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3D Body Imaging
'The advent of 3D laser scanning has enabled rapid and precise measurements of the human phenotype within a few seconds. The subsequent ‘point cloud’ data can be rendered into a shell
which effectively captures the shape of an individual which can be subsequently analysed using sophisticated statistical methods. Such measurements were originally designed for use in the
automotive, aviation and clothing industries, but have clear utility in the realm of human health.... Assessing phonotype using basic anthropometry is relatively inexpensive, possibly a little intrusive for the participant, and provides some useful data which relates to health. Medical imaging, on the other hand, provides far greater detail at far greater cost and inconvenience. The cost-benefit relationship of these alternative approaches may be a question of health economics, but the arguments to date have not included 3D laser scanning.' Stewart et al., 2009
Robert Gordon University engaged in a rental agreement with Hamamatsu UK to lease the Hamamatsu Body Line Scanner 9036 model (Hamamatsu Photonics, Japan) which uses class 1
lasers of 690 nm to triangulate the body position in a standard pose. This enables body shape to be quantified for linear and curved distances, cross sectional areas and segmental volumes. To date, research using the scanner has included workshops for design researchers, engineers, and research studies for precision error, waist shape, weight loss, and with eating disordered patients. Future work will expand on these areas, link with the motion capture lab and expertise in Health Sciences, and consider a range of health issues relating to shape.
1. Stewart, A.D., Nevill, A.M. and Johnstone, A.M. 2009. Shape change assessed by 3D laser scanning following weight loss in obese men. In Kinanthropometry XI: 2008 Pre-Olympic Congress Anthropometry Research. Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand, pp. 20-24.
2. Stewart, A.D. (2010) Kinanthropometry and Body Composition: a natural home for 3D photonic scanning. Journal of Sports Sciences 28, 455-457.
3. Stewart, A.D. Nevill, A.M. Stephen R. and Young, J. (2010) Waist size and shape assessed by 3D photonic scanning, . International Journal of Body Composition Research, 8(4) 123-129.
