for movably mounting the first reference-datum locating device for movement with respect to the display device to selectively align at least the first datum indicia with a reference-datum fixedly associated with a user to provide a first visual indication of when the user is correctly postured.  
         [0012]     In one embodiment, a method for maintaining a proper posture while interacting with a display device includes positioning a reference-datum locating device proximate to the display device, assuming a proper posture and aligning a datum indicia of a reflective surface of the reference-datum locating device with a reference-datum fixedly associated with a user and reflected on the reflective surface, periodically inspecting the reflective surface for alignment of the datum indicia with the reference-datum, and resuming the proper posture when misalignment of the datum indicia with the reference-datum is detected by realigning the datum indicia with the reference-datum. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)  
       [0013]     In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn are not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings.  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a user interacting with a display device and a posture-checking device where the user is maintaining a proper posture.  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a posture-checking device according to an illustrated embodiment comprising a reference-datum locating member.  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a rear view of the reference-datum locating member of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a user interacting with a display device and a posture-checking device where the user has moved into an improper posture.  
         [0018]      FIG. 5A  is an isometric view of a posture-checking device according to another illustrated embodiment.  
         [0019]      FIG. 5B  is a top plan view of the posture-checking device of  FIG. 5A .  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a front view of a posture-checking device according to yet another illustrated embodiment including a reflective surface.  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a front view of a reflective surface of a posture-checking device according to still another illustrated embodiment.  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is a front view of a posture-checking device according to another illustrated embodiment.  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  is a front view of a posture-correcting system according to an illustrated embodiment.  
         [0024]      FIG. 10  is a front view of a posture-correcting system according to another illustrated embodiment.  
         [0025]      FIG. 11  is a front view of a posture-correcting system according to yet another illustrated embodiment.  
         [0026]      FIG. 12  is a front view of a posture-correcting system according to still another illustrated embodiment. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0027]     In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with display devices, adhesives, attachment devices, identification devices and illumination devices including but not limited to computer monitors, pressure sensitive adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, retinal identification devices and laser diodes, respectively, have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.  
         [0028]     Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.” 
         [0029]     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “an illustrated embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” or “in an illustrated embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.  
         [0030]     Reference throughout this specification to “display device”, “screen”, or “computer monitor” is not intended in a limiting sense, but is rather intended to refer to any device with which a user interacts for a short or prolonged duration such as, but not limited to, computer monitors, television screens, security monitors, identification devices, radar screens, image-capturing devices such as, but not limited to, cameras or any other device across from which a user may be positioned for a particular purpose.  
         [0031]     Reference throughout this specification to “reference-datum” is not intended in a limiting sense, but is rather intended to refer to any point, line, object or body part or any combination thereof that can be used as a reference indicia to selectively align a body of a user with whom the reference indicia is fixedly associated.  
         [0032]     Reference throughout this specification to “datum indicia” is not intended in a limiting sense, but is rather intended to refer to any point, line, object or any combination thereof that can be used as a reference indicia with which a user can align a reference-datum.  
         [0033]      FIG. 1  shows a posture-checking device  100  positioned on a display device  102  with which a user  104  interacts, according to one illustrated embodiment. The user  104  may from time-to-time, visually check the position of a reference-datum  106  reflected  107  by the posture-checking device  100  to ensure that the user  104  has maintained a proper posture with respect to the display device  102  over a period of use.  
         [0034]      FIG. 2  shows the posture-checking device  100  according to one illustrated embodiment. The posture-checking device  100  may include a frame  200  comprising a base  202 , two support members  204 , and two receptacle members  206 . The support members  204  couple the receptacle members  206  to the base  202 . The posture-checking device  100  may further include a reference-datum locating member  208  comprising a reflective surface  210 , at least one datum indicia  212  that is at least partially contiguous to the reflective surface  210 , and two coupling members  214  pivotally or rotatably coupling the reference-datum locating member  208  to the receptacle members  206  of the frame  200 .  
         [0035]     The reflective surface  210  can be a mirror, a chrome coating, a metallic layer, or any other coating, layer, surface, or plane having reflective qualities. The datum indicia  212  can be a point, a line, an illumination beam, two points, a groove or a notch extending at least partially across the reflective surface  210  or any other indicia with which a reference-datum can be aligned upon reflecting from the reflective surface  210 . The datum indicia  212  may be inscribed on, etched in, or otherwise formed on, in or under the reflective surface  210 .  
