DATA COLLECTION FOR CAR DRIVER’S COMFORTABLE POSTURAL ANGLES USING PICTURE RECOGNITION SOFTWARE

DATA COLLECTION FOR CAR DRIVER’S COMFORTABLE POSTURAL ANGLES USING PICTURE RECOGNITION SOFTWARE

D. Mohamad, B. M. Deros, D. A. Wahab, A. R. Ismail and D. D. I. Daruis

Abstract: Driver’s posture is one of the most important factors to be considered in car seat design because consumers nowadays prefers to choose a car that is perceived as comfortable and safe. There are many ergonomics measurement tools that have been developed for tasks, equipments and environmental analysis including driver’s posture study. The measurement method for ergonomic assessment can be done either by using traditional or modern methods. In this study, the driver’s posture study was done through image analysis using picture recognition software. The main objective of this study was to compare the comfortable driving angles for three different types of cars. The cars chosen in this study namely Compact Hatchback, Mid Size Saloon, and Saloon B were from compact and entry midsize segment. The total numbers of participants involved in this study were 45. During the experiment, each participant was required to sit on the driver’s seat in their preferred comfortable driving postures. Angles measurements were taken after five minutes the participant has been in the sitting position to allow him/her adapt with the seat environment. The picture of each participant on the set was then captured and later analyzed using picture recognition software. ANOVA One-Way statistical analysis was conducted on the experimental results data. Results show that there are no significant differences between the car types for elbow, neck, shoulder and trunk-thigh angles (at α<0.05 level of significance). However, for knee and foot angles, there are significant differences showed (at α<0.05 level of significance). From post comparison Tukey’s test, the difference for knee and foot angle is between Compact Hatchback and Saloon B.

Keywords: ergonomics, one-way ANOVA, postural angles, comfort.

Fulltext PDF