WO2000060432A2 - Computer input performance monitoring system and method - Google Patents
Computer input performance monitoring system and method Download PDFInfo
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- WO2000060432A2 WO2000060432A2 PCT/US2000/009434 US0009434W WO0060432A2 WO 2000060432 A2 WO2000060432 A2 WO 2000060432A2 US 0009434 W US0009434 W US 0009434W WO 0060432 A2 WO0060432 A2 WO 0060432A2
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
- G06F3/023—Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F11/00—Error detection; Error correction; Monitoring
- G06F11/30—Monitoring
- G06F11/34—Recording or statistical evaluation of computer activity, e.g. of down time, of input/output operation ; Recording or statistical evaluation of user activity, e.g. usability assessment
- G06F11/3409—Recording or statistical evaluation of computer activity, e.g. of down time, of input/output operation ; Recording or statistical evaluation of user activity, e.g. usability assessment for performance assessment
- G06F11/3414—Workload generation, e.g. scripts, playback
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F11/00—Error detection; Error correction; Monitoring
- G06F11/30—Monitoring
- G06F11/34—Recording or statistical evaluation of computer activity, e.g. of down time, of input/output operation ; Recording or statistical evaluation of user activity, e.g. usability assessment
- G06F11/3409—Recording or statistical evaluation of computer activity, e.g. of down time, of input/output operation ; Recording or statistical evaluation of user activity, e.g. usability assessment for performance assessment
- G06F11/3419—Recording or statistical evaluation of computer activity, e.g. of down time, of input/output operation ; Recording or statistical evaluation of user activity, e.g. usability assessment for performance assessment by assessing time
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F11/00—Error detection; Error correction; Monitoring
- G06F11/30—Monitoring
- G06F11/34—Recording or statistical evaluation of computer activity, e.g. of down time, of input/output operation ; Recording or statistical evaluation of user activity, e.g. usability assessment
- G06F11/3438—Recording or statistical evaluation of computer activity, e.g. of down time, of input/output operation ; Recording or statistical evaluation of user activity, e.g. usability assessment monitoring of user actions
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to error detection, to error correction, and to monitoring
- G06F2201/88—Monitoring involving counting
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to monitoring performance of a user operating a computer device. More specifically, the invention relates to a system and method for monitoring the performance of a user entering information into a computer device through an input device to avoid physical and psychological injury.
- RSI repetitive stress (or strain) injury
- CTD Cumulative Trauma Disorder
- CTS Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- the carpal tunnel is a channel in the wrist where tendons and the median nerve connect the arm to the hand. Through excessive use, the tendons become swollen and pinch the nerve.
- RSI typically manifests itself only after years of excessive typing. Furthermore, the pain of RSI frequently is delayed, and, thus, a person may type comfortably all day but experience great pain later in the evening.
- RSI RSI accounts for a large portion of work-related illnesses, and the incidence of RSI is expected to grow as the number of people operating keyboards increases. The impact of RSI is measured not only in the pain and suffering of its victims, but also in time lost from work and medical costs. If surgery is required for both hands, medical costs can become particularly high. Moreover, while surgery and medication may alleviate some of the symptoms, there is no cure.
- RSI is caused not by the computer input devices, but rather by the user's behavior. Intense typing, that is, typing for long periods without a break, slowly damages the soft tissues of a person's hands, wrists, and arms. Due to its insidious nature, RSI often remains undetected until irreparable injury is sustained. RSI may be avoidable or minimized, however, through proper work habits.
- the present invention provides for monitoring the performance of a user entering information into a computer by configuring the computer to measure a performance characteristic such as activity rate and/or error rate.
- a performance characteristic such as activity rate and/or error rate.
- activity rate broadly refers to the amount of information inputted over a particular time
- error rate refers to the number of errors as a function of either input or time.
- One aspect of the invention is a method for monitoring a user's performance entering information into a computer using an input device such as a keyboard or mouse.
