Digital/Virtual humans are models of people based on scans, algorithms, and detailed motion-capture data taken from real human volunteers. Their application goes far beyong blockbuster movie and game effects.
Virtual humans are now used to test products before they are produced. An operator instructs the virtual person to interact with digital prototypes based on CAD (computer assisted design) product models, replicating how a human would engage with it in the real world. Human modeling today is so refined, a physical prototype becomes unnecessary, resulting in savings in manufacturing and materials costs.
The well known company Caterpillar, which manufactures heavy equipment, uses a digital human called Santos for testing:
"They (Caterpillar) have an interest in serviceability and mental ability," said Abdel-Malek. "We can ask Santos to change an oil filter on a dump truck or some similar task. As he goes about doing the job, we can query any part of his body functions, such as heart rate, temperature, muscle load and others. At the same time, we can watch him work onscreen and observe any problems he might encounter." (Wired, Feb. 22, 2006)
The U.S. Army also uses Santos for testing new designs for body armor and other protective gear. When Santos moves in response to commands, information is relayed regarding his heart rate, comfort level, restrictiveness of the outfit, and joint angles.
Digital human models are becoming more accurate, thanks to projects such as Visible Human:
"Digital modeling of the human body will continue to be refined. One project known as the Visible Human is providing information gleaned from reducing a cadaver to slices only 0.3 mm wide. Resolutions down to the cellular level -- or eventually the atomic scale -- could mean almost limitless scenarios for virtual humans, including forensics and accident reconstruction." (Wired, Feb. 22, 2006)
The positive impact of reducing the amount of human and, eventually, animal testing of products means a bright future for virtual human modeling.
For details and information see:
Cashing In on Virtual Humans
Virtual Soldier Research
Visible Human Project