JPH10222242A - Use situation monitoring device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a use situation monitoring device for calling the attention of a user on the continuous use of a picture display device. SOLUTION: An input detection means 2 detects the presence or absence of an input operation to the picture display device 1 and inputs the detection time to an unuse time measuring means 3 and a use time measuring means 5 at every detection. The unuse time measuring means 3 and a break management means 4 measure the lapse of time from the detection time of the input operation and outputs a break recognition signal to the use time measuring means 5 when it becomes more than break reference time which is previously stored. The use time measuring means 5 stores the detection time of the input operation, which is inputted first as use start time after power supply to the picture display device 1 or after the break recognition signal is outputted. The lapse of succeeding time is measured and measured time is inputted to a notice means 6 as use time. The notice means 6 executes an output processing for calling attention when use time becomes more than continuous use reference time which is previously stored.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a usage monitoring device, and more particularly to a usage monitoring device for monitoring the usage status of an image display device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an image display device is provided in a word processor, an information processing device, or the like as a device that allows a user to check a data input state or a result of internal processing. There are various types of image display devices, but when the user is a key puncher, software developer, or the like and uses it personally, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a liquid crystal display, or the like is generally used.

[0003]

However, if these image display devices are viewed for a long period of time, the user's eyes and other health may be adversely affected. In addition, when the user continues to work without noticing the passage of time, there has been a problem that the work efficiency is eventually reduced.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and is intended to prompt the user of the image display apparatus to pay attention when a preset time is reached without paying particular attention to the usage time. An object of the present invention is to provide a usage monitoring device that performs an output process.

[0005]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in a use condition monitoring device for monitoring the use condition of an image display device, an input detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of an input operation on the image display device. Each time an input operation is detected by the input detection means, a non-use time measurement that sets the detection time as a non-use start time and measures a lapse of time from the non-use start time to set a non-use time Means, a break management means for outputting a break recognition signal when the non-use time reaches a preset break reference time, and after the power is supplied to the image display device or after the break recognition signal is output A use time measuring unit that sets a detection time of an input operation first detected by the input detection unit as a use start time, and measures elapsed time from the use start time to use time. It said usage time usage monitoring apparatus is provided, characterized in that it comprises a care unit for performing an output process for alerting and reaches a preset continuous use reference time.

[0006] In such a usage monitoring device,
In order to monitor the status of use of the image display device, the input detection means detects the presence or absence of an input operation on the image display device.
Here, the non-use time measuring means measures the lapse of time from the non-use start time every time an input operation is detected by the input detection means, using the detection time as the non-use start time. The measured time is output as unused time. The break management means outputs a break recognition signal when the output non-use time reaches a preset break reference time. Further, after the power is turned on to the image display device or after the break recognition signal is output, the use time measuring means uses the detection time of the input operation first detected by the input detection means as the use start time, and Measure the passage of time from the start time of use. The measured time is output as the usage time. The caution unit performs an output process for calling attention when the output usage time reaches a preset continuous usage reference time.

When the usage status of the image display device is monitored by such a usage status monitoring device, an output process for calling attention when the continuous usage time reaches a preset continuous usage reference time is performed. . Therefore, the user can stop using the image display device at appropriate intervals without paying particular attention to the usage time.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the operation principle of the usage status monitoring device according to the present invention.

In the usage status monitoring device of the present invention, when monitoring the usage status of the image display device 1, the input detection means 2
Detects the presence or absence of an input operation to the image display device 1. The input detecting means 2 inputs the detection time to the non-use time measuring means 3 and the use time measuring means 5 every time an input operation is detected.

The non-use time measuring means 3 sets the input detection time as the non-use start time each time the input operation detection time is input from the input detection means 2. The non-use start time is stored until a detection time of another input operation is input from the input detection means 2 again. The non-use time measuring means 3 measures the lapse of time after the stored non-use start time, and outputs the measured time to the rest management means 4 as the non-use time.

The break reference means 4 stores a break reference time in advance. The break management means 4 compares the input non-use time with the break reference time, and outputs a break recognition signal to the use time measurement means 5 when the non-use time reaches the break reference time.

