Comparison of two tracer gas dilution methods for the determination of clothing ventilation and of vapour resistance

Clothing microclimate ventilation is an important parameter in climatic stress and in contaminated environments. The two main methods for its determination (Crockford et al. (CR) 1972 and Lotens and Havenith (LH) 1988) were, after further development, compared in terms of reproducibility, validity and usability. Both methods were shown to have a good sensitivity and reproducibility (with average coefficients of variation 1.5–2.3% for the method alone and up to 7% for method and clothing/movement effects combined). They produced values very close to calibration values in forced ventilation tests (r = 0.988). Weak points for the CR method were the limits in the time constant of the measurement apparatus, causing an upper limit to the ventilation that can be reliably measured (around 800 l/min) and the method of measuring clothing microclimate volume. The original ‘vacuum oversuit’ (CR) method was cumbersome and prone to large errors. Alternative methods of measuring clothing microclimate volume (whole body scanner or manual circumference measurements) were shown to produce good results. For the LH method, the distribution of the tracer gas over the whole skin surface became a problem factor at very high ventilations (above 1000 l/min). As all methods use tracer gases (O₂, Ar, CO₂, SF₆) with diffusivities smaller than that of water vapour, this potentially creates a problem in the calculation of vapour resistance from the ventilation values in the region where the emphasis of vapour transfer moves from diffusion to convection. In most real-life situations, where body and air movement are present, a correction is not however required because the error remains below 10%.

Statement of Relevance: Clothing ventilation indicates heat loss potential as well as risk of pollutants entering the clothing. Two main methods for its determination are compared and validated, identifying a number of issues. An in-depth analysis is given of the advantages and disadvantages of the available methodologies.     

结合层次分割和跨域字典学习的服装检索

目的 针对现有的跨场景服装检索框架在服装躯干部分检索问题上,因服装款式识别优化存在服装信息丢失和跨场景款式识别的问题,提出一种新的服装分割方法和基于跨域字典学习的服装款式识别。方法 首先,提出基于超像素融合和姿态估计相结合的方法分割出完整的服装,用完整的服装进行检索可以最大限度地保留服装信息。然后,在服装款式识别时,通过学习服装商品数据集与日常服装图像数据的中间数据集字典,使其逐渐适应日常服装图像数据的方式,调节字典的适应性,进而提高不同场景下的服装款式识别的准确性。另外,由于目前国际缺少细粒度标注的大型服装数据库,本文构建了2个细粒度标注的服装数据库。结果 在公认的Fashionista服装数据集及本文构建的数据库上验证本文方法并与目前国际上流行的方法进行对比,本文方法在上下装检索中精度达到62.1%和63.4%,本文方法在服装分割、款式识别,检索方面的准确度要优于当前前沿的方法。结论 针对现有的跨场景服装检索框架分割服装不准确的问题,提出一种新的层次服装过分割融合方法及域自适应跨域服装款式识别方法,保证了服装的完整性,提高了跨场景服装检索及款式识别的精度,适用于日常服装检索。     

结合人体检测和多任务学习的少数民族服装识别

目的 少数民族服装色彩及样式种类繁多等因素导致少数民族服装图像识别率较低。以云南少数民族服装为例,提出一种结合人体检测和多任务学习的少数民族服装识别方法。方法 首先通过k-poselets对输入的待识别图像和少数民族服装图像集中的训练图像进行人体整体和局部检测以及关键点的预测;其次,根据检测结果,从待识别图像和训练图像中分别提取颜色直方图、HOG （histogram of oriented gradient）、LBP（local binary pattern）、SIFT（scale invariant feature transform）以及边缘算子5种底层特征;然后,将自定义的少数民族服装语义属性与提取的底层特征进行匹配,采用多任务学习训练分类器模型,以学习少数民族服装的不同风格;最后实现少数民族服装图像的识别并输出识别结果。另外,由于目前缺少大型的少数民族服装数据集,本文构建了一个云南少数民族服装图像集。结果 在构建的云南少数民族服装图像集上验证了本文方法,识别精度达到82.5%88.4%,并与单任务学习方法进行比较,本文方法识别率更高。结论 针对现有的少数民族服装识别率较低的问题,提出一种结合人体检测和多任务学习的少数民族服装识别方法,提高了少数民族服装图像识别的准确率和效率,同时能较好地满足实际应用需求。     