- the method comprises: (a) measuring the performance of a user entering information into the computer using an input device over a time period to determine at least one input performance characteristic selected from the group consisting of activity rate and error rate; (b) comparing the input performance characteristic to at least one limit selected from the group consisting of a high limit and a low limit, if the input performance characteristic is greater than the high limit, then adjusting a previously-initialized performance status indicator according to a first function, if the input performance characteristic is less than the low limit, then adjusting the performance status indicator according to a second function; and (c) providing an indication of input performance based on the performance status indicator.
- the present device monitors computer usage patterns over time and preferably warns the user when to break a dangerous trend in repetitive usage of an input device to avoid RSI or to minimize stress.
- the method comprises: (a) providing a computer having an input device for entering information therein and being configured at least to determine at least one input performance characteristic selected from the group consisting of activity rate and error rate; (b) allowing a user to enter information into the computer using the input device; and (c) providing an indication of the user's input performance characteristic using the computer.
- the method comprises: (a) determining an error rate by measuring the number of errors made by a user as a function of time or input; (b) providing the user with an indication of the error rate.
- the device comprises a computer having an input device for entering information therein and being configured at least to determine at least one input performance characteristic selected from the group consisting of activity rate and error rate.
- Yet anther aspect of the invention is a computer-readable medium for configuring the computer to monitor the performance of a user entering information therein.
- the information comprises means for configuring a computer at least to perform the steps of: (a) determining at least one input performance characteristic selected from the group consisting of activity rate and error rate; and (b) providing an indication of the user's input performance characteristic using the computer.
- the various aspects of the invention described above provide an indication of the input performance of the user.
- these indications are warnings or prompts that take the form of pop-up windows that appear on the user's screen at appropriate times. These warnings may indicate that a break should be taken or perhaps that the user needs to work harder and be more efficient.
- the warnings may provide informative and/or entertaining pictures, text and sounds through the use of plug-in modules. These modules may be integral to the device or discrete after market packages. They can even be created by the user using the configuration module.
- each warning corresponds to an alarm level of particular severity. If the user ignores one warning and continues working, the system will continue to monitor input and warn the user when a higher level alarm is reached. Since warnings may interfere with the user's thought process at the instant they occur, a busy allowance timer may be set. This timer will delay the warning until the timer has expired or the system remains idle for a predetermined period of time, e.g., three seconds.
- the performance of a user is outputted to a log.
- the logging features provides a record of the user's typing and/or error rate. Such a record may be beneficial not only for ensuring that the user has rested adequately, but also for monitoring the user's activity from a productivity perspective.
- Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of the overall system
- Fig. 2 shows a general flow diagram of the overall process and interaction between the three modules
- Fig. 3 shows a flow diagram of a preferred embodiment of the keyboard monitoring subsystem
- Fig. 4 shows a flow diagram of a preferred embodiment of the mouse monitoring subsystem
- Fig. 5 shows a flow diagram of a preferred embodiment of the stretch timer; and Fig. 6 shows a flow diagram of a preferred embodiment of the error rate monitoring subsystem.
- monitoring system enables a user to regulate his activity rate on a computer to avoid physical injury and/or mental stress.
- the system does not require specialized computer hardware or software. It is designed to operate on conventional computers using conventional operating platforms.
- FIG. 1 A schematic view of a typical system 100 is shown in Fig. 1.
- a data processor 101 is operatively connected to operator input device 103 and operator display means 112.
- the data processor 101 may comprise one or more microprocessor chips or digital signal processor chips.
- the operator input device 103 includes any device which requires physical manipulation by the user to input information into the Processor 101 such as a keyboard 104, a mouse 105, or a joystick 106.
- the operator display means 112 includes any device that provides output to the operator such as a monitor 107, speaker 108, or printer 114.
- memory 102 Operatively connected to the processor 101 is memory 102 which contains a program or instructional means for the system 100 to perform the process of the present invention.
- the instructional means may be stored in a computer-readable medium or a combination of mediums such as disk, tape, CD-ROM, or RAM, or it may be transmitted to the computer in a computer-usable or readable form such as a digital signal or as instructions over a carrier wave.
- the program comprises three modules as shown in Fig. 1: (1) an activity monitoring module 109; (2) an alarm module 110, and (3) a configuration module 111. It should be understood that the designation of four modules is for illustrative purposes and that the functionality of the program may be divided among more modules or integrated into fewer modules depending upon the preferences of the programmer and the particular application.