The use time measuring means 5 is used for the input operation first input from the input detecting means 2 after the image display apparatus 1 is turned on or after a break recognition signal is input from the break managing means 4. The detection time is stored as the use start time. The use time measuring means 5 measures the elapsed time from the stored use start time, and inputs the measured time to the attention means 6 as the use time.

The caution means 6 stores a continuous use reference time in advance. Then, when the input use time reaches the continuous use reference time, an output process for calling attention is performed.

Here, an embodiment of a use condition monitoring device that operates on the above principle will be described. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram in the case where the usage monitoring device of the present invention is applied to a personal computer.

The personal computer 20 is usually provided with an input device 10 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a monitor 30 as an output device.
It is managed by. The monitor 30 has a computer 20
The power is turned on at the same time as the power is turned on, and the data input from the input device 10 is sequentially displayed on the monitor 30 via the control unit 21. Therefore, the usage time of the monitor 30 can be determined from the status of the input operation to the input device 10.

The control unit 21 controls the personal computer 20 in accordance with a program for realizing the present invention, and monitors the status of use of the monitor 30. Here, when detecting an input operation by the input device 10 using the clock function, the control unit 21 notifies the use time management unit 23 and the break time management unit 22 of the detected time each time. In the input operation, there is an operation having a temporal width at first glance, such as "drawing a line with a mouse". However, in this operation, only a continuous pulse wave is actually input. Therefore, in this case, each pulse wave is detected as an individual input operation.

When a break report is received from the input device 10, the control unit 21 notifies the non-use time management unit 22 of this. The control unit 21 is a personal computer 2
It also controls the internal data processing and displays the generated data on the monitor 30.

The unused time management unit 22 manages a state where no input operation is detected, and the use time management unit 23 manages a state where the input operation is repeated. Details of these management operations will be described later with reference to a flowchart.

The data storage unit 24 has a "continuous use reference time" as a reference when giving attention to continuous use of the image display device, a "rest break time" as a criterion for judging whether or not a break has been sufficiently taken, and The “continuous use warning time” that is used as a reference when reminding is stored in advance. The data storage unit 24 is a nonvolatile storage device, and these memories are not erased even when the power supply is stopped.

The program for realizing the present invention is usually stored on a hard disk or the like. Then, it is loaded into the main memory by startup, and the CPU
ingUnit) to realize the above function.

Here, the correspondence between FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 will be described. The image display device 1 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to the monitor 30 shown in FIG. The input detection means 2 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to the control unit 21, and the non-use time measuring means 3 and the break management means 4 correspond to the non-use time management unit 22. Similarly, the use time measuring unit 5 and the caution unit 6 correspond to the use time management unit 23.

Here, the unused time management unit 2 shown in FIG.
2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the unused time management.

Since the processing in the non-use time management section 22 is repeated at regular time intervals, the procedure is described as a flowchart that does not end as shown in the figure. The non-use time management unit 22 is normally on standby (step S1), and is set so as to judge once a minute whether or not the detection time of the input operation or the break report has been notified from the control unit 21. (Step S2). If the detection time of the input operation has been notified, the notified detection time is stored as the non-use start time (Step S).
3), and return to standby (step S1).

If neither the break report nor the detection time of the input operation is notified, it is determined whether or not the non-use start time is stored (step S4). If there is no memory, the process returns to standby (step S1).

When the non-use start time is stored, the lapse of time from the stored non-use start time is measured, and the measured time is set as the non-use time (step S5). Then, a break reference time Q is obtained from the data storage unit 24 (step S6), and the non-use time and the break reference time Q are compared (step S7). If the non-use time is equal to or greater than the break reference time Q, the storage of the non-use start time is deleted (step S).
8) Output a break authorization signal to the usage time management unit 23 (step S9). Then, after that, standby (step S
Return to 1). If the unused time has not reached the break reference time Q, the process returns to the standby (step S1).

If the break report has been notified in the determination of step S2, the storage of the non-use start time is deleted (step S8) and the break recognition signal is output to the use time management unit 23 (step S9). , Without measuring the unused time, and returns to the standby (step S1).

As described above, the unused time management unit 2 of the present invention
In step 2, it is recognized that a break has been obtained only when the non-use time during which no input operation is detected is equal to or longer than the break reference time Q or when a break report is input, and a break recognition signal is output.

