Professional Camera Research Articles

How to improve photographs with smartphones for oral telemedicine

Photographic images are an essential tool in oral medicine practice, even though their value is conditioned by their quality. Digital photography using smartphones (SPhs) has had many advances, nowadays allowing the acquisition of high-quality pictures. Compared to professional cameras, it has advantages and disadvantages. The latter comprise photographs out of focus, poorly framed, and lighting problems due to shadows, artifacts, and color alterations, among other problems mainly mediated by the operator. Such defects can limit the proper interpretation of the image representing the patient’s condition. This perspective aims to describe the basic concepts of photography and the functional features of SPhs. This will allow programming those devices properly for oral telemedicine (OTM), understanding their limitations, and correcting errors for the photographs to be used effectively. We also include empirical solutions and illustrations showing that photography with SPhs could be easily executable by any health professional and even by the patients themselves.

Coincidence of the facial and maxillary dental midlines in the Peruvian population. A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to determine the percentage of perfect and acceptable coincidence between the facial and maxillary dental midlines in individuals from Peru. This was a cross-sectional study of a group of Peruvian individuals gathered from private offices in Lima, Peru, from January to June 2024. A total of 279 patients (133 males and 146 females) aged between 18 and 30 were included. We selected patients with permanent teeth up to their second molars, while those with gaps between their front teeth, ongoing or previous orthodontic treatment, or any craniofacial anomalies were excluded. Using a professional camera, we took frontal photographs of the participants at rest and while smiling. The facial morphological index was used to classify facial biotypes into three categories: mesofacial, dolichofacial, and brachyfacial. We then used the PowerPoint program to analyze perfect and accepted coincidence (deviation to either side of up to 2 mm) between the facial and dental midline. The data was analyzed by chi-square tests and binary logistic regression (p>0.05). Perfect coincidence of the dental midline was present in 23.3% of the cases, while an accepted coincidence was observed in 95.7% of the individuals. When considering facial structure, the percentage of alignment of the maxillary dental midline (perfect or accepted) with the facial midline did not show a significant association (p=0.145, p=0.870, respectively). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the percentage of alignment between men and women (p=0.241 for perfect coincidence, p=0.322 for accepted alignment). Most Peruvian individuals assessed had an accepted coincidence (up to 2 mm) between the facial midline and the maxillary dental midline, although it is not always perfect. In these cases, orthodontic treatment is needed for optimal occlusal relationships and stable facial esthetics. Key words:Esthetics, Facial midline, maxillary dental midline, Peruvian.

An alternative approach for increasing the visibility of roads

Visibility problems occur on highways that are not sufficiently illuminated at night, endangering traffic safety. Phosphor material, which has a natural glow feature under ultraviolet (UV) light, is planned to increase road visibility in areas with inadequate lighting. Phosphor powder (PP) was used in four different percentages (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) as fillers in hot mix asphalt (HMA), reduced to filler size. Asphalt specimens were prepared using a super pave gyratory compactor and super pave volumetric mixture design. Compacted specimens were exposed to artificial 12V UV light for 10-minute intervals in a dark room, and UV light absorption was observed. Visibility analyses were performed on the specimens by taking high-resolution photos with long exposure from a distance of approximately 30 cm from the asphalt specimen using a professional camera. According to the analysis results, the visibility values increased by 200.4%, 378.5%, 538.1%, and 728.5% compared to the reference specimen for substitution rates of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, respectively. Experiments were conducted to determine the behavior of the specimens prepared as phosphorus substitutes in the mixture. After selecting the optimum binder contents, the modified Lottman test procedure was applied to measure the specimens' strength values and moisture sensitivity prepared at optimum ratios. The indirect tensile test results show that the 25% PP-substituted specimen had a better strength value. The tensile strength ratio (TSR) value, the ratio of dry and wet tensile stresses, was determined to have minor moisture sensitivity in the 50% PP-substituted specimen. HWTT was applied to the specimen containing 50% PP content, which exhibited the best TSR ratio, resulting in improved rutting performance compared to the reference specimen.

A ROI Extraction Method for Wrist Imaging Applied in Smart Bone-Age Assessment System.