         [0036]     The coupling members  214  can be pivotally or rotatably coupled to the receptacle members  206  using a bearing device, or the receptacle members  206  may have a cylindrical protrusion captively received in the coupling members  214  and around which the coupling members  214  can slidably pivot or rotate, or the coupling members  214  can be slidably and pivotally or rotatably received in the receptacle members  206 . Additionally, or alternatively, an elongated cylindrical member such as, but not limited to, a pin, can pivotally or rotatably extend through the receptacle members  206  and the coupling members  214 , pivotally or rotatably coupling the receptacle members  206  to the coupling members  214 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 3  shows that the reference-datum locating member  208  may also include an opaque substrate  300  on a surface, at least partially opposing the reflective surface  210  ( FIG. 2 ) to improve the clarity of reflection from the reflective surface  210 .  FIG. 3  also shows a message, for example an advertising message  302 , that may be carried on the opaque substrate  300 . The message  302  may be viewed by the user  104  when the reference-datum is positioned to display such to the user  104 . The advertising message  302  may be visible to the user  104  only when the datum indicia  212  is not visible, for example by placing the advertising message  302  on a side diametrically opposed to the reflective surface  210 . Such would advantageously avoid interfering with use of the datum indicia  212 . Alternatively, the advertising message  302  may be visible to the user  104  when the datum indicia  212  is visible, for example by placing the advertising message  302  on a side that is not diametrically opposed to the reflective surface  210 , for example where the reference-datum locating member  208  has three or more surfaces or sides. Additionally, or alternatively, the advertising message  302  may be located on, in or under the reflective surface  210  and hence visible when the datum indicia  212  is visible. In some embodiments, the advertising message  302  may serve as the datum indicia  212 , for example, forming a line extending at least partially across a width of the reflective surface  210 .  
         [0038]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the user  104  of  FIG. 1  or some other individual can position the posture-checking device  100  on a display device  102  and upon assuming a proper posture, the user  104  may selectively pivot or rotate the reference-datum locating member  208  to receive a reflection  107  of a reference-datum  106  and align the reflection of the reference-datum  106  in the reflective surface  210  with the datum indicia  212 , shown in  FIG. 2 . As noted above, the reference-datum  106  can be a point, a line, an object, a body part (e.g., eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, chin, forehead, hairline, eyeglass frame), or any other reference that is fixedly associated with the user  104  such that a change in posture of the user  104  results in a substantially similar displacement of the reference-datum  106 . Once the posture-checking device  100  has been calibrated to reflect the reference-datum  106  in selective relation to the datum indicia  212 , the user can, from time-to-time, inspect the reflective surface  210  of the reference-datum locating member  208  to detect misalignment of the datum indicia  212  with the reference-datum  106 .  
         [0039]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , after the posture-checking device  100  is calibrated to the proper posture of the user  104 , the reflection  107  of the reference-datum  106  misaligns with the datum indicia  212  when the user  104  assumes a poor posture. Upon detecting a misalignment, the user  104  may adjust their posture so as to realign the datum indicia  212  with the reference-datum  106  to resume the proper posture, as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0040]     In the exemplary embodiments of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 4 , the reference-datum  106  is illustrated as the eyes of the user  104 , which are reflected in the reflective surface  210  of the reference-datum locating member  208  (best illustrated in  FIG. 2 ). Therefore, the user  104  can align his or her eyes such that when the user  104  is assuming the proper posture, the eyes of the user  104  are reflected in the reflective surface  210 , the eyes being symmetrical about the datum indicia  212 , as shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0041]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , upon assuming a poor posture, the user detects a reflection of the reference-datum  106  (e.g., the eyes of the user  104 ) misaligned with respect to the datum indicia  212 , when the user inspects the reflective surface  210  of the reference-datum locating member  208 . Therefore, the user  104  is reminded to resume proper posture. Since the posture-checking device  100  is located within the same line of sight of the user  104  as that when the user  104  is interacting with a display device  102 , the user  104  is constantly reminded to inspect the reflective surface  210  to ensure proper posture is maintained.  
         [0042]     Furthermore,  FIG. 2  illustrates an optional adhesive member  216  for securing the posture-checking device  100  to the display device  102 , shown in  FIG. 1 . The adhesive member  216  may be a pressure sensitive adhesive, a permanent adhesive, a removable adhesive, or any other adhesive that provides sufficient adhesion between the posture-checking device  100  and the display device  102  to prevent unintentional displacement of the posture-checking device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , an optional release liner  218  may cover the adhesive member  216 , prior to use. The release liner  218  serves to maintain the adhesion qualities of the adhesive member  216  and can be removed at the time of securing the posture-checking device  100  to the display device  102 .  
