About 3 years ago Canon showed off a prototype of a posture fit device that would recognize when you were slouching and generally having bad posture while sitting at your desk. It would then remind you to correct your posture. It would continually remind you of this by flashing a light and rocking back and forth. As I slouch at my desk when writing this post, I'm reminded that I could probably use one of these devices (and thought so at the time, too)
Admit it, you want one too, it's adorable!
According to Canon at the time;
Our relationship with cameras is radically transforming. Canon designers work hard to experience the mindset of customers, and with a strong commitment to understanding, have come up with many innovative new designs. This video seminar tells the story of how designers in charge of the IVY REC, PowerShot ZOOM and Posture Fit Device developed the design of these products by understanding users’ passion through opinion gathering at trade expos and other activities.
In this patent application (2024-055491), Canon looks to expand the capability of this little guy by detecting if there is more than one person in the field of view, and nagging you all if anyone is slouching.
The imaging device of the above-mentioned posture notification device can take a wide-angle image, so when the device is placed on a desk, not only the user sitting in front of the desk but also other people around the user are captured in the image. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to enable notification of optimal information not only to the user who owns the posture notification device but also to another person in the photograph.
It's nice to see some ongoing development still occurring, I wonder if we will see the item. I would love it if it monitored your eye position as well, and would tell you when you should relax your eyes away from the computer screen.
As with all patent applications, this is a look into Canon's research and may not end up in an actual product.
Source: Japan Patent Application 2024-055491
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