Computerized task risk assessment using digital human modeling based Job Risk Classification Model

Different from the classical ergonomics analysis, Virtual Interactive Design methodology relies on manikin movements in virtual environment. This platform has been implemented by researchers to accomplish static ergonomic analyses including Rapid Upper Limb Assessment, NIOSH lifting equation and Static Strength Prediction. However, considering only static posture information limits the capacity of ergonomics analysis. In this study, the methodology of performing dynamic ergonomics analysis based on this Virtual Interactive Design platform is proposed. This environment allows velocity and angular velocity of specified body segments/joints calculated for designed tasks to be used to assess the corresponding risk levels based on Job Risk Classification Model. The motion calculation is completed based on the captured interaction between human participants and virtual workplace/mockup. To evaluate the validity and reliability of this upgraded platform, potential errors are analyzed by comparing outputs from several designed experimental conditions.     

A collaborative Design for Usability approach supported by Virtual Reality and a Multi-Agent System embedded in a PLM environment

This paper details a collaborative workstation design approach integrating knowledge based on engineering process, using a Multi-Agent System (MAS) on a Virtual Reality (VR) platform. The MAS supports R&D teams to extract and re-use engineering knowledge so as to improve their efficiency in developing new products. Our research targets the development of a knowledge engineering system integrated into a PLM-Product Life cycle Management-environment linked with virtual reality tools. A PLM is a strategic business approach with a consistent set of methodologies and software solutions. It is meant to promote collaborative creation, management, delivery and proper use of this life cycle definition and information product in multinational companies. This system is used by engineers to carry out projects in a collective way while conveying a defined process. The MAS allows capitalization, and to annotate knowledge according to the actions of the designers inside a PLM environment. Then, this knowledge is used by VR tools to analyze various aspects of the virtual prototype such as manufacturing, maintenance, reliability or ergonomics. Consequently, we use expert knowledge to pilot the design process of a virtual prototype inside a three-dimensional immersive virtual reality platform. In this context, our paper describes our knowledge management approach applied to improve ergonomics and collaborative design in industrial areas.     

Fatigue evaluation in maintenance and assembly operations by digital human simulation in virtual environment

Virtual human techniques have been used a lot in industrial design in order to consider human factors and ergonomics as early as possible, and it has been integrated into VR applications to complete ergonomic evaluation tasks. In order to generalize the evaluation task in VE, especially for physical fatigue evaluation, we integrated a new fatigue model into a virtual environment platform. Virtual Human Status is proposed in this paper in order to assess the difficulty of manual handling operations, especially from the physical perspective. The decrease of the physical capacity before and after an operation is used as an index to indicate the difficulty level. The reduction of physical strength is simulated in a theoretical approach on the basis of a fatigue model in which fatigue resistances of different muscle groups were regressed from 24 existing maximum endurance time models. A framework based on digital human modeling technique is established to realize the comparison of physical status. An assembly case in airplane assembly is simulated and analyzed under the framework in VRHIT experiment platform. The endurance time and the decrease of the joint moment strengths are simulated. The experimental result in simulated operations under laboratory conditions confirms the feasibility of the theoretical approach: integration of virtual human simulation into virtual reality for physical fatigue evaluation.     

A method for integrating ergonomics analysis into maintainability design in a virtual environment

Designers must consider human factors/ergonomics when making decisions from the perspective of maintainability. As an important aspect of maintainability, maintenance space should be made adequate at the design stage to achieve a convenient maintenance process. A maintenance space evaluation method that considers ergonomics is proposed in this study. By comparing free swept volumes and constrained swept volumes in a virtual environment, maintenance space could be evaluated quantitatively and objectively. The results of the evaluation are obtained by combining the principles of ergonomics and maintainability. These results can help designers improve product design such that it fits ergonomics and maintainability requirements. A case study is introduced at the end of this paper to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method in efficiently evaluating the maintenance space based on the layout design of the product components in the design stage.Relevant to industryFor a large number of disasters caused by human errors in current industry, the result of this study contributes a guide to fully consider human factors in maintainability design through virtual environment and is beneficial to designers and engineers of industrial application fields.     