Bone Age (BA) is reckoned to be closely associated with the growth and development of teenagers, whose assessment highly depends on the accurate extraction of the reference bone from the carpal bone. Being uncertain in its proportion and irregular in its shape, wrong judgment and poor average extraction accuracy of the reference bone will no doubt lower the accuracy of Bone Age Assessment (BAA). In recent years, machine learning and data mining are widely embraced in smart healthcare systems. Using these two instruments, this article aims to tackle the aforementioned problems by proposing a Region of Interest (ROI) extraction method for wrist X-ray images based on optimized YOLO model. The method combines Deformable convolution-focus (Dc-focus), Coordinate attention (Ca) module, Feature level expansion, and Efficient Intersection over Union (EIoU) loss all together as YOLO-DCFE. With the improvement, the model can better extract the features of irregular reference bone and reduce the potential misdiscrimination between the reference bone and other similarly shaped reference bones, improving the detection accuracy. We select 10041 images taken by professional medical cameras as the dataset to test the performance of YOLO-DCFE. Statistics show the advantages of YOLO-DCFE in detection speed and high accuracy. The detection accuracy of all ROIs is 99.8%, which is higher than other models. Meanwhile, YOLO-DCFE is the fastest of all comparison models, with the Frames Per Second (FPS) reaching 16.

The nasoalveolar molding technique versus DynaCleft nasal elevator application in infants with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

The introduction of presurgical nasoalveolar molding represented a significant departure from traditional molding methods. Developed by Grayson and colleagues in 1993, this technique combines an intraoral molding device with a nasal molding stent. This study aimed to compare the Grayson nasoalveolar molding appliance versus DynaCleft appliance as two methods of presurgical nasoalveolar molding. A single-blinded, randomized, parallel-arm clinical trial was conducted. Sixteen infants with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate were enrolled and divided into two groups of eight. Group 1 was treated with a modified Grayson nasoalveolar molding appliance that included a nasal stent, while group 2 was treated with DynaCleft elastic adhesive tape and an external nasal elevator. Standardized digital photographs of each infant were taken at baseline and post-treatment using a professional camera. Nine extraoral anthropometric measurements were obtained from each image using image measurement software. The modified Grayson nasoalveolar appliance demonstrated a more significant improvement compared to DynaCleft in terms of alar length projection (on both sides), columella angle, and nasal tip projection. Symmetry ratios also showed enhancement, with significant improvements observed in nasal width, nasal basal width, and alar length projection (p< 0.05). Both the modified Grayson nasoalveolar appliance and DynaCleft appear to be effective presurgical infant orthopedics treatment options, demonstrating improvements in nasolabial aesthetics. The modified Grayson appliance, equipped with a nasal stent, improved nasal symmetry more effectively than DynaCleft, resulting in a straighter columella and a more medially positioned nasal tip.

Anti-hair loss effect of a shampoo containing caffeine and adenosine.

Hair loss is a widespread health problem that affects numerous individuals and is associated with age, lack of sleep, stress, endocrine problems, and other problems. Caffeine exerts various pharmacological effects, particularly after ingestion. The caffeine-induced inhibition of phosphodiesterases can increase intracellular cAMP concentrations, ultimately resulting in stimulatory effects on cell metabolism and proliferation. Hence, caffeine has been confirmed to inhibit hair loss caused by premature termination of the hair growth phase. Adenosine also improves hair loss by stimulating hair growth and thickening hair shafts. However, further empirical evidence is required to comprehensively assess the efficacy of hair loss treatment and prevention using a formulation of caffeine and adenosine in specific proportions in shampoos. This study aimed to evaluate a shampoo with caffeine and adenosine as a daily scalp care product for hair loss in 77 subjects aged 18-60 years. The overall and local hair densities were assessed using professional cameras and dermoscopes at different magnifications and distances. Five hairs that came off the participant's head were randomly selected to measure hair diameter. The self-assessment questionnaires were filled on third month of product use. The combination of caffeine and adenosine in the shampoo significantly enhanced hair density compared to that of the baseline. The results revealed a significant reduction in hair loss. The hair diameters of the subjects did not change significantly. Most of the participants (71.05%) were satisfied with their hair after using the product. Shampoos containing caffeine and adenosine have been demonstrated to exert therapeutic benefits for reducing hair loss.

