Application of 3D Human Body Template Model for Ergonomic Product Design

Objective: This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the literature on template model registration technologies and their applications in ergonomic product design. Background: The original 3D scan data of the human body has limitations in terms of its applicability due to lacking quality of mesh (e.g., missed scan areas and noise) and inconsistent postures between participants. Template model registration technologies are used to complement the lacking quality of raw 3D scan data in anthropometric research and ergonomic product design. Method: A literature review was conducted on 66 papers, which were selected by screening titles and abstracts of papers searched by keywords including template model, template matching, and template registration within ergonomics and computer graphics domains in Scopus. Results: A human template model generally consists of five elements: (1) point-cloud and mesh, (2) reference points, (3) skeletal structure of the body, (4) body segment, and (5) skin deformation characteristics. The template model is matched to a target image with a particular size, shape, and posture using a template model registration technology. Conclusion: The template model registration technology has a great potential in its applicability to ergonomic design and evaluation of products for a comfortable fit to the human body. Application: The template model registration technology can be effectively applied to the establishment of parameterized 3D human body database, automatic measurement of body sizes, analysis of the variation of body shapes, predictive analysis of the body posture, and customized design of a product.22Nkc