| A Knowledge Transfer Process: Establishing Training in New Technology for an Ageing Workforce | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 3-9 | |
| Conne Mara Bazley; Denise Brooks | |||
| Learning new technology can transform the lives of older workers. Worldwide
older workers remain in the workplace longer and continue to work for various
personal and economic reasons. Some leave one workplace and take up a second or
even a third career. The new technology training required for many industries
is generally focused on younger workers already trained in new technology
basics. Ideally, to keep a diverse workforce motivated and productive, training
for younger and older workers is necessary. New technology training for older
workers is designed differently than that of younger workers to address some of
the physical and cognitive changes that occur with age. If older workers are
given the appropriate training and help, there is evidence to show they are
able to master the new technology. Keywords: ageing; workforce; new technology; training | |||
| Towards Anthropomorphic Movements for Industrial Robots | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 10-19 | |
| Christian Brecher; Simon Müller; Sinem Kuz; Wolfram Lohse | |||
| In order to increase productivity for processes that involve the interaction
of human and robot, a promising approach is to increase the transparency of
robot movements. Based on the hypothesis that anthropomorphic movements are
more transparent to a human operator, this paper presents methodologies and
techniques to generate humanlike movements for industrial robots. Keywords: Anthropomorphic movements; industrial robot; movement parameters | |||
| Ergonomic Assessment of Patient Barrow Lifting Technique Using Digital Human Modeling | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 20-29 | |
| Wen Cao; Meng Jiang; Ying Han; Mohammad T. Khasawneh | |||
| Healthcare personnel involved in patient handling activities are often
exposed to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Therefore, the
objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Barrow
lifting technique using digital human modeling (DHM). This study investigates
the effects of patient weight and height (PWH), clinical staff weight and
height (CSWH), clinical staff position (CSP) during lift, and clinical staff
gender (CSG) on the clinical staff's low back compression force (LBCF). In
addition, the impact of specific postural variables was evaluated using Comfort
Assessment (CA). The results of this research showed that clinical staff in the
larger weight and height percentiles that are male experienced higher LBCF.
While the trunk of the clinical staff member was exposed to higher flexion
angles that are still in the comfort range, the ratings associated with the
trunk thigh and elbow were outside the comfort range. The results of this
research are of paramount importance in designing lifting protocols and
training programs with the ultimate goal being a reduction in the risk of
developing low back injuries. Keywords: Patient Barrow Lifting; Digital Human Modeling; Ergonomics | |||
| An Interface Design Method for E-commerce Sites' Homepage Considering Users' Emotions | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 30-39 | |
| Fu Guo; Yaqin Cao; Meng Wang; Yi Ding; Lin Wei Liu | |||
| This paper proposes a useful method to understand the relationship between
web design elements, Kansei evaluation and users' emotions based on Kansei
Engineering, taking E-commerce sites for example. Firstly it establishes
customers' evaluation image words through a survey of the web interface
preference. Then it collects the data of Kansei evaluation and users' emotions
to different websites by an emotion assessment test. Lastly it builds the
relation models between web design elements, Kansei evaluation and users'
emotions using the quantification theory I and partial least squares (PLS)
method, and confirms the validity of the models. Keywords: E-commerce; Emotion; Kansei engineering; Web design; PLS | |||
| Safety and Health at Work through Persuasive Assistance Systems | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 40-49 | |
| Matthias Hartwig; Armin Windel | |||
| In working environments, violations against safety regulations like the use
of personal protective equipment pose a significant threat to well-being and
health of working people. A laboratory study investigated the potential of
different computer generated feedback forms encouraging users to wear
protective equipment (PPE), even when this PPE hinders their primary work task,
thus threatening their financial compensation. The results show a substantial
increase in usage of PPE when being confronted with a persuasive designed
feedback like a traffic light or an emotional expression of a virtual avatar.
In contrast, solely informative feedback showed no significant impact of safety
behavior. In summary, the findings indicate a potential of persuasive
technology for occupational safety affairs and underline the importance of the
outward appearance of computer generated persuasive messages. Keywords: Adaptive Work Assistance Systems; Chances and Risks; Evaluative Feedback;
Persuasion; Safety and Health | |||
| Evaluating Ergonomics Risks for Digital Radiologists | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 50-58 | |
| Alan Hedge | |||
| Modern radiology is digital and the work of the radiologist now shares many
features with that of other high technology computer work. Many digital reading
rooms are poorly designed in terms of ergonomics and how they accommodate
computer technology. Lighting is typically inadequate resulting in visual
health problems of eyestrain and headaches and inadequate lighting also
adversely affects image reading performance. The prevalence of musculoskeletal
symptoms among radiologists often exceeds levels seen among other computer
workers. An innovative reading room design is briefly described that
incorporates some ergonomic design features and this has resulted in high
levels of workplace satisfaction. Finally, the Cornell Digital Reading Room
Ergonomic Checklist is presented which aims to give guidance on the ergonomic
design of future reading rooms. Keywords: Digital radiology; Ergonomics checklist; Innovative Reading Room;
Musculoskeletal symptoms; Visual health | |||
| A Study of the Effect of the Shape, the Color, and the Texture of Ikebana on a Brain Activity | | BIBA | Full-Text | 59-65 | |
| Yuki Ikenobo; Yoshiyuki Kida; Noriaki Kuwahara; Akihiko Goto; Akio Kimura | |||
