WO2015125164A1

WO2015125164A1 - Tactical interactive mobile workstation

Info

Publication number: WO2015125164A1
Application number: PCT/IT2014/000045
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thierry Camel Yamine LAHMAR
Original assignee: Interactive Box S.R.L.
Priority date: 2014-02-20
Filing date: 2014-02-20
Publication date: 2015-08-27

Abstract

An interactive mobile workstation (4) comprising a support structure (8) having a base (12) and at least one support arm (16), a containment structure (32) connected and supported by the support arm (16) of the support structure (8), the containment structure (32) comprising a rear end (36) and a perimetral frame (40) so as to delimit a chamber (44) open at the front, on the side opposite the rear end (36). Advantageously, the work station (4) comprises a display and processing unit of the tactile type (48) at least partially housed in said containment structure (32), said unit (48) having a tactile screen (52) facing frontwards, on the side opposite the rear end 36 and freely accessible. The containment structure (32) comprises a front cover (56) which blocks the unit (48) to the inside the chamber (44), the front cover (56) being at least partially open to permit access to said tactile screen (52); the containment structure (32) comprises anti-shock means (60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80) in contact with the display and processing unit of the tactile type (48), so as to protect the latter from impact and vibrations.

Description

- 0 MAR ZOH

1

"TACTICAL INTERACTIVE MOBILE WORKSTATION" .

DESCRIPTION

Field of application

[0001] The present invention relates to a tactical interactive mobile workstation. In particular, the present invention relates to a workstation comprising a containment and support structure which houses a processing and display unit of a tactile type such as for example a screen or monitor, preferably of the multi-touch type, suitable for being transported in extreme environmental conditions, maintaining the functionality and integrity of said unit at all times. Such workstation may have various applications and, in particular, has been designed for tactical and strategic type applications, that is to say applications requiring movement in impervious terrain, extreme climatic conditions, crisis management situations, geo- intelligence .

State of the art

[0002] As is known, in tactical and strategic applications, processing and display units of the tactile type and similar electronic equipment must be transported and used in often extreme conditions in terms of mechanical and/or heat stresses. Such extreme conditions may, as seen, affect both the transport, which may be via land vehicles, craft or planes, and the functioning of the electronic devices housed in the containment structure.

[0003] In the art, containment and support structures for processing and display units and similar electronic equipment specifically designed to ensure the integrity of the workstations in extreme environmental conditions are not known.

[0004] It is not infrequent for the appliances of the prior art to thus get damaged or to have malfunctions following transport and use of the tactical type.

[0005] Summarising, the current solutions of the prior art do not guarantee that the station will not incur damage either during use or during transport in extreme environmental conditions. In addition they do not guarantee that the processing and display unit of the tactile type will not incur in overheating/malfunction due to the accumulation of static electricity caused by tribo-electric phenomena which interfere with the functioning of the tactile screens of the capacitive type.

Presentation of the invention

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to make an interactive mobile workstation which overcomes the drawbacks mentioned with reference to the prior art. [0007] In other words, the purpose of the present invention is that of making available a workstation which does not get damaged during use or transport and which always functions correctly whatever the environmental conditions, avoiding problems of overheating and of the accumulation of static electricity.

[0008] Such purpose is achieved by an interactive mobile workstation according to claim 1.

[0009] Other embodiments of the workstation according to the invention are described in the subsequent claims. Description of the drawings

[0010] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly comprehensible from the description given below of a preferred and non- limiting embodiment thereof, wherein:

[0011] figure 1 shows a perspective view of a workstation according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] figure 2 is a perspective view, in separate parts, of a workstation according to the present invention;

[0013] figure 3 shows a perspective view in an assembled configuration of the station in figure 2, from a different angle;

[0014] figures 4-5 respectively show a side view and a perspective view of a workstation according to the present invention, in table mode;

[0015] figures 6-7 respectively show a side view and a perspective view of a workstation according to the present invention, in desk mode;

[0016] figures 8-9 respectively show a side view and a perspective view of a workstation according to the present invention, in a further desk mode;

[0017] figures 10-11 respectively show a side view and a perspective view of a workstation according to the present invention, in desk mode, car/truck workstation;

[0018] figure 12 shows an example of an application of the station according to the present invention inside a truck in workstation mode;

[0019] figures 13-14 respectively show a side view and a perspective view of a workstation according to the present invention, in transport mode.

Detailed description

[0020] ith reference to the aforementioned figures, reference numeral 4 globally denotes a mobile interactive workstation.

