COMPUTER ASSISTED ERGONOMIC WORKSTATION DESIGNS AND METHODS

摘要

Aspects of this invention include new measures of hip—torso posture and strength of the legs. These new measures are made using new tools. Measurement of hip-torso posture can be made using simple tools. One such tool can be applied to the hips, and indicates relative angle of the spine. Photographic tools can be used to analyze posture relative to vertical references. Measurement of leg strength can be made using a device incorporating accelerometers and computer implemented instructions to quantify forward/backward, left/right, or rotational acceleration when the legs are challenged. Other aspects include devices with computer implemented instructions to quantify leg strength. Using the new devices and methods, one can objectively determine postures that are ergonomically appropriate for persons sitting and working at workstations.

主权项

1. A method for determining chair height of a subject seated in a chair at a workstation, comprising the steps:
a. providing a mobile computing device, having a processor, a memory, a plurality of accelerometers; and a display; b. affixing said mobile computing device to said chair: c. adjusting the height of said chair to a first height; d. instructing said subject to sit in said chair and rapidly move the chair using said subjects legs placed on the floor; e. determining the maximum acceleration achieved during said moving in step d; f. adjusting the height of said chair to a second height; g. repeating steps d and e; h. adjusting the height of said chair to a third height; i. repeating steps d and e; and j. displaying on the display, the maximum accelerations achieved versus chair height.