Human neck's posture measurement using a 3-axis accelerometer sensor

Abstract

Poor neck posture results in user strain. Prolonged use of computers is one of the major risk factors for neck pain in the workplace. This tendency is likely to continue as computer use increases. Such issues reduce a human's quality of life, and productivity. They can result in additional health care cost. Therefore, this research monitors the posture of a person's neck to help him/her avoid neck pain. We chose the LSODF (Least Squares Orthogonal Distance Fitting) to measure the user neck's posture in 3D geometry. This model fitting plays an important role in extracting geometric information from a set of given data points in 2D/3D space. Therefore, the LSODF needs a data set for model fitting. We chose to generate the data set using a 3-axis accelerometer. We intend to improve his/her neck posture via monitoring and feedback by this method. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.