AN OBJECT-ORIENTED ANTHROPOMETRIC DATABASE FOR DEVELOPING A MAN MODEL

An object-oriented anthropometric database was developed as a framewor k for integrating into an ergonomic man model, data for workplace mode lling and ergonomic evaluation functions as well as basic anthropometr ic data required to construct a man model. In order to develop an ergo nomic man model representing operators that interact with their workin g environments, not only anthropometric data but also efficient handli ng of such data and accurate representation of the workplace are neede d as a prerequisite to proper ergonomic evaluation. In this paper, the se distinct sets of data were incorporated into a common integrated da tabase needed for the manipulation of an ergonomic man model and the g eneration of an anthropometric man itself. An object-oriented database scheme that possesses the property of hierarchical structure and set- valued attribute was employed for the design of the database to achiev e flexibility and expandability, and to efficiently interface to any C AD system. UniSQL/X, an object-oriented database management system and the X-window system on a SPARC workstation were used for implementati on. The ergonomic man model generated from the object-oriented databas e is found to demonstrate great flexibility, performance, and improved user-interface, when compared with existing ergonomic interface model s or ergonomic CAD systems. Rapid prototyping and development of produ cts and workplaces are becoming important factors for competitive powe r. Due to the shortened product life cycle, product evaluation should start right from the initial design stage. The concept of an object-or iented database enables any design system to integrate ergonomic evalu ation into the design stage through a man model.