Standardisation of digital human models

Digital human models (DHM) have evolved as useful tools for ergonomic workplace design and product development, and found in various industries and education. DHM systems which dominate the market were developed for specific purposes and differ significantly, which is not only reflected in non-compatible results of DHM simulations, but also provoking misunderstanding of how DHM simulations relate to real world problems. While DHM developers are restricted by uncertainty about the user need and lack of model data related standards, users are confined to one specific product and cannot exchange results, or upgrade to another DHM system, as their previous results would be rendered worthless. Furthermore, origin and validity of anthropometric and biomechanical data is not transparent to the user. The lack of standardisation in DHM systems has become a major roadblock in further system development, affecting all stakeholders in the DHM industry. Evidently, a framework for standardising digital human models is necessary to overcome current obstructions. Practitioner Summary: This short communication addresses a standardisation issue for digital human models, which has been addressed at the International Ergonomics Association Technical Committee for Human Simulation and Virtual Environments. It is the outcome of a workshop at the DHM 2011 symposium in Lyon, which concluded steps towards DHM standardisation that need to be taken.     

Development of a digital human model generation method for ergonomic design in virtual environment

A group of digital human models (DHMs) representing the target population under consideration is used to design products and workplaces in virtual environment. The present study proposes a two-step method which generates a group of DHMs in various sizes to properly accommodate the designated level of the human size variability of the target population. In the first step, a designated number of pairs of stature and weight within a specified accommodation range are generated from the bivariate normal distribution of stature and weight of the target population. In the second step, for each pair of stature and weight, the sizes of the DHM body segments are determined using hierarchical regression models and corresponding prediction distributions of individual values. The proposed generation method was applied to the 1988 US Army anthropometric survey data and then implemented to a web-based system for passenger car interior design. This web-based generation system is capable of generating a group of DHMs as nationality, gender, accommodation percentage, and the number of DHMs required is specified.

Relevance to industry

A digital human simulation system has been used as an effective tool for ergonomic design and evaluation of products and workplaces in virtual environment. The human model generation method proposed in the present study is of use to efficiently generate a group of human models representing the target population.     

Using ergonomic digital human modeling in evaluation of workplace design and prevention of work‐related musculoskeletal disorders aboard small fishing vessels

This article seeks to present methods for preventing work‐related musculoskeletal disorders of Spanish fishermen and for redesigning the workplace aboard small fishing vessels. To achieve its objective, the research project was designed in four steps. First, the equipment and procedures for catching, handling, and storing fish were studied. Second, the work postures of all the fishermen were simulated and assessed by using an ergonomic digital human modeling system (ManneQuin Pro). Third, the work environment design aboard vessels was modified on the basis of acceptable simulated work postures to prevent repetitive movements, awkward working postures, and lower back biomechanical stresses. In the fourth step, ergonomic design parameters were provided to vessel designers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

一种用于数码相机自拍系统的人体检测方法

在研发一种数码相机智能自拍系统的基础上,提出了一种简单有效的基于静止背景下目标人体的检测方法。该方法基于实时帧与参考背景帧的差分建立背景模型,进行前景目标分割,并基于颜色向量夹角消除阴影的影响,最后用投影阈值分析提取目标人体,并进行定位。该方法计算量低,环境适应性强,能满足数码相机自拍模式的目标跟踪要求。     

数字人彩色图像的交互分割平台设计

采用ITK提供的各类高效分割算法,利用MATLAB图像处理工具包,实现了一个针对数字人彩色图像交互分割平台。根据所需分割的器官,先从原始数据中裁剪出包含该器官的最小体数据,减少所需处理的数据量。然后根据提出的交互分割步骤,逐一对每层图片进行交互分割,最终获得该器官的三维轮廓。该交互分割平台为数字人的深入应用和其它类似图像分割应用提供了一个高效的工具。     

Principle and validation of digital driving for active matrix organic light emitting diodes displays

The feasibility of digital driving has been investigated, which may be an enabling technology for low‐cost, power‐efficient and high‐quality active matrix organic light emitting diodes displays (AMOLED displays). The theoretical requirements therefore are analyzed. Methods for avoiding imaging artifacts are proposed. Results based on two prototypes are presented showing that digital drive is feasible for state‐of‐the‐art manufacturing technology with comparable image quality to analog‐driven AMOLED displays but at lower power consumption and lower production cost.     

Development of a volumetric projection technique for the digital evaluation of field of view

Current regulations for field of view requirements in road vehicles are defined by 2D areas projected on the ground plane. This paper discusses the development of a new software-based volumetric field of view projection tool and its implementation within an existing digital human modelling system. In addition, the exploitation of this new tool is highlighted through its use in a UK Department for Transport funded research project exploring the current concerns with driver vision. Focusing specifically on rearwards visibility in small and medium passenger vehicles, the volumetric approach is shown to provide a number of distinct advantages. The ability to explore multiple projections of both direct vision (through windows) and indirect vision (through mirrors) provides a greater understanding of the field of view environment afforded to the driver whilst still maintaining compatibility with the 2D projections of the regulatory standards.

