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Automated anthropometric phenotyping with novel Kinect-based three-dimensional imaging method: comparison with a
L Soileau1, D Bautista2, C Johnson3
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL, USA.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|September 17, 2015
Summary
Low-cost 3D Kinect systems offer accurate automated anthropometry for large body measurements, comparable to laser scanners. Further development is needed to improve accuracy for smaller body components.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Human Physiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Anthropometry is crucial for clinical research and practice.
- Traditional methods require specialized training.
- Automated 3D imaging offers a new opportunity for body measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare anthropometric measurements from a Kinect-based 3D imaging device with a laser-based 3D reference system.
- To evaluate the accuracy of automated measurements for various body parameters.
Main Methods:
- A hybrid Kinect-based device was evaluated against a high-resolution laser scanner.
- Measurements included linear, circumferential, volumetric, and surface area parameters.
- 101 healthy children and adults of varying body mass index were included.
Main Results:
- Kinect-based device showed high correlations (R²=0.70-0.99) with the laser system for most measurements.
- Differences were small (1-3%) for large body components like height and waist circumference.
- Substantially larger differences were observed for small structures, such as forearm volume (31.3±31.4%).
Conclusions:
- Low-cost 3D Kinect-based systems show potential for automated, accurate anthropometry of large body components.
- Further advancements in hardware and software could enhance resolution for smaller body parts.
