Back Acupuncture Point Identification via Skeleton Feature Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating back acupuncture points rely on manual marking, which is time-consuming, costly, and prone to subjective errors, leading to low accuracy and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that acquire skeleton key feature points of a human body image to identify back meridians, thoracic and lumbar vertebra positions, and subsequently, back acupuncture points, eliminating the need for manual marking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual marking methods are used to locate acupuncture points, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but the time consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical marking process with an automated computer vision system that uses image processing and deep learning algorithms to automatically identify and locate acupuncture points, eliminating the need for manual intervention while significantly reducing time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the human body surface through image capture and processing, allowing virtual identification and marking of acupuncture points without physical contact or manual marking tools, thus simplifying the equipment while accelerating the process
2Ease of operation
If specialized persons perform manual marking, then the marking can be completed, but the cost and workload increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the computer vision technology performs the marking task independently without requiring specialized human operators, thus maintaining marking completion while eliminating the associated workload and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the marking function from human operators and transfers it to an automated algorithmic system, separating the cognitive task of point identification from manual execution, thereby reducing dependency on specialized personnel
3Ease of operation
If different marking persons are used, then the task can be completed, but inconsistency and accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal automated marking system that applies the same algorithmic criteria consistently across all cases, eliminating variability between different operators and ensuring uniform marking quality and accuracy throughout the process
4Ease of manufacture
If manual marking is used, then the process can be performed, but errors inevitably occur affecting model accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual marking with automated computer vision and deep learning systems that objectively identify acupuncture points based on anatomical features, eliminating subjective human errors and significantly improving the reliability and accuracy of the resulting data models
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for identifying back acupuncture points, and a moxibustion robot are provided, which belong to the technical field of identification of acupuncture points. The method includes: acquiring skeleton key feature points of a human body image, and identifying a plurality of back meridians on a back based on the skeleton key feature points; identifying a plurality of thoracic vertebra positions and a plurality of lumbar vertebra positions of the human body image based on the skeleton key feature points; and identifying back acupuncture points based on the plurality of thoracic vertebra positions, the plurality of lumbar vertebra positions, and the back meridians. Manual marking is not required, and the thoracic vertebra positions and the lumbar vertebra positions are used as references for the back acupuncture points. The accuracies of the identified back acupuncture points are improved.