Nasal Deviation Assessment via 3D Facial Surface Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing nasal asymmetry in nasal reconstruction are time-consuming and inaccurate, relying solely on a surgeon's visual perception, which can lead to sub-optimal outcomes due to the difficulty in making small adjustments for symmetry and function.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for assessing nasal deviation and symmetry using facial surface data processing, involving surface scanning to determine nasal deviation and symmetry measures, with reference surface data alignment and augmented reality annotation for precise correction guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual perception assessment is used for nasal symmetry evaluation, then the assessment method is simple and quick to implement, but the measurement precision is low leading to inaccurate results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual assessment method with an automated optical scanning system. A 3D surface scanner captures facial geometry data, and computer algorithms automatically analyze nasal symmetry and deviation, substituting human visual perception with machine-based measurement systems that provide both ease of operation and high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer-based image processing system as an intermediary between the physical nasal structure and the assessment result. The system uses 3D scanning to capture surface geometry, processes the data through algorithms that compare actual nasal structure against ideal symmetry models, and provides quantitative measurements, serving as a mediating system that bridges physical measurement and analytical assessment.
2Device complexity
If manual visual assessment and adjustment methods are used in the operative environment, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision of nasal symmetry correction is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary 3D scanning and symmetry analysis before the surgical procedure begins. The system pre-calculates the ideal nasal symmetry configuration and provides a roadmap for correction, allowing surgeons to plan precise adjustments in advance rather than relying on intraoperative visual estimation alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual estimation and adjustment with an automated optical measurement and calculation system. The system uses 3D surface scanning, coordinate system transformation, and algorithmic comparison against symmetry models to provide precise quantitative guidance for nasal correction, substituting mechanical manual adjustment with computationally-driven precision.
3Measurement precision
If automated surface scanning and processing is implemented for nasal assessment, then the measurement precision is high, but the device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal 3D surface scanning system that can capture various facial features (nose, eyes, ears, etc.) using the same hardware platform. The image processing algorithms are designed to handle multiple anatomical structures and assessment types, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for specialized equipment for each measurement type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential geometric features needed for symmetry assessment from the complete 3D facial scan. The system identifies and isolates key nasal landmarks and surface points, then performs symmetry analysis on this extracted subset of data rather than processing every point in the full facial scan, reducing computational complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for assessing nasal deviation and symmetry via the processing of facial surface data. Facial surface data may be processed to determine a nasal deviation measure indicative of a lateral deviation between a nasal midline and a facial midplane. The facial surface data may also be processed to determine a measure of nasal symmetry associated with a selected nasal surface region, such as an aesthetic subunit. Nasal deviation and symmetry information based on both measures may then be presented. In some example implementations, a single nasal symmetry measure is generated and present for a given nasal surface region. Reference surface data characterizing a reference symmetrical facial shape and having a defined facial direction relative to a coordinate system may be employed to align the facial surface data prior to the determination of the nasal deviation and nasal symmetry measures.