Visual Skeletal Signal Analysis for Automated Ergonomic Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ergonomics assessment in workplace environments is often hindered by the unavailability and cost of human ergonomists, necessitating alternative systems and methods for data collection and feedback.
Innovation Solution
A visual sensing system that uses a visual sensor to generate skeletal signals, an electronic controller to determine posture samples, and an output device to provide ergonomic reports and coaching, allowing for automated ergonomic assessment without the need for a third-party instructor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a human ergonomist is used to assess and provide feedback on ergonomics, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/human system of ergonomist assessment with an automated visual sensing system. The visual sensor captures images of the user and environment, the processor analyzes these images to determine posture and ergonomic metrics, and the system provides automated feedback. This substitution eliminates the need for human ergonomists while maintaining assessment accuracy through computational analysis of visual data.
2Productivity
If a human ergonomist is available to provide continuous ergonomic coaching, then productivity and employee health improve, but loss of time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service ergonomic assessment and coaching. The visual sensor continuously monitors the user's posture and environment, the processor automatically analyzes the data against ergonomic criteria, and the system provides real-time feedback without requiring human intervention. This allows users to receive ongoing ergonomic coaching during their workday without scheduling appointments or dedicating time to manual assessments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous ergonomic monitoring and feedback throughout the workday. The visual sensor operates continuously or at regular intervals, capturing user posture and environmental factors, while the processor continuously analyzes this data and provides ongoing coaching feedback. This continuous action replaces intermittent human ergonomist visits, maintaining constant productivity improvement without time loss.
3Loss of time
If automated visual sensing is used for ergonomic assessment, then loss of time and cost are reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback loops where the visual sensor continuously monitors user response to ergonomic coaching feedback and environmental adjustments. The processor analyzes this feedback data to refine posture detection algorithms and improve measurement accuracy over time. This iterative feedback mechanism allows the automated system to achieve and maintain measurement precision comparable to human ergonomists while retaining the speed and efficiency of automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assessing ergonomics of a human user in an environment is disclosed. The method includes generating a visual skeletal signal by using a visual sensor. The method further includes determining a first posture sample based on the skeletal signal, by using an electronic controller. The posture sample includes skeletal information including one or both of joint information and positioning information. The method further includes comparing the posture sample with an ergonomically ideal posture sample and determining an ergonomic report based on the comparing of the posture sample and the ergonomically ideal posture sample. The method further includes providing the ergonomic report via an output device.