Practitioner Summary: Field of view requirements for drivers of road vehicles are defined by simplified 2D areas projected onto the ground plane. However, driver vision is a complex 3D problem. This paper presents the development of a new software-based 3D volumetric projection technique and its implementation in the evaluation of driver vision in small- and medium-sized passenger vehicles.     

An assessment of the realism of digital human manikins used for simulation in ergonomics

In this study, the accuracy of the joint centres of the manikins generated by RAMSIS and Human Builder (HB), two digital human modelling (DHM) systems widely used in industry for virtual ergonomics simulation, was investigated. Eighteen variously sized females and males were generated from external anthropometric dimensions and six joint centres (knee, hip and four spine joints) were compared with their anatomic locations obtained from the three-dimensional reconstructed bones from a low-dose X-ray system. Both RAMSIS and HB could correctly reproduce external anthropometric dimensions, while the estimation of internal joint centres location presented an average error of 27.6 mm for HB and 38.3 mm for RAMSIS. Differences between both manikins showed that a more realistic kinematic linkage led to better accuracy in joint location. This study opens the way to further research on the relationship between the external body geometry and internal skeleton in order to improve the realism of the internal skeleton of DHMs, especially for a biomechanical analysis requiring information of joint load and muscle force estimation.

Practitioner summary: This study assessed two digital human modelling (DHM) systems widely used in industry for virtual ergonomics. Results support the need of a more realistic human modelling, especially for a biomechanical analysis and a standardisation of DHMs.     

Surveying the dimensions and characteristics of Korean ears for the ergonomic design of ear-related products

Six hundred male and female Korean subjects aged 17–89 were selected for this study. Four different points of the outer ear—the lengths of the pinna, the ear connection point, the earhole and the lobule thickness—were measured and analyzed along with demographic data, including age, stature and weight. The results showed that age, sex and different ethnic populations were determinants of ear dimensions as exemplified by the length of the pinna which increases as age increases (r=0.689). The primary objective of this study was to provide product designers with the anthropometric dimensions of Korean ears and recommend appropriate solutions for the ergonomic design of ear-related products. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that the change in body parts due to aging be considered in the application of anthropometric data when designing such products.

Relevance to Industry

Limited research has been done on the dimensions of ears although an extensive amount of research has been conducted on other parts of the human body. The findings of this study, therefore, can be used as a basis for researching and producing ergonomically designed ear-related products.     

Design and evaluation of a model predictive vehicle control algorithm for automated driving using a vehicle traffic simulator

This paper describes the design and evaluation of a model predictive control algorithm for automated driving on a motorway using a vehicle traffic simulator. For the development of a highly automated driving control algorithm, motion planning is necessary to satisfy driving condition in various road traffic situations. There are two key issues in motion planning of automated driving vehicles. One of the key issues is how to handle potentially dangerous situations that could occur in order to guarantee the safety of vehicles. The second key issue is how to guarantee the disturbance rejection of the controller under model uncertainties and external disturbances. To improve safety with respect to the future behaviors of subject vehicles, not the current states but rather the predicted behaviors of surrounding vehicles should be considered. The desired driving mode and a safe driving envelope are determined based on the probabilistic prediction of surrounding vehicles behaviors over a finite prediction horizon. To obtain the desired steering angle and longitudinal acceleration for maintaining the subject vehicle in the safe driving envelope during a finite prediction horizon, a motion planning controller is designed based on an model predictive control (MPC) approach. The developed control algorithm has been successfully implemented on a vehicle electronic control unit (ECU). The proposed control algorithm has been evaluated on a real-time vehicle traffic simulator. The throttle, brake, and steering control inputs and the controlled vehicle behavior have been compared to those of manual driving.     

Support of digital art for the design and development of logo

Logo is the mark indicates the characteristic of things, also plays a role in expression of meaning and transfer of information. This paper made a brief analysis and discussion on how to use digital art to enhance the artistic expression of logo based on logo examples.     