| A study was performed on the difference between beginners and experts of Ikebana. The brain activity measurement results showed that for beginners, the incidence of α wave increased with time both during the planning and the production of the arrangement. However, for experts, the incidence of α wave decreased with time during the planning and increased during the production of the arrangement. This result indicated that the experts concentrate the mind more during the planning through the course of the arrangement, and relaxes more during the production of the arrangement. Also, the result of questionnaire survey showed that beginners were unable to recognize the formal beauty of an Ikebana arrangement, while experts were able to evaluate it correctly. It indicates that the experts have the special criteria of the formal beauty of Ikebana cultivated through the long-term training. | |||
| Application and Future Developments of EMA in Digital Production Planning and Ergonomics | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 66-75 | |
| Benjamin Illmann; Lars Fritzsche; Wolfgang Leidholdt; Sebastian Bauer; Markus Dietrich | |||
| The Editor for Manual Work Activities (EMA), a planning method based on a 3D
digital human model, addresses the need for realistic and holistic assessment
of time and ergonomics in an early phase of product, process and resource
planning. Since the first introduction of EMA in 2011 practical applications
have triggered several improvements driven by the requirements of various
industrial customers. Experiences in different branches called for a wide focus
of new developments that now allow a broader application. This paper
illustrates the connection between practical requirements and technical
improvements of EMA within the past years. It also demonstrates how EMA may
contribute to cost-efficient and accurate planning in different phases of the
product development cycle. Finally, some of the future developments are
illustrated. Keywords: Digital Human Modeling; Production Planning; Ergonomics | |||
| Using Anthropomorphism to Improve the Human-Machine Interaction in Industrial Environments (Part I) | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 76-85 | |
| Sinem Kuz; Marcel Ph. Mayer; Simon Müller; Christopher M. Schlick | |||
| The concept of socio-technical systems emphasizes the mutual
interrelationship between humans and technical system considering the human
operator as an integral part of the system. However, to use the full potential
of this idea the technical system has to be perceived and accepted as a
team-partner. Anthropomorphism is a promising approach to improve the
acceptance of a robotic system as a team-partner. In the first part of this
joint contribution we introduce a study focusing on the effect of
anthropomorphism in industrial environments. A virtual environment consisting
of a robotized assembly cell was utilized to conduct a prediction experiment
with 24 participants comparing anthropomorphic movements and trajectories based
on linear and angular kinematics of an articulated robot. The task was to
predict the target position during movement. The corresponding reaction value
and the prediction accuracy were analyzed. Keywords: Human-robot interaction; anthropomorphism; socio-technical system;
prediction; self-optimization | |||
| Changes in Heart Rate Variability during Manual Controlled Rendezvous and Docking with Task Complexity | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 86-92 | |
| Pengjie Li; Bin Wu; Yijing Zhang; Zhi Yao; Weifen Huang; Xiang Zhang | |||
| This research aims to study how HRV parameters change with task complexity
during manual controlled Rendezvous and Docking (RVD). One one-factor
experiment was conducted. The experiment task was manual controlled Rendezvous
and Docking (RVD) operation and the factor was task complexity which was
divided into three levels. Eight male volunteers participated in this
experiment, which consisted of three trials, and each of which consisted of ten
operation units containing three complexity levels. The dependent variables
were main performance parameters and HRV parameters. Results showed that
operation time and fuel consumption changed significantly with different
complexity levels. Besides, there were significant differences on partial HRV
parameters. It can be inferred that some HRV parameters are useful for mental
workload evaluation. However, the relationship between the insignificant
parameters and complexity levels needs to be validated and the way how HRV
should be used for mental workload evaluation deserves further study. Keywords: Heart rate variability; Rendezvous and Docking; Task complexity; Mental
workload | |||
| Using Anthropomorphism to Improve the Human-Machine Interaction in Industrial Environments (Part II) | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 93-100 | |
| Marcel Ph. Mayer; Sinem Kuz; Christopher M. Schlick | |||
| The idea of socio-technical systems emphasizes the mutual interrelationship
between humans and technical system considering the human operator as an
integral part of the system. However, to use the full potential of this idea
the technical system has to be perceived and accepted as a team-partner.
Anthropomorphism is a promising approach to improve the acceptance of non-human
entities as team-partners. In the second part of this joint contribution we
present a revised experimental setup of the studies presented in the first
part. A virtual environment consisting of a robotized assembly cell was
utilized to conduct a prediction experiment with nine subjects comparing
anthropomorphic and robotic speed profiles on a gantry robot. As in the first
part the task of the participants was to predict the target position during
movement. The results show significant effects towards shorter prediction time
and less errors when using anthropomorphic speed profiles. Keywords: Human-robot interaction; anthropomorphism; socio-technical system;
prediction; self-optimization | |||
| Numerical Reconstruction of the Real-Life Fatal Accident at Work: A Case Study | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 101-110 | |
| Marcin Milanowicz; Pawel Budziszewski | |||
| Every year about 2.8 million people are injured in accidents at work in
Europe. The resulting high costs are incurred by the victims themselves, their
families, employers, and the society. A numerical simulation can be used to
reconstruct accidents and to provide information about the course and cause of
those accidents. This knowledge is crucial in developing successful safety
systems and safety procedures.