一个面向维修工程的虚拟人素分析系统软件框架

在工业产品、武器装备的维修性设计中，用虚拟现实技术进行人素分析，可以有效地提高产品的可维修性。该文提出了一个虚拟人素分析软件框架，并在此基础上，基于虚拟人平台—Jack，设计实现了一个虚拟人素分析系统。该系统根据给定的虚拟人体模型和虚拟样机进行人素分析并产生人素分析报告。该软件实现了维修仿真过程建模，以及基于维修仿真过程的人素分析功能，给用户提供了一个高效的分析环境。软件系统的应用实例研究表明，该文提出的软件框架是合理有效的。     

大型产品虚拟装配环境的视点漫游技术

针对大型产品虚拟装配环境中的场景漫游问题,提出一种简单且高效的视点运动 控制策略。以认知心理学和人机工程学理论为指导,首先建立人手作业空间,然后对作业空间 进行功能划分,分为对象操作区和视点漫游区,最后在功能分区的基础上建立人手运动感知与 视点运动控制的映射模型。通过实验证明,操作者对大型产品进行虚拟装配的过程中,可以轻 松地利用该方法实现场景漫游,进而实现虚拟环境中对象操作和场景漫游的无缝集成。     

基于MAS的分布式集成智能控制系统开发与应用

针对复杂工业过程，研究一种基于Multi—Agent system（MAs）的集成智能控制系统，系统由人机集成单元、控制单元和虚拟仿真单元构成，人机集成单元提供人类智慧与机器相结合有效机制，虚拟仿真单元为控制决策和故障诊断提供仿真信息，控制单元完成系统监视、诊断和控制任务，文中提出了实时Agent的组织和演化机制，采用遵循FIPA组织标准的开发工具JADE开发原型系统，描述了系统的实现，工程应用表明，提出的集成控制系统能有效地解决焦炉集气管压力这类复杂工业对象的过程控制问题．     

基于LAN的计算机视觉与虚拟现实集成模型研究

进入80年代后期,虚拟现实技术取得了迅速的发展,目前作为一个全新的技术生长点受到了国内外学者的广泛关注。文中提出了一个基于LAN计算机视觉与虚拟现实集成模型。论述了系统实现及实验结果。研究结果表明,把计算机视觉技术与虚拟现实技术“集成”在一起,从现实世界精炼出关键参数供虚拟现实技术所用,可构成简便灵活的虚拟现实系统,文中在研究大空间跟踪中采用了该模型,证明了该模型的可行性及优点。     

Using fuzzy logic to implement decision policies in system dynamics models

This paper aims to show how the use of fuzzy systems can enhance the application of system dynamics (SD), with the construction of virtual worlds, for organizational learning. By doing so, the main contribution is to propose a fuzzy-SD integrated methodology that allows a natural language modeling of decision policies. At first it will be revised the recent literature with practical and theoretical fuzzy-SD integration showing that the motivation and purpose of this article have not been explored yet. Following, it will be scrutinized the origin of system dynamics to theoretically justify the proposed fuzzy-SD integration for organizational learning. Finally, it will be presented a hypothetical case study based on the balance scorecard model to illustrate the methodology in action.     

Integration of control system design and implementation over the internet using the Jini technology

This paper describes an approach for the integration of control system software design, testing, and implementation over the Internet using the Java and Jini technologies. Process models and control systems are remotely designed and tested in a virtual laboratory (also called the virtual world), and then implemented in a physical plant (also called the real world) through an integrated environment. Although control system and process model designers and real‐site operators are geographically dispersed they work together as a team over the Internet to provide the maintenance support to all the authorized industrial processes. As a consequence, time and money can both be saved because there is no need for an expert of the control software supplier to travel to the site of the real plant and conduct on‐site implementation. A generic control system life cycle model is presented first in this paper. Then three enabling technologies including Java, Jini and WWW are briefly introduced. Taking advantage of the Java, Jini and WWW technologies, an Internet‐based general infrastructure is proposed to remotely facilitate process modelling, control system design, simulation, validation and on‐site implementation. An integrated environment is established to implement the infrastructure. A water tank with a liquid level control system is refereed as a case study to illustrate how the prototype of the integrated environment works over the Internet. Further work and the conclusions are given at the end. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