Effects of housing systems on behaviour and welfare of autochthonous laying hens and a commercial hybrid

The welfare of laying hens is crucial for a sustainable and ethical food industry. Free-range systems offer a more natural and stimulating environment, while dual-purpose autochthonous breeds and crossbreeding could address ethical concerns and improve productivity. In this study, behaviour, plumage status, and leg health of five genotypes (two local breeds, two crossbreeds with a medium growth hybrid, and one commercial hybrid) in two different housing systems (enriched cage/free-range) were evaluated. The animals were filmed with professional cameras for three consecutive days at 30 and 64 weeks of age. Each day the recording session lasted 20 minutes, resulting in a total of 120 minutes per pen (20 min X 6 days recorded). A total of 16 behaviours divided into six categories (feeding, movement, social, resting, comfort, stretching) were scored. In addition, the tonic immobility test was performed, and the plumage status and footpad dermatitis of the birds were assessed. The results revealed a significant influence of the housing system on the behaviour, plumage status, and foot health of laying hens. While the housing system affected all behaviours, mainly feeding and comfort behaviours were influenced by the genotype of the hens and the interaction between the housing system and genotype. All genotypes displayed a similar behavioural pattern within the two housing systems, except for the commercial hybrid, which differed in its behaviour from the others adapting better to the enriched cage environment. In particular, the free-range system provided hens with more opportunities to engage in movement and comfort behaviour, and social interactions. Furthermore, hens in the free-range system exhibited better plumage conditions and lower rates of footpad dermatitis, indicating a positive impact on their overall welfare.

Fusion of Multimodal Imaging and 3D Digitization Using Photogrammetry.

Multimodal sensors capture and integrate diverse characteristics of a scene to maximize information gain. In optics, this may involve capturing intensity in specific spectra or polarization states to determine factors such as material properties or an individual's health conditions. Combining multimodal camera data with shape data from 3D sensors is a challenging issue. Multimodal cameras, e.g., hyperspectral cameras, or cameras outside the visible light spectrum, e.g., thermal cameras, lack strongly in terms of resolution and image quality compared with state-of-the-art photo cameras. In this article, a new method is demonstrated to superimpose multimodal image data onto a 3D model created by multi-view photogrammetry. While a high-resolution photo camera captures a set of images from varying view angles to reconstruct a detailed 3D model of the scene, low-resolution multimodal camera(s) simultaneously record the scene. All cameras are pre-calibrated and rigidly mounted on a rig, i.e., their imaging properties and relative positions are known. The method was realized in a laboratory setup consisting of a professional photo camera, a thermal camera, and a 12-channel multispectral camera. In our experiments, an accuracy better than one pixel was achieved for the data fusion using multimodal superimposition. Finally, application examples of multimodal 3D digitization are demonstrated, and further steps to system realization are discussed.

3D reconstruction of spherical images based on incremental structure from motion

ABSTRACT 3D reconstruction plays an increasingly important role in modern photogrammetric systems. Conventional satellite or aerial-based remote sensing (RS) platforms can provide the necessary data sources for the 3D reconstruction of large-scale landforms and cities. Even with low-altitude UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), 3D reconstruction in complicated situations, such as urban canyons and indoor scenes, is challenging due to the frequent tracking failures of camera frames and high data collection costs. Recently, spherical images have been extensively exploited due to the capability of recording surrounding environments using one camera exposure. Classical 3D reconstruction pipelines, however, cannot be used for spherical images. Besides, there exist few software packages for the 3D reconstruction of spherical images. Based on the imaging geometry of spherical cameras, this study investigates the algorithms for relative orientation using spherical correspondences, absolute orientation using 3D correspondences between the scene and spherical points, as well as cost functions for BA (bundle adjustment) optimization. Besides, an incremental SfM (Structure from Motion) workflow has been proposed for spherical images by using the above-mentioned algorithms. The proposed solution is finally verified by using three spherical datasets captured by both consumer-grade and professional spherical cameras. The results demonstrate that the proposed SfM workflow can achieve the successful 3D reconstruction of complex scenes and provide useful clues for the implementation in open-source software packages. The source code would be publicly available.