This paper presents a multi-body approach to reconstructing a real-life fatal accident of a forklift that overturned with its operator. A reconstruction took place to find out why forklift overturned. This study consisted of about 700 simulations. Their results were compared to data from the real accident. The path of simulated wheels and the location of the model of a forklift after the accident corresponded to the real tire tracks and the final location of the real machine. The location and position of the computer model of the operator was similar, too. The injury criteria obtained in the simulation exceeded the critical values for the head and neck, which corresponded to the operator's injuries: numerous fractures of the skull and cervical spine fracture with dislocation. Thus, speeding and a sudden turning maneuver caused the accident. Keywords: accident reconstruction; computer simulation; multi-body; MADYMO; human
model | |||
| The Relationship between Nursing Students' Attitudes towards Learning and Effects of Self-learning System Using Kinect | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 111-116 | |
| Mitsuhiro Nakamura; Yasuko Kitajima; Jun Ota; Taiki Ogata; Zhifeng Huang; Ayanori Nagata; Kyoko Aida; Noriaki Kuwahara; Jukai Maeda; Masako Kanai-Pak | |||
| The purpose of this study is to clarify the relationship between nursing
students' attitudes towards learning and effects of Kinect self-learning system
for skill acquisition. Five students received feedback after each performance
from the Kinect self-learning system. The students' performance was evaluated
before (pre-test) and after (post-test) using 21 checkpoints. In order to
investigate the students' attitudes towards learning, a survey questionnaire
was distributed before the study. Based on the score, each student's attitudes
towards learning were identified as either "active" or "passive". The
difference between the pre-test and post-test scores for each student was
calculated. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were calculated of
the difference in the number of learning characteristics. There was a strong
negative correlation between learning characteristic (Passive learning
attitude) and the difference of score (r=-.80 p=.11). From this study, it is
recommended that the Kinect self-learning system is not effective for skill
acquisition for students whose attitudes were passive. Keywords: Kinect; Medical Error & Simulation; Nursing Student; Nursing skill;
Nursing Education | |||
| Extending Global Education through Remote Laboratory Access | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 117-123 | |
| Uwe Reischl; Scott Harris | |||
| Advanced software technologies that are integrated with physical
laboratories now allow students and researchers to access laboratory equipment
and instruments remotely through the Internet. While this capability has been
used in engineering and science education successfully for some time,
application of this approach to human factors engineering and ergonomics
education is new. The development of a remote ergonomics laboratory based on
such an Internet technology is described. The focus of this new laboratory is
to provide a method of evaluating protective clothing heat stress using a
thermal manikin technology. The laboratory has generated global interest and
created international collaboration in teaching and research. Keywords: Remote laboratory; ergonomics education; thermal manikin; international
collaboration | |||
| Combining Motion Capture and Digital Human Modeling for Creating Instructions in Industrial Settings | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 124-133 | |
| Ulrike Schmuntzsch; Ulas Yilmaz; Matthias Rötting | |||
| In this paper, a hybrid framework for creating an instruction video by means
of motion capture technologies will be explained. In this video an animated
pedagogical agent named Anastasia (animated assistant for tasks in industrial
applications) provides human operators with assistance while performing
maintenance tasks in IPS2. Firstly, the paper contains a description of the
creation process of an animated pedagogical agent which will be illustrated
step by step on Anastasia. Secondly, the motion capture technology in form of a
data glove will be presented. Thirdly, the concept and implementation how to
improve realism of Anastasia by using the data glove will be introduced. Keywords: animated pedagogical agent; instruction video; human modeling; motion
capturing; data glove; wearable computing technologies; smart clothes | |||
| Digital Human Modeling for Physiological Factors Evaluation in Work System Design | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 134-142 | |
| Lingyan Wang; Henry Y. K. Lau | |||
| This paper aims to develop a theoretical framework for physiological factors
evaluation in work system design, and the goal has been achieved by combining
principles and techniques derived from Digital Human Modeling (DHM). In more
specific terms, geometrical, biomechanical, and graphical models are
constructed to realize the simulation of worker's physical status in the
virtual working environment, then to detect and evaluate work-related
musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) which have a great potential of causing
occupational impairment and disability. Furthermore, the ultimate object of
this proposed framework is to fit the work system to the worker, and prevent
the WMSDs from the original design phase. Keywords: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders; Digital Human Modeling; Work System
Design | |||
| Cognitive Behavior Modeling of Manual Rendezvous and Docking Based on the ACT-R Cognitive Architecture | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 143-148 | |
| Chunhui Wang; Yu Tian; Yanfei Liu; Shanguang Chen; Zhiqiang Tian; Junsong Li | |||
| Astronauts are exposed to numerous stressors during spaceflights, to reduce
the faulty operations and improve human performance in manually controlled
rendezvous and docking (manual RVD) of space vehicles, a method, which applies
sophisticated cognitive architecture Adaptive control of thought -- rational
(ACT-R ) to model astronaut's cognitive behaviors and investigate the cognitive
components influencing human performance, is proposed in this paper. To model
the cognitive behaviors in completing manual RVD task, the declarative
knowledge of the cognitive processes was obtained from experiments, the
procedural knowledge was acquired by analyzing the relationship between
cognitive processes and behaviors, and the model parameters were set up
according to the boundary conditions and task characteristics. Manual RVD
cognitive behavior model is then built up based on the declarative knowledge,
the procedural knowledge and the model parameters. Comparisons of model running
results and manual control results were performed to test the model's
validation. ACT-R control panel tool was also used to analyze the process of
model's running and manual control behaviors. Results of the comparisons
indicate that the ACT-R model proposed in this paper is in accordance with
human cognitive behaviors. Keywords: ACT-R; manually controlled Rendezvous and docking task; cognitive behavior
modeling; model's validation | |||
| Serious Gaming Used as Management Intervention to Prevent Work-Related Stress and Raise Work-Engagement among Workers | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 149-158 | |
| Noortje Wiezer; Maartje Bakhuys Roozeboom; Esther Oprins | |||
| Work-related stress is a large occupational risks in the Netherlands but
interventions to reduce this risk are not implemented in organizations. The
characteristics of a serious game make it a useful training tool for managers
to raise awareness on their role in stimulating work engagement and managing
work-related stress. In this research project a serious game for managers is
developed and implemented and will be evaluated as an intervention to reduce
work-related stress and raise work-engagement among employees. The evaluation
will be done in a longitudinal case-control study, using a generic,
standardized evaluation framework for validation of serious games. Focus of the
evaluation will be on the direct effects of playing the game and on long-term
effects, cf. transfer of training. In this paper the development of the game
and the design for the evaluation study will be described. Keywords: work-related stress intervention; management intervention; work-engagement;
serious gaming | |||
| Validation of an Integrated Biomechanical Modeling Approach to the Ergonomic Evaluation of Drywall Installation | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 159-168 | |