结合卷积神经网络与曲线拟合的人体尺寸测量

目的 人体尺寸测量是服装制作中的一个重要环节。非接触式人体测量具有效率高、方便快捷的优点,但存在测量精准度较低、对设备和外界环境要求高等问题。为进一步改进这些问题,本文基于卷积神经网络建立模型,相继提出人体分割和关键点检测的方法、基于Bezier曲线的人体肩宽测量方法和基于双椭圆拟合的人体围度测量方法。方法 通过摄像头获取人体的正面、侧面及背面图像;利用Deeplabv3+算法对人体图像进行分割获得人体轮廓,利用Open Pose算法对人体关键点进行检测及定位,利用肩部端点处的角度特征并结合人体肩部关节点信息确定肩部端点,利用肩部曲线与Bezier曲线的相似性通过计算肩部Bezier曲线的长度得到肩宽,通过关键点信息确定胸围、腰围及臀围的宽度和厚度,并建立围度曲线的双椭圆拟合模型,采用线性回归法训练得到拟合模型中的参数,最后利用双椭圆拟合曲线的周长得到人体围度。结果 根据本文方法对100位被测者进行肩宽计算,对132位被测者进行人体围度计算,平均绝对误差均在3 cm以内,符合国家测量标准,且整套方法操作方便,结果稳定。结论 实验验证了本文方法在人体尺寸测量中的精度,降低了非接触式人体测...     

Fuzzy classification of young women's lower body based on anthropometric measurement

The traditional method of body classification is discrete, using crisp and rather dichotomous classification methods; there are many shortcomings for ergonomic design of clothing products by this method. This paper proposes a fuzzy method to classify lower body shapes based on triangular fuzzy numbers. By using factor analysis and correlation analysis, we found that the height, the waist girth, and the difference of hip-waist are crucial dimensions to represent lower body shape. We then classified the lower body shape into three categories according to the difference of hip-to-waist, and finally used the membership of triangular fuzzy numbers to represent the lower body shapes. Results show that the fuzzy method of body classification can more accurately represents body information than the traditional method without increasing the number of body types. Additionally, we established that the mean of the height, waist girth and hip girth of the young women of northeast China increased by about 0.8 cm, 1.5 cm and 1.4 cm respectively compared with ten years ago.Relevance to industry: Anthropometric data is the basis of garment pattern design, and body classification is a necessary precondition for developing a garment size system. These research achievements will add value to the pattern design of young women's lower body clothing, the development of new sizing systems and related industries.     

3D quantification of microclimate volume in layered clothing for the prediction of clothing insulation

Garment fit and resultant air volume is a crucial factor in thermal insulation, and yet, it has been difficult to quantify the air volume of clothing microclimate and relate it to the thermal insulation value just using the information on the size of clothing pattern without actual 3D volume measurement in wear condition. As earlier methods for the computation of air volume in clothing microclimate, vacuum over suit and circumference model have been used. However, these methods have inevitable disadvantages in terms of cost or accuracy due to the limitations of measurement equipment. In this paper, the phase-shifting moiré topography was introduced as one of the 3D scanning tools to measure the air volume of clothing microclimate quantitatively. The purpose of this research is to adopt a non-contact image scanning technology, phase-shifting moiré topography, to ascertain relationship between air volume and insulation value of layered clothing systems in wear situations where the 2D fabric creates new conditions in 3D spaces. The insulation of vests over shirts as a layered clothing system was measured with a thermal manikin in the environmental condition of 20 degrees C, 65% RH and air velocity of 0.79 m/s. As the pattern size increased, the insulation of the clothing system was increased. But beyond a certain limit, the insulation started to decrease due to convection and ventilation, which is more apparent when only the vest was worn over the torso of manikin. The relationship between clothing air volume and insulation was difficult to predict with a single vest due to the extreme openings which induced active ventilation. But when the vest was worn over the shirt, the effects of thickness of the fabrics on insulation were less pronounced compared with that of air volume. In conclusion, phase-shifting moiré topography was one of the efficient and accurate ways of quantifying air volume and its distribution across the clothing microclimate. It is also noted that air volume becomes more crucial factor in predicting thermal insulation when clothing is layered.     

