Sensorized Glove Ergonomic Analysis System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ergonomic analysis methods for workers in the manufacturing and metal-engineering industries, particularly in the automotive sector, are subjective, time-consuming, and lack objective, real-time assessment capabilities, especially when analyzing hand movements and postures, which are crucial for preventing health risks associated with repetitive tasks.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a wearable sensorized glove with integrated extensometers and pressure sensors, combined with a wearable network of inertial sensors and an image-acquisition system, processes data to provide objective and repeatable ergonomic assessments, including identification of critical actions and postural data, facilitating design improvements and compliance with ergonomic standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual analysis of the worker is performed manually by an operator, then the process can be carried out with simple equipment, but the analysis is afflicted by subjective variability and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual analysis with an automated image processing system that uses computer vision algorithms to detect and analyze worker posture, body part positions, and movements. This substitution eliminates subjective variability while enabling rapid automated assessment of ergonomic indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital model or representation of the worker's body and movements by processing images. This virtual model allows for automated measurement and analysis of ergonomic parameters without requiring manual observation, thus reducing time loss while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If image processing is used to acquire body positions, then subjective variability is eliminated, but the reading resolution is too low and only part of the body is covered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the body into multiple segments or regions of interest (such as head, torso, limbs, hands) and applies specialized detection algorithms to each segment. This segmentation enables high-resolution tracking of specific body parts while managing the overall system complexity through modular processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional image analysis to three-dimensional spatial reconstruction of body positions. By creating 3D models from multiple camera views or using depth sensors, the system achieves high reading resolution for ergonomic analysis while comprehensively covering the entire body.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive body monitoring is implemented with high resolution, then ergonomic indicators can be accurately estimated, but the system complexity and resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of images and data before full ergonomic analysis. This includes pre-detection of body landmarks, pre-segmentation of body parts, and pre-filtering of relevant movements. These preliminary actions reduce the complexity of subsequent analysis while maintaining high measurement precision for ergonomic indicators.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3
AI summary
Described herein is a system (1) for ergonomic analysis, including: - a sensorized glove (2), said sensorized glove comprising an inner glove (10), which includes a plurality of extensometer sensors (EXT) configured for detecting relative movements between parts of a worker's hand, and an outer glove (12), which includes a plurality of pressure sensors (PS) distributed over a palmar surface and configured for detecting the pressure exerted in corresponding areas of said palmar surface; - a wearable network (4) of sensors, preferably inertial sensors, the sensors being located in the network so that they can be associated to corresponding joints of the human body; - a unit for generating a sequence of images (6) of a task of the operator, preferably a continuous sequence, more preferably a video clip; and - a processing unit (8) configured for receiving data and/or signals from the sensorized glove (2), and/or from the wearable sensor network (4), and/or from the unit for generating a sequence of images (6), and configured for processing said data and/or signals in order to estimate ergonomic indicators, and/or to obtain local information of effort and/or posture. Finally, a method is described for ergonomic analysis using the system in question.