Improving the Visualization of Superior Longitudinal Fascicule-2 and Superior Longitudinal Fascicule -3 Using Photoshop Filters

Background and ObjectivesSeveral studies are currently exploring the anatomical origins of superior longitudinal fascicule 2 (SLF-2) and SLF-3, which are components of the frontoparietal network. This study aimed to achieve optimum visualization of the anatomical corridors of these fibers using Photoshop® filters. MethodsFour postmortem brain hemispheres were dissected in accordance with the method proposed by Klingler and Ludwig. Dissections were performed under a surgical microscope (Carl Zeiss AG, Oberkochen Germany) at 4× and 40× magnification. All dissections were documented at each stage using a professional digital camera (Canon EOS 600D) with a macro 100 mm lens (Canon), ring-flash attachment (Canon), and professional tripod (Manfrotto 808 C4). We aimed to improve the visual quality of the images by avoiding monotone using various the features and filters in Photoshop®. ResultsSLF-2 originates from the angular gyrus (Brodmann area 39 [BA39]) in the right hemisphere and has been observed to project fibers from BA7 and BA19 and toward BA8, 9, 10, and 46. Further, these fibers traverse from the depths of BA40, 2, 3, 1, and 6 as they progress. SLF-2 also projects fibers from the supramarginal gyrus in the left hemisphere. SLF-3 lies between the supramarginal gyrus and the inferior frontal lobe in both the right and left hemispheres. ConclusionThe visual descriptions of the dissections were enriched after using Photoshop® to avoid monotony. Increasing the visual quality with Photoshop® features enable us to gain a better understanding of these pathways. Additionally, it facilitates the comprehension of the symptoms associated with pathology. We hope these results will further aid in reducing the occurrence of postoperative complications.

Patient Comfort with Before and After Photography at Plastic Surgery Offices.

Before and after (B&A) photographs are a sensitive part of patients' medical records, and the use of smartphones may pose risks to confidentiality and comfort. The purpose of this study was to assess patient comfort depending on the circumstances under which these photographs being taken. Amazon's Mechanical Turk crowdsourcing service and REDCap's survey manager were used to recruit survey participants. An anonymous survey was distributed to ascertain demographics and comfort in various B&A scenarios using a five-point Likert scale. T tests and ANOVA testing were used to compare groups. There were 411 respondents with an average age of 36.1 years old. Of them, 46% were female and the majority were White (90%) and non-Hispanic (64%). Nearly one-third had previously undergone plastic surgery, with 80% receiving B&A photography. Surgeons took these photographs 51% of the time with similar rates of smartphone cameras use (47%) versus professional cameras (52%). The public had similar levels of comfort when a nurse or a surgeon took the clinical photographs (p=0.08). Patients were significantly less comfortable when non-medically trained office staff captured their photographs (p=0.0041). The public had similar comfort levels with the use of smartphones and professional cameras when dressed but were significantly less comfortable with the use of a smartphone when unclothed (p=<0.001). To ensure the best patient experience, B&A photography should be taken by a medical professional. If photographs are to be taken when the patient is unclothed, the use of a professional-grade camera may help ease patient discomfort. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Application of a stand-alone RTI measuring system with an integrated camera in cultural heritage digitisation

The Multi-Light Image Collection (MLIC) data, in most cases processed with the Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) technique, is one of the popular methods of documentation and digital representation of movable finds from an archaeological excavation. The manual (hand-held) approach to collecting this data is technically simple and still popular in the case of archaeology. However, an extensive amount of work during image collection is a strong motivation for building RTI acquisition systems, which are also popular, in most cases, in the shape of domes. The research presented in the article focuses on two aspects of building such a device. First, the study examines the effect of the placement and number of lights on the resulting RTI model for a system based on LED stripe-shaped circuits. Secondly, the camera component was studied.Recent development in the area of low-cost accessories for microcomputers resulted in a few new industrial-grade USB cameras with the possibility to take high-resolution images. Cameras designed for use with microcomputers offer broad control of the focus or exposition parameters and provide the possibility to build RTI domes with the fully integrated camera, therefore, almost complete automatization of the capturing and processing of MLIC data.This paper presents the main assumptions and elements of the dome-shaped measurement system, which enables automatic RTI data acquisition and processing together with the evaluation of light configuration used to build relightable models. Amphoras handles with stamps and ancient pottery were used as an objects to evaluate the quality of the relightable models generated from the images acquired by a programmable miniature Arducam camera. Results of comparison with professional high-quality mirrorless cameras show that the quality of images from miniature cameras can be satisfactory for some archaeological objects.

