• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.22 no.11 s.176
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• pp.182-189
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• 2005

The human knee joint is the intermediate joint of the lower limb that is the largest and most complex joint in the body. Understanding of joint-articulating surface motion is essential for the joint wear, stability, mobility, degeneration, determination of proper diagnosis and so on. However, many studies analyzed the passive motion of the lower limb because of the skin marker artefact and some studies described medial and lateral condyle of a femur as a simple sphere due to the complexity of geometry. Thus, in this paper, we constructed a three-dimensional geometric model of the human knee from the geometry of its anatomical structures using non-uniform B-spline surface fitting as a study for the kinematic analysis of more realistic human knee model. In addition, we developed and verified 6-DOF contact model of the human knee joint using $C^2$ continuous surface of the inferior region of a femur, considering the relative motion of shank to thigh during locomotion.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.97-109
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• 2015

Recently, because the market for compression wear now includes all consumers, not just professionals, various items for recovery after exercising or for enhanced effects from exercise have been introduced. In this research, a systematic and stepwise design process was proposed to develop compression garment that has both functional area and appropriate pressure to protect the knee when exercising. The U-V format functional area that wraps underneath the knee was selected by considering the shape and change in the skin length when bending the knee. After the selection of the functional area, a total of seven knee design areas, including the existing product, were designed to determine the appropriate pressure. After various movements, the compression garment was ranked in terms of support of the knee, level of pressure, discomfort of seam line, and comfort of popliteal; the preferred design was selected using the quad method. Four compression wear garments were produced using two selected preferred designs; the wear evaluation was performed using a seven-point Likert scale. As a result, the optimal reduction rate of the pattern was calculated based on Ziegert and Keil's method. The applied percentage of the fabric stretch at the upper part of the crotch was 66% for the width and 50% for the length; for the lower part of the crotch, only 66% for the width was applied. Moreover, it was determined that the design of the U-V knee protection part was preferred when a 7 mm square was placed at a 1 mm distance because this not only supports the knee but also allows the fabric to accommodate various skin deformations.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.17-29
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• 2016

To develop baseball catcher leg guards, 3-dimensional (3D) methodologies, which are 3D human body data, reverse engineering, modeling, and printing, optimized guard design for representative positions. Optimization was based on analysis of 3D body surface data and subjective evaluation using 3D printing products. Reverse engineering was used for analysis and modeling based on data in three postures: standing, $90^{\circ}$ knee flexion, and $120^{\circ}$ knee flexion. During knee flexion, vertical skin length increased, with the thigh and knee larger in anterior area compared to the horizontal dimension. Moreover, $120^{\circ}$ knee flexion posture had a high radius of curvature in knee movement. Therefore, guard designs were based on increasing rates of skin deformation and numerical values of radius of curvature. Guards were designed with 3-part zoning at the thigh, knee, and shin. Guards 1 and 2 had thigh and knee boundaries allowing vertical skin length deformation because the shape of thigh and knee significantly affects to its performance. Guard 2 was designed with a narrower thigh and wider knee area than guard 1. The guards were manufactured as full-scale products on a 3D printer. Both guards fit better in sitting than standing position, and guard 2 received better evaluations than guard 1. Additional modifications were made and an optimized version (guard 3) was tested. Guard 3 showed the best fit. A design approach based on 3D data effectively determines best fitting leg guards, and 3D printing technology can customize guard design through immediate feedback from a customer.

• Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.825-835
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• 2003

Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of joint angle errors mainly due to skin artifact and measurement errors during gait analysis. Joint angle errors lead to unreliable kinematics and kinetic analyses in the investigation of human motion. The purpose of this paper is to present the Joint Averaging Coordinate System (JACS) method for human gait analysis. The JACS method is based on the concept of statistical data reduction of anatomically referenced marker data. Since markers are not attached to rigid bodies, different marker combinations lead to slightly different predictions of joint angles. These different combinations can be averaged in order to provide a "best" estimate of joint angle. Results of a gait analysis are presented using clinically meaningful terminology to provide better communication with clinical personal. In order to verify the developed JACS method, a simple three-dimensional knee joint contact model was developed, employing an absolute coordinate system without using any kinematics constraint in which thigh and shank segments can be derived independently. In the experimental data recovery, the separation and penetration distance of the knee joint is supposed to be zero during one gait cycle if there are no errors in the experimental data. Using the JACS method, the separation and penetration error was reduced compared to well-developed existing methods such as ACRS and Spoor & Veldpaus method. The separation and penetration distance ranged up to 15 mm and 12 mm using the Spoor & Veldpaus and ACRS method, respectively, compared to 9 mm using JACS method. Statistical methods like the JACS can be applied in conjunction with existing techniques that reduce systematic errors in marker location, leading to an improved assessment of human gait.

• Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology
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• v.19 no.10
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• pp.1919-1931
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• 2005

Human joint motion can be kinematically described in three planes, typically the frontal, sagittal, and transverse, and related to experimentally measured data. The selection of reference systems is a prerequisite for accurate kinematic analysis and resulting development of the equations of motion. Moreover, the development of analysis techniques for the minimization of errors, due to skin movement or body deformation, during experiments involving human locomotion is a critically important step, without which accurate results in this type of experiment are an impossibility. The traditional kinematic analysis method is the Angular-based method (ABM), which utilizes the Euler angle or the Bryant angle. However, this analysis method tends to increase cumulative errors due to skin movement. Therefore, the objective of this study was to propose a new kinematic analysis method, Position-based method (PBM), which directly applies position displacement data to represent locomotion. The PBM presented here was designed to minimize cumulative errors via considerations of angle changes and translational motion between markers occurring due to skin movements. In order to verify the efficacy and accuracy of the developed PBM, the mean value of joint dislocation at the knee during one gait cycle and the pattern of three dimensional translation motion of the tibiofemoral joint at the knee, in both flexion and extension, were accessed via ABM and via new method, PBM, with a Local Reference system (LRS) and Segmental Reference system (SRS), and then the data were compared between the two techniques. Our results indicate that the proposed PBM resulted in improved accuracy in terms of motion analysis, as compared to ABM, with the LRS and SRS.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.555-569
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• 2015

During a design process of a protective equipment for sports activities, minimizing movement restrictions is important for enhancing its functions particularly for protection. This study presents a three-dimensional(3D) modeling methodology for designing baseball catcher's leg guards that will allow maximum possible performance, while providing necessary protection. 3D scanning is performed on three positions frequently used by a catcher during the course of a game by putting markings on the subject's legs at 3cm intervals : a standing, a half squat with knees bent to 90 degrees and 120 degrees of knee flexion. Using data obtained from the 3D scan, we analyzed the changes in skin length, radii of curvatures, and cross-sectional shapes, depending on the degree of knee flexion. The results of the analysis were used to decide an on the ideal segmentation of the leg guards by modeling posture. Knee flexions to 90 degrees and to $120^{\circ}$ induced lengthwise extensions than a standing. In particular, the vertical length from the center of the leg increases to a substantially higher degree when compared to those increased from the inner and the outer side of the leg. The degree of extension is varied by positions. Therefore, the leg guards are segmented at points where the rate of increase changed. It resulted in a three-part segmentation of the leg guards at the thigh, the knee, and the shin. Since the 120 degree knee-flexion posture can accommodate other positions as well, the related 3D data are used for modeling Leg Guard (A) with the loft method. At the same time, Leg Guard (B) was modeled with two-part segmentation without separating the knee and the shin as in existing products. A biomechanical analysis of the new design is performed by simulating a 3D dynamic analysis. The analysis revealed that the three-part type (A) leg guards required less energy from the human body than the two-part type (B).