| Lu Yuan | |||
| The present study validated an integrated biomechanical modeling approach
that the researcher has previously developed to study the physical demands for
drywall installers. In particular, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to
examine the impact of some quantitative assumptions that have been made to
facilitate the modeling approach. Through setting up null hypothesis for each
assumption and changing one parameter at a time, the new model output values
were compared to the original ones. Using student t-tests to evaluate the
statistical differences of the mean values, the sensitivity analysis was
achieved by determining if any assumption or parameter has significant impact
on the model. The results indicated that the modeling approach seemed to be the
most sensitive to both the distribution of work cycles for a typical 8-hour
workday and the distribution and values of Euler angles that are used to
determine the "shoulder rhythm." Whereas other assumptions including the
distribution of trunk postures did not appear to have significant impact on the
model output values. It was concluded that the integrated approach might
provide an applicable examination of exposure variability particularly
reflected by the non-routine feature of the work. Keywords: Biomechanical Modeling; Sensitivity Analysis | |||
| Optimization for Lunar Mission Training Scheme Based on AnyBody Software | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 169-178 | |
| Jing Zhang; Rong Zhou; Jingwen Li; Li Ding; Li Wang | |||
| Since majority of the lunar missions are accomplished by the upper limbs
according to literature analysis, it is necessary for us to focus on studying
astronauts' upper limb movement. This paper aims at studying the training
schemes for the lunar mission through computer simulation with AnyBody
software. Knocking, one of the typical lunar missions was selected as the study
subject. Based on the verification experiment of earth's gravity level, the
model of AnyBody software can be used to simulate lunar missions. An
optimization of knocking move were provided by our AnyBody model. Keywords: simulation; lunar mission training; optimization | |||
| Evaluation of Muscle Fatigue Based on Surface Electromyography and Subjective Assessment | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 179-185 | |
| Qian-Xiang Zhou; Zhong-Qi Liu; Fang Xie | |||
| In this paper, an assessment model for muscle fatigue was constructed with
mean fatigue energy and subjective feeling of fatigue degree for the entire
process of the experiment. The model which combined objective and subject data
will be valuable for improving work efficiency and for monitoring muscle
fatigue. To investigate the relationship between surface electromyography and
subjective assessment of muscle fatigue, twenty young male volunteers
participated in the experiment of pistol holding and aiming. sEMG of the
anterior deltoid was recorded during the entire process, while fatigue
assessments (Borg scale) were collected every 30s. We divided the signal into
several parts and then octave band method was used to calculate mean energy of
each part. An equation was derived based on the relationship between the mean
energy of sEMG and Borg scale. The results demonstrated that a quadratic curve
reflected the relationship between fatigue energy and fatigue sensation, which
suggests that fatigue energy can be calculated to use to collect sEMG activity
recordings, and that fatigue sensation can be determined using this evaluation
model. This model therefore provides a suitable basis for developing
fatigue-monitoring equipment based on sEMG activity, as well as providing a
theoretical and design basis for monitoring the fatigue levels of operators,
and designing and planning jobs to make them more ergonomic and intuitive. Keywords: sEMG; subjective assessment; muscle fatigue; octave band; fatigue energy | |||
| The Effectiveness of Alternative Keyboards at Reducing Musculoskeletal Symptoms at Work: A Review | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 189-195 | |
| Nancy Baker | |||
| Alternatively configured keyboards have been extensively marketed as one
method to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms and musculoskeletal disorders in
computer operators. This paper reviews current evidence about the effectiveness
of alternative keyboards at reducing risky postures and improving
musculoskeletal symptoms. In general, the literature strongly supports the
ability of alternative keyboards to reduce potentially risky postures, but is
much more equivocal about their ability to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms in
the workplace. Keywords: Computer keyboards; ergonomics; musculoskeletal symptoms | |||
| The Biomechanical and Physiological Effect of Two Dynamic Workstations | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 196-204 | |
| Juliane Botter; Eva-Maria Burford; Dianne Commissaris; Reinier Könemann; Suzanne Hiemstra-van Mastrigt; Rolf Peter Ellegast | |||
| The aim of this research paper was to investigate the effect, both
biomechanically and physiologically, of two dynamic workstations currently
available on the commercial market. The dynamic workstations tested, namely the
Treadmill Desk by LifeSpan and the LifeBalance Station by RightAngle, were
compared to the more conventional seated and standing workstations, through a
randomized repeated measures design. Hypothesized was that the use of these
dynamic workstations would have an effect on posture, physical activity, energy
expenditure and muscular activity. Preliminary results suggest that the dynamic
workstation increase physical activity and heart rate compared to the seated
workstation. Keywords: physical activity; computer work; dynamic workstations; joint angle;
electromyography; energy expenditure; heart rate | |||
| The Effect of Dynamic Workstations on the Performance of Various Computer and Office-Based Tasks | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 205-212 | |
| Eva-Maria Burford; Juliane Botter; Dianne Commissaris; Reinier Könemann; Suzanne Hiemstra-van Mastrigt; Rolf Peter Ellegast | |||
| The effect of different workstations, conventional and dynamic, on different
types of performance measures for several different office and computer based
task was investigated in this research paper. The two dynamic workstations
assessed were the Lifespan Treadmill Desk and the RightAngle LifeBalance
Station, and the two conventional workstations assessed were a seated and a
standing workstation. Through a randomized repeated measures design, the effect
of these different workstations was assessed for a series of tasks consisting
of a reading, typing, telephone, mouse dexterity task and a battery of
computer-based cognitive tasks. Hypothesized was that the use of these dynamic
workstations would have different effects on the performance measures for the
different types of tasks. Keywords: task performance; computer work; dynamic workstations; reaction time;
accuracy | |||
| Evaluating Comfort Levels of a Workstation with an Individually Controlled Heating and Lighting System | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 213-222 | |
| Elsbeth M. de Korte; Lottie F. M. Kuijt-Evers; Marleen Spiekman; Linda Hoes-van Oeffelen; Bianca van der Zande; Gilles Vissenberg; Gerard Huiskes | |||
| Comfort complaints, such as high or low temperatures, lack of privacy and
concentration loss, are regularly reported in today's offices. Most comfort
aspects, such as lighting, ventilation, decoration and climate are regulated on
global level, while for optimal comfort experience customized settings on
personal level is desired, which requires a more direct personal control. A
method is described to evaluate comfort levels of a workstation with
individually controlled radiant heating and lighting. The aim is to examine the
band-width of peoples' comfort zone of radiant temperature and illumination
when doing office work. Keywords: Office; personal environmental control; workstation; heating; lighting;
comfort; energy efficiency; intelligent building | |||
| Assessment of Body Surface Potential Mapping in VDT-Operators | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 223-231 | |
| Anna Janocha; Marcin Grabowski; Witold Pilecki; Robert Skalik; Krystyna Laszki-Szczachor; Ewa Janocha; Piotr Fraszczak; Malgorzata Sobieszczanska | |||
| Computer is a genius invention that has made human work more efficient. In
spite of undeniable benefits, everyday long-term contact with computer screens
is an occupational risk, which induces various undesirable health consequences.