Effect of working position and cold environment on muscle activation level and fatigue in the upper limb during manual work tasks

Several occupational groups are exposed to periods of low ambient temperatures while performing manual work tasks outdoors. Work tasks typically include heavy lifting, tool handling, and overhead work. This study evaluated the effect of working position and cold environment on muscle activation level (%RMS_max) and fatigue in the upper limb during manual work tasks. Fourteen male participants (25 ± 3 years, 80.9 ± 6.4 kg, 182 ± 5 cm) completed a 2-h test protocol consisting of five test periods alternating with four work periods, wearing identical sets of clothing, under cold (−15 °C) and control (5 °C) conditions. The work periods consisted of manual work at the hip level, manual overhead work, and a lifting exercise. The test periods consisted of isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) and seated rest. Skin temperatures decreased during cold exposure, especially in the extremities. %RMS_max in the forearm was higher in the cold condition both during overhead work and work at the hip level than that for the same work in the control condition, especially at the end of the test when the difference was approximately 25% (equating to 2–3 %RMS_max). For the middle deltoid muscle, the %RMS_max was approximately three times (or 10 %RMS_max) higher during overhead work than work at the hip level, but there was no additional cost of working in the cold. Signs of deltoid muscle fatigue (decrease in electromyography median power frequency and an increase in %RMS_max) were observed during the overhead work periods in both temperature conditions. No decrease in MVC, as a sign of overall muscle fatigue, was observed in either condition.Relevance to industryThis study demonstrated that when wearing suitable cold-weather protective clothing, the adverse effect of work posture is much higher than that of cold on muscle demand and physical strain.     

Conditioned clothing: the needs of industry and the wearer

Abstract

Conditioned clothing for alleviating the effects of heat and cold has found use mainly in military applications. There are a few circumstances in industry where the provision of such clothing could be an economic proposition. Very often, however, there are other factors that militate against its adoption, e.g. the need for protection against hazards other than heat and cold, problems of wearer acceptance and interference with the work. Clearly the solution of these problems requires close co-operation between industry and clothing manufacturers as has been achieved in the nuclear industry.     

Selected physiological and psychobiological responses to physical activity in different configurations of firefighting gear

The aim was to examine selected physiological and psychobiological responses to different configurations of protective firefighting gear. Career firefighters (n = 10) walked on a treadmill (3·5?km · h^?1, 10% grade) for 15?min in three different clothing configurations. On separate days subjects wore: (a) ‘station blues’, (b) a hip boot configuration of firefighting gear, and (c) the current ‘NFPA 1500 standard’ gear. Physiological, psychophysical, and psychological measurements were recorded pre-exercise (5?min), during exercise (15?min), and during post-exercise recovery (10min). Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant main effects for condition, time, and interaction (p < 0·001) for heart rate (HR), rectal temperature, mean skin temperature, oxygen consumption, breathing distress, thermal sensations, and affect. Furthermore, post hoc analyses revealed that all variables were significantly higher in the NFPA 1500 standard versus the hip boot or the station blues clothing configurations. These data suggest that the current NFPA 1500 standard configuration results in greater physiological and psychobiological stress at a given workload.     