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.551-565
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• 2012

The primary goal of this study was to provide a systematic methodology of utilizing 3D technology for tight-fit performance sportswear using information of skin deformation in various posture. Technical tools used in this study are Cyberware whole body scanner, RapidForm2004, 2C-AN 3D pattern development program, and YukaCAD. Analysis of the 3D skin deformation while knee joint was bent from $0^{\circ}$ to $60^{\circ}$ revealed that the length of dermatomes L4 was remained consistent during knee bending. Therefore, L4 was chosen as a major cutting line. To develop a highly ergonomic pattern, replicas of static and dynamic postures were developed and integrated using two methods, one is morphing method (Sqirlz Morph), and the other is AutoCAD. Experimental tight-fit garments called 'Derm-Mov Pattern' was designed using dematomes L4, L2, and inner line under knee and compared with four other patterns. As results, AutoCAD was appropriate as a integrating method of various postures. In wear test, 'Derm-Mov Pattern' was rated high (p < .001), in terms of pressure comfort especially around front crotch area. However, wear sensation was not signipicantly different in other area due to highly extensible property of materials. Pressure distribution was relatively even in these experimental garments.

• The Transactions of the Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers D
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• v.52 no.8
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• pp.506-509
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• 2003

This paper describes the possibility of analyzing gait pattern from the changes of the lower leg electrical impedance. This impedance was measured by the four-electrode method. Two current electrodes were applied to the thigh, knee, and foot., and two potential electrodes were applied to the lateral, medial, and posterior position of human leg. The correlation coefficients of the joint angle and the impedance change from human leg movement was obtained using a electrogoniometer and 4ch impedance measurement system developed in this study. We found the optimal electrode position for knee and ankle joint movements based on high correlation coefficient, least interference, and maximum magnitude of impedance change. The correlation coefficients of the ankle, knee, and the hip movements were -0.913, 0.984 and 0.823, respectively. From such features of the human leg impedance, it has been made clear that different movement patterns exhibit different impedance patterns and impedance level. This system showed feasibility that lower leg movement could be easily measured by impedance measurement system with a few skin-electrodes.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.116-126
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• 2017

This study applied a segmented hard shell design on knee protectors for children with the objective of increasing mobility. The prototype of the hard shell that does not correspond to movement of the body among components of the knee protector was developed. Surface modeling was conducted based on 3D knee data to enhance comfort through optimized fit on the knee joint where the hard shell would be worn. For this, previous studies on changes in skin near the knee joint during knee flexion were reviewed to establish basic segmental lines. The basic design included six segments, and the number of segments was used as the design variable by increasing or decreasing it to 0, 3, 6, 9, and 14 segments. A prototype was produced from 3D printing with TPU material, worn for wearing assessment. Results revealed fewer numbers of segments resulting in less fit with the body, while actual appearance was stable. Meanwhile, the number of proper segments improved better fit with the body during movement. The wearing assessment revealed the amount of gap reflects change in skin length depending on movement. Assessment results demonstrated basic segment design, S6 with 6 segments, had the best design and most optimized fit. Findings in this study can provide key data for designing knee protection products for children.

• Proceedings of the IEEK Conference
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• 2003.07c
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• pp.2887-2890
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• 2003

This paper describes the possibility of analyzing gait pattern from the variation of the lower leg electrical impedance. This impedance is measured by the four-electrode method. Two current electrodes are applied to the thigh, knee, and foot, and two potential electrodes are applied to the lateral, medial, and posterior position of lower leg. The correlation coefficients of the joint angle and the impedance change from human leg movement was obtained using electrogoniometer and 4ch impedance measurement system developed in this study. We found the optimal electrode position for ankle, knee and hipjoint movements based on high correlation coefficient, least interference, and maximum magnitude of impedance change. The correlation coefficients of the ankle, knee, and the hip movements -0.87, 0.957 and 0.80. respectively. From such features of the lower leg impedance, it has been made clear that different movement patterns exhibit different impedance patterns and impedance level. This system showed possibility that lower leg movement could be easily measured by impedance measurement system with a few skin-electrodes.