Wearable Ergonomic Assessment via Virtual Surface Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ergonomists lack an efficient tool for collecting human data to assess ergonomic factors in real-world environments, requiring a method to accurately model human interactions with objects in a way that simulates real-world conditions for biomechanical force analysis.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device that uses sensor data to generate a virtual surface model of real-world objects and a digital human model, allowing users to interact with these models in augmented reality to assess ergonomic measurements by calculating force parameters and displaying biomechanical loads in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional ergonomic assessment methods are used, then ergonomic data can be collected, but multiple trips between workstations and lab environments are required, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of real-world objects (virtual surface models) and human figures (digital human models) that can be manipulated in a virtual environment while remaining connected to the physical workspace through the wearable device. This allows ergonomic assessment to be performed in-situ without transporting physical objects to a lab, directly resolving the efficiency loss from multiple trips.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a virtual dimension to the physical workspace by overlaying digital human models and virtual objects onto the real-world environment through the wearable device's display. This enables ergonomic assessment to occur in the augmented reality space rather than requiring physical movement between locations, eliminating time loss from transportation.
2Measurement precision
If detailed ergonomic analysis is performed, then accurate biomechanical force data can be obtained, but complex modeling and computation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically capturing sensor data from the wearable device, generating virtual surface models of objects, and computing biomechanical forces without requiring manual intervention. The digital human model automatically interacts with virtual objects based on captured user movements, eliminating the need for complex manual modeling while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual ergonomic analysis with automated computational methods. Sensor data from the wearable device is processed through algorithms that automatically calculate biomechanical forces and generate ergonomic assessments, substituting manual mechanical analysis with efficient computational processing.
3Speed
If real-time ergonomic feedback is provided, then immediate assessment results are available, but continuous data processing and display updates are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by updating the virtual model and ergonomic feedback at specific intervals rather than continuously. The wearable device captures sensor data periodically, processes it to generate updated virtual surface models and digital human model positions, and refreshes the display at defined rates, providing real-time feedback while managing energy consumption through controlled update cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable device is disclosed that may comprise: a display that permits a user to view a real-world (RW) environment; and a computer in communication with the display, the computer comprising one or more processors and memory storing instructions, executable by the one or more processors, the instructions comprising, to: using sensor data, determine a virtual surface model (VSM) associated with a real-world (RW) object in the RW environment; and provide, via the display, a three-dimensional (3D) digital human model (DHM) located within the RW environment, wherein the DHM and the VSM are restricted from occupying a common three-dimensional space.