A data-based modeling approach of reach capacity and discomfort for digital human models

Abstract

In this paper, we have proposed a unified data based approach which aims to predict both reach envelops and reach discomfort for a digital human model. Reach envelops can be obtained by applying the existing reach posture data to a new subject according to simulation scenario. Four reach surfaces are proposed according to the radial distance from the shoulder. The discomfort of a target on each surface needs to be defined at first. Then, the discomfort of an intermediate distance between two reach distances is interpolated. The proposed approach is illustrated by the data of a previous study. In this study, 38 young and elderly subjects were instructed to reach 94 targets for each from a seated position, covering a large reachable space. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.