Manikin Pre-positioning in Cluttered Simulation Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD and CAE systems lack an efficient method for automatically determining a collision-free initial position for a manikin in a simulated real-world environment, especially in cluttered workspaces, which hinders accurate simulation of human behavior and task performance.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that systematically samples the environment around a target object to pre-position a manikin in a collision-free space with adequate accessibility. This involves analyzing environment data to determine a guiding vector and sweep mode, and iteratively determining candidate positions for the manikin until a collision-free and accessible position is found.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning methods are used to place the manikin in the simulated environment, then the positioning can be customized and adjusted, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic environment analysis and manikin pre-positioning without requiring manual intervention. The computer automatically analyzes environment data, determines guiding vectors and sweep modes, samples candidate positions, and selects the optimal collision-free position, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring user operation for each positioning task
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning operations with an automated computational system. Instead of manually moving and placing the manikin model, the system uses computer algorithms to analyze the environment, calculate optimal positions, and automatically pre-position the manikin, substituting mechanical manual operations with automated information processing
2Measurement precision
If the manikin is pre-positioned close to the target object to improve simulation accuracy, then the simulation precision improves, but the risk of collision with surrounding objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the simulated environment before positioning the manikin. It预先 analyzes environment data including surrounding objects and obstacles, determines guiding vectors and sweep modes, and samples candidate positions to identify collision-free areas. This preliminary action ensures the manikin is positioned close to the target object for accurate simulation while avoiding collisions with surrounding objects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational process between the manikin and the target object. The system uses guiding vectors and sweep modes as intermediaries to navigate the space, systematically sampling candidate positions and evaluating them for collision freedom. This intermediary process mediates the positioning to achieve both proximity to the target and avoidance of obstacles
3Reliability
If the simulation environment includes detailed surrounding objects and agents, then the realism and accuracy of the simulation improves, but the complexity of environment analysis and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the environment analysis process into distinct components: analyzing environment data to identify surrounding objects and agents, determining guiding vectors based on target object position, establishing sweep modes for systematic sampling, and evaluating candidate positions. This segmentation breaks down the complex analysis of detailed environments into manageable steps, maintaining simulation realism while reducing processing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method and system determine an initial or starting position of a manikin for use in simulation. The method automatically analyzes environment data to determine a highest ranking type of data from among the environment data. In response, a guiding vector and a sweep mode are determined based upon the determined highest ranking type of data. The determined guiding vector and sweep mode are used to automatically analyze free space between a manikin and a target object in a simulated real-world environment to determine an initial position for and pre-position of the manikin in a simulation of the real-world environment.