A Method for the Generation of Shape-Based Percentile Representative Human Models for Ergonomic Product Design

Abstract

Objective: A novel method based on body shape for the generation of representative human models (RHMs) was proposed in the present study for ergonomic product design. Background: RHMs of a particular population are required to satisfy the representativeness of a target population under consideration in ergonomic product design. A conventional RHM generation method based on key anthropometric dimensions has limitations in terms of the representativeness of RHMs and consistency between RHMs. Method: This study proposed a method of shape-based percentile RHM generation using template-registered 3D body images. A point cluster containing all 3D body images of a particular vertex is projected on a vector passing the origin point and the average location of the point cluster; then, a percentile location of the point cluster is calculated. Then, a percentile RHM is generated by forming a triangular mesh structure based on the percentile locations of all the vertices. Lastly, the generated RHM is adjusted in terms of its size by referring to anthropometric measurements. Results: The RHMs generated by the proposed method showed better representativeness for ergonomic product design as well as better morphological consistency between RHMs as compared to the conventional method. Conclusion: Compared to the conventional method that chooses a few cases from a large number of 3D body scan images in a database, the proposed method uses all the 3D scan images in a database to generate RHMs. Application: The proposed method can be applied for the ergonomic design of wearable products such as facial masks, glass-type or goggle-type products, industrial protective devices, sporting goods for athletes, medical prosthetics, and assistive tools.