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Sensor Architectures and Technologies for Upper Limb 3D Surface Reconstruction: A Review.
Alessandro Paoli1, Paolo Neri1, Armando V Razionale1
1Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino, 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 21, 2020
Summary
3D optical scanning captures upper limb anatomy for custom medical devices. This review categorizes technologies, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses for optimal device design.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
- Rehabilitation Technology
Background:
- 3D digital models of upper limb anatomy are crucial for designing custom orthoses and prostheses using Computer Aided Design (CAD).
- Optical scanning technologies enable surface reconstruction of upper limb anatomy with minimal patient discomfort.
- Challenges in 3D optical scanning include patient hand stability and motion artifacts, necessitating advanced techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art optical technologies and sensor architectures for upper limb surface acquisition.
- To analyze the working principles of existing devices and categorize approaches based on handling, processing, and real-time capabilities.
- To support the selection of appropriate solutions by detailing the strengths and weaknesses of current research methods.
Main Methods:
- Review and analysis of scientific literature on optical technologies for upper limb 3D scanning.
- Categorization of scanning approaches based on practical implementation factors (handling, processing effort, real-time potential).
- In-depth evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of various proposed methods.
Main Results:
- Existing research explores integrating commercial devices into custom sensor architectures and developing novel 3D acquisition techniques.
- Approaches vary in their ability to manage patient movement and minimize artifacts.
- A clear categorization of methods based on usability and real-time scanning potential has been established.
Conclusions:
- The review offers valuable insights into selecting the most suitable optical scanning solution for specific upper limb applications.
- Understanding the trade-offs between different technologies is essential for effective design of patient-specific medical devices.
- Further research may focus on improving stability and reducing artifacts in real-time 3D scanning of the upper limb.
