The Establishment of Anthropometric Database in Taiwan

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to construct a static and dynamic anthropometric database for domestic population in Taiwan. This anthropometric database is divided into static body dimensions and dynamic ranges of motion. A direct measurement method was applied to measure static body dimensions and an optical method was employed for dynamic range measurement. The static body dimensions include three parts furthermore. The first part is to measure the space coordinates of landmarks of body surface and calculate the meaningful related distances between any two landmarks. The equipment to take the space coordinates of surface landmarks is a 3-D coordination measuring probe. Ninety four surface landmarks are measured and 141 items are calculated in this part. The second part is to measure the length and thickness dimensions of human body with a digital caliper and 27 items are measured. The third part is to measure the circumference and length of the curve with a digital tape measure. Ninety eight items are measured here. The dynamic ranges of motion contain 42 angles of motion of major body joints. The equipment used to measure the ranges of motion is a 3-D motion analyzer. A total of 10019 subjects were measured, i.e. 1200 workers, 610 Army soldiers, 502 university students, 1200 senior high school students, 3207 junior high school students and 3300 elementary school students. The age ranges from 12 to 64 years old. The data are presented in a computerized query system. It is expected that the data can be used by designers, engineers or any other people for developing ergonomic designs of equipment, product and workplace environment, and standard legislation. Ultimately, a healthy and comfortable living environment and a high quality of working life can be achieved in the near future.