[0021] he work station 4 comprises a support structure 8 having a base 12 and at least one support arm 16.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the base 12 comprises a generally U-shaped structure having two struts 20 and a crossbeam 24, wherein the crossbeam supports the support arm 16. Preferably, the struts 20 are fitted with castors 28 to facilitate the movement of the workstation 4.

[0023] The workstation 4 further comprises a containment structure 32 connected and supported by the support arm 16 of the support structure 8; the containment structure 32 comprises a rear end 36 and a perimetral frame 40 so as to delimit a chamber 44 open at the front, on the side opposite the rear end 36.

[0024] The rear end 36 is preferably made of shock-proof material, such as for example a metal treated with electrophoresis process.

[ 0025] The workstation 4 comprises a display and processing unit of the tactile type 48 at least partially housed in said containment structure 32, said unit 48 having a tactile screen 52 facing frontwards, on the side opposite the rear end 36 and freely accessible.

[ 0026] Except for figure 1, the remaining drawings do not show the display and processing unit of the tactile type 48 so as to permit a better visibility of the details of the containment structure 32.

[ 0027] For the purposes of the present invention the display and processing unit of the tactile type 48 is an integral part of the workstation 4; moreover, the dimensions and specific type of the display and processing unit of the tactile type 48 are not binding. Preferably, the unit is fitted with a tactile screen 52 with capacitive technology. The unit 48 further comprises a mother board and/or inner storage unit so as to permit display management of images of any type on the tactile screen 52; the processing unit is in addition preferably of the multi-touch type so as to be able to manage the input supplied by several users at the same time. In addition, the unit 48 can be simultaneously connected to several portable devices (such as laptops or tablets) so as to manage and simultaneously visualise on the tactile screen 52 the programmes, applications and/or images of a number of portable devices.

[0028] The containment structure 32 comprises a front cover 56 which blocks the display and processing unit of the tactile type 48 to the inside of the chamber 44, wherein the front cover 56 is at least partially open to permit access to the tactile screen 52. Consequently, the front cover 56 constitutes an undercut to the extraction of the unit 48 from the chamber 44 and at the same time follows the perimetral profile of the tactile screen 52 so that access to the screen is permitted at all times.

[0029] Advantageously, the containment structure 32 comprises anti-shock means 60 in contact with the display and processing unit of the tactile type 48, so as to protect the latter from impact and vibrations.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the anti-shock means 60 comprise bumper pads 64 positioned inside the chamber 44, at the corners 68 of the containment structure 32.

[0031] The bumper pads 64 are for example made of neoprene rubber or flexible polyurethane resin.

[0032] The corners need not necessarily be sharp or 90 degrees; for the purposes of the present invention the corners may for example be replaced by rounded edges or even elliptical/circular arc connections.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the anti-shock means 60 comprises a damper membrane 72 positioned inside the chamber 44 at the rear end 36.

[0034] The damper membrane 72 is for example made of a flexible polyurethane resin or neoprene rubber.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the anti-shock means 60 comprises a damper sheath 76 positioned between the front cover 56 and the tactile screen 52.

[0036] For example, the damper sheath 76 is for example made of a flexible polyurethane resin or neoprene rubber.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the anti-shock means 60 comprise outer angular casings 80, placed on the perimetral outer corners 68 of the perimetral frame 40 and/or of the front cover 56.

[0038] According to one embodiment, a scratch-resistant film 84 is placed between the perimetral frame 40 and the tactile screen 52.

[0039] For example, the perimetral frame 40 is fitted with a pair of gripping and transport handles 88.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the rear end 36 comprises aeration intakes 92, preferably fitted with dust-proof filters, so as to permit heat exchange with the air and prevent the entrance of dirt.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the processing and display unit of a tactile type 48 comprises a connector 94 electrically connected to the containment structure 32 and/or the support structure 8. For example, said connector 94 may comprise an earth cable, such as an earthing strip or the like, electrically connected to the containment structure 32 and/or the support structure 8. According to one embodiment, said connector 94 is placed inside the chamber 44 so that, following insertion of the processing and display unit of a tactile type 48 the electrical connection between said unit 48 and said connector 94 occurs automatically. The containment structure 32 and/or the support structure 8 are in turn electric conductors inasmuch as made of electrically conductive material or in any case fitted with an inner core in electrically conductive material. Such electric connection of the processing and display unit of a tactile type 48 and the containment structure 32 and/or the support structure 8 makes it possible to discharge to earth any static electricity building up on the tactile screen 52. . This way static electricity never builds up on the tactile screen 52. In fact, such static electricity, caused by tribo-electric phenomena, especially when tactile screens of the capacitive type are used may annoyingly interfere with functioning of the screen causing lack of or unintentional actions .