Next, the procedure of the usage time management performed by the usage time management unit 23 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of use time management. Since the processing in the usage time management unit 23 is repeated at regular intervals, the procedure is described as a flowchart that does not end as shown in the figure.

The use time management unit 23 is normally on standby (step S11). Then, once a minute, it is determined whether or not a break authorization signal is output from the unused time management unit 22 (step S12). If the break authorization signal is output, the storage of the use start time is deleted. (Step S
13).

Next, it is determined whether or not the use start time is stored (step S14). If the storage has been deleted, it is determined whether or not the detection time of the input operation has been notified from the control unit 21 (step S15), and if not, the process returns to standby (step S11). If notified, the detection time is stored as the use start time (step S16), and the process returns to the standby (step S11).

If the use start time is not erased, the elapsed time from the use start time is measured.
The measured time is set as the use time T (step S17).
The measured use time T is notified to the control unit 21.

If the use time T can be measured, the continuous use reference time S and the continuous use warning time R are stored in the data storage unit 24.
Is obtained (step S18). The use time T is compared with the continuous use reference time S (step S19). If the two are almost equal, a warning signal is output to the control unit 21 (step S20), and the process returns to the standby (step S11).

When the use time T is not equal to the continuous use reference time S, a difference between the use time T and the continuous use reference time S is obtained. The obtained difference is compared with the continuous use warning time R (step S21). If the obtained difference is substantially equal to n times the continuous use warning time R (n is a natural number), a warning signal is output to the control unit 21. (Step S22). Then, the process returns to the standby (Step S11).

Steps S19 and S2
The “approximately equal” in 1 indicates that the operation of this flowchart is performed once a minute, so that the difference between the two to be compared is less than 30 seconds.

As described above, the use time management unit 23 outputs a caution signal when the use time T reaches the continuous use reference time S. If the use time T further increases, the use time management unit 23 outputs a warning signal every continuous use warning time R. Outputs a warning signal. The control unit 21
Each time, a caution image or a warning image is output to the monitor 30 in use.

Here, how the continuous use reference time S, the break reference time Q, and the continuous use warning time R preset in the data storage unit 24 relate to the operation of the personal computer 20 will be specifically described. .

FIG. 5 is a time chart illustrating the correspondence between the input operation and the processing in the personal computer 20. In this example, the input operation is continuously detected from time T11 to time T12. Detection time T1
Monitor 30 associated with an input operation from 1 to detection time T12
Is longer than the continuous use reference time S. Further, the input operation is continuously detected from time T21 to time T22. Usage time T of monitor 30 associated with input operation from detection time T21 to detection time T22
2 is shorter than the continuous use reference time S. further,
The input operation is continuously detected from time T31 to time T32. The use time T3 of the monitor 30 associated with the input operation from the detection time T31 to the detection time T32 is shorter than the continuous use reference time S.

Here, from the detection time T12 to the detection time T2
The time up to 1 is the non-use time K1. The time from the detection time T22 to the detection time T31 is the non-use time K.
2, and the time from the detection time T32 to the detection time T41 is an unused time K3. The non-use time K1 is longer than the break reference time Q, but the non-use times K2 and K3 are shorter than the break reference time Q.

When the input operation shown in the time chart is performed, first, the use time management unit 23 stores the detection time T11 as the use start time (step S16 in FIG. 4). When the use time T1 of the monitor 30 becomes substantially equal to the continuous use reference time S, the control unit 21
Is output (step S20 in FIG. 4). The control unit 21 causes the monitor 30 to output a caution image.

Each time an input operation is detected, the unused time management unit 22 stores the detected time as the unused start time (step S3 in FIG. 3). After storing the detection time T12 as the non-use start time, the non-use time K1 is measured according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 (step S5 in FIG. 3). A break authorization signal is output to the use time management unit 23 (step S9 in FIG. 3).

The use time management unit 23 that has received the break authorization signal stores the detection time T21 as a new use start time (step S16 in FIG. 4). The non-use time management unit 22 notified of the detection time T22 stores this as a new non-use start time (step S3 in FIG. 3), but the non-use time K2 ends before reaching the break reference time Q. Therefore, the break recognition signal is not output.