Secular changes in body dimensions of Royal Australian Air Force aircrew (1971–2005)

The aim of this study was to quantify the secular changes in body dimensions of Royal Australian Air Force aircrew. Following corrections for methodological differences, two samples (matched for age and overall body size) of male aircrew measured in 1971 (n = 220) and 2005 (n = 220) were compared across 13 absolute and proportional body dimensions. Changes in means were expressed as standardised effect sizes and changes in distributional characteristics were expressed as the ratio of coefficients of variation and as changes in skew. Small secular increases (standardised effects sizes >0.2) in age-matched aircrew were observed for mass, height, BMI, sitting height, buttock–knee length, waist girth, hip girth and waist:hip ratio, with a small decline observed for head girth. Changes in body dimensions were not independent of changes in overall body size (except for head girth) and were not always uniform across the distribution. These changes in body size have implications for ensuring correct human–machine and human–equipment fit.

Statement of Relevance: There have been small secular changes in body dimensions of RAAF aircrew between 1971 and 2005, although these secular changes have not always been uniform across the distribution. These secular changes in body dimensions have implications for ensuring correct human–machine and human–equipment fit and underscore the need for regular anthropometric surveys.     

The effect of arm posture on the scan-derived measurements

Among various three-dimensional (3D) scanning anthropometric surveys, the inconsistent arm postures for scanning may lead to incompatible measurement results. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of arm posture on the scan-derived measurements. The two arm postures in concern are the one with palms facing inward and the one with palms facing backward. The experimental results reveal that the two postures do not differ from each other in obtaining the scan-derived measurements for most body dimensions except for those related to the upper torso. Besides, the scan-derived measurements can be more precise between the two postures than the manual measurements. Further, it was found that being scanned with palms facing backward can contribute to the smaller difference between the scan-derived measurements and the manual measurements and the better image quality. Overall, the arm posture with palms facing backward is considered as the preferred posture for 3D whole body scanning.     

The ergonomics of ventilated operating theatre clothing

Abstract

The results of a recent Department of Health and Social Security/Medical Research Council (DHSS/MRC) trial into the use of ultra-clean ventilation systems shows that these can bring about a reduction in the rate of wound sepsis in orthopaedic operations, particularly when body exhaust ventilated clothing is worn by members of the surgical team.

Although considerable information exists about the reduction of bacteria shedding from individuals wearing body exhaust gowns, little information is available about wearer comfort and related problems. This study was carried out to examine the ergonomic consequences for operating theatre staff of wearing ventilated clothing and to compare these with the results for other forms of specialized surgical garments.

The investigation consisted of observations of theatre staff at work, interviews and an experimental simulation of the orthopaedic surgeon's task.

The results showed that there were measurable differences in skin temperature and sweat rate between ventilated and non-ventilated gowns. Subjectively there was a significant preference for certain garments based on general comfort and thermal perceptions. It was concluded that the ’Mandarin’ body exhaust ventilated gown gave high levels of both objectively and subjectively assessed thermal comfort for the wearer. Where there were operational difficulties or objections to using a ventilated gown, it was concluded that a gown made from ’Gore-tex’ was a possible alternative. It is important that the ergonomic and comfort aspects of these gowns should be related to the attenuation in bacterial shedding that they produce.     

Measuring the effects of structural turnout suits on firefighter range of motion and comfort

Abstract

Range of motion (ROM) can be restricted by wearing stiff and bulky clothing. This is particularly true of firefighter suits that are constructed using fabric layers to provide thermal protection from fire. This study developed an evaluation technique to quantify the loss of mobility associated with wearing firefighters’ protective suits that were deliberately selected to represent similar ergonomic design features. The ROM of 10 firefighters was measured using electro-goniometers attached to their bodies while they wore uniforms and a reference outfit, and performed specific movements. The most restrictive uniform is the Bulky suit that contained additional layers of materials in sleeves and on the knees. The Traditional Suit was more ROM restrictive than Ergonomic. The subjective evaluation of suits supported the objective assessments provided by the electro-goniometers. A 3-D body scanning technique was employed to establish a correlation between the bulkiness of firefighter outfits and subject ROM.

Practitioner Summary: This study presents a methodology for measurements of range of motion (ROM) in firefighters wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Even small differences in designs of PPE may impact firefighters’ ROM, which can be detected by electro-goniometers providing measurements if they are attached along the joint to measure limb angular movement.     