Exposure of the VDT-operators to the harmful occupational factors may lead to
functional disorders like arrhythmia. BSPM is a diagnostic method enabling
global and precise sampling the heart potentials all over the thoracic surface
owing to the large number of recording electrodes. Data collected from 87 ECG
waveforms is graphically presented as the body surface maps of various formats.
Non-dipolar distribution of QRST isointegral maps reflects a heterogeneity of
the refractory periods of the ventricles, which is supposed to account for
creating a substrate for malignant and life-threatening arrhythmias. This
method can be a specific indicator of the increased risk of severe ventricular
arrhythmias occurring prior to abnormalities detectable on the standard 12-lead
ECG recordings. Keywords: VDT-operators; BSPM; QRST maps; ventricular arrhythmias | |||
| Hand and Arm Support for Computer Workstation | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 232-238 | |
| Ghi-Hwei Kao; T. K. Philip Hwang | |||
| Individuals who spend long hours leaning on the desk in tasks like writing,
typing or operating a mouse often suffer from Cumulative Repetitive Stress such
as Tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndromes and general tissue pain. Increased
instance of excessive mechanical stress in the shoulders can also be a product
of improper wrist and forearm support. This study use Rapid Upper limb
Assessment to examine user's working action and posture on writing, typing and
mouse operation. Proposed wrist support and palm inclined plane were attached
at the table edge for improving desk support structure. Users test was carried
out to validate the usability of wrist support design with positive result. Keywords: arm support; occupational musculoskeletal symptoms; working area | |||
| The Effects of Touch Screen Virtual Keyboard Key Sizes on Typing Performance, Typing Biomechanics and Muscle Activity | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 239-244 | |
| Jeong Ho Kim; Lovenoor S. Aulck; Ornwipa Thamsuwan; Michael C. Bartha; Christy A. Harper; Peter W. Johnson | |||
| The goal of the present study was to determine whether different touch
screen virtual keyboard key sizes affected typing productivity, typing forces,
and muscle activity. In a repeated-measures laboratory experiment with 21
subjects, typing speed, accuracy, muscle activity, and typing forces were
measured and compared between four different key sizes: 13x13, 16x16, 19x19,
and 22x22 mm. The results showed that 13 mm keyboard had a 15% slower typing
speed (p < 0.0001) and slightly higher static (10th %tile) shoulder
muscle activity (2%, p = 0.01) as compared to the other keyboards with larger
keys. The slower typing speed and slightly higher shoulder muscle activity
indicated that 13 mm keyboard may be less optimal for touch typing compared to
the larger key sizes. Keywords: Virtual interface; typing forces; electromyography; typing speed; accuracy | |||
| Model Reconstruction of Human Buttocks and the Shape Clustering | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 245-251 | |
| Lijing Wang; Xueli He | |||
| The purpose of this study is to reconstruct the buttock model of Chinese
young men, and categorize the buttock model by k-means clustering algorithm.
Thirty men participated in our anthropometric study. The buttocks of subjects
were pasted with the mark-points: coccyx (upper margin), trochanters (both
sides of the margin), and the middle points on separation line between hip and
thigh (lower margin) as the points of the boundary mark-points; ischial
tuberosities, anus, as the function mark-points. Three-dimensional (3D) points
cloud data, obtained by scanner, was imported into reverse engineering software
for the reconstruction of buttock surface model. Then surface models were
imported into CATIA software. The horizontal width, the vertical width, and the
thickness of the buttocks were measured in 3D shape model. The k-means
clustering algorithm was used to individually cluster the dimensions of
horizontal width, the vertical width, and the thickness into two groups. The 3D
buttock model was successfully reconstructed by 3D scan technology. The models
of buttock can be categorized into eight types: long - wide - thick, long -
wide - thin, long - narrow - thick, long - narrow - thin, short - wide - thick,
short - wide - thin, short - narrow - thick, short - narrow - thin. Keywords: Reconstruction; anthropometric; k-means clustering algorithm;
three-dimensional (3D); buttock model | |||
| Visualizing Design Problems and Solutions of Workstations on Ships | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 252-260 | |
| Monica Lundh; Mikael Blomé; Steven Mallam; Joanna Paraïso | |||
| The prevailing knowledge of ergonomics is not always taken into
consideration while designing ships or introduced too late for it to be
effective. Studies have shown that improvements of the working environment can
be done with small efforts. Dissemination of research results is not always
straight forward or effective due to failure to present research findings in
appropriate and accessible forms for different audiences Research suggests that
an interactive and explorative learning experience should be supported by
technology like web resources. To reach the end users involved in the design of
ships, the aim of the current study was to design and evaluate a prototype of
an interactive multimedia module. The results showed good scores considering
the usability aspects learning, understanding and meaningfulness. A Multimedia
module like this can serve two purposes; create a learning situation and be
used as a channel through which research results can be disseminated. Keywords: case study; ergonomics; education; maritime design; multimedia; working
environment | |||
| Chair Based Measurements of Sitting Behavior a Field Study of Sitting Postures and Sitting Time in Office Work | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 261-268 | |
| Matthijs P. Netten; L. H. M. van der Doelen; Richard H. M. Goossens | |||
| In order to understand the relation between prolonged sitting and the
relation to health outcome, the behavior while being seated must be studied.
