Effect of Subjective and Objective Workload on Asthenopia at VDU Workplaces

An ergophthalmological tool has been developed to investigate effects of subjective and objective workload on work-related visual complaints (asthenopia). In field studies on different visual display unit (VDU) workplaces effects of objective and subjective workload, work intensity, and work breaks (5-9 min/hour) could be found. It could be shown that during the first hours of VDU work, asthenopic complaints have the tendency to follow effective workload. With increasing working time the effect of a general and visual fatigue overlaps other reported visual complaints in the majority of cases.     

Visual Costs of the Inhomogeneity of Luminance and Contrast by Viewing LCD-TFT Screens Off-Axis

In this study the anisotropic characteristics of TFT-LCD (Thin-Film-Transistor- Liquid Crystal Display) screens were examined. Anisotropy occurs as the distribution of luminance and contrast changes over the screen surface due to different viewing angles. On the basis of detailed photometric measurements the detection performance in a visual reaction task was measured in different viewing conditions. Viewing angle (0°, frontal view; 30°, off-axis; 50°, off-axis) as well as ambient lighting (a dark or illuminated room) were varied. Reaction times and accuracy of detection performance were recorded. Results showed TFT’s anisotropy to be a crucial factor deteriorating performance. With an increasing viewing angle performance decreased. It is concluded that TFT’s anisotropy is a limiting factor for overall suitability and usefulness of this new display technology.     

Visual Strain and Lighting Preferences of VDT Users Under Different Lighting Systems

Lighting influences users’ visual strain and well-being. Therefore creating lighting that ensures visual work conditions do not result in visual fatigue is a preventive activity. The aim of the study was to model different lighting systems for visual display terminal (VDT) work and to determine their influence on users’ visual strain and preferences. The results of the study showed that visual fatigue was lowest for indirect and compound lighting systems. On the other hand, in general, direct lighting realized by “dark-light” luminaires was the most preferred lighting system. Some interesting differences related to age, gender, and VDT work experience were found. On the basis of the obtained results lighting designers can be provided with some guidance.     

视屏显示终端作业的健康问题及其对策

视屏显示终端作业不仅提高了人—机—环境系统的信息传递效率。减轻了操作者的劳动负荷,也带来了若干有损健康的问题,如眼睛疲劳,职业性肌肉骨骼慢性疾患,职业性应激。对此进行讨论。提出对策,并就开展我国VDT作业健康研究阐述了看法。     

基于疲劳模式识别的VDT作业工间休息机制*

为保障作业人员身心健康和作业效率,运用E-Prime软件模拟认知性VDT持续作业,通过方差分析提出作业疲劳综合评价指标体系,并使用客观绩效指标和生理指标作为输入变量,主观疲劳综合指数作为输出变量,训练BP神经网络,对作业疲劳进行模式识别;提出认知性VDT持续作业工间休息机制。结果表明:通过正确反应时间、注视时间、瞳孔直径、眨眼频率4项指标,对VDT持续作业疲劳进行模式识别的结果可信度较高。因此,基于上述4项指标提出的工间休息机制客观有效。     

The Effect of an Ergonomic Intervention on Musculoskeletal,Psychosocial and Visual Strain of VDT Entry Work: Organization and Methodology of the International Study

This special issue of the International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics (JOSE) reports the results from an extensive multinational and multidisciplinary collaborative investigation of the impacts on visual display terminal (VDT) work of musculoskeletal, visual, ergonomic, and psychosocial factors. For brevity, this effort has been referred to as the MEPS project (musculoskeletal—eyestrain—psychosocial—stress). This paper lays out the basic methodological structure of the study. The study was conducted in 4 countries utilizing VDT data entry workers as the primary subject population. A battery of objective and subject assessment measures, including muscle load, visual function, physical and visual strain, postural, ergonomic and psychosocial factors, were assessed at 3 different points in time. A pre-test was given prior to an ergonomic intervention. Two post-tests were given 1 month and 1 year after the ergonomic intervention.     

Perceived Discomfort and Electromyographic Activity of the Upper Trapezius While Working at a VDT Station

Ten female participants performed work at a video display terminal (VDT) station over a whole working day. Subjective local muscular fatigue was evaluated by means of the Category Ratio 10 scale. Electromyographic activity of the upper right and left trapezius was measured. A comparison was made between 5 participants who had previous complaints and 5 participants who reported no musculoskeletal problems in the shoulder-neck region. The subjective scores for the shoulder differed significantly between the two groups, being higher for the group with complaints. Both groups showed a decrease in discomfort after the lunch break. The activity of the trapezius increased significantly for both groups, in a more pronounced way for the group with disorders. Although it is found in literature that VDT work is a task with very low static loads, it seems from this study that the EMG activity increase can be an indication of muscle fatigue: More effort was required to accomplish the same VDT task at the end of the day.     

