Virtual Manikin Alignment Through Joint Offset Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The positioning of virtual manikins in CAD systems is complex and time-consuming, and there is no efficient method for automatically aligning different virtual manikins to reproduce the same gesture, leading to interoperability issues due to lack of standardization and varying degrees of accuracy in human behavior emulation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for aligning a first virtual manikin with a second virtual manikin by determining joint offsets, maintaining these offsets during posture changes, and deforming the mesh to match surface landmarks, allowing for automatic reproduction of gestures across different manikins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual repositioning is used to align virtual manikins, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating a transformation model that replicates the posture and geometry of a source virtual manikin onto a target virtual manikin. The system extracts geometric data (joint positions, segment lengths, surface landmarks) from the source manikin and applies it to the target manikin through calculated transformations, automatically reproducing the same gesture without manual repositioning. This copying approach maintains positioning accuracy while eliminating time-consuming manual adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual repositioning process with an automated computational system. Instead of physically adjusting manikin positions, the system uses algorithms to calculate and apply transformations between different virtual manikin representations. The transformation model substitutes for manual operations, using mathematical computations to achieve the same positioning accuracy that would otherwise require time-consuming manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different virtual manikins are used for different purposes, then functional versatility is improved, but interoperability between them becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a transformation model that can work across different types of virtual manikins with varying degrees of freedom and different geometric representations. The system can handle manikins optimized for ergonomics, those for biomechanics, and those for visual rendering, transforming postures between them universally. This multi-functional approach allows different virtual manikins to maintain their specialized functions while remaining interoperable through the common transformation framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformation model acts as an intermediary between different virtual manikin representations. Rather than requiring direct compatibility between different manikin types, the system uses this intermediate transformation layer to bridge them. The model extracts universal geometric relationships from the source manikin and applies them to the target manikin, facilitating interoperability while preserving the functional versatility of each manikin type.
3Measurement precision
If joint offsets are determined and maintained, then posture reproduction accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by breaking down the complex posture transformation into separate joint-level operations. Instead of treating the entire manikin as one complex unit, the system determines and maintains offsets for individual joints independently. Each joint's transformation is calculated separately based on its specific offset from the reference configuration, then combined to produce the overall posture transformation. This segmentation reduces computational complexity by allowing parallel processing and simplifying the transformation calculations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure notably relates to a computer-implemented method for aligning a first virtual manikin with a second virtual manikin. The method comprises obtaining (S10) a first posture of the first virtual manikin matching a first posture of the second virtual manikin. The method comprises determining (S20) an offset between the positions of the joints of the first virtual manikin associated with the joints of the second virtual manikin. The method comprises obtaining (S30) a gesture of the second virtual manikin. The method comprises, for each second posture of the gesture, determining (S40) a second posture of the first virtual manikin matching the second posture of the second virtual manikin. The determined offsets between the associated joints are maintained in each determined second posture. Such a method forms an improved solution for aligning a first virtual manikin with a second virtual manikin.