快速原型虚拟逼真设计原理及体系结构

在分析设计的特点和发展趋势的基础上,提出快速原型虚拟逼真设计,并对其特点和原理进行了讨论,快速原型虚拟逼真设计是面向并行工具,基于虚拟原型和虚拟环境仿真的设计,强调虚拟原型的快速生成和演化,在关键技术,原型系统以及开发环境三个层次上论述了快速原型虚拟逼真设计的研究,提出快速原型虚拟逼真设计模型以及基于该模型的体系结构。     

Development of ergonomics audits for bagging,haul truck and maintenance and repair operations in mining

Abstract

The development and testing of ergonomics and safety audits for small and bulk bag filling, haul truck and maintenance and repair operations in coal preparation and mineral processing plants found at surface mine sites is described. The content for the audits was derived from diverse sources of information on ergonomics and safety deficiencies including: analysis of injury, illness and fatality data and reports; task analysis; empirical laboratory studies of particular tasks; field studies and observations at mine sites; and maintenance records. These diverse sources of information were utilised to establish construct validity of the modular audits that were developed for use by mine safety personnel. User and interrater reliability testing was carried out prior to finalising the audits. The audits can be implemented using downloadable paper versions or with a free mobile NIOSH-developed Android application called ErgoMine.

Practitioner Summary: The methodology used to develop ergonomics audits for three types of mining operations is described. Various sources of audit content are compared and contrasted to serve as a guide for developing ergonomics audits for other occupational contexts.     

Systems integration

The paper presents a view of systems integration, from an ergonomics/human factors perspective, emphasising the process of systems integration as is carried out by humans. The first section discusses some of the fundamental issues in systems integration, such as the significance of systems boundaries, systems lifecycle and systems entropy, issues arising from complexity, the implications of systems immortality, and so on. The next section outlines various generic processes for executing systems integration, to act as guides for practitioners. These address both the design of the system to be integrated and the preparation of the wider system in which the integration will occur. Then the next section outlines some of the human-specific issues that would need to be addressed in such processes; for example, indeterminacy and incompleteness, the prediction of human reliability, workload issues, extended situation awareness, and knowledge lifecycle management. For all of these, suggestions and further readings are proposed. Finally, the conclusions section reiterates in condensed form the major issues arising from the above.     

基于PLC的带式输送机智能保护系统设计

针对国内现有矿井带式输送机保护系统功能单一、可靠性低、系统集成性与扩展性差等问题,结合煤矿带式输送机的常见故障类型,提出了一种基于PLC的带式输送机智能保护系统,介绍了系统硬件结构和软件设计。该系统可独立操控,也可多级闭锁操控;具备良好的通信联网接口,可扩展性强;支持工业以太网传输,具有智能化集控功能。实际应用验证了该系统的可行性和有效性。     

基于Ontology的Web系统虚拟集成模型的研究*

同领域内大量基于Web的具有类似功能和结构的应用系统出现在Internet上,这些应用系统彼此独立,讨论在这些现有系统的基础上利用RDF与Ontology技术调用这些系统的资源,虚拟地将它们组织起来,构建一个虚拟的集成环境。     

面向民机综合环境监视的实时Linux设计与测试

综合环境监视(IAESS)是民机航空电子系统中的重要组成部分,其综合化程度的发展是当前研究的热点。将环境监视中的各项功能,如机载防撞系统(ACAS)、地形告警系统(TAWS)等进行软硬件综合,对软硬件系统中的操作系统提出了实时性、高可靠性等要求。针对这一问题,提出了一种新的基于虚拟中断技术的实时Linux设计与实现方法。在此基础上,对综合环境监视系统架构进行了分析和测试。试验结果表明,该实时Linux设计方案能够胜任实时性操作系统,可在未来的应用中很好地满足民机综合环境监视系统的实时性需求。     

