DSC 344 Anthropometry

Comparison of Measurement Systems and Methods

DSC 344 Anthropometry: Definition and Uses

• A branch of Anthropology dealing with the measurement of the human body to determine differences in individuals and groups.

• It is used to describe the “user” or “target” population for a product. Answers are given in terms of the range of body dimensions which exist in that population.

DSC 344 Anthropometry: Importance

• It is important to designers because it is a tool that helps us to create products, interiors, and exteriors which are suitable to most human dimensions.

DSC 344 Anthropometry: Static and Dynamic

• Static (Practical) Anthropometry:– Measurement made on the figure in standardized

positions between fixed points. This system is generally required and used for wholesale clothing manufacture. (Croney)

DSC 344 Anthropometry: Static and Dynamic

•Dynamic Anthropometry:–Measurements taken on and around the figure when it isin any position other than the fixed ones. This system isrequired for the design of home furniture and fittings inall forms of travel and in a wide range of industrial andengineering, educational, and medical activities. (Croney)

DSC 344 Anthropometry: Measuring Instruments

•Anthropometer

•Spreading Caliper

•Sliding Compass

•Head Spanner

•Weight Beam Scale

•Measuring Tape

DSC 344 Anthropometry: Measurement Conditions

• Subject is lightly or partially clothed.• All subjects should be measured at the same time of day.• Subject should be measured on the left side unless there is an

indication for the right or both sides.• The subjects weight should always be taken.• The two most common measurement positions are standing

and sitting

DSC 344 Anthropometry: Static Methods

Eye height (sitting)

DSC 344 Anthropometry: Static Methods

Chin-to-eye height

DSC 344 Anthropometry: Static Methods

Sitting height

DSC 344 Anthropometry: Static Methods

Hand Length

DSC 344 Anthropometry: Static Methods

Foot length

DSC 344 Anthropometry: Dynamic Methods

Angular Hand Movement

DSC 344 Anthropometry: Dynamic Methods

Functional Reach

from a Wheelchair

DSC 344 Anthropometry: Dynamic Methods

DSC 344 Anthropometry: Dynamic Methods

Joint and Arm Movement

DSC 344 Anthropometry: Advanced MethodsPCMANThe Lehrstuhl für Ergonomie has a self-developed measurement system for measuring anthropometry, posture and motion. This measurement system is called PCMAN. The systemis very cheap, mobile and easy to use. This man model is like a probe in order to measure anthropometry/posture/motion. This man model is brought into a virtual space that is defined by cameras that are calibrated to each other. Also all features of the man model like length of bones or shape of skin can be changed and adjusted to the subject's appearance.

By superimposing a man model onto calibrated images full 3D anthropometry can be measured.

DSC 344 Anthropometry: Advanced Methods PCMANMovementsWith help of PCMAN also whole video sequences can be analyzed tomeasure motion patterns. The figure below show you a bicycle sequence as example for motion analysis.

DSC 344 Anthropometry: Advanced Methods

InSpeck Inc.

• The 3D Full Body system is designed to digitize the full height of a human body and can be configured depending on the required digitized area.

• The top of the line body digitizer, the 3D Full Body 3 positions,

• Covers 360 degrees of a human body and captures it in about 5 seconds.

• It is the cheapest and most automated 3D digitizing solution available.

Thank You!