COLOR-INDEX DETERMINATION OF LEO SATELLITES USING COLOR IP-CAMERAS

The study is devoted to determining the color characteristics of the structural surfaces of artificial satellites. Observations of satellites were carried out in automatic mode using software for detection fast moving object, developed at RI “MAO”. The satellite observations equipment consists of Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM photographic lens and professional VIVOTEK IP816A-HP network camera. The camera is directed to the zenith and has a field of view (4.9°х2.8°). The camera has progressive CMOS sensor with Bayer color filter⁰₀ array for producing RGB color image. Coordinate and photometric processing of saved images is carried out using SExtractor and Astrometry.net software along with additional Python scripts. In this paper, we present first results of our LEO satellites observations using network IP-cameras with RGB Bayer filter. To convert the instrumental magnitudes from RGB Bayer system into standard bp/rp magnitudes of the Gaia EDR3 photometric system, a system of equations was solved, where the calculated magnitudes in the bp/rp photometric system were represented as functions of magnitudes and colors in the instrumental RGB system. The mean differences between the calculated magnitudes and the catalog magnitudes are (0.03±0.15)mag and (0.01±0.16)mag for bp and rp band, respectively. The calculated Brjb_bp and Rrjb_rp magnitudes using obtained transformation coefficients show a good linear correlation with the bp and rp Gaia EDR3 magnitudes. Only main sequence’s stars in the range of (5-13)mag were used as reference stars for determining the transformation coefficients. The results of determining the color indexes (Brjb_bp - Rrjb_rp) for 8 LEO satellites with the obtained transformation coefficients were received. The average accuracy of the obtained values of color indexes is about 0.2mag.

Analysis and Improvement of Machine Learning Models for Detecting Street Lighting Lamps

The Brazilian public lighting network is maintained by city halls. To bill the energy provided to city halls, energy distribution companies should maintain an updated database of network poles, their lamp types, and wattages. However, it is common to encounter issues with misinformation, where the company is not notified about changes in the public lighting network by city halls and cannot update its database appropriately. To mitigate commercial losses, companies have resorted to sending teams for manual infrastructure checks, which is an expensive, time-consuming, and unreliable process. In this regard, this work aims to optimize the models proposed in the literature capable of accurately classifying the type and wattage of lamps on public lighting poles based on data collected from radiometric sensors and a professional camera. Data is processed using traditional machine learning and deep learning algorithms, along with more sophisticated validation techniques such as data transformation and hyperparameter optimization to achieve improved results. Based on this methodology, the results demonstrate that models employing more robust algorithms (Support Vector Machine, XGBoost, Random Forest, and Multilayer Perceptron) can attain a final average accuracy of 80-86%. This confirms the usefulness of this methodology as an alternative solution to address the issue of public lighting billing.

Step-by-Step Dissection of the Mediastinum: A Training Protocol

The understanding of mediastinal anatomy represents a real challenge because of the vital structures inside it and due to its complex relationships with surrounding anatomical regions. Human anatomical specimens are always used both for the teaching of anatomy and the training of young surgeons, thus providing a deep understanding of the most complex anatomical regions and allowing less experienced surgeons to become familiar with surgical instruments and their use on actual human tissues. Despite the spread of these learning practices, there are no principles of dissection to follow for a young physician interested in the anatomy of the mediastinum. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to define a reliable and reproducible protocol for the dissection of the mediastinum. A stratigraphic anatomical dissection on three embalmed human specimens was performed. All steps were documented by high-quality photographs, taken with a professional digital reflex camera, and subsequently edited. A step-by-step anatomical dissection guide was created, detailing every phase, guiding the dissection of the mediastinal anatomy, and leading to the correct identification of its main anatomical structures. We present a step-by-step dissection guide to the mediastinal anatomy with point-by-point explanations and dedicated images, providing an additional tool for the comprehension of this complex anatomical area.

