Seat support surface optimization using force feedback.

The development, implementation and evaluation of an algorithm designed to find optimal seat support surfaces is presented. The algorithm has been developed and implemented on an active contour measurement device. The device consists of an array of positioning elements equipped with force sensors for feedback. With a patient seated on the array, the algorithm is designed to find a seat contour that optimally satisfies given performance criteria. The performance criteria are based on measured stiffness of the soft tissues. A theoretical development of the algorithm is presented along with the modifications made to the algorithm during implementation. The results from several tests using man-made test bodies and a prototype contour gage are presented to verify the algorithm's performance.