Multi-resolution description of three-dimensional anthropometric data for design simplification

Three-dimensional (3D) anthropometry can provide rich information for ergonomic product design with better safety and health considerations. To reduce computational load and model complexity in product design when using 3D anthropometric data, wavelet analysis is adopted in this paper to establish multi-resolution mathematical description of 3D anthropometric data. A proper resolution can be selected for design reference according to the application purpose. To examine the approximation errors under difference resolutions, 510 upper head, whole head, and face samples of Chinese young men have been analyzed. Descriptives of approximation errors under different resolutions are presented. These data can be used as resolution selection guide. The application of the multi-resolution method in product design is illustrated by two examples. RELEVANCE TO INDUSTRY: Multi-resolution description of 3D anthropometric data would facilitate the analysis of and design with 3D anthropometric data to improve fitting comfort. The error data under different resolutions provide important reference for resolution selection.