Driving Posture Measurement using 3D Scanning Measuring Technique

Driving posture measurement is essential for the evaluation of a driver workspace and for improved seat comfort design. This study captures the comfortable driving postures for Koreans using a handheld portable Artec L™ 3D scanner. Subjects consisted of 20 healthy individuals (10 males and 10 females) ranging in age from 20 to 40 years and grouped as three weight groups (<59 kg, 60-79 kg and >80 kg). Eighteen land markers were attached (car seat: 9 markers; subject: 9 markers). From the 3D scanned data, the angles (neck, back, headrest, seat back, wrist, elbow, knee, and ankle) and distances (head to headrest, seat height, and seat back and forth) between the land markers were extracted in the Rapidform XOR software. The body pressure distribution was measured using two pressure mats from 17 body part regions. The measured pressure data were analyzed for average pressure, contact area, and body part pressure ratio. A questionnaire was provided to the participants to determine seating comfort of the automobile seat. The questionnaire showed that all three weight groups were satisfied with the overall comfort of the seat. Significant differences were found between left- and right-side pressure distribution in both seat pan and seat back regions. Even though the subjects adopted their preferred driving posture and were satisfied with the overall comfort of the seat, their pressure distribution results showed discomfort. Therefore, the seat manufacturers need to consider preferred driving posture with pressure distribution when designing new automobile seats.