Optical: systems and elements – Mirror – With support
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-30
2001-06-12
Spyrou, Cassandra (Department: 2872)
Optical: systems and elements
Mirror
With support
C359S871000, C248S466000, C248S476000, C312S224000, C312S226000, C348S844000, CD12S114000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06244718
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to monitors such as a monitor for a closed circuit television system or a visual display unit (VDU) for a computer and the like. The invention also relates to a mirror adapted to be mounted on a monitor to afford a user a rear view. The invention has particular, but not exclusive, application to a monitor displaying information which demands a high level of concentration from an operator of the display.
It is recognized that distractions from visual display units can break an operator's concentration which can then take a considerable time to re-build. Visual display units are used in increasingly diverse environments; for example in the workplace, office or home as desktop computers, security monitors or televisions; also increasingly in public places such as aeroplanes, trains and libraries as laptop or notebook computers. The visual display unit is included in many applications and on many occasions demands a high degree of concentration from its operator or those people simply observing the visual display. In such environments the operator is often aware of activities behind him/her and is tempted to look over their shoulder to see what is going on; for example to see who has just entered a room. The temptation may be greater if the visual display unit is displaying sensitive material. Operators often complain that people hovering behind them can be highly distracting and counterproductive. Operators also like to be fully aware of their surroundings.
It is an object of the present invention to ameliorate the above disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a monitor for displaying information to an operator, the monitor comprising mirror means to afford the operator a rear view.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a mirror adapted to be mounted to a monitor to afford a user a rear view.
The mirror means comprises a reflective surface and is arranged on the monitor to permit the operator to observe at least some of what is going on behind him/her without having to look over his/her shoulder. The mirror similarly comprises a reflective surface and is adapted for mounting the mirror to a monitor. The use of such mirror means or mirror has been found to reduce the deleterious effects on an operator's concentration of occurrences in the space behind him/her.
The reflective surface of the mirror means or mirror may be adapted to provide a particular viewing perspective, for example comprising a convex or planar surface or combination of such surfaces. The reflective surface may comprise a conventional silver-backed mirror or an alternative reflective material, for example polished sheet metal or an electroplated plastics surface. The reflective surface is preferably formed of acrylic material so as to provide a shatter proof mirror, which can be indelibly printed on.
The mirror means may be attached to the monitor in a number of different ways. The mirror means may be mounted in a holder and attached to the monitor in a rigid manner, for example by means of screws, bolts or adhesive. Alternatively, the mirror means may be articulated to the monitor to allow the operator to adjust the field of rear view. This has the advantage that it can more readily accommodate operators of different heights.
The mirror in accordance with the second aspect of the invention is adapted to be mounted readily to a monitor, without resorting to complex fixing arrangements. Screws and the like are not favoured because of the permanent effects upon the monitor, whereas adhesives, particularly adhesives whose bond may be broken when desired, are preferred. This is particularly important when, as is the case where equipment is leased or used by an employee, the user of the monitor is not also its owner.
The effectiveness of the first aspect of the invention may also be enhanced by adding at least one further mirror means to the monitor. The operator could then, for example, obtain a view over both his/her left and right shoulders. It is also possible to provide a single wide angle mirror means, for example on the top of the monitor, to afford the operator a view over both shoulders. This mirror may also give the operator a view of him or herself which is agreeable to some monitor operators.
The mirror means in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention may be arranged to occupy at least two states: an operational state which affords the operator a rear view and a storage state in which the mirror means is less prone to damage, for example so that the monitor can be transported. This is of particular significance if the monitor is intended to be transported frequently, for example if it comprises a laptop computer. The mirror means may be arranged to swivel about an axis to locate it within, or alongside the monitor
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DesignAware Trading Limited
Jarosik Gary R.
Jr. John Juba
McDonough Thomas C.
Spyrou Cassandra
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