Abstract
BACKGROUND
Laser imaging provides an alternative to manual measurements in the collection of general anthropometric surveys focused on 1-D measures. This study aimed to develop a systematic method of comparing manual and digital anthropometric measurements and validate a commercial three-dimensional laser scanner for anthropometric measurements.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this preliminary project is to validate a laser scanner for selected length and girth measurements.
METHODS
A variety of linear and circumferential segmental measures from 20 participants were either extracted from a 3D commercial laser imaging device scans or measured manually. Error between manual and scan-extracted measurements was compared based on ISO20685, and clinical standards. Regression analysis improved the quality of the measurements and residuals were again compared to the standards.
RESULTS
After regression, 7 of the 9 the measurements were within, or close to (two times standard), standards. Error was caused by a combination of image quality issues associated with the laser scanner, as well as algorithmic issues associated with larger participants.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the results are promising, and given the indicated population, a small number of minor improvements may very quickly allow the scanner to collect measurements on a clinical population.
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