Mobile Digital Anthropometer for Postural Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring anatomical dimensions, such as postural screening and body composition analysis, are time-consuming and imprecise, often requiring external equipment and specialized facilities, limiting their efficiency and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A digital anthropometer system on a mobile device captures and digitizes 2D or 3D images of the human body, using a touch screen and positional devices like gyroscopes and accelerometers to measure dimensions accurately without external equipment, enabling precise anatomical predictions and postural analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional tape measure or caliper anthropometer methods are used to manually record measurements, then measurement capability is achieved, but measurement time is excessive and measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tape measure and caliper anthropometer with a digital imaging system consisting of a camera, display device, and computer program. The system captures digital images of the patient, displays them on a screen, and automatically calculates measurements by detecting distances between anatomical landmarks. This substitution of mechanical measurement tools with optical-digital systems eliminates manual recording errors and significantly reduces measurement time while improving precision through automated image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the patient's body by capturing images with a camera and displaying them on a screen. Instead of directly measuring the physical body with tape measures, the system works with a digital replica (image) of the body. Anatomical landmarks are identified on this digital copy, and measurements are calculated from the image data. This copying approach allows for repeated, consistent measurements without physical contact and enables automated analysis.
2Measurement precision
If external equipment such as vertical backdrop and plumb line framework is used for postural screening, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the complex external framework equipment (vertical backdrop, plumb lines, grid-work) and consolidates it into a portable digital device. Instead of requiring a fixed facility with specialized equipment, the system uses a camera, display, and computer program that can be operated in various settings. The critical elements (image capture, display, and measurement calculation) are separated from the unnecessary infrastructure, enabling simplified operation without sacrificing measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can perform multiple functions (capturing images, displaying them, calculating measurements, analyzing posture) within a single integrated device. Unlike traditional systems that require separate equipment for each function (backdrop for reference, plumb lines for vertical alignment, separate measurement tools), this system combines all functions in one portable device, making it adaptable to different environments and easier to operate.
3Measurement precision
If traditional manual measurement methods are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement and analysis by capturing images and immediately processing them through the computer program. Instead of interrupting the workflow to manually record each measurement with tape measures, the system continuously captures image data, automatically calculates measurements by detecting anatomical landmarks, and provides results without interruption. This continuous automated processing significantly improves productivity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically capturing images, identifying anatomical landmarks, calculating measurements, and generating results without requiring manual intervention for each measurement step. The computer program autonomously processes the image data and provides measurements, eliminating the need for examiners to manually measure and record each dimension, thereby dramatically improving measurement efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile, hand-held communication device with a digital display, and a 3D camera for acquiring a three-dimensional image of the human body is programmed to function as a digital anthropometer. The user digitizes anatomical landmarks on the displayed image to quickly obtain anatomical measurements which are used with a known morphological relationship to make an anatomical prediction for clothing measurement, body composition, orthotic and insert manufacturing, and postural displacement with accuracy and without external equipment.