- the computer When configured with the monitoring module 109, the computer has monitoring means for determining a performance characteristic of a user entering information into a computer using an input device. Performance characteristics include, for example, activity rate and error rate. Activity rate is determined by measuring and recording the activity of the input device over a configurable time. This measurement can be performed periodically or continuously. Error rate is determined by measuring the number of time corrective keys such as backspace and delete are used as a function of time or input. In one embodiment, the monitoring means compares the user's performance to a threshold or alarm limit. When configured with the alarm module, the computer has alarm means for indicating a warning if the activity rate reaches a predetermined alarm limit. The configuration module 111 is used to customize the monitoring means and the alarm means.
- Performance characteristics include, for example, activity rate and error rate.
- Activity rate is determined by measuring and recording the activity of the input device over a configurable time. This measurement can be performed periodically or continuously. Error rate is determined by measuring the number of time corrective keys such as backspace and delete are used
- Block 201 of the system's monitoring means 209 a performance status indicator is initiated.
- Block 202 determines one or more performance characteristics the user by recording the magnitude and type of activity with an input device over a time period.
- the input performance characteristic is then compared to at least one limit selected from the group consisting of a high limit in Block 203, and a low limit in Block 204. If the activity rate is greater than the high limit, then Block 206 adjusts the performance status indicator according to a first function. If the activity is less than the low limit, then Block 207 adjusts the performance status indicator according to a second function.
- a warning is indicated in Block 208 if the performance status indicator reaches a predetermined alarm level as determined in Block 207 of the system's alarm means 210.
- the Monitoring Module in the preferred embodiment comprises a subroutine for each input device. In a typical system, this involves two separate subroutines—namely, (a) a keyboard monitor and (b) a mouse monitor. Additionally, it is preferred to have (c) a stretch monitor which monitors the user's time working on the computer.
- the keyboard monitor measures the user's activity rate on a keyboard.
- individual keystrokes are counted rather than the resulting input of such keystrokes. That is, keystrokes, such as backspace, Alt, Shift, Control and arrow keys, which may not necessarily result in the input of a character, are nevertheless counted. Likewise, a key which is held down is counted as a single keystroke even though it may result in multiple character input.
- Block 310 the background monitor is started.
- Block 311 sets the following values to zero: down keystrokes counted in a minute (KS) (also referred to as “the activity rate"), the performance status indicator, which in this embodiment is a current activity status level (KX), consecutive minutes of rest (CMR), and accumulated keyboard work minutes (AWM).
- KS down keystrokes counted in a minute
- KX current activity status level
- CMR consecutive minutes of rest
- ALM accumulated keyboard work minutes
- Block 312 initializes the following according to the user's configurations: minutes of work to promote next alarm level (MKWx), minutes of rest to demote alarm level (MR), number of keystrokes per minute considered work (KW) (also referred to as the "high limit”), and number of keystrokes per minute considered rest(KR) (also referred to as the "low limit”).
- the system operates in one minute intervals as regulated by Block 315. It should be understood, however, that the interval is arbitrary and may be set to any value. Every time the a key is depressed, it is recorded in Block 313. Block 314 counts the number of keystrokes in a period by adding one to KS each time a stroke is recorded in Block 313. After Block 315 times out a minute, the current KS value is acknowledged in Block 316. Block 317 determines if the logging option has been selected (discussed below). If so, a record of the KS value is made in Block 318.
- Block 319 determines if KS is greater than KW, the high limit. If so, a work minute is added to AWM in Block 320.
- Block 323 increases the activity status by one, an alarm level is reached, and Block 323 issues a warning, which may be audio, visual or both. Although a alarm level was reached in this embodiment by just one incremental increase, it should be understood that this level is configurable.
- the system may be configured such that activity status must increase by 5 before reaching the alarm level.
- the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises multiple alarm levels, each level corresponding to a particular warning. For example, in a system with five alarm levels, when the activity status graduates from one alarm level to another, a warning increased severity will be given. It may also be preferred to identify how may work minutes will prompt the next alarm level.
