A method for automatic analysis of scanned 3D models of human hands and feet

Abstract

The automatic analysis of 3D models of hands and feet could be useful in many areas. The main idea of the proposed method is to create cross section 2D images of the scanned 3D model that could be later analysed usin g any image processing algorithms. These cross section 2D images are created by placing any number of parallel planes inside the 3D model and calculating the intersections between the 3D model and the plane. The cross section images could then be used to create a bone structure of the scanned 3D model by using any existing image processing algorithms in order to find the central points of the 3D model in each cross section image and connecting these points between the consecutive cross section images. This bone structure could then be used to determine the orientation of the scanned model in 3D space in order to create more cross section images at specific locations as well as acquiring basic information about the shape of the hand or foot or which fingers are missing that could be used when creating the 3D model of the prosthesis. However, acquiring accurate dimensional information about the scanned 3D model would require additional input from the user to define the scale of the 3D model.