Abstract: Monitoring and instigating shifts in visual focus by monitoring a first duration associated with a first focus point distance, determining that the first focus point distance satisfies a first distance threshold and that the first duration satisfies a first temporal threshold, instigating a change in the first focus point distance, yielding a second focus point distance, wherein the second focus point distance exceeds a second distance threshold, monitoring a second duration associated with the second focus point distance, determining that the second duration satisfies a second temporal threshold, and providing an output indicating satisfaction of the second distance threshold and second temporal threshold.

Abstract: A method and associated systems for furniture-enabled monitoring and discouragement of sedentary behavior. One or more sensors embedded into a computer-monitored and computer-controlled piece of furniture determine that a user has sat or reclined on the piece of furniture for a predetermined period of time. In response, controllers embedded into the furniture are directed to make the furniture less comfortable in order to encourage the user to get up. In some cases, if the user does not get up, the controllers continue to make the furniture increasingly uncomfortable. Once the user does get up, the furniture is restored to its original comfortable condition after a specified period of time.