Theory and applications of InfraRed and thermal image analysis in ergonomics research

Abstract

Designing products and services to fit human needs, wants and lifestyle require meaningful data. With Industry 4.0 and the internet of things, we have many ways to capture data using sensors and other means. InfraRed (IR) cameras are quite ubiquitous, especially for screening illness and wellness. They can provide a wealth of data on different objects and even people. However, their use has been limited due to processing complexities. With reducing cost and increasing accuracy of IR cameras, access to thermal data is becoming quite widespread, especially in medicine and people-related applications. These cameras have software to help process the data, with a focus on qualitative analyses and rather primitive quantitative analyses. In ergonomics, data from multiple users are essential to make reasonable predictions for a given population. In this study, using 4 simple experiments, several quantitative analysis techniques such as simple statistics, multivariate statistics, geometric modeling, and Fourier series modeling are applied to IR images and videos to extract essential user and population data. Results show that IR data can be useful to provide user and population data that are important for design. More research in modeling IR data and application software is needed for the increased application of IR information in ergonomics applications.

Infrared Thermography for Real-Time Assessment of the Effectiveness of Scoliosis Braces

“…The acquired data are stored directly on the smartphone as images with dimensions of 1440 × 1080 pixels, while the thermal resolution of the camera is 160 × 120 pixels. In accordance with the methodology outlined in [41,42], each patient was positioned at a specified distance from the camera. A marked spot on the floor, situated 1 m away from the IR camera, was designated as the reference point.…”

“…This has paved the way for the rise of decision-support systems that can furnish healthcare professionals with fast, reliable, and objective results in diverse scenarios, including the evaluation of inflammatory processes [35,36], detection of infections, [37] diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome [38], monitoring of diabetesrelated conditions [39], and assessment of eye diseases [40]. In the field of rehabilitation and orthopedics, these systems are used for ergonomic evaluations [41], injury prevention and assessment [42,43], scoliosis diagnosis [44,45], and brace manufacturing [46]. In Figure 1, some of the aforementioned healthcare-related scenarios are illustrated.…”

“…In Figure 1, some of the aforementioned healthcare-related scenarios are illustrated. Examples of adoption of IRT in the frameworks of (a) the evaluation of ocular inflammation [36], (b) ergonomic assessment [41], and (c) diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome [38].…”

An overview of current assessment techniques for evaluating cutaneous perfusion in reconstructive surgery

“…Unlike visible light, which is perceived by the human eye, NIR radiation is invisible and requires technology‐based recording, analysis, and interpretation. By employing specialized cameras sensitive to NIR wavelengths, such as infrared cameras, it becomes possible to capture and visualize NIR radiation [43].…”

An overview of current assessment techniques for evaluating cutaneous perfusion in reconstructive surgery

“…By employing specialized cameras sensitive to NIR wavelengths, such as infrared cameras, it becomes possible to capture and visualize NIR radiation. [43] Using the detection of infrared radiation emitted by the body, thermography produces accurate visual representations of surface temperatures, allowing areas of increased or decreased blood flow to be highlighted. [44] (see Figure 4.)…”