基于智能结构的BIA人体健康测评系统研究与设计

针对人体健康评价中数据庞大、受影响因素多等问题,从智能特征建模方法入手结合专家系统理论提出一种智能结构人体健康评价系统模型。运用生物电阻抗技术综合人体总阻抗与分段阻抗相结合的测量方法得到人体生理参数;仿人思维模式把人体健康测评这一复杂任务系统分解为决策、测评两个层次,决策层通过定义有限状态机的转移方式,确定系统所属状态,测评层采用层次分析获取健康评价模式,有效解决了人体健康测评中的多任务、不确定的问题,为解决一类复杂系统的建模问题提供了一个解决思路。     

Automated construction for human–robot interaction in wooden buildings: Integrated robotic construction and digital design of iSMART wooden arches

Robotic construction is a powerful means of addressing labor shortages, low productivity, and low sustainability in the construction industry. Even though construction robots have attracted attention in research and practice, in a market condition where the technology and industry scale of the construction industry is yet unable to meet the scale of full automation, human–robot interaction (HRI) is a more adaptable working model. It is crucial to change the level of automation to the level of cooperation. This paper proposes an HRI construction method that aims to provide a new idea for existing robotic construction research, which combines the advantages of manual construction and automated robotic construction. This construction method allows an inexperienced layman to quickly complete the construction of complex timber structures with the assistance of a robot. Furthermore, this automated construction method's advantages, limitations, and potential pitfalls and the environmental, economic, and social sustainability aspects of design, production, and construction are also considered, providing a technical reference for the sustainable development of China's construction industry.     

Packaging models for the storage and distribution of complex digital objectsin archival information systems: a review of MPEG-21 DID principles

In recent years, the number of organizations making digital information available has increased dramatically. This evolution has encouraged the development of various approaches to represent complex digital objects. Approaches that are of specific relevance to the digital library and archiving community include the Metadata Encoding and Transmission Standard (METS), the Content Packaging XML Binding of the Instructional Management System (IMS) project, and the Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM). The MPEG-21 Digital Item Declaration MPEG-21 DID) is yet another packaging approach that, so far, has received little attention in the digital library community. The primary goal of this article is to offer a method to compare these packaging approaches in the context of the needs of the digital library community and the rising digital preservation programs. The contribution of this paper is the definition of an integrated reference framework, based on both the ISO OAIS Reference Model and a set of additional significant properties that affect the quality, usability, encoding, and behavior of complex digital objects. This article also gives a brief insight into MPEG-21 DID and examines its potential relevance by showing the results obtained from applying the proposed reference framework. Published online: 8 April 2005     

A unified approach for the evaluation of quay crane scheduling models and algorithms

Scheduling of quay cranes at container terminals is a field of growing interest in research and practice. In the literature, we find diverse models for quay crane scheduling that consider the service of container vessels at different levels of detail. Currently, however, there exists no basis to compare the quality of planning that is achieved from these models. There is also no platform available that allows comparing different solution procedures and investigating conditions where they perform well or poorly. This paper presents a unified approach for evaluating the performance of different model classes and solution procedures. The approach is demonstrated by investigating the suitability of three models within a comprehensive computational study.     

An evaluation of the time-varying extended logistic, simple logistic, and Gompertz models for forecasting short product lifecycles

Many successful technology forecasting models have been developed but few researchers have explored a model that can best predict short product lifecycles. This research studies the forecast accuracy of long and short product lifecycle datasets using simple logistic, Gompertz, and the time-varying extended logistic models. The performance of the models was evaluated using the mean absolute deviation and the root mean square error. Time series datasets for 22 electronic products were used to evaluate and compare the performance of the three models. The results show that the time-varying extended logistic model fits short product lifecycle datasets 70% better than the simple logistic and the Gompertz models. The findings also show that the time-varying extended logistic model is better suited to predict market capacity with limited historical data as is typically the case for short lifecycle products.     

基于数字孪生的水土流失防治责任范围变化预测模型

为建立实用、高效的水土流失防治责任范围变化预测模型,提高合规性判断的准确性,在总结水土流失防治责任范围可撤销性、时空交错性、临时性和条件适用性等4个主要动态特性的基础上,提出一种基于数字孪生的水土流失防治责任范围变化预测模型。数学模型为描述防治责任范围状态的虚拟模型,防治责任范围为物理实体,模型基于防治责任范围变化主要因素的孪生数据,对防治责任范围有效性状态进行评估和预测。结果表明：模型对防治责任范围变化进行预测的正确率提升约38%,具有良好的预测防治责任范围变化的性能,有助于进一步提升提高遥感监管成果的质量,在生产建设项目遥感监管应用领域有一定的借鉴意义。     

Indices for the evaluation of wildfire spread simulations using contemporaneous predictions and observations of burnt area

Methods to objectively evaluate performance are critical for model development. In contrast to recent advances in wildfire simulation, there has been limited attention to evaluating fire model performance. Information to validate fire models is typically limited, commonly to a few perimeter observations at a small number of points in time. We review metrics for comparing two burnt areas at a point in time: observed and predicted. These are compared in an idealised landscape and with a case study evaluating the performance of simulations of an Australian wildfire. We assessed: Shape Deviation Index (SDI), Jaccard's coefficient, F1, Sørensen's Similarity and Area Difference Index (ADI). For decomposing fit into error components (overprediction and underprediction) we assessed the partial indices of SDI and ADI, Precision and Recall. The various metrics were evaluated for their ability to represent error and their suitability for use in model improvement frameworks.