用于快速服装搭配的FMatchNet算法

目的 针对现有服装搭配系统中，提取服装图像深度特征进行搭配所需时间过长的问题，提出了一种新的FMatchNet网络提取哈希特征进行服装快速搭配的方法。方法 首先采用快速区域卷积神经网络（Faster-RCNN）方法检测出图像中的服装，用此服装进行搭配可以最大限度地保留服装信息并消除背景信息的干扰。然后用深度卷积神经网络提取服装的深度特征并产生服装的哈希码，采用查询扩展的方法完成服装搭配。模型采用Siamese网络的训练方法使哈希码尽可能保留服装图像的语义信息。另外，由于目前国际上缺少大型时尚服装数据库，本文扩建了一个细粒度标注的时尚服装数据库。结果 在FClothes数据库上验证本文方法并与目前流行的方法进行对比，本文方法在哈希长度为16时，上、下服装搭配方面的准确度达到了50.81%，搭配速度相对于基本准线算法提高了近3倍。结论 针对大规模服装搭配问题，提出一种新的FMatchNet网络提取特征进行服装快速搭配的方法，提高了服装搭配的精度和速度，适用于日常服装搭配。     

Research on lower body shape of late pregnant women in Shanghai area of China

Anthropometric data, especially the data of lower body of late-pregnant women, has become an immediate need for ergonomic design of maternity products, such as clothing, related motherhood supplies, maternity support products, and so on. So 55 late pregnant women in Shanghai area of China were randomly selected for this lower body shape research. By anthropometric measurement method 18 dimensions were measured to characterize lower body shape of late pregnant women. Mean values, standard deviations (SD), coefficients of variation, and percentiles for each variable were estimated. It was found that the morphology of hip and abdomen mostly influenced the lower body shape. Then according to the characters of hip and abdomen, the late pregnant women's lower body shapes were divided into two types. Moreover this paper also analyzed the change trend of lower body shape along late pregnancy months (7 to 9th months). As a result of this research, the late pregnant women's lower body shapes were described from different aspects which were thought to provide a guide for the maternity products design.Relevance to industryThe anthropometric data is essential to design reasonable and professional maternity products for late pregnant women, such as maternity support products, maternity clothing and so on. Especially this study can benefit the maternity garment industry. Moreover utilization of the anthropometric data, product designers would be able to outfit to a wider range of target users.     

A framework for robotic clothing assistance by imitation learning

ABSTRACT

The recent demographic trend across developed nations shows a dramatic increase in the aging population, fallen fertility rates and a shortage of caregivers. Hence, the demand for service robots to assist with dressing which is an essential Activity of Daily Living (ADL) is increasing rapidly. Robotic Clothing Assistance is a challenging task since the robot has to deal with two demanding tasks simultaneously, (a) non-rigid and highly flexible cloth manipulation and (b) safe human–robot interaction while assisting humans whose posture may vary during the task. On the other hand, humans can deal with these tasks rather easily. In this paper, we propose a framework for robotic clothing assistance by imitation learning from a human demonstration to a compliant dual-arm robot. In this framework, we divide the dressing task into three phases, i.e. reaching phase, arm dressing phase, and body dressing phase. We model the arm dressing phase as a global trajectory modification using Dynamic Movement Primitives (DMP), while we model the body dressing phase toward a local trajectory modification applying Bayesian Gaussian Process Latent Variable Model (BGPLVM). We show that the proposed framework developed towards assisting the elderly is generalizable to various people and successfully performs a sleeveless shirt dressing task. We also present participants feedback on public demonstration at the International Robot Exhibition (iREX) 2017. To our knowledge, this is the first work performing a full dressing of a sleeveless shirt on a human subject with a humanoid robot.     

