Modeling and Simulating Virtual Anatomical Humans

Abstract

This chapter presents human musculoskeletal modeling and simulation as a challenging field that lies between biomechanics and computer animation. One of the main goals of computer animation research is to develop algorithms and systems that produce plausible motion. On the other hand, the main challenge of biomechanics is investigating the influence of internal and external forces and stimulators on the biological behavior of different tissues. By combining the two approaches, it is possible to produce real-time animation of a user’s avatar under different activities and to simulate the related biological effects of that activity. In this chapter we review the challenges and issues of modeling, simulating, and animating virtual anatomical humans, as well as an overview of the benefits and limitations of such systems.