- Block 324 determines if KS is less than or equal to KR regardless of the determination in Block 319. It should be understood, however, that this step might be performed only if the user activity did not exceed the activity limit. Likewise, the determination of Block 19 might be performed only if the activity rate is above the low limit as determined in Block 324.
- Block 324 determines that KS is less than or equal to KR, then a rest minute is added to CMR in Block 325, and Block 326 determines if a low limit has been reached (CMR > MKWX). If so, the alarm level is reduced by one in Block 329. Block 328 then sets KS back to zero and the process begins again. It should be understood that effect of a rest minute on the alarm level is configurable. That is, a rest minute can decrease the alarm condition by one as in this embodiment, or according to any other function the user specifies (discussed below).
- Block 324 determines that KS is not less than or equal to KR, then Block 327 resets CMR to zero, Block 328 resets KS to zero, and the process begins again.
- the user will spend time where the number of keys pressed is between the work and rest thresholds. These periods will not move the user closer to the next higher alarm level, nor will they reduce the current alarm level.
- MKWx and AWM cooperate as a first function
- MR and CMR cooperate as a second function.
- the first function correlates the number of work minutes to the activity status. For example, if MKWx is set to then, then five work minutes must be recorded before the activity status, in this case, is upwardly adjusted by one. It should be understood, that this adjustment is configurable and the status indicator may be increased, decreased, re-initialized, or adjusted in any other way to meet the user's needs.
- MKWx can be set to any value to affect the sensitivity of a work minute on the activity status.
- the second function correlates the number of rest minutes to the activity status. For example, if MR is set to five, then five consecutive rest minutes must be recorded before the activity status indicator is, in this case, downwardly adjusted by one.
- this adjustment is configurable and the status indicator may be increased, decreased, re-initialized, or adjusted in any other way to meet the user's needs.
- This particular embodiment of the invention requires that rest minutes be consecutive unlike work minutes. Consequently, once the user has a minute that is not under the rest key count the user must restart resting before the warning level will be reduced. It should be understood, however, that this is a configurable and the user can select whether or not rest periods must be consecutive.
- MR can be set to any value to affect the sensitivity of a work minute on the activity status.
- Table 1 contains an example of a user's typing activity and the program's response. In this example, 50 keystrokes or more are considered work, 5 keystrokes or less are considered rest, and 5 rest minutes will reduce the warning level.
- the accumulated work column shows how many minutes of work are being counted towards reaching the next warning level. Once the number of accumulated work minutes is equal to the next threshold level, an alarm will be initiated. When the number of accumulated rest minutes is equal to the rest period (5 in this case), the accumulated work level will be reset to zero and the current warning level will be reduced by one.
- the keyboard monitor may also measure the user's efficiency or error rate on a computer. To this end, key strokes are not only counted, but also classified. If the key is a corrective key which is used to correct errors such as, for example, the backspace and delete key, an error is detected and recorded.
- Block 610 the background monitor is started.
- Block 611 sets the following values to zero: keystrokes counted in a period (KS), errors counted in a period (ER) and efficiency rate in a period (EF).
- Block 612 reads user-definable settings for the following: error keys (EKS 1, 2, . . . n), number of levels of alert (LVL), thresholds between levels (THS 1, 2, . . . n) and minutes to consider as a time period (TM). If TM is less than 1, then time period is assumed to be since the program started to current time.
- Block 626 determines if the key is an error or corrective key. If so, ER is modified by a first function. In this embodiment, ER is increased by 1 in Block 625 and is recorded in Block 616. If not, the process proceeds directly to Block 616. In this embodiment, Block 616 also receives the keystroke count from Block 314 (Fig. 3). Next, Block 618 determines whether the logging feature has been selected. If so, a record of the current system values is made in Block 617 and then the process proceeds to Block 619.
- Block 619 calculates the current value of EF by dividing ER by KS and multiplying by 100.
- Block 620 compares EF against the prior value for EF. If the current EF is greater than the prior EF, then Block 621 and Block 622 will increase the warning level and optionally sound an alarm. If the current EF is less than the prior EF, then Block 623 and Block 624 will decrease the warning indicator to reflect this.