A virtual studio environment for design integration

In this paper the authors attempt to stress the social dimension of design and the role of explicit support for human-level interaction during design systems integration. A human-centred approach is proposed by taking design integration as the collaborative use of design artefacts, and a virtual studio environment (VSE) framework is presented as an integration vehicle to link the social and technical dimensions. A VSE consists of two subsystems: the VSE base system and the domain resources. While common generic facilities for human–human interaction are embedded within the VSE base system, the domain-specific resources are loosely coupled into VSE via resource agents. A VSE prototype for the domain of building design is described, and a demonstration of the use of the VSE prototype is presented. This is then followed by some discussion on related research and further work. © 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.     

Whole-hand kinesthetic feedback and haptic perception in dextrous virtual manipulation

One of the key requirements for a Virtual Reality system is the multimodal, real-time interaction between the human operator and a computer simulated and animated environment. This paper investigates problems related particularly to the haptic interaction between the human operator and a virtual environment. The work presented here focuses on two issues: 1) the synthesis of whole-hand kinesthetic feedback, based on the application of forces (torques) on individual phalanges (joints) of the human hand, and 2) the experimental evaluation of this haptic feedback system, in terms of human haptic perception of virtual physical properties (such as the weight of a virtual manipulated object), using psychophysical methods. The proposed kinesthetic feedback methodology is based on the solution of a generalized force distribution problem for the human hand during virtual manipulation tasks. The solution is computationally efficient and has been experimentally implemented using an exoskeleton force-feedback glove. A series of experiments is reported concerning the perception of weight of manipulated virtual objects and the obtained results demonstrate the feasibility of the concept. Issues related to the use of sensory substitution techniques for the application of haptic feedback on the human hand are also discussed.     

A combined field and laboratory investigation for the effective application of ergonomics in situ

Despite extensive research on musculoskeletal disorders associated with manual labour, the enormity of the problems experienced in industry remains. Recognizing the importance of applying the science of ergonomics, the focus of this paper was to highlight the substantial difference between conducting rigorous controlled research in the laboratory and the less controlled, but more realistic research within the working environment. Our proposal is not to use one or the other methodology, but rather to combine basic assessments made in situ with rigorous laboratory experimentation investigating human responses both pre- and post-intervention, and finally to go back into the field to test the efficacy of the proposed ergonomics intervention. The combined ‘field–lab–field’ format presented in this paper is based on research conducted in an industrially developing country, and it is argued that this is the most likely means of assuring that the application of rigorous ergonomics theory will improve the poor working conditions so evident in developing regions.     

Design and implementation of a fuzzy expert system for performance assessment of an integrated health, safety, environment (HSE) and ergonomics system: The case of a gas refinery

The objective of this study is to design a fuzzy expert system for performance assessment of health, safety, environment (HSE) and ergonomics system factors in a gas refinery. This will lead to a robust control system for continuous assessment and improvement of HSE and ergonomics performance. The importance of this study stems from the current lack of formal integrated methodologies for interpreting and evaluating performance data for HSE and ergonomics. Three important reasons to use fuzzy expert systems are (1) reduction of human error, (2) creation of expert knowledge and (3) interpretation of large amount of vague data. To achieve the objective of this study, standard indicators and technical tolerances for assessment of HSE and ergonomics factors are identified. Then, data is collected for all indicators and consequently, for each indicator four conditions are defined as “acceptance”, “low deviation”, “mid deviation” and “high deviation”. A membership function is defined for each fuzzy condition (set) because an indicator cannot be allocated to just one of the above conditions. The expert system uses fuzzy rules, which are structured with Data Engine. Previous studies have introduced HSE expert system whereas this study introduces an integrated HSE and ergonomics expert system through fuzzy logic.