Calculation and Visualization of the Dynamic Ability of the Human Body

Abstract

There is a great demand for data on the mobility and strength capability of the human body in many areas, such as ergonomics, medical engineering, biomechanical engineering, computer graphics (CG) and virtual reality (VR). This paper proposes a new method that enables the calculation of the maximal force exertable and acceleration performable by a human body during arbitrary motion. A musculoskeletal model of the legs is used for the calculation. Using our algorithm, it is possible to evaluate whether a given posture or motion is a feasible one. A tool to visualize the calculated maximal feasibility of each posture is developed. The obtained results can be used as criteria of manipulability or strength capability of the human body, important in ergonomics and human animation. Since our model is muscle-based, it is possible to simulate and visualize biomechanical effects such as fatigue and muscle training. The solution is based on linear programming and the results can be obtained in real time. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.