SBIR-STTR Award

Several international 3-D Anthropometric data resources have been developed and are now available for use in a variety of industry and government applications. A significant knowledge base of 3-D whole body data sets has been developed thorough measurements of U.S. Army, Air Force and Marine Corps personnel, and data collection efforts such as the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Research Network (ARN) program and the Civilian American and European Anthropometric Resources (CAESAR) survey and others. Now that these resources are available, several challenges have been identified with the access and use of these 3-D Data resources. These challenges include: O Accessing 3-D resources found in multiple international locations O Searching a 3-D data resource O Finding information across multiple 3-D data resources O Identifying useful information from vast data resources O Inputting new information into 3-D data resources The purpose of this Phase-I SBIR project is to identify technology concepts and approaches to solving several of these challenges. The continuing advancements in Web-based internet technologies, advanced multi-dimensional databases, expert systems, and federated data access technologies can be integrated to create an environment highly conducive to increasing the access and understanding of 3D Data for a variety of industry and government purposes. Developing tools to increase access and search capabilities of 3-D anthropometry will permit the manufacturers of vehicles, safety equipment, or apparel to: O Create requirements for the design and development of the product O Support the analysis of the interoperability of the products O Assess the ability of existing products to work together O Determine the optimal fit for equipment and clothing for a particular individual

Zweave's Phase I project revealed a significant need for utilizing accurate 3-D anthropometric data in requirements planning, design and accommodation testing of flight equipment, personnel protection items, and apparel and footwear products. In Phase II, Zweave is proposing to deliver a critical information system for the US Air Force that addresses the most significant challenges faced by anthropologists, researchers, engineers and designers in accessing, managing and designing with 3-D anthropometric data. The Anthropometric Research Information System (ARIS) will provide commercial and military product designers with a collaborative anthropometric data management system. ARIS will become the first and largest digital library for accessing anthropometric data. Zweave's Phase II scope of work will focus on creating a robust system for managing 3-D anthropometric data by leveraging the most advanced commercial PLM software products available. This approach is an achievable way for Zweave to develop an advanced, scalable, 3-D anthropometric library accessible globally to government anthropologists, researchers, defense contractors and commercial sector manufacturers. The proposed solutions have potential to deliver to the United States Department of Defense significant improvements in research collaboration, project management, and product design based on 3-D anthropometric data. The AFRL CARD Laboratory and its DoD and commercial sector customers from aviation, automotive and apparel manufacturing will all benefit from significant cost savings, increased collaboration, strategic cycle time reductions and improved accommodation capabilities. This Phase II project will position Zweave to be among the leading software and services providers for commercial and defense manufacturers who will increasingly be designing products based on anthropometric data. This approach offers the most cost effective solution for our Department of Defense (DoD) sponsors and for commercial customers by leveraging relatively inexpensive commercial software platforms with existing volume sales and market penetration in industries aligned with the AFRL CARD Laboratory's existing partners.

Keywords:
anthropometry, 3-d cad, fit accommodation, plm, collaboration, anthropometric data management, caesar