         [0043]     In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 5A , a posture-checking device  500  includes a base  502  and at least two support members  504  attaching the base  502  to at least two coupling members  506 . The posture-checking device  500  also includes a reference-datum locating member  508  comprising at least a first reflective surface  510  and at least a first datum indicia  512 , the first datum indicia  512  at least partially positioned with the first reflective surface  510 . The reference-datum locating member  508  is coupled to the coupling member  506  via an elongated cylindrical member  514  such as, but not limited to, a pin rotatably extending through the reference-datum locating member  508  and received in the coupling member  506 . Furthermore, the reference-datum locating member  508  can include a plurality of surfaces  516  in addition to the reflective surface  510 , for example two additional surfaces.  
         [0044]     The additional surfaces  516  can serve numerous purposes such as, but not limited to, advertisements, an LCD time or date display device, POST IT® sheets by 3M, or any other purpose that may be useful while using a display device  102  shown in  FIG. 1 , such as a computer monitor. Additionally, or alternatively, the extra surfaces  516  may also be reflective surfaces that include at least one datum indicia  517 , different from the first datum indicia  512  of the first reflective surface  510 , as shown in  FIG. 5B . Such an embodiment may accommodate multiple users  104  of  FIG. 1 , using the same display device  102 , each user  104  having a different datum indicia preference. A subsequent user  104  of the same display device  102  can rotate the reference-datum locating member  508  to use one of the reflective surfaces  510 ,  516  having the datum indicia  512 ,  517  preferred by the current user  104 .  
         [0045]     Additionally, or alternatively, the posture-checking device  500  may include other securing means  518 , such as hook and loop fasteners including, but not limited to VELCRO® fasteners or DUAL LOCK™ fasteners by 3M. Such securing means  518  can include a hook layer  522  and a loop layer  524 . A surface  523  of the hook layer  522  includes hooks such as nylon hooks, which are well known in the field. A surface  521  of the hook layer  522  opposing the surface  523 , can be attached to a surface  519  of the base  502  that is proximate to the display device  102  when in use, using an adhesive member  526 . A surface  525  of the loop layer  524  includes loops that are also well known in the field. A surface  527  of the loop layer  524  opposing the surface  525 , can be selectively secured to a display device  102  using an adhesive member  528 . Therefore, the posture-checking device  500  can be selectively removably secured on the display device  102  by placing the surface  523  of the hook layer  522  over the surface  525  of the loop layer  524 . An optional removable release liner such as the release liner  218  shown in  FIG. 2  can substantially cover the adhesive member  528  adjacent the loop layer  524  prior to use.  
         [0046]     It will be understood that various embodiments may or may not incorporate one or more of the aforementioned components, or may incorporate additional components. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , a posture-checking device  600  may comprise only one support member  604  coupling a base  602  to only one receptacle member  606 . Furthermore, the receptacle member  606  may receive only one coupling member  614  of a reference-datum locating member  608 , where the coupling member  614  is fabricated from a transparent material such as glass, plastic, crystal, acrylic or any other transparent or translucent material.  
         [0047]     Additionally, or alternatively, the posture-checking device  600  may include an illumination device  630 , such as, but not limited to, a laser diode or an LED, secured in the receptacle  606  and operable to transmit an illumination beam  631  through the coupling member  614  and across the reflective surface  610 , allowing a user  104  of  FIG. 1  to align a reference-datum  106  with the illumination beam  631  emitted from the illumination device  630 , shown in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0048]     Furthermore, the coupling member  614  may include at least one position indicia  632  such as, but not limited to, dial marks. In such an embodiment, multiple users  104  of the same display device  102  of  FIG. 1 , need only calibrate the posture-checking device  600  once and remember or record the corresponding dial position on the position indicia  632  associated with their preferred position of the reference-datum locating member  608 . A subsequent user  104  using the same display device  102  of  FIG. 1  can adjust the reference-datum locating member  608  of  FIG. 6  by rotating the reference-datum locating member  608  to the appropriate dial location on the position indicia  632  previously calibrated to correspond to a proper posture for that user  104 .  
         [0049]     An individual of ordinary skill in the art, having reviewed this disclosure, will appreciate these and other variations that can be made to the posture-checking device  600  without deviating from the spirit of the invention. For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the reflective surface can include an opaque portion  700  to exaggerate the datum  612 . The user  104  of  FIG. 1  may align a reference-datum  706  shown in  FIG. 7 , such as the eyebrows of the user  104 , to reflect immediately below the opaque portion  700  when the user assumes a proper posture.  
