Vision-based prevention of work-related disorders in computer users (PRE-WORK) - Marie Curie FP6 project

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Project overview

Welcome to the PRE-WORK project homepage. This project proposes the development of an intelligent computer-vision based monitoring system that is capable of observing the user at his workplace, analysing his activities, warning him about potentially dangerous working habits and providing him with appropriate relaxational instructions and exercises. Such software could raise the computer user's awareness of work-related health disorders and assist him in taking preventive measures.

Duration: October 2007 - September 2009

Funding: European Commission 6th Framework Programme, Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowship (contract no. 041395)

Contacts: Matjaž Divjak, Horst Bischof

Keywords: work-related disorders, disorder prevention, computer vision, face tracking, eye-blink detection

Abstract: In the European Community more than 40% of the today's working population use computers in their daily work and this number is expected to increase significantly in the next decade. The use of computers is related with static work, constrained sitting and visual problems. As a result, the number of workplace-related illnesses, such as Computer Vision Syndrome, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, etc. is expected to increase accordingly.

To address this issue actions have already been taken in the areas of workplace conditions, ergonomics and education of the employees about the appropriate safety measures. Additionally, recent research projects target the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and psychosocial aspects of work-related disorders (PROCID, NEW). While these efforts will contribute towards safer workplace environment and more ergonomic equipment in the future, they do not have immediate impact on the worker's behaviour at the workplace. With regular breaks from work, eye exercises and relaxational activities most of disorders concerned with operation of computer devices and constrained posture can be avoided. Unfortunately, the majority of population is reluctant to change their workplace habits until first signs of health issues appear. Taking into account that sedentary work related syndromes usually develop over time, the fast increase in computer-related jobs is very concerning.

We propose to design and implement a software tool for intelligent monitoring of computer user's behaviour that is capable of analysing user's activities and providing appropriate health-risk warnings, suggestions and exercises. Information about the user is acquired by a computer display mounted camera and processed using a combination of 2D and 3D techniques for fast tracking of upper body parts. The project is strongly inter- and multidisciplinary, as it integrates different areas of computer vision, occupational medicine and advanced user interface design. It is hoped that such tool will contribute to safer computer work, within the European Union as well as world-wide.

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