A total of 41 office workers participated in a study whilst performing their regular work for eight weeks, whilst sitting on a measuring office chair (Smart Chair). The first two (control) weeks they were not aware of the measuring abilities of the chair. After this, two groups were made to distinguish between the effects of chair instruction and smart feedback on sitting postures (Van der Doelen et al. 2011). In this paper the data has been analyzed in another way. The aim of this paper is to explore the characteristics of sedentary behavior for 41 subjects during their regular office work over eight weeks by measuring the events of sitting and absence from their office chair. Results showed that the office workers in this study on average have very long sitting events, that exceed general recommendations. Results showed that the office workers in this study on average have very long sitting events, that exceed general recommendations. Recommendations for 5 minute breaks every hour are met by 85% of the participants. However recommendations on sitting les than 20 minutes were met by 5% of the participants. None of the participants met the recommendations on all of their days during the field study. The sedentary behavior shown in this study underlines the importance to monitor and influence sedentary behavior while considering the individual sedentary patterns. Further knowledge on analyzing sedentary patterns is needed. Keywords: device-based measures; sedentary behavior | |||
| Temporal Dependence of Trapezius Muscle Activation during Sustained Eye-Lens Accommodation at Near | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 269-275 | |
| Hans O. Richter; Camilla Zetterberg; Mikael Forsman | |||
| In this experimental study different levels of oculomotor load were induced
via optical trial lenses. The aim was to investigate the temporal dependence of
a moderate visual load on trapezius muscle activity. Trapezius muscle activity
was measured with bipolar surface electromyography (EMG). Sixty-six subjects
with a median age of 36 (range 19-47, std 8) viewed a black and white Gabor
grating (5 c/deg) through 0 D, and -3.5 D lenses, in periods of 7-min. An auto
refractor was used to continuously sample data on eye-lens accommodation during
the vision tasks. Response-diopters were used as a dichotomous high/low
accommodation grouping variable. For these groups EMG amplitudes during minutes
1-7 per each lens trial were studied separately with Generalized Estimating
Equations (GEE). The analysis results showed significant increases in trapezius
muscle activity over time for both viewing conditions. For the binocular -3.5 D
condition response-diopters gave a significant positive contribution to the EMG
amplitude. The results indicate that sustained eye-lens accommodation at near,
during ergonomically unfavorable viewing conditions, may increase the risk for
trapezius muscle myalgia. Keywords: Visual ergonomics; Gaze stabilization; Electromyography; Eye-lens
accommodation; Computer work; Neck | |||
| Setting That Mouse for Tracking Tasks | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 276-281 | |
| Ransalu Senanayake; Ravindra S. Goonetilleke | |||
| A pointing device plays an important role in human-computer interaction. The
computer mouse is a convenient device for both pointing and steering. The
literature related to the effect of mouse gain on steering tasks is scarce. An
experiment was conducted with 10 participants and each participant was asked to
traverse a constrained path using a computer mouse. There were three levels of
gain approximately equal to 2.3, 10, and 15. The experiment had 11 levels of
difficulty (D/P) based on path width (P) and path length (D) and three trials
for each combination of D and P. Performance was evaluated using movement time
taken to traverse the path. The results showed that movement time is minimized,
in feedback-controlled steering tasks, at a gain of around nine. Keywords: Pointing devices; Mouse; Gain; Drury's Law; Steering Law | |||
| Considering Ergonomic Aspects of Head-Mounted Displays for Applications in Industrial Manufacturing | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 282-291 | |
| Sabine Theis; Thomas Alexander; Marcel ph. Mayer; Matthias Wille | |||
| In this paper, we apply a comprehensive approach to evaluate and analyze
potential physiological and subjective workload effects of the application of
head-mounted displays (HMDs) during a typical 3.5 hrs assembly operation. The
approach refers to physical as well as cognitive workload associated with HMDs.
The methods for capturing and determining physiological workload include an
analysis of visual acuity, of visual field, electromyography (EMG), and general
posture analysis (OWAS). Subjective ratings for overall workload (BLV, RSME)
and simulator sickness (SSQ) are considered and analyzed in order to complete
the analysis. Their feasibility and practical implementations are discussed
based on the results of a pre-test with a smaller sample size in order to give
recommendations for their practical use during on-going experiments and for
future industrial applications. Keywords: Head-mounted displays; ergonomics; physiological measures; strain;
electromyography; visual field; BLV; SSQ | |||
| Extraction of Light Stripe Centerline Based on Self-adaptive Thresholding and Contour Polygonal Representation | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 292-301 | |
| Qingguo Tian; Yujie Yang; Xiangyu Zhang; Baozhen Ge | |||
| Extracting light stripe centerline is the key step in the line-structure
light scanning visual measuring system. It directly determines the quality of
three-dimensional point clouds obtained from images. Due to the reflectivity
and/or color of object surface, illumination condition change and other
factors, gray value and curvature of light stripe in image will vary greatly
that makes it very difficulty to completely and precisely extract sub-pixel
centerline. This paper presents a novel method for light stripe centerline
extraction efficiently. It combines the integral image thresholding method,
polygon representation of light stripe contour and adaptive center of mass
method together. It firstly locates light stripe region and produces binary
image no matter how change gray values of light stripe against background. Then
the contour of light stripe is extracted and approximately represented by
polygon. Based on the local orthogonal relationship between directions of light
stripe cross-section and corresponding polygon segment, the direction of light
stripe cross-section is calculated quickly. Along this direction, sub-pixel
centerline coordinates are calculated using adaptive center of mass method. 3D
scanning experiments with human model dressed colorful swimsuit on a
self-designed line laser 3D scanning system are implemented. Some comparisons
such as light stripe segmentation using 3 thresholding methods, the time used
and the smoothness are given and the results show that the proposed method can
acquire satisfying data. The mean time used for one image is not beyond 5 ms
and the completeness and smoothness of point clouds acquired by presented
methods are better than those of other two methods. This demonstrates the
effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method. Keywords: centerline extraction; light stripe; integral image thresholding; polygon
representation; adaptive center of mass | |||
| Artificial Neural Network-Based Prediction of Human Posture | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 305-313 | |
| Mohammad Bataineh; Timothy Marler; Karim Abdel-Malek | |||
| The use of an artificial neural network (ANN) in many practical complicated
problems encourages its implementation in the digital human modeling (DHM)
world. DHM problems are complicated and need powerful tools like ANN to provide
acceptable solutions. Human posture prediction is a DHM field that has been
studied thoroughly in recent years. This work focuses on using a general
regression neural network (GRNN) for human posture prediction. This type of ANN
has advantages over others when incorporated in DHM problems like posture
prediction. A new heuristic approach is also presented in this study to
determine the GRNN parameters that lead to the best performance and prediction
capability. The results are promising: a high success rate is obtained for
predicting 41 outputs, which represent the upper-body degrees of freedom of a
human model. This work initiates future focus on embedding GRNN to generalize
human posture prediction in a task-based manner. Keywords: Digital human modeling and simulation; artificial neural network; posture
prediction | |||
| Markerless Motion Capture Integrated with Human Modeling for Virtual Ergonomics | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 314-323 | |
| Giorgio Colombo; Daniele Regazzoni; Caterina Rizzi | |||
| This paper refers to the context of virtual ergonomics and specifically
addresses a case study of the commercial refrigeration industry. The aim is to
develop a computer-aided platform to analyse end-users' postures and movements
and ergonomically validate the design of device a man or woman may deal with.
