An advanced human simulation system could serve as a digital biomoehanics laboratory in which simulated humans perform useful tasks under novel conditions. It will allow us to perform experiments on simulated humans that are too difficult, costly, or dangerous to perform otherwise. Such a tool could he used to evaluate the effectiveness or clothing, footwear, equipment or movement strategies. Rapid product evaluation cycles using simulation will shorten the product development and acquisition cycle. To test the design and effect of equipment on human performance, we must be able to simulate realistic, life-like behaviors such as running, walking, crawling, and climbing, In our Phase I SBIR project we demonstrated a novel control design technique that allowed us to create lifelike, physics-based simulations of running at different speeds, with varying backpack loads and over varying terrain. Our approach combines the life-like motion of recorded human data with the flexibility and rigor of physics-based simulation. In the Phase II project we will build and test a digital Biomechanics Laboratory system and apply it to an important design or analysis problem of the Army. The resulting system will support a range of useful behaviors, human models, equipment models, data gathering tools, and terrain conditions. It will include an easy-to-use interface and it will run on PCs and SGIs.
Benefits: Companies that produce equipment for athletes, soldiers, or civilians could use an advanced human simulation systems as a means of rapidly designing and evaluating products for human use. Researchers could study the principles of human performance and injury
Keywords: realistic biomechanics dynamic control simulation physics human pattern