Deep Video Super-Resolution Using Hybrid Imaging System

High-resolution high-frame-rate videos can record motion scenes detailedly and smoothly, but usually only professional cameras have enough transmission bandwidth to meet the video capture requirement. The conventional solutions use video processing methods such as video super-resolution (VSR) and video frame interpolation (VFI), but their results suffer from unreal spatial-temporal details in complex dynamic cases. To address this problem, we reconstruct a more real high-resolution high-frame-rate video using a hybrid video input, including a low-resolution high-frame-rate video (main video) and a high-resolution low-frame-rate video (auxiliary video). We propose a deep learning model named HIS-VSR, which consists of three parts: super-resolution of the main video, detail feature extraction of the auxiliary video and hybrid video information aggregation. Among them, the first part processes the main video to generate preliminary high-resolution frames; the second part warps the auxiliary frames for alignment and extracts their high-resolution detail features; the last part uses a weighted aggregation method to fuse the results of the first and second part. We train our model on synthetic datasets and demonstrate its excellent performance of reconstructing dynamic scenes by comparing it with Deep-SloMo on synthetic and real videos.

Towards a Guideline for UAV-Based Data Acquisition for Geomorphic Applications

Recent years have seen a rapid rise in the generation of high-resolution topographic data using custom-built or commercial-grade Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Though several studies have demonstrated the application potential of UAV data, significant knowledge gaps still exist in terms of proper documentation of protocols for data acquisition, post-flight data processing, error assessments, and their mitigation. This work documents and provides guidelines for UAV data acquisition and processing from several years of field experience in diverse geomorphic settings across India, including undulating topography (~17 km2), alluvial plains (~142 km2), lowland-river basin (~66 km2), and a highly urbanized area (~5 km2). A total of 37,065 images with 16 and 20 Megapixels and 604 ground control points (GCPs) were captured with multiple UAV systems and processed to generate point clouds for a total area of ~230 km2. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) for each GCP for all sites ranged from 6.41 cm to 36.54 cm. This manuscript documents a comprehensive guideline for (a) pre-field flight planning and data acquisition, (b) generation and removal of noise and errors of the point cloud, and (c) generation of orthoimages and digital elevation models. We demonstrate that a well-distributed and not necessarily uniformly distributed GCP placement can significantly reduce doming error and other artifacts. We emphasize the need for using separate camera calibration parameters for each flight and demonstrate that errors in camera calibration can significantly impact the accuracy of the point cloud. Accordingly, we have evaluated the stability of lens calibration parameters between consumer-grade and professional cameras and have suggested measures for noise removal in the point cloud data. We have also identified and analyzed various errors during point cloud processing. These include systematic doming errors, errors during orthoimage and DEM generation, and errors related to water bodies. Mitigation strategies for various errors have also been discussed. Finally, we have assessed the accuracy of our point cloud data for different geomorphic settings. We concluded that the accuracy is influenced by Ground Sampling Distance (GSD), topographic features, and the placement, density, and distribution of GCPs. This guideline presented in this paper can be extremely beneficial to both experienced long-term users and newcomers for planning the UAV-based topographic survey and processing the data acquired.