         [0050]     In still another embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , a posture-checking device  800  comprises a base  802  pivotally or rotatably receiving coupling means  806  of a reference-datum locating member  808 . The reference-datum locating member  808  also includes a reflective surface  810  and at least two datum indicia  812 . A user may use the posture-checking device  800  in a similar fashion as that described in regard to other embodiments herein to maintain proper posture during interaction with a display device  102 , shown in  FIG. 1 . Additionally, or alternatively, a user  104  ( FIG. 1 ) may use more than one posture-checking device  800  to conform his or her body posture to a desired lateral position. For example, two posture-maintaining devices  800  may be positioned on opposing sides of a top surface of an image-capturing device to align the body of a user  104  of  FIG. 1  to be within the peripheral range of a lens of the image-capturing device (not shown).  
         [0051]      FIG. 9  shows a posture-correcting system  900  according to another embodiment which comprises the posture-checking device  100  ( FIG. 2 ), removably mounted on a top surface  902  of a display device  102 . Mounting means may include an adhesive member  216  ( FIG. 2 ) or securing means  518  ( FIG. 5A ). The display device  102  also includes a base  904  and a housing  906 , which houses display components including a display panel  908 .  
         [0052]      FIG. 10  shows yet another embodiment of a posture-correcting system  1000 , comprising a posture-checking device  500  ( FIG. 5A ), removably mounted on a front surface  1002  of the display device  102 . Mounting means may include an adhesive member  216  ( FIG. 2 ) or securing means  518  ( FIG. 5A ).  
         [0053]     In yet another embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , a posture-correcting system  1100  comprises a display device  102  and a reference-datum locating device  1108  including a reflective surface  1110 , at least one datum indicia  1112 , and coupling means  1114 . The coupling means  1114  pivotally or rotatably couples the reference-datum locating device  1108  to a housing  1106  of the display device  102 , thereby eliminating the need for additional structure associated with a stand-alone posture-checking device as described herein. The system  1100  is well suited for, but not limited to, commercial applications in which the display device  102  may be subject to frequent relocation. In such applications, the reference-datum locating device  1108  is conveniently integrated with the housing  1106  of the display device  102 , making it easier to package and/or relocate the display device  102  without concerns associated with peripherals externally attached on or around the display device  102 .  
         [0054]     In still another embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12 , a posture-correcting system  1200  comprises a plurality of posture-maintaining devices  100 ,  500  ( FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 5A ), removably mounted on a plurality of surfaces  902 , 1204  of the display device  102 . Mounting means may include an adhesive member  216  ( FIG. 2 ) or securing means  518  ( FIG. 5A ). The system  1200  of  FIG. 12  is operable to allow a user  104  ( FIG. 1 ) to maintain a longitudinal alignment of the user  104  with respect to the display device  102  using the posture-checking device  100 ,  500  on a top surface  902  of the display device  102 , while maintaining a lateral alignment of the user  104  with respect to the display device  102  using the posture-checking device  100 ,  500  mounted on at least one side surface  1204  of the display device  102 , as shown in  FIG. 12 .  
         [0055]     A user  104  of  FIG. 1  may make use of the system  1200  in applications such as, but not limited to, interacting with display devices  102  that are configured to capture an image of the user, where both longitudinal and lateral alignment of the user&#39;s body determines the outcome of the image. Additionally, or alternatively, the system  1200  may be used in applications such as, but not limited to, those that involve manipulating or viewing graphics or digital images, where the lateral position of the user with respect to the display device  102  may affect a perspective of the user  104  with respect to the graphics or the image or the colors therein.  
         [0056]     It will be understood that various embodiments may be used in applications beyond those discussed in this disclosure of exemplary embodiments. For example, medical and dental applications may use a posture-checking device  100  to provide a patient with a datum to monitor and maintain the patient&#39;s posture while a physician or dentist is performing tasks on the patient, or alternatively while a barber is performing tasks on a customer. Additionally, or alternatively, pilots may use the posture-checking device  100  to maintain proper posture and/or maintain proper alignment with respect to an instrument panel during a flight. Additionally, or alternatively, grocery store clerks may use the posture-checking device  100  to maintain proper posture while working for a prolonged period to reduce fatigue and other problems associated with poor posture as discussed herein. Additionally, or alternatively, a posture-checking device  100  may be used proximate to emerging identification devices, such as retinal identification devices, to maintain a user&#39;s posture in a proper position for the identification device to effectively operate. An individual of ordinary skill in the art, having reviewed this disclosure, will appreciate these and other applications for which a posture-checking device  100  can be used.  
         [0057]     All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, including but not limited to 60/639,862 filed Dec. 27, 2004 or 60/738,490 filed Nov. 21, 2005, are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.  
         [0058]     From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.