- mouse activity (or trackball, or other pointing device activity) is not discrete. Rather mouse activity tends to be continuous, and is measured consequently according to time units. For example, if a second is used as the time unit, every time the mouse is moved within a second, that second counts as one "mouse- second. "
- a mouse activity rate can be measured in terms of the number of mouse- seconds over a predetermined period of time. For example, if a user moves a mouse for 45 mouse-seconds within a minute, the mouse activity rate is 45 mouse-seconds/minute. Accordingly, since there are 60 seconds in a minute, the maximum mouse activity rate is 60 mouse-seconds/ minute.
- the mouse monitor contains configurable parameters that are functionally similar to those of the keyboard monitor. These parameters include a high limit, a low limit, a first function, a second function, and at least one alarm limit. The functionality /configurability of these parameters therefore will not be repeated here, although it should be understood that such functionality/configurability is intended.
- Block 410 One particular embodiment of the mouse monitor is shown in FIG. 4 in flow chart form, which is similar to Fig. 3.
- Block 410 the background monitor is started.
- Block 401 sets the following values to zero: mouse activity rate (MS) (in this case, mouse-seconds/ minute), consecutive minutes of rest (CMMR), and current activity status level (MX).
- Block 402 initializes the following according to the user's configuration instructions: minutes of work to promote next warning level (MMWx), minutes of rest to demote warning level (MMR), mouse activity rate considered work (MW) (high limit), and mouse activity rate considered rest (MR) (low limit).
- the system interval is defined as a minute as regulated by Block 10. As stated above, this is arbitrary and, as such, may be set to any value.
- Block 113 determines if the mouse movement was in the same second as the last mouse movement. If not, Block 130 records the event as a mouse-second. Block 131 counts the number of mouse-seconds in a period by adding one to MS each time a mouse-second is recorded in Block 130. After Block 115 times out a minute, the current MS value, i.e., the activity rate, is recorded in Block 116. Block 117 determines if the Logging option has been selected. If so, a record of the MS value is made in Block 118.
- Block 124 determines if MS is less than or equal to MR. If so, then a rest minute is added to CMMR in Block 125.
- Block 126 determines if the number of consecutive rest minutes has reached a level needed to adjust the next activity status by determining if CMMR is greater than MMR. If so, the activity status level is reduced by one in Block 129. Block 128 then sets MS back to zero and the process begins again.
- Block 124 determines that MS is not less than or equal to MR, then Block 127 resets CMR to zero, Block 128 resets MS to zero, and the process begins again. Like the keyboard monitor, this embodiment therefore requires that rest minutes be consecutive unlike work minutes.
- Table 1 for the keyboard monitor is applicable to the mouse monitor as well, except rather than "keystrokes" it should read “mouse-seconds".
- the stretch monitor monitors the time at which the user is working at the computer and suggests stretch breaks. Stretching or similar physical stimulation is known to reduce the effects of RSI. Moreover, it provides a break from work which in itself is highly beneficial as discussed above. Every minute that the user works at the computer (including moving the mouse or pressing a key) will be counted as a minute that the user has been sitting at the computer. Once the user has been sitting for a period of time greater than the stretch time, the user will be advised to stand and stretch.
- FIG. 5 A particular embodiment of the stretch timer is shown in Fig. 5 as a flow chart.
- Block 515 zeros the idle minutes (IM) and the minutes since the last stretch (MIN), while Block 516 reads for memory to initialize the values for the minutes to stretch timer (STM) and absent timer minutes (ATM).
- IM idle minutes
- MIN minutes since the last stretch
- Block 516 reads for memory to initialize the values for the minutes to stretch timer (STM) and absent timer minutes (ATM).
- the timing interval of the system is set by Block 501 , which in this case is one minute. After every minute, a minute is added to MIN in Block 502.
- Block 503 determines if it is time to stretch by determining if MIN is greater than or equal to STM. If so, Block 504 resets MIN to zero, and Block 505 issues a warning that may be visual, audio, or both.
- Block 506 determines whether there is mouse activity by determining if MS is greater than zero. If yes, then Block 509 resets IM to zero.