SYNTHESIS OF A DEVICE FOR REMOTE CONTROL OF A VIDEO CAMERA USING THE LANC PROTOCOL

The expediency of using video camera remote control devices when using auxiliary video equipment is proven by the ever-increasing level of complexity and improvement of modern video shooting technologies. Companies producing systems for remote control of video equipment offer control systems with wireless radio interfaces for high-budget projects. But the price of such an interface can exceed the cost of a high-budget professional video camera. In most cases, management interfaces differ from manufacturer to manufacturer and are implemented based on leading wired management protocols. The use of these protocols is largely due to the need to implement very high-speed information transmission and its strict synchronization with the frame pulse generator of the video camera, which in turn provides control of entire groups of objects with high speed and fairly accurate synchronization in time, as well as wired information transmission lines are more secure and reliable. The object of research in the work is the widespread LANC protocol (CONTROL-L), which is used by two-way data exchange systems and is necessary for the remote control of video cameras. The paper proposes a device based on this protocol that allows remote control of the camera (data exchange takes place via cable). For this, an overview of existing video camera control devices was conducted. The analysis of the LANC protocol was carried out, and its working principle was considered. The protocol allows you to use 14 steps of changing the zoom speed (7 speeds in the direction of increasing the image and 7 speeds in the direction of reducing the image), so for an almost smooth gradual increase or decrease in the speed of the zoom; it is advisable to use not discrete buttons, but an analog variable resistor-joystick. The proposed electric circuit of the video camera remote control device is based on the Microchip microcontroller – PIC16F84. Modern microcontrollers have low consumption currents, so it becomes possible to use the power supply line of external devices built into the LANC connector to power the remote control controller, which allows you to connect a load with a current of up to 100 mA. The operation of the device was checked during the simulation. The correct operation of the algorithm for converting the resistance of the “joystick” resistor of the zoom into the command code has been confirmed. The given oscillograms are obtained from the device layout. The obtained results confirm the protocol’s theory and the device’s correct functioning.

Telerehabilitation System Based on OpenPose and 3D Reconstruction with Monocular Camera

Owing to aging populations, the number of elderly people with limb dysfunction affecting their daily lives will continue to increase. These populations have a great need for rehabilitation training to restore limb functions. However, the current numbers of rehabilitation hospitals and doctors are limited. Moreover, people often cannot go to a hospital owing to external conditions (e.g., the impacts of COVID-19). Thus, an urgent need exists for telerehabilitation system for allowing patients to have training at home. The purpose of this study is to develop an easy-to-use system for allowing target users to experience rehabilitation training at home and to remotely receive real-time guidance from doctors. The proposed system only needs a monocular camera to capture 3D motions. First, the 2D key joints of the human body are detected; then, a simple baseline network is used to reconstruct 3D key joints from the 2D key joints. The 2D detection only has an average angle error of 1.7% compared to that of a professional motion capture system. In addition, the 3D reconstruction has a mean per-joint position error of only 67.9 mm compared to the real coordinates. After acquiring the user’s 3D motions, the system synchronizes the 3D motions to a virtual human model in Unity, providing the user with a more intuitive and interactive experience. Generally, many telerehabilitation systems require professional motion capture cameras and wearable equipment, and the training target is a single body part. In contrast, the proposed system is low-cost and easier to use and only requires a monocular camera and computer to achieve real-time and intuitive telerehabilitation (even though the training target is the entire body). Furthermore, the system provides a similarity evaluation of the motions based on the dynamic time warping; this can provide more accurate and direct feedback to users. In addition, a series of evaluation experiments verify the system’s usability, convenience, feasibility, and accuracy, with the ultimate conclusion that the system can be used in practical rehabilitation applications.

Prognostic Health Management Using IR Thermography: The Case of a Digital Twin of a NiTi Endodontic File.

Prognostic and health management technologies are increasingly important in many fields where reducing maintenance costs is critical. Non-destructive testing techniques and the Internet of Things (IoT) can help create accurate, two-sided digital models of specific monitored objects, enabling predictive analysis and avoiding risky situations. This study focuses on a particular application: monitoring an endodontic file during operation to develop a strategy to prevent breakage. To this end, the authors propose an innovative, non-invasive technique for early fault detection based on digital twins and infrared thermography measurements. They developed a digital twin of a NiTi alloy endodontic file that receives measurement data from the real world and generates the expected thermal map of the object under working conditions. By comparing this virtual image with the real one acquired by an IR camera, the authors were able to identify an anomalous trend and avoid breakage. The technique was calibrated and validated using both a professional IR camera and an innovative low-cost IR scanner previously developed by the authors. By using both devices, they could identify a critical condition at least 11 s before the file broke.