Emergency dispatch workstation

Abstract

A workstation (100) has a motor-driven, height-adjustable back work surface (102), an independently adjustable front work surface (104), optionally dimmable work lights (114, 116), free-standing fans (118), and heated floor pad (120). The fans are pivotable and free-standing units that may be positioned to provide optimal comfort. The motor drives, work lights, fans, and heated floor pad connect to central control box (150), and a single point user interface (130) is operatively connected to allow the user to controlling all of these devices from a single device. One or more digital displays (137, 139) may be provided to indicate the work surface elevations. An optional activity sensor (122) may be provided to power down the lights, fans and heater when the workstation is not in use.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to workstations and, in particular, to an ergonomic workstation having more than one vertically adjustable work surface. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Although desks and workstations in use today for office workers are predominantly conventionally designed furniture having a relatively large, flat, and fixed horizontal working surface, recent research into the health implications of a one-size-fits-all approach to such furniture has generated a certain amount of concern. Much of the progress in this area has been directed to the user's chair, basically allowing the user to adjust his or her position relative to the workstation to achieve a comfortable fit. More recently, ergonomically designed workstations have become available wherein the workstation itself is designed to provide a better fit to the user rather than requiring the user to accommodate to the workstation. Such ergonomic improvements have included, for ex...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] A workstation is disclosed having a number of comfort-enhancing aspects that are particularly suited for use in emergency dispatch applications. The workstation has a height-adjustable back work surface that may support, for example, a plurality of monitors, and a separately height-adjustable front work surface that may support, among other things, a user input device, such as a keyboard. A movable work light and movable fan are also provided. A single point user interface having controls for adjusting the work surface heights and controlling the light and the fan is also provided. The single point user interface provides a simple, readily accessible control system whereby a user can achieve a desired level of comfort with minimal distraction.

Problems solved by technology

Although desks and workstations in use today for office workers are predominantly conventionally designed furniture having a relatively large, flat, and fixed horizontal working surface, recent research into the health implications of a one-size-fits-all approach to such furniture has generated a certain amount of concern.

The dispatch operator often works in a very high-stress, time-critical, multitasking situation where minor delays or mistakes can have significant negative consequences.

In addition, because the duties of the dispatch operator typically require a significant amount of expensive equipment, the dispatch workstation may be used by many different dispatchers—for example, during different shifts and to provide coverage during breaks.

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