Comparison of a Novel Surface Laser Scanning Anthropometric Technique to Traditional Methods for Facial Parameter Measurements

Abstract

This study was designed to determine if three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning techniques could be used to collect accurate anthropometric measurements, compared with traditional methods. The use of an alternative 3D method would allow for quick collection of data that could be used to change the parameters used for facepiece design, improving fit and protection for a wider variety of faces. In our study, 10 facial dimensions were collected using both the traditional calipers and tape method and a Konica-Minolta Vivid9i laser scanner. Scans were combined using RapidForm XOR software to create a single complete facial geometry of the subject as a triangulated surface with an associated texture image from which to obtain measurements. A paired t-test was performed on subject means in each measurement by method. Nine subjects were used in this study: five males (one African-American and four Caucasian females) and four females displaying a range of facial dimensions. Five measurements showed significant differences (p<0.05), with most accounted for by subject movements or amended by scanning technique modifications. Laser scanning measurements showed high precision and accuracy when compared with traditional methods. Significant differences found can be very small changes in measurements and are unlikely to present a practical difference. The laser scanning technique demonstrated reliable and quick anthropometric data collection for use in future projects in redesigning respirators.

Take away body parts! An investigation into the use of 3D‐printed anatomical models in undergraduate anatomy education

“…To carry out 3D printing, it necessary to possess a digital representation of the object. For anatomical structures, this model can either be: created “ de novo ” using computer‐design, derived from three‐dimensional medical imaging techniques: computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, generated using 3D surface scanning (Joe et al, ; Shui et al, ), or sourced as freeware on‐line. If using CT/MR data sets it is possible to isolate either a certain anatomical structure or group of anatomical structures; this is known as thresholding.…”

A Novel Algorithm for Determining Contact Area Between a Respirator and a Headform

“…(13) Each of five headform prototypes from the experiments had exactly the same surface geometry as the matching digital headform developed by NIOSH. Thus, the method proposed in this article overcame the disadvantages of the method of Joe et al (16) …”

“…(16) A 3D laser scanner captured the head surfaces of subjects. Reverse engineering software processed the scanned data and determined anthropometric dimensions.…”

Facial landmark localization by curvature maps and profile analysis

“…Thus, it is reliable and appropriate for the clinical assessment of facial morphometry in all three planes of space. Various studies have demonstrated that the use of laser scanning, which is a simple and minimal-invasive recording technique, provides a more accurate and precise analysis of craniofacial morphology, compared to the use of anthropometry, cephalometry, and imaging [ 11 – 14 ]. Optical laser scanning has been clinically used for the assessment of soft-tissue changes accompanying orthodontic treatment [ 15 – 18 ], as well as for the evaluation of nose and lip morphology in subjects with Down syndrome [ 19 ].…”