[0042] According to one embodiment, said connector 94 is shaped so as to enter into electrical contact with the containment structure 32 and/or the support structure 8 during the insertion step of the display and processing unit of the tactile type 48 in the chamber 44 defied by the containment structure 32.

[0043] According to one embodiment, a support plate 96 is mechanically connected to the support arm 16 by means of a joint 100 swivelling in relation to a horizontal rotation axis X-X, parallel to a support plane P of the work station 4, said support plate 96 supporting the containment structure 32 and relative display and processing unit of the tactile type 48. [0044] The swivel joint 100 provides for predefined positions in which the tactile screen 52 is directed into a table (figures 4-5), desk (figures 6-9), work inside the means of transport (figures 10-12) or transport (figures 13-14) configuration, wherein the direction of the tactile screen 52 is such that a plane S parallel to the tactile screen 52 identifies a plane B parallel to the base 12 of an acute angle 102.

[0045] Preferably, the swivel joint 100 is such as to permit a folding of the tactile screen 52 parallel to the support arm 16.

[0046] According to one embodiment, coupling/ rapid release means 104 are positioned between the support plate 96 and the containment structure 32, suitable for integrally joining and releasing the containment structure 32 and relative display and processing unit of the tactile type 48 from the support structure 8.

[0047] Preferably, the support arm 16 is inclined by a predefined angle 108 of 50 to 60 degrees in relation to the base 12.

[0048] Even more preferably said predefined angle 108 is 55 degrees.

[0049] The inclination of the support arm 16 is a useful parameter for conferring anti-tipping properties to the work station 4 both during use and transport. [0050] In addition, again for anti-tipping purposes, the support structure 8, comprising the base 12 and the support arm 16, is sized so as to constitute at least 70% of the total mass of the work station 4.

[0051] Preferably, the support structure 8 is sized so as to constitute approximately 80% of the total mass of the work station 4.

[0052] The division of the masses may be performed both by means of distributed masses that is to say using appropriate thicknesses and dimensions for the components constituting the work station 4 or by means of concentrated masses, that is to say appropriately positioned ballast in specific points of the work station 4.

[0053] It is to be noted that, the design of the work station so as to prevent tipping is important for the purpose of maintaining the workstation intact as well as for the safety of the user. In fact, the workstation 4 may weigh up to 90 kg; it is evident therefore that any tipping over of the station would not only pose serious risks to the safety of the users but also a strong probability that the work station 4, and in particular the processing and display unit 48, could incur damage as a result of the fall.

[0054] Preferably, the support arm 16 can be rotated so as to be folded parallel to the base 12 ( figures 13- 14) : in such configuration the work station 4 is completely flattened in that the containment structure 32 positions itself parallel to the support arm 16 and to the base 12.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the support arm 16 defines cable troughs 112 for the housing and passage of the power supply and/or connection cables 114 for the processing and display unit of a tactile type 48.

[0056] The grouping of the power supply and/or connection cables 114 inside the cable troughs 112 is important both for the integrity of the work station and for the safety of users in fact unrestrained or loose cables could easily be inadvertently ripped out, as well as causing tripping.

[0057] Preferably, the support arm 16 is of the extensible type, having a lining 116 and a stem 118 slidingly housed inside the lining 116 by means of a prismatic coupling, and provided with blocking means 120 of the axial sliding of the stem in relation to the lining 116 in a predefined position. A prismatic type coupling is understood to means a coupling of two bodies, in this case the lining 116 and the stem 118 which permits a relative axial sliding between the bodies in relation to an axis but which does not allow a rotation between the bodies in relation to the same axis .

[0058] The blocking means 120 comprise for example threaded connection means, such as screws, bolts and the like fitted with hand wheels to facilitate the manual gripping thereof by a user.

[0059] Preferably, the support arm 16 is fitted with stabilisers 124, separate from the blocking means 120, so as to further integrally connect the stem 118 and the lining 116 to each other and to prevent oscillations of the support arm 16. For example, the stabilisers 124 comprises further threaded connection means, such as screws, bolts and the like, which engage in special strips 126. The stabilisers 124, as well as constituting a safety element given that they constitute a further mechanical connection between the lining 116 and the stem 118 are useful for preventing oscillations or vibrations of the support arm 16 and thus of the connected processing and display unit 48 during the use thereof.

[0060] Preferably, the support arm 16 is constrained to the base 12 by means of a releasable joint 128 so as to permit the complete folding of the arm onto the support structure 8.

