Equipment
Qualisys Motion System
The Qualisys system is used to measure motion. This could include seat movements, postural changes of the occupant, and motion of the body extremities such as the head, arms and legs. It is a five-camera system that monitors reflective targets placed on the test subject, the seat or on anything in the surrounding environment. (see photos)
Tekscan Pressure Mapping System
Contact areas and pressures between the test subject, the seat back and seat pan can be measured. The pressure system can be used to detect design flaws that produce lack of contact in a region of the seat or regions of high pressure that might make the seat uncomfortable. (see photos)
Measurand Shape Tape™
The Shape Tape can be attached to any region of the body to monitor motions such as spine and joint movements. This technology uses optical fibers to monitor the shape change of the tape.
JOHN
JOHN is a computer simulation that can be used to model human interactions with seats. It can show interactions with the skeletal form or muscles and skin can be added to certain regions for a more complete picture. (see recent projects)
Multi-Axis Force Transducers
Small force plates measure 3 forces (Fx, Fy and Fz) and 3 moments (Mx, My, and Mz) and can be mounted to any structure to determine how it is loaded by a person or object. (see photo)
Seated Body Contour Measurement System
A specially designed seat measures the deformed contours of the buttock and thigh or the back of the body while seated. Various foams can be added to change stiffness properties.
ASPECT Manikin
The ASPECT Manikin is a replacement for SAE's "Oscar" manikin. This physical tool has an articulated back and can be used to take various seat measurements including hip joint center location, thorax, pelvis and thigh angle, along with seat back angle, seat pan angle, and lumbar prominence. (see recent projects)
Subjective Assessments
The measurement systems described above are used to obtain objective information from seated individuals. However, equally important is the subjective assessment. A questionnaire is developed based on the individual tests conducted and can be used in conjunction with the objective measurements.
