TOYOTA DEVELOPS ADVANCED VIRTUAL HUMAN MODEL

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has developed a virtual human model that allows detailed analysis of internal-organ injuries caused by automobile collisions.

Known as THUMS* Version 4, it is a model of an adult male of average build, aged between 30 and 40-plus, with a height of 175 cm and weight of 77 kg.

The latest THUMS adds detailed models of internal organs, which are particularly vulnerable during collisions. Injuries to these organs account for approximately half of all injuries sustained during automobile collisions.

The previous version of THUMS could analyse bone fractures, severed ligaments and injury to brain tissue, but not injuries to other internal organs.

To develop Version 4, TMC worked with outside research institutes including universities, utilising a high-precision computed tomography (CT) scanner to make detailed measurements of the internal structure of the human body.

By creating precise models of various internal organs, as well as the positions of and relations between those organs, TMC created a virtual human model containing approximately 14 times more information than the previous version.

As a result, for analysis of internal injuries, Version 4 can simulate in greater detail how, during a collision, areas of the torso become deformed and internal organs are damaged.

TMC intends to continue to use THUMS for analysing internal injuries resulting from automobile collisions. It will apply the results to developing and improving safety devices such as seatbelts and airbags.

TMC also plans to add models of a small female and a large male to its virtual-human-model line-up - to enable simulation of a wider range of accident situations.

Toyota Technical Development Corporation, a TMC subsidiary, plans to begin selling THUMS Version 4 in the autumn of 2010.


* Name comes from: Total HUman Model for Safety. THUMS allows highly detailed analysis by simulating many characteristics of the human body, ranging from the shape of the body to its skeletal structure and skin. TMC began developing THUMS in 1997 in cooperation with Toyota Central R&D Labs., Inc. Version 1 was completed and commercially launched in 2000, followed in 2004 by Version 2, which added a face and bones to the model. Version 3, launched in 2006, added a precise model of the brain.