- Block 510 determines whether the mouse is idle by determining if IM is less than one. If yes, one is added to the current idle minute in Block 511. Next, Block 512 determines if the user has been absent enough by determining if IM is greater than or equal to ATM. If so, Block 513 resets the system minutes to zero. It should be understood that this particular embodiment is for demonstrative purposes and should not be used to curtail the scope of the invention.
- a warning is provided when an alarm level is reached.
- an alarm level may be reached due to excessive keyboard or mouse usage, continuous time behind the computer, and/or excessive errors.
- the basic intent behind this embodiment is to notify the user of the need for a break.
- the user can decide whether to take a break or cancel the warning program before the rest period has been observed.
- the monitoring system is configured to monitor a user's performance and provide an indication of the user's activity rate and efficiency for evaluation purposes.
- One embodiment issues a warning when the user either is working too hard and needs a rest or is not working hard enough and should increase the activity rate.
- a plurality of warnings are used which correspond to alarm levels of increasing severity. If the user ignores one warning and continues to work to the next alarm level, then a second warning will be given which indicates the increased need to take a break. For example, a series of three lights, green, yellow and red may be displayed in the computer's monitor indicating the severity of the warning. The user is initially given a green indicating that error rate (and/or activity rate) is acceptable. As the user works and the error rate reaches a certain level, then the green light may change to yellow indicating an increase in error rate and possible mental stress. If the error rate increases further such that the a second limit is reached, then the yellow light would turn to red indicating that an unacceptable error rate has been reached and that the user should take a rest or otherwise relieve metal stress which is presumably contributing to the increased error rate.
- the higher level warnings become more intrusive into the user's work, thereby requiring him to take proactive steps to proceed.
- the monitoring system can even block further user input until the rest period expires.
- the highest warning level may be repeatedly indicted until a break is observed.
- An alarm condition can be indicated through visual or audio means or a combination thereof.
- the alarm's window characteristics are defined in the configuration module. The following are possible configurations:
- Alarm always on top the alarm warning window will always be visible on the user's computer screen once a alarm condition is reached;
- Alarm as full screen the alarm warning window will occupy the full screen during an alarm;
- the alarm warning window will appear as an icon on the user's screen. Double clicking this icon will restore the alarm to its normal window size; Alarm takes focus: the alarm warning window will assume control of the keyboard and mouse upon an alarm condition;
- warnings packages or modules are collections of sounds, pictures and text that may inform and entertain a user.
- a visually or audibly stimulating warning is preferred since it is more likely to entice a user to rest. More Preferable is a warning that actually encourages the user to stretch and perform some simple exercises during the rest periods.
- each warning module is a collection of a sound catalog, a text catalog, and a picture catalog. If the user prefers only one sound, picture, or text message, the user can bypass the catalogs and specify his preference. Alternatively, the user may desire that the catalog items be selected randomly during each alarm.
- These warning modules can be configured by the user using the configuration module, or they can be purchased as after-market components. It is anticipated that businesses may compile such warning modules as a means of advertising products and educating consumers.
- a warning is triggered because the user is typing or drawing at a high rate while concentrating on the task at hand. It would be difficult to suddenly lose concentration and stop all work when the warning occurs.
- the busy allowance timer therefore provides a grace period wherein the user can continue working without interruption. With busy allowance set, the warning will be initiated and the system will beep up periodically until the user stops using the system. Once a the user is idle or the busy allowance timer expires (configurable), the warning will be activated. Busy allowance is configured by the user. When set to zero, there is no busy allowance before warnings.
- the monitor system also may comprise logging means for recording user activity. If selected, every minute the monitoring device logs the current number of mouse seconds and keystrokes into a log file. These logs can be used to monitor user performance and work habits.
- the log file contains one entry per minute in the following format: ddd hhmmss kc mc kw ku mu mw sit chksum er ef
- log entries include start time and warning messages. It should be understood, that the log record is configurable according to the user's need.
- the present invention provides for a system that is fully configurable to suit the needs of a particular user.