[0061] As may be seen from the description, the workstation according to the present invention makes it possible to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0062] In particular, the workstation according to the invention proves resistant to the most adverse environmental conditions both during functioning and transport.

[0063] In fact the support and containment frame of the display and processing unit of the tactile type is able to protect the unit from impact, even extremely intense, and to dampen the vibrations by use of suitable padding, bumpers and/or pads.

[0064] In addition, the work station permits the rapid coupling and detachment of the containment structure so as to be able to rapidly move the display and processing unit of the tactile type safely at all times given that it can be comfortably held using the handles provided while still protected by the containment structure safeguarding it from impact and vibrations.

[0065] In addition, in order to further reduce the vibrations transmitted to the display and processing unit of the tactile type, the support structure provides for the use of stabilisers of the central arm: these reduce the vibrations of the unit during use.

[0066] In addition, the containment structure is able to guarantee adequate cooling of the processing and display unit of a tactile type thanks to the presence of the special front and rear air intakes; this way the processing and display unit of a tactile type is protected from possible overheating even in the case of use in extremely hot environments, for example in the open air and when directly exposed to sunlight.

[0067] In addition, the work station proves extremely practical to use given that it permits rotations and inclinations of the processing and display unit of a tactile type in extreme safety at all times: in other words, the unit is always firmly supported in all the spatial conditions permitted by the support structure.

[0068] To such purpose, it is to be noted that the workstation may be used in different operating modes, that is in table mode ( indicatively with the unit in the horizontal position) in desk mode (indicatively with the unit in an inclined position of 20 to 40 degrees from the horizontal plane) and in transport mode.

[0069] The table or desk operating positions may be used both sitting or standing, by merely adapting the overall height of the work station, that is the distance between the containment structure (containing the display and processing unit of the tactile type) and the base of the support structure.

[0070] In addition, in the transport position it is possible to considerably flatten the work station so as to significantly reduce the space occupied. In whatever configuration the workstation is placed, the processing and display unit of a tactile type is protected from the external environment at all times. The considerable flattening of the workstation in a completely folded configuration makes it practical to store in even small spaces .

[0071] It is to be noted that, even in the completely folded position, the workstation can be transported by means of the feet or castors positioned on the base of the support structure.

[0072] In addition, the workstation proves safe and reliable as regards the power supply and connection cables housed in internal cable troughs. This way, the power supply and connection cables are protected and their accidental damage during movement and transport is prevented.

[0073] In addition, the absence of loose cables around the work station makes the workplace safer for users, preventing the risk of tripping.

[0074] In addition, the workstation has anti-tipping properties .

[0075] In particular, the central arm is inclined in the operating position so as to make the centre of gravity of the arm-containment structure-processing and display unit of a tactile type system, drop inside the support feet of the base.

[0076] This way, the safety of the workstation is further improved both as regards users and as regards the electronic equipment contained therein, given that the risk of accidental failing/overturning of said station is avoided.

[0077] In addition, the division of the masses of the workstation between the support structure and the containment structure (fitted with the processing and display unit of a tactile type) constitutes a further safety element against the possible tipping of the station in all conditions of use. In particular, the workstation cannot tip over either when moved, when pushed by the user or during use of the tactile screen even by a plurality of users.

[0078] In addition, the workstation is able to preserve the functioning of the tactile screen in particular of the capacitive multi-touch type.

[0079] In particular, a tactile screen of the capacitive type exploits the variation of dielectric capacity typical of condensers on the glass of the screen itself, which is covered by a thin layer of metal oxide on the outer side. At the four corners of the panel a tension is applied which propagates evenly all over the surface of the screen by means of the metal oxide; when the user's finger or electrical conductor material touches the screen, a variation of surface capacity occurs which is read by a matrix of film condensers positioned on a panel placed under the glass surface. It is evident that in order to guarantee the functioning of such a capacitive screen it is essential for static electricity, generally caused by a tribo-electric effect, not to build up on the screen. The earth connection provided for in the workstation according to the invention, between the display and processing unit of the tactile type and the support structure specifically permits a build-up of static electricity on the screen to be avoided which would interfere with the functioning of the tactile type multi-touch capacitive technology screen.

[0080] A person skilled in the art may make numerous modifications and variations to the workstations described above so as to satisfy contingent and specific requirements, while remaining within the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the following claims .