The detection time T31 is notified to the use time management unit 23, but since the break authorization signal has not been received, the detection time T21 is still stored as the use start time. Therefore, the use time T is measured as it is (step S17 in FIG. 4), and a caution signal is output when the continuous use reference time S becomes substantially equal to the reference time S (step S17 in FIG. 4).
20).

When notified of the detection time T22, the unused time management unit 22 stores this as a new unused start time (step S3 in FIG. 3). However, the non-use time K
3 ends before the break reference time Q is reached,
No break signal is output.

Next, the use time management unit 23 stores the detection time T4.
1 is notified, but the detection time T21 is still stored as the use start time because the break authorization signal has not been output. The use time T is measured (step S17 in FIG. 4), and when the difference between the use time T and the continuous use reference time S becomes substantially equal to the continuous use warning time R, a warning signal is output to the control unit 21 (FIG. 4). FIG. 4 step S22).

Thereafter, if the input operation continues, the use time management unit 23 determines that the difference between the measured use time T and the continuous use reference time S is n times the continuous use warning time R (n is a natural number). ), The control unit 21
(Step S22 in FIG. 4).

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views showing an image display apparatus to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 6A shows a state in which neither a caution image nor a warning image is output, and FIG. The window for setting is opened.

In the figure, an hourglass icon 311 indicating the operation of the use condition monitoring apparatus of the present invention is displayed on the lower right of the display image 31a so as not to interfere with the work. The hourglass image of the icon 311 is controlled by the control unit 21, and the amount of sand changes according to the usage time measured by the usage time management unit 23.

When this icon 311 is right-clicked with a mouse, a parameter setting window 312 is opened. Here, the user can set the “continuous use reference time”, “continuous use warning time”, and “rest break reference time” to arbitrary times. In the display image 31b shown in the figure, the “continuous use reference time” is 50 minutes, the “continuous use warning time” is 15 minutes,
The “rest break time” is set to 10 minutes.

The user can make a break report to the control unit 21 by double-clicking the icon 311 with the left mouse button. When receiving the break report, the control unit 21 notifies the suspension management unit 22 of the report and forcibly outputs a break recognition signal.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views showing an image display apparatus to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 7A shows a state in which a caution image is output during use, and FIG. This shows how an image is output.

When the use time T reaches the preset continuous use reference time S and the caution signal is output from the use time management unit 23, the control unit 21 uses the caution image 313 as shown in FIG. The time T is displayed on the monitor 30. The caution image 313 is opened at a position that does not overlap with the window during work, and prompts the user to take a break.

Further, the control unit 21 keeps increasing even after the use time T reaches the continuous use reference time S, the difference reaches the preset continuous use warning time R, and the use time management unit 23 issues a warning. When the signal is output, as shown in the figure,
The warning image 314 and the usage time T are displayed on the monitor 30. The warning image 314 is opened at a position that does not overlap with the window in operation, and urges the user to take a break more strongly. If the user does not make a break report or take a break, a warning signal is output 15 minutes later, and the warning image 314 is opened.

As described above, in the usage status monitoring apparatus of the present invention, when the continuous use time reaches the preset time,
Output caution images and warning images. Therefore, the user can stop using at appropriate intervals and take a break without paying particular attention to the usage time.

In the above description, the user can set only the "continuous use reference time", the "continuous use warning time", and the "rest break reference time". However, the caution image or the warning image is changed to an arbitrary image. The user can also change the design of the icon, change the activation method of the parameter setting window, and change the operation of the break report.

Further, an example has been described in which an image is displayed when a caution signal or a warning signal is output from the usage time management unit 23. If audio output is possible, an appropriate audio signal is output. You may be prompted to take a break.

