Title: Towards a new generation of virtual humans

Authors: Karim Abdel-Malek, Jingzhou Yang, Timothy Marler, Steven Beck, Anith Mathai, Xianlian Zhou, Amos Patrick, Jasbir Arora

Addresses: Virtual Soldier Research (VSR) Program Centre for Computer-Aided Design, The University of Iowa Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. ' Virtual Soldier Research (VSR) Program Centre for Computer-Aided Design, The University of Iowa Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. ' Virtual Soldier Research (VSR) Program Centre for Computer-Aided Design, The University of Iowa Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. ' Virtual Soldier Research (VSR) Program Centre for Computer-Aided Design, The University of Iowa Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. ' Virtual Soldier Research (VSR) Program Centre for Computer-Aided Design, The University of Iowa Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. ' Virtual Soldier Research (VSR) Program Centre for Computer-Aided Design, The University of Iowa Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. ' Virtual Soldier Research (VSR) Program Centre for Computer-Aided Design, The University of Iowa Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. ' Virtual Soldier Research (VSR) Program Centre for Computer-Aided Design, The University of Iowa Iowa City, IA 52242, USA

Abstract: This paper presents work from an ongoing project towards developing a new generation of virtual human models that are highly realistic in appearance, movement, and feedback. Santos™, an anatomically correct human model with more than 100 degrees of freedom, is an avatar that exhibits extensive modelling and simulation capabilities, resides in a virtual environment, and conducts human-factors analysis. The paper presents an optimisation-based approach to posture and motion prediction that allows the avatar to operate with autonomy rather than depending on stored animations and data or being restricted by inverse kinematics. It also presents approaches to determining reach envelopes and workspace zone differentiation, and discusses methods for evaluating the physiological status of the virtual human as it completes tasks. Muscle modelling including muscle wrapping, muscle force and stress determination is also discussed. Finally, the process of building a 25-DOF hand model is described. The result is an exciting step towards a virtual human that is more extensive and complete than any other.

Keywords: human performance measures; muscle wrapping; avatars; optimisation-based modelling; real-time reaction; virtual humans; simulation; human factors; ergonomics; posture prediction; motion prediction; reach envelopes; workspace zone differentiation; muscle force; stress determination; hand models.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFMS.2006.011680

International Journal of Human Factors Modelling and Simulation, 2006 Vol.1 No.1, pp.2 - 39

Published online: 14 Dec 2006 *

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