This paper describes the integrated use of human modeling and motion capture
(Mocap) systems to perform ergonomic analysis relying exactly on real
movements. Two optical Mocap systems, both low cost and markerless, have been
considered: one based on six Sony Eye webcams and another one on two Microsoft
Kinect sensors. Analogously, two human modeling tools have been adopted: Jack,
specifically targeted for ergonomics and integrated with Microsoft Kinect, and
LifeMod, a biomechanical simulation package. The proposed virtual ergonomics
solutions have been experimented considering the case study of vertical
refrigerator display units. Keywords: Virtual ergonomics; Mocap; Digital human modeling; commercial refrigeration | |||
| Automatic 3D Reconstruction of Transfemoral Residual Limb from MRI Images | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 324-332 | |
| Giorgio Colombo; Giancarlo Facoetti; Caterina Rizzi; Andrea Vitali; Alessandro Zanello | |||
| This work is part a new design platform for lower limb prosthesis centered
on the patient's digital model and based on the integrated use of virtual
prototyping tools. In particular, 3D detailed model of residual limb, that
includes not only the external skin but also bones and soft tissues, is needed
for socket design and finite element analysis to study the socket-residual limb
interaction. In this paper, we present a procedure for 3D automatic
reconstruction of the residual starting from MRI images. The output is a 3D
geometric model, in a neutral format (IGES), which permits CAD information
exchange among the modules composing the design platform. The reconstruction
procedure consists of three different phases: image pre-processing, voxel
segmentation, 3D models generation. Results have been considered promising and
future activities to enhance the algorithm performance have been planned. Keywords: Lower limb prosthesis design; MRI; 3D automatic reconstruction; segmentation | |||
| Human Pose Estimation from Depth Image Using Visibility Estimation and Key Points | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 333-342 | |
| Sungjin Huh; Gyeonghwan Kim | |||
| In this paper, we propose the upper body pose estimation algorithm using
3-dimensional model and depth image. The conventional ICP algorithm is modified
by adding visibility estimation and key points - extreme points and elbow
locations. The visibility estimation keeps occluded points from participating
in pose estimation to alleviate the affection of self-occlusion problem.
Introduction of extreme points and elbow locations, which are extracted using
geodesic distance map and particle filter, improves the accuracy of pose
estimation result. The optimal parameters of the model are obtained from
nonlinear mathematical optimization solver. The experimental results show that
the proposed method accurately estimates the various human poses with
self-occlusion. Keywords: human pose estimation; 3D model based; modified ICP; self-occlusion; key
points; geodesic distance | |||
| Using Methods-Time Measurement to Connect Digital Humans and Motion Databases | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 343-352 | |
| Ali Keyvani; Dan Lämkull; Gunnar Bolmsjö; Roland Örtengren | |||
| To simulate human motions in DHM tools, using techniques which are based on
real human data is one promising solution. We have presented a solution in this
study to connect motion databases with DHM tools. We have showed that using a
motion database with MTM-based annotations is a promising way in order to
synthesize natural looking motions. A platform consists of a Motion Database, a
Motion Generator, and a DHM tool was introduced and tested. The results showed
successful application of the presented platform in the designed test case. Keywords: Digital Human Modeling; Motion Databases; Human Motion Simulation Note: Best paper award | |||
| Grip Force and CR-10 Ratings for Youth Females | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 353-358 | |
| Kai Way Li; Yu C. Lin | |||
| In this study, an experiment was conducted to measure the grip force for
teenaged females at four pre-determined exertion levels on the CR-10 scale. The
exertion levels of 2, 5, 7, and 10 corresponded to the 20%, 50%, 70%, and 100%
of the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). The subjects were required to grip
a dynamometer using both dominant and non-dominant hand. The posture of the
elbow was either straight down or at 90 degree flexion. Eight one females
participated in the study. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) results indicated
that the exertion level, elbow posture, handedness were all significant factors
affecting the grip force. The Duncan's multiple range test results indicated
that the grip force at exertion level 10 (208.95 N) was significantly
(p<0.05) higher than those of the levels 7 (164.66 N), 5 (128.08 N), and 2
(56.65 N). The grip force at exertion level 7 was significantly (p<0.05)
higher than those of the levels 5 and 2. The grip force at exertion level 5 was
significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of level 2. The Duncan's multiple
range test results indicated that the grip force at 180 degree elbow posture
(142.26 N) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of the 90 degree
posture (136.91 N). The interaction effects of the exertion level and hand used
were also significant (p=0.0035). The overall Pearson's correlation coefficient
between the CR-10 ratings and the grip forces was 0.84 (p<0.0001). Keywords: hand exertion; power grip; subjective rating; CR-10 | |||
| Oxygenation and Blood Volume in Skeletal Muscle in Response to External Force | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 359-365 | |
| Hao Li; Chunhui Wang; Zheng Wang | |||
| Oxygenation and blood volume in skeletal muscle have been used to evaluate
muscle contraction force. This paper aims to reveal the correlations between
local oxygenation, blood volume and external force. Eight subjects performed
isometric elbow flexion exercise of different force levels and isokinetic elbow
exercise. In isometric exercise, oxygenation and blood volume indices were
significantly correlated with joint torques; and their relationships could be
described by linear equations. Compared with the oxygenation rate, the change
of blood volume between rest and muscle contraction was more suitable to
evaluate static muscle contraction force than oxygenation. In isokinetic
exercise, blood volume demonstrated obvious periodicity in different motion
cycles, and had low correlations with joint moments. Oxygenation indices
demonstrated obvious differences between the five motion cycles. In conclusion,
blood volume was found to be suitable to estimate the static and dynamic muscle
contraction force, and validate musculoskeletal system biomechanical model. Keywords: oxygenation; blood volume; near-infrared spectroscopy; isometric exercise;
isokinetic exercise | |||
| Simulating a Walk of Digital Human Model Directly in Massive 3D Laser-Scanned Point Cloud of Indoor Environments | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 366-375 | |
| Tsubasa Maruyama; Satoshi Kanai; Hiroaki Date | |||
| Recently, human behavior simulations in 3-dimensional environment models
have been enabled by the advance in computer performances. However, manually
building the 3D models for the simulations are still costly and time-consuming,
and the resultant models are sometimes inaccurate and do not necessarily
reflect as-built environments. The final goal of our research is to realize the
accessibility evaluation of "as-built" environments based on the human behavior
simulation. To achieve the goal, in this study, we developed a technology where
as-built 3D environment models could be constructed in a fully automatic way
from laser-scanned 3D point clouds measured from as-built indoor environments.