合理构建视频显示终端(VDT)作业疲劳工间休息制度

为了减少VDT(视频显示终端)作业对操作者健康的负面影响,合理地安排工作和休息时间以及设计良好的工作环境有助于减轻、缓解或消除VDT作业的疲劳。通过多项VDT数据输入作业实验,依据作业者作业能力变动的规律性,对不同类型的VDT作业者可能需要设置不同的工间休息制度。经过对实验数据的分析,数据输入的工作主要是信息接受和信息输出,属于事务性脑力劳动。只要合理地安排工作和休息时间以及设计良好的工作环境,就可以减少VDT对眼睛、骨骼及肌肉的疾患发生。     

An Attempt at Preventing Asthenopia Among VDT Workers

We report the results of 3 surveys of visual display terminal (VDT) users who took a minibreak during which they viewed a stereoscopic image of a repeating parallel pattern showing planets. The single image stereogram method employed is called Stretch Eye^TM, and we evaluated the effects of Stretch Eye^TM on asthenopia. An accommodative relaxation of about 1 D was observed in participants while they were gazing at the image. The employees of 2 information technology companies were evaluated according to a visual analogue scale (VAS) for subjective symptoms of asthenopia and eyesight. The results showed that Stretch Eye^TM was effective in easing visual fatigue due to VDT work and it improved eyesight under working conditions.     

The effect of an ergonomic intervention on musculoskeletal, psychosocial and visual strain of VDT entry work: organization and methodology of the international study.

This special issue of the International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics (JOSE) reports the results from an extensive multinational and multidisciplinary collaborative investigation of the impacts on visual display terminal (VDT) work of musculoskeletal, visual, ergonomic, and psychosocial factors. For brevity, this effort has been referred to as the MEPS project (musculoskeletal--eyestrain--psychosocial--stress). This paper lays out the basic methodological structure of the study. The study was conducted in 4 countries utilizing VDT data entry workers as the primary subject population. A battery of objective and subject assessment measures, including muscle load, visual function, physical and visual strain, postural, ergonomic and psychosocial factors, were assessed at 3 different points in time. A pre-test was given prior to an ergonomic intervention. Two post-tests were given 1 month and 1 year after the ergonomic intervention.     

驾驶机舱LED灯光色温与人员警觉度关系仿真实验研究

为了探讨驾驶机舱内LED灯光色温与人员警觉度的联系,在A320模拟驾驶舱内设置2 500～2 700 K,3 000～3 200 K,6 000～6 500 K 3种不同色温的LED灯光环境,采用卡斯罗林嗜睡量表（KSS）、闪光融合临界频率仪（CFF）、视觉舒适度评分量表（VCS）,对5名被试人员在不同灯光环境的疲劳程度和视觉舒适度进行实时测量。针对测量结果,采用方差分析及描述性统计的数据分析方法,评价被试人员于不同灯光环境下的疲劳程度、视觉舒适度的差异性及变化情况。研究结果表明:高色温LED灯光环境下,人员的主观嗜睡感受及客观疲劳感受较低,且有着较低的疲劳感受增长率;高色温LED光源下人员的视觉舒适度也较高;增高LED灯光色温可一定程度上提升人员的警觉性。     

基于结构方程模型的认知性VDT作业过程解析*

为实现通过过程控制和管理提高认知性视觉显示终端（VDT）作业人员可靠性和绩效的目标,应用结构方程模型（SEM）研究作业过程表征方法。构建认知性VDT作业的信息加工过程模型,抽取13个基本认知动素（CT）,提出CT概念结构模型假设,设计外显指标测试题项,运用问卷调查样本数据构建结构方程和测量方程;对测量数据与结构方程模型的拟合度进行分析,并训练BP神经网络模式识别模型对作业过程进行还原检验。结果表明:认知性VDT作业过程模型有效,元认知控制其他12个CT的结构关系成立,认知性VDT作业过程可由包括元认知在内的13个基本CT解析。     

Characteristics of Muscular Load in Computer Data Entry Workers Assessed by EMG and Postural Angles

The goal of this study was to characterize the muscular load in computer data entry workers. Electromyography (EMG) parameters of trapezius muscle and postural angles of head, arm, and back were chosen as indicators of musculoskeletal load. The examination was done according to the methods and protocol of international MEPS studies (the “Musculoskeletal, Visual, and Psychosocial Load in VDT [Video Display Terminal] Operators in Optimized Environment” international program). The musculoskeletal load during routine VDT data entry work performed by a group of 36 women was assessed on the basis of 1-hr physiometer recordings. Results show that the musculoskeletal load associated with data entry is relatively high compared to other VDT operators’ tasks described in the literature. An analysis of the measured parameters shows that most of the time women worked with a muscular load higher than optimal. It is postulated that the main reason for the heavy musculoskeletal load was improper posture compelled by unergonomic spatial configuration of work stands.     

Anthropometric evaluation of cockpit designs

The objective of this research is to evaluate all the critical reaches in a cockpit and determine the visual sufficiency of a cockpit to accommodate 90% of potential pilots. While mismatches of measurements with cockpit dimensions are revealed, proposals are made to improve cockpit ergonomics. Regression models were generated to predict and assure adequate exterior vision. Mean, lower and upper control limits of all measurements were found acceptable except eye level. There are very strong positive relationships between stature and eye level (R²?=?0.972, p?R²?=?0.994, p?SD smaller than the eye level mean or seating adjustment limits in height may be changed. In general, cockpit design is acceptable in terms of fit/reach accommodation for pilots, except eye level and visual variables that could be solved by better seat adjustments.     