In the above description, a personal computer has been described as an example. However, in any case where an image display device is used, such as a workstation, a terminal device for data input, a word processor, etc. Apparatus is applicable. When implementing the usage monitoring device of the present invention with a personal computer or the like,
An activation signal of a screen saver provided by an OS (Operating System) may be used as a break recognition signal. That is, since the screen saver activation signal is output from the OS when an input operation is not detected for a certain period of time, the activation time is set to be the same as the setting of the break reference time, and the output screen saver activation signal is used by the usage time management unit 23. Receive it as a break certification signal. The use time management unit 23 that has received the signal stores the detection time of the input operation detected thereafter as the use start time, and measures the use time. By doing so, the unused time management unit 22 can be omitted from the components of the present invention shown in FIG.

Further, in the above example, the operation of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is performed once a minute, but this setting can be changed to an interval of 3 minutes or 5 minutes. In the above example, the input operation is performed by the personal computer 2.
Although it does not matter which software that runs on the Internet is targeted, it is also possible to investigate this and record it together with usage data such as date and operation time. If the usage status data is recorded, it can be used as a clue for removing a failure when any failure occurs. Note that since the occurrence of a failure is often immediately after startup, detailed settings such as recording all input operations for 10 minutes from the time of power-on may be performed.

[0058]

As described above, the use condition monitoring apparatus of the present invention measures the continuous use time of the image display device, and determines that the use time is longer than the preset continuous use reference time. Since an image that calls attention is displayed at the point of time, the user can stop using at appropriate intervals.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the operation principle of a usage status monitoring device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram in the case where the usage status monitoring device of the present invention is applied to a personal computer.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of unused time management.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of use time management.

FIG. 5 is a time chart showing a correspondence between an input operation and a process in a personal computer.

6A and 6B are diagrams showing a state of an image display device to which the present invention is applied, wherein FIG. 6A shows a state in which neither a caution image nor a warning image is output, and FIG. 3 shows the opened state of the window.

7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating a state of an image display apparatus to which the present invention is applied, wherein FIG. 7A illustrates a state in which a caution image is output during use, and FIG. 7B illustrates a state in which a warning image is output during use. Is shown.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 image display device 2 input detection means 3 non-use time measurement means 4 break management means 5 use time measurement means 6 caution means

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A use condition monitoring device for monitoring a use condition of an image display device, comprising: input detection means for detecting presence or absence of an input operation on the image display device; Non-use time measuring means for setting the detection time as the non-use start time, measuring the lapse of time from the non-use start time and setting the non-use time, and the non-use time preset break time And a break management means for outputting a break recognition signal when the input detection means reaches the power supply to the image display device or after the break recognition signal is output, the detection of the input operation first detected by the input detection means. Time is a use start time, a use time measuring unit that measures the lapse of time from the use start time and sets a use time, and the use time is set to a preset continuous use reference time. Then usage monitoring apparatus characterized by comprising: a care unit for performing an output process for attention, the. 2. A storage medium storing a use status monitoring program for causing a computer to monitor the use status of an image display device, wherein: an input detection function for detecting the presence or absence of an input operation on the image display device; Each time an input operation is detected, a non-use time measuring function that sets the detection time as the non-use start time, measures the lapse of time from the non-use start time and sets the non-use time, and the non-use time A break management function of outputting a break recognition signal when a preset break reference time is reached, and after the power is turned on to the image display device or after the break recognition signal is output, the input detection means A use time measuring function that sets a detection time of an input operation detected first as a use start time, measures elapsed time from the use start time, and sets a use time; Storage medium storing usage monitoring program for realizing the noted function for the use time reaches the preset continuous use reference time output process to alert, to the computer. 3. The storage medium according to claim 2, wherein the caution means causes the computer to output an image and a sound signal as the output processing. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the caution means causes the computer to perform the output process at every preset continuous use warning time when the use time increases after the output process. A storage medium storing the use status monitoring program according to item 2. 5. Use of a computer having a function of detecting an input operation and a function of outputting a screen saver activation signal when a time period during which no input operation is detected is equal to or longer than a predetermined time period, to monitor a use state of the image display device. In the storage medium storing the situation monitoring program, after the power is turned on to the image display device or after the screen saver activation signal is output, the detection time of the first detected input operation is used as the use start time,
A use time measuring unit that measures a lapse of time from the use start time and sets a use time, and a caution unit that performs an output process for calling attention when the use time reaches a preset continuous use reference time. A storage medium storing a usage status monitoring program, which causes the computer to function as.