Claims

1. Interactive mobile workstation (49 comprising

-a support structure (8) having a base (12) and at least one support arm (16) ,

- a containment structure (32) connected and supported by the support arm (16) of the support structure (8), the containment structure (32) comprising a rear end (36) and a perimetral frame (40) so as to delimit a chamber (44) open at the front, on the side opposite the rear end (36) ,

characterised in that

- the workstation (4) comprises a display and processing unit of the tactile type (48) at least partially housed in said containment structure (32), said unit (48) having a tactile screen (52) facing frontwards, on the side opposite the rear end (36) and freely accessible,

- wherein the containment structure (32) comprises a front cover (56) which blocks the unit (48) inside the chamber (44), the front cover (56) being at least partially open to permit access to said tactile screen (52) ,

-wherein the containment structure (32) comprises antishock means (60,64,68,72,76,80) in contact with the display and processing unit of the tactile type (48), so as to protect the latter from impact and vibrations.

2. Workstation (4) according to claim 1, wherein said anti-shock means (60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80) comprise bumper pads (64) positioned inside the chamber (44), at the corners (68) of the containment structure (32) .

3. Workstation (4) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said anti-shock means 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80) comprise a damper membrane (72) positioned inside the chamber (44) at the rear end (36) .

4. Workstation (4) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the anti-shock means (60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80) comprise a damper sheath (76) positioned between the front cover (56) and the tactile screen (52) .

5. Workstation (4) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the anti-shock means (60, 64, 68, 72,

76, 80) comprise outer angular casings (80), placed- on the perimetral outer corners (68) of the perimetral frame (40) and/or of the front cover (56).

6. Workstation (4) according to any of the previous claims, wherein a scratch-resistant film (84) is placed between the perimetral frame (40) and the tactile screen (52) .

7. Workstation (4) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the perimetral frame (40) is fitted with a pair of gripping and transport handles (88).

8. Workstation (4) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the rear end (36) comprises aeration intakes (92), preferably fitted with dust-proof filters,

9. Workstation (4) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the processing and display unit of a tactile type (48) comprises a connector (94) electrically connected to the containment structure (32) and/or the support structure (8) .

10. Workstation (4) according to claim 9, wherein said connector (94) is shaped so as to enter into electrical contact with the containment structure (32) and/or the support structure (8) during the insertion step of the display and processing unit of the tactile type (48) in the chamber (44) defined by the containment structure (32) .

11. Workstation (4) according to any of the previous claims, wherein a support plate (96) is mechanically connected to the support arm (16) by means of a joint (100) swivelling in relation to a horizontal rotation axis (X-X) , parallel to a support plane (P) of the work station (4), said support plate (96) supporting the containment structure (32) and relative display and processing unit of the tactile type (48) .

12. Workstation (4) according to claim 11, wherein the swivel joint (100) provides for predefined positions, in which the screen (52) is directed in a table, desk, working in a vehicle or transport configuration, wherein the direction of the tactile screen (52) is such that a plane parallel to the tactile screen (52) identifies a plane parallel to the base (12) of an acute angle (102) .

13. Workstation (4) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the swivel joint (100) is such as to permit a folding of the tactile screen (52) parallel to the support arm (16) .

14. Workstation (4) according to any of the claims 11- 13, wherein coupling/rapid release means (104) are positioned between the support plate (96) and the containment structure (32), suitable for integrally joining and releasing the containment structure (32) and relative display and processing unit of the tactile type (48) from the support structure (8) .

15. Workstation (4) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the support arm (16) is inclined by an angle of 50 to 60 degrees in relation to the base (12) .

16. Workstation (4) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the support arm (16) can be rotated so as to be folded parallel to the base (12) .

17. Workstation (4) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the support structure (8), comprising the base (12) and the support arm (16), is sized so as to constitute approximately 70% of the total mass of the work station (4).

18. Workstation (4) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the support arm (16) defines cable troughs (112) for the housing and passage of the power supply cables (114) for the processing and display unit of a tactile type (48).

19. Workstation (4) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the support arm (16) is of the extensible type, having a lining (116) and a stem (118) slidingly housed inside the lining (116) by means of a prismatic coupling, and provided with blocking means (120) of the axial sliding of the stem (118) in relation to the lining (116) in a predefined position.

20. Workstation (4) according to claim 19, wherein the support arm (16) is fitted with stabilisers (124), separate from the blocking means (120), so as to further integrally connect the stem (118) and the lining (116) to each other and to prevent oscillations of the support arm (16) .

21. Workstation (4) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the support arm (16) is constrained to the base (12) by means of a releasable joint (100) so as to permit the complete folding of the arm (16) onto the support structure (8) .

22. Workstation (4) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the base (12) comprises a generally U- shaped structure having two struts (20) and a crossbeam (24), the crossbeam (24) supporting the support arm (16) and the struts (20) being fitted with castors (28) .