- Configurable parameters include the work and low limits for keystrokes and mouse usage, the alarm limits, the effect of a work period on the performance status (first function) for the mouse and keyboard, and the effect of rest period on the performance status (second function) for the mouse and keyboard.
- the configuration module can be used to select the preferred warning indication, or to generate warning modules specific to a user's interests.
- monitoring system is also flexible, and may be customized in many ways to create unique and personal versions that are sensitive to the user's situation.
- the user can set the monitoring device to automatically start with Windows, or what ever operating system is being used, always keep warnings on the top of the user's Windows “desktop,” or the equivalent, cover the full screen area or just a small area, operate as an icon-only warning service, remain visible at all times or just during warnings, play sound files during warnings (randomly if desired), display pictures during warnings (randomly if desired), display messages during warnings (randomly if desired), maintain catalogs of messages/ sounds/pictures, display the current time in addition to remaining break time, appear in user designed views including color selection, and beep any number of seconds prior to interruption by an warning.
- the steps may performed in any order, and other methods of accounting for the activity and rest as a function of time may be developed.
- the monitoring system may be configured to monitor a user's performance and provide an indication of the user's activity rate for evaluation purposes.
- the invention is useful in any application where monitoring activity rate of a user is important. It is therefore understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.
Abstract
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Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP2000609860A JP2003502725A (en) | 1999-04-06 | 2000-04-06 | Computer input work monitoring system and method |
EP00921944A EP1183587A4 (en) | 1999-04-06 | 2000-04-06 | Computer input performance monitoring system and method |
AU42201/00A AU4220100A (en) | 1999-04-06 | 2000-04-06 | Computer input performance monitoring system and method |
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US12789999P | 1999-04-06 | 1999-04-06 | |
US60/127,899 | 1999-04-06 |
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WO2000060432A3 WO2000060432A3 (en) | 2001-04-26 |
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JP (1) | JP2003502725A (en) |
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WO2009121088A3 (en) * | 2008-04-03 | 2010-03-11 | Gesunde Arbeitsplatzsysteme Gmbh | Method for checking the degree of tiredness of a person operating a device |
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JP5319260B2 (en) * | 2008-12-10 | 2013-10-16 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Work monitoring device |
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US5654905A (en) * | 1995-09-15 | 1997-08-05 | Ast Research, Inc. | System for tracking computer usage time |
US5963914A (en) * | 1995-04-17 | 1999-10-05 | Skinner; Gary R. | Network time and work tracker |
US6065138A (en) * | 1996-03-29 | 2000-05-16 | Magnitude Llc | Computer activity monitoring system |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CA2184419A1 (en) * | 1995-10-16 | 1997-04-17 | Kevin P. Byrne | Ergonomic keyboard with sensory alerting to prevent human injury |
-
2000
- 2000-04-06 EP EP00921944A patent/EP1183587A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2000-04-06 AU AU42201/00A patent/AU4220100A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-04-06 WO PCT/US2000/009434 patent/WO2000060432A2/en active Application Filing
- 2000-04-06 JP JP2000609860A patent/JP2003502725A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US5963914A (en) * | 1995-04-17 | 1999-10-05 | Skinner; Gary R. | Network time and work tracker |
US5654905A (en) * | 1995-09-15 | 1997-08-05 | Ast Research, Inc. | System for tracking computer usage time |
US6065138A (en) * | 1996-03-29 | 2000-05-16 | Magnitude Llc | Computer activity monitoring system |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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See also references of EP1183587A2 * |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2009121088A3 (en) * | 2008-04-03 | 2010-03-11 | Gesunde Arbeitsplatzsysteme Gmbh | Method for checking the degree of tiredness of a person operating a device |
AT506667B1 (en) * | 2008-04-03 | 2013-06-15 | Gesunde Arbeitsplatzsysteme Gmbh | METHOD FOR CHECKING THE TIRED DEGRESSION OF A PERSON OPERATING A DEVICE |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2003502725A (en) | 2003-01-21 |
WO2000060432A3 (en) | 2001-04-26 |
AU4220100A (en) | 2000-10-23 |
EP1183587A2 (en) | 2002-03-06 |
EP1183587A4 (en) | 2007-06-13 |
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