Additionally, we realized a basic walking simulation function in the as-built
environment model represented by the point clouds. The modeling and simulation
efficiency and accuracy were evaluated. Keywords: human behavior simulation; laser scanning; 3D point clouds | |||
| Modeling Body Shape from Surface Landmark Configurations | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 376-383 | |
| Matthew P. Reed | |||
| Detailed statistical models of body size and shape are valuable for wide
range of statistical analyses. Most body shape models represent a single
posture, usually standing. Previous efforts to model both posture and body
shape have parameterized posture using joint angles. This paper presents a
statistical model of body shape in supported seated postures using a posture
measured derived from surface landmarks rather than internal joint locations
and angles. This method is not limited by a particular kinematic linkage
deformation and so is particularly well suited to model the effects on body
shape of posture changes in complex linkages such as the spine or shoulder. Keywords: body shape; laser scanning; anthropometry; posture | |||
| Anatomy-Based Variational Modeling of Digital Hand and Its Verification | | BIBA | Full-Text | 384-392 | |
| Yulai Xie; Satoshi Kanai; Hiroaki Date | |||
| This study proposed a method to construct an anatomy-based variational modeling of a Digital Hand model, which can be used to efficiently generate various individual hand models with different dimensions for virtual ergonomic assessments. The skin surface of a generic hand model was hierarchically partitioned into 15 segments according to the hand surface anatomy. Then it was deformed by scaling and aligning the segments so that it satisfied individual hand dimensions. Moreover, the hand models of different hand postures with markers were reconstructed using a multi-view 3D model reconstruction technique. The extracted positions of markers were used to estimate the individual bone-link structure. The proposed method was validated through comparing the generated hand skin model which fitted the hand dimensions of a subject with his MRI-measured hand surface, and comparing the generated bone-link structure, which fitted joint motion of the subject, with the reconstructed hand models based on a multi-view 3D reconstruction technique. | |||
| Simulation of Pushing the Push-Pull Rod Action Based on Human Body Dynamics | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 393-401 | |
| Zheng Yang; Yiyuan Zheng; Shan Fu | |||
| Using the software Anybody Modeling System, a human static-standing
musculoskeletal model based on inverse dynamics is presented. According to the
environmental constraints of cockpit, the human body model is defined,
especially the selection and design of the input parameters on muscles, bones,
joints, drive, and other aspects. From the model, the design simulates the
flight operations of the pilot during the plane is approaching and landing,
especially the right arm pushing the push-pull rod. According to the principle
of inverse dynamics, the muscle forces on the right arm will be researched to
elect larger ones. And the paper focuses on muscle parametric analysis and
design. On the basis of muscle metabolism which is the parameter to evaluate
the muscle fatigue, the design is optimized to find where the least muscle
fatigue is. Results show that metabolism can provide an experimental basis for
the design layout of the cockpit instruments, operating device. Keywords: human factors; human body dynamics; numerical simulation; AnyBody optimal
design | |||
| Higher Order Statistics Analyses Based on the Mathematical Model of Surface Electromyography | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 402-408 | |
| Yan Zhao; DongXu Li; Jian Zhang | |||
| Evaluation to surface electromyographic (sEMG) of muscles is one of the
important topics in human-computer interaction filed. This paper aims to
quantitatively describe the difference in non-Gaussianity and non-linearity
levels between the large muscle sEMG (i.e. biceps brachii, BB) and the small
muscle sEMG (i.e. first dorsal interossei, FDI), which is changed with the
increase of the motor unit (MU) recruitment numbers and exertion, as well the
patterns of firing rate (FR). The mathematical physiology model of the BB and
the FDI sEMG was developed under ten isometric maximum voluntary contraction
(MVC) levels from 10% to 100% MVC for a period of 5s. Higher order statistics
(HOS) detected the non-linearity and non-Gaussianity of the BB and the FDI
sEMG. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test described the significant differences in
non-Gaussianity/ linearity between the BB and the FDI at p<0.05. Results
showed that the BB sEMG signals tended to a non-Gaussian distribution at 10%,
40%, 60~100% MVC and a non-linear distribution at 90% MVC. The FDI sEMG signals
tended towards nonGaussianity at 40%~60%, 80% MVC and non-linearity at 30% MVC.
The BB's Gaussianity and linearity results were compared with FDI's. The
linearity test showed no significant differences between two sEMG signals.
However, The Gaussianity test exhibited a significant difference between them.
There are three reasons for this: 1) the difference in MU recruitment range
between the BB and the FDI; 2) FR and recruitment respectively play a important
role in the small and the large muscles activity. 3) the difference in MUs
recruitment order between small and largest muscles. The findings of this study
have guiding significance on large and small muscles capability assessment. Keywords: Higher order statistics; sEMG; Mathematical Physiology Model; Biceps
Brachii; First Dorsal Interossei | |||