Effects of natural posture imbalance on posture deviation caused by load carriage

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to explore posture deviation variability caused by load carriages depending on natural posture imbalance to provide information about a carrying habit exaggerating an individual's posture imbalance. All people exhibit some imbalance from the standard anatomical pose which assumes alignment with the frontal and median planes. In this study natural posture imbalance is the starting point for determining posture deviation which is posture imbalance resulting from an activity, carrying an item.MethodsSeventeen female participants, 19–37 years old, were recruited from university staff, faculty members, and students. Participants were each scanned wearing their own underwear (bra and panties) in: (a) the anatomical pose (P1) face forward and feet placed at shoulder width without carrying an item, (b) carrying a backpack (P2), (c) carrying a shoulder bag on the right shoulder (P3R) and the left shoulder (P3L), (d) carrying a bag cross-body with a strap placed on the left shoulder to place the weight at the hip level on the right side (P4R) and the strap and handbag placed in the opposite direction (P4L), and (e) carrying a bag with the right hand (P5R) and the left hand (P5L). The bag weight was approximately 10% of a participant's body weight. Five body angles were obtained in each scanning position (eight positions total) for all participants and statistical analyses were conducted for posture assessment. Three statistical test methods were used: (a) Paired t-test to determine posture changes in each loaded position compared to natural posture in P1. (b) Paired t-test to identify differences of the degree of posture changes between right-side load (R) and left-side load (L) positions to determine a posture deviation tendency with asymmetrical load carriages. (c) Bivariate (Pearson) correlation test to examine how natural posture imbalance and posture deviation co-vary.Results(a) Asymmetrical load positions exhibited greater changes on shoulder and spine posture than a symmetrical load position, exhibiting obvious changes in P3 and P4 rather than P5. (b) The degrees and directions of posture deviation resulting from an asymmetrical load carriage varied depending on those of an individual's natural posture imbalance. When a participant exhibited great posture imbalance in P1, significant differences of posture deviation on the shoulder and spine between R and L positions were observed in P3 and P4. (c) Significant correlations between natural posture imbalance and posture deviation resulting from load carriages were found for most body angles.ConclusionsPeople need to be aware of their natural posture imbalance and try to avoid carrying heavy handbags or any type of carriages making their posture imbalance worse to prevent possible further distortion.Relevance to IndustryAlthough this study used handbags and a backpack as the load carrying devices, the way a person carries a load of any type is relevant in many industries and in the military.     

Dummy humanoid robot simulating several trunk postures and abdominal shapes – Report of element technologies

Development of clothing in consideration of the shape and body function of a person with spinal cord injury is an important task. Then, a dummy robot with a deformation mechanism was developed in this study for evaluating the comfortable level of clothings. Specifically, a trunk joint mechanism and an abdominal mechanism that can realize various deformations of the abdominal area and various trunk poses were developed. The trunk joint mechanism was implemented in order to simulate the seated posture of persons with spinal cord injury. The abdominal deformation mechanism was implemented using linear actuators and rotating servomotors in order to simulate abdominal obesity of persons with spinal cord injury. Further, a tactile sensor system was developed for measuring the clothing pressure on the abdominal area and evaluating the comfort or discomfort of clothing.     

Plus size and obese workers: anthropometry estimates to promote inclusive design

Abstract

A significant proportion of the adult population globally is overweight, obese or classed as ‘plus size’. This has led to variability in size and shape across the working population and exclusion in the workplace. A new dataset of the anthropometry of plus size people has been created. Length dimensions were similar to other data, but breadth, circumference, and depth measurements were substantially larger. The hip breadth and abdominal depth were important for predicting largeness in this population. These data help explain the high exclusion rates from design and the number of fit, reach, posture and clearance issues reported by participants with a high BMI: generally, the higher the BMI the greater prevalence of problems. It is hoped that a better understanding of the anthropometric characteristics of the plus size worker will inform the design of safe, productive work environments to promote inclusion for a wider range of people.

Practitioner Summary: A new anthropometry dataset of plus size people has been created. The higher the BMI the greater the problems with design in the workplace for fit, reach, posture and clearance. To ensure inclusion and reduce stigma it is important to understand more about the size and shape of this population.