时间压力视角下人格特征与VDT视觉搜索绩效的关系及形成机理*

为合理选拔和培训特定情境下的视觉搜索安检人员,从时间压力视角分析大五人格特征与视觉显示终端（visual display terminal,VDT）的视觉搜索绩效的关系。通过变量分析和设计,提出VDT视觉搜索绩效影响因素理论模型;运用Visual Studio设计实验模拟视觉搜索安检任务,采集绩效及眼动数据;最后进行有中介的调节模型检验。研究结果表明:不同人格特征的VDT视觉搜索绩效存在差异;所有人格特征的搜索策略随机指数随时间压力的增加而降低,但调整强度在不同人格特征之间存在差异,严谨性人格调整幅度最大;时间压力通过搜索策略的中介作用（部分）间接调节人格特征与VDT视觉搜索绩效的关系;较高和较低时间压力下,严谨性人格通过有效的搜索策略调整,绩效最好;中等时间压力下,开放性人格的绩效最好。研究结果可为视觉搜索作业人员的选拔和培训提供理论依据。     

受限空间屏幕作业视觉疲劳研究

为了探究有限空间内光照对屏幕作业视觉疲劳影响,选取实验人员在受限空间平台内进行模拟屏幕作业。实验结果表明:在有限空间内作业,300 lx为理想的照明条件,并且在较昏暗（0~100 lx）的情况下,视觉能力下降的最快;光照强度的强弱对疲劳有明显的影响,在光线较暗的环境中闭眼时长明显高于正常光线（300 lx）时和较亮（750 lx）环境的闭眼时长,在作业30~60 min时,男女表现差异明显;黑暗环境更能造成作业人员疲劳,男性在黑暗环境中的视觉适应能力优于女性。同时做出推断,闭眼波动性增大的时间点推测为疲劳关键点,应该对该时刻工作的人员提醒或提前进行休息,避免该时刻出现。研究结论可为关于视觉疲劳眼动设备的开发提供理论支撑。     

Effects of Neutral Posture on Muscle Tension During Computer Use

This study focused on developing a new approach to seated work positions as conducted on 67 office workers who use a Visual Display Terminal (VDT) as a major function of their working day. Muscle tension was measured by surface electromyography (sEMG) while participants were asked to adopt 4 selected working postures. Pain was measured before and after ergonomic intervention on the Nordic scale, which was modified for this study. Adjustable workstations were used to place participants in desired positions during the clinical testing sessions and the extended intervention period. Results indicate the effects of this ergonomic intervention may have positive effects on muscle tension and pain, significant enough to encourage employers to implement training and workstation modifications following these guidelines.     

基于MATLAB分析的城市道路照明环境比

基于驾驶员在行驶过程中的注意力大部分集中在车辆的正前方,忽略了道路两侧的情况的视觉特性,更容易引发交通事故的问题。环境比为评价路边物体可视度的指标,为了保证评价的准确性,尤其是保障夜间行驶的良好视觉环境,可以根据路灯设置的基本原则及照明强度与可见度的关联特性,使用MATLAB(矩阵实验室)对环境比进行模拟分析,从理论的角度研究其相关的影响因素,提出了采取减小灯具倾斜角、缩短灯具悬臂悬挑长度以及增加路灯灯杆安装位置与路缘石的距离等措施可以提高道路照明环境比的观点,可以作为路灯改造工程、路灯灯具外形的设计以及夜间行驶事故分析的理论基础。     

基于模糊评价的VDT系统搜索策略绩效形成机理研究

为优化视觉显示终端（VDT）结构性搜索界面的布局,提高作业绩效和安全,设计了VDT系统搜索实验,构建了搜索目标位置在4个主观偏好指标下的Pythagorean模糊集决策矩阵,运用交互式多准则决策（TODIM）法计算各目标位置偏好的总体优势度并排序;同时对VDT系统搜索实验中各目标位置的绩效进行方差分析并排序,分析系统搜索策略下作业者对目标位置的主观偏好与绩效之间的关系。研究结果表明:基于系统搜索策略的VDT作业绩效在不同目标位置差异显著;导致绩效差异的根本原因是作业者对搜索目标位置的主观偏好度,而不是搜索目标的位置属性;除中心区域外,偏好度高的区域搜索绩效要优于偏好度低的区域。     

Postural and Muscular Responses While Viewing Different Heights of Screen

This study aimed to examine the effects of visual display terminal (VDT) viewing angle on human postural angle and muscular activity. The participants’ neck, thoracic bending, and trunk inclination angles; and the activity of sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, splenius capitis, and erector spinae at 5 viewing angles (+40°, +20°,0°, –20°, and –40°) of a VDT screen were collected for 1 min. This study showed that neck and thoracic bending angles increased with viewing angle, while viewing angle did not significantly affect trunk inclination angle. In addition, the activity of trapezius and erector spinae increased when viewing a higher or lower VDT screen height compared with viewing a horizontal VDT screen height; however, the activity of splenius capitis decreased with viewing angle.