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|It is known that there are ergonomic issues regarding the use of computers in the workplace. People sit at computers for many hours and |
|repetitive motion and other bodily strains result. One particular problem involves neck and back strain as people adjust the angle of |
|their neck/and or their sitting posture to view the computer screen as the cursor makes its way from the top to the bottom of the screen. |
|There are literally 100s of millions of people who now spend more than half their day sitting in front of a computer screen and experiencing|
|all of the strain associated with this endeavour. |
|We propose an innovation in computer screen design which keeps the cursor at a constant level relative to the user by either automatically |
|adjusting the height through motor adjustment or through an automatic scroll feature embedded within the software. |
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|This prevents the user from having to adjust the angle of their head to view the point of data entry as it moves down the screen until there|
|is a screen refresh or a page break occurs. |
|Reduction of strain has implications for productivity which we will attempt to measure |
|We will show that the cost savings in terms of lower morbidity among workers will more than justify the cost of this innovation |
Current Situation and Problem to be Addressed:
• Almost all computer monitors on the market today have stationary screens that force the user to adjust head angle/posture to view the point of data entry as it changes on the screen.
• Neck and/or back strain has been shown to be a significant issue among those who spend a majority of the day facing a computer monitor (Sommerich, Joines,and Psihogios, 39-40)
Key facets of problem:
According to Helander (2006), the following are the ergonomic issues regarding use of personal computer equipment. Work posture and keying is the first problem listed and suggests that the solution lies in the area of biomechanics.
FIGURE 1.1
Design Problems and Corresponding
Knowledge Arising from the Introduction of
Computers in the Workplace
Problem Knowledge Required to Solve Problem
Work posture and keying Biomechanics
Size of screen characters, contrast, colors Vision research, perception
Environmental factors Noise, environmental stress
Layout of screen information Cognitive psychology, cognitive engineering
Design of new systems Systems design and cybernetics
Collaboration on the net Psychology, cognitive psychology, anthropology
Problem solving at work Cognitive work analysis, task analysis
Source : Helander, M. (2006) A Guide to Human Factors and Ergonomics (2nd ed.). CRC Press: Boca Raton FL. , p. 4
FIGURE 1.1 Analysis of the Human Machine Interface
[pic]
Source : Helander, M. (2006) A Guide to Human Factors and Ergonomics (2nd ed.). CRC Press: Boca Raton FL. , p. 4
Recommended Workstation Specifications:
Source: Department of Health and Safety: North Carolina State University, Raleigh North Carolina. Retrieved on Nov. 14th, 2011 from http://www.ncsu.edu/ehs/www99/right/handsMan/office/ergonomic.html
| |Seat Height: “Seat height should be pneumatically adjusted while seated. A range of 16 - 20.5 inches off the floor should accommodate |
| |most users. Thighs should be horizontal, lower legs vertical, feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. Seat height should
