Traditional Manual Measurement Research Articles

Intra- and inter-observer reliability of determining radiographic sagittal parameters of the spine and pelvis using a manual and a computer-assisted methods

Sagittal imbalance is a significant factor in determining clinical treatment outcomes in patients with deformity. Measurement of sagittal alignment using the traditional Cobb technique is frequently hampered by difficulty in visualizing landmarks. This report compares traditional manual measurement techniques to a computer-assisted sagittal plane measurement program which uses a radius arc methodology. The intra and inter-observer reliability of the computer program has been shown to be 0.92-0.99. Twenty-nine lateral 90 cm radiographs were measured by a computer program for an array of sagittal plane measurements. Ten experienced orthopedic spine surgeons manually measured the same parameters twice, at least 48 h apart, using a digital caliper and a standardized radiographic manual. Intraclass correlations were used to determine intra- and interobserver reliability between different manual measures and between manual measures and computer assisted-measures. The inter-observer reliability between manual measures was poor, ranging from -0.02 to 0.64 for the different sagittal measures. The intra-observer reliability in manual measures was better ranging from 0.40 to 0.93. Comparing manual to computer-assisted measures, the ICC ranged from 0.07 to 0.75. Surgeons agreed more often with each other than with the machine when measuring the lumbar curve, the thoracic curve, and the spino-sacral angle. The reliability of the computer program is significantly higher for all measures except for lumbar lordosis. A computer-assisted program produces a reliable measurement of the sagittal profile of the spine by eliminating the need for distinctly visible endplates. The use of a radial arc methodology allows for infinite data points to be used along the spine to determine sagittal measurements. The integration of this technique with digital radiography's ability to adjust image contrast and brightness will enable the superior identification of key anatomical parameters normally not available for measurement on traditional radiographs, improving the consistency of sagittal measurement.

차량을 이용한 터널조도 및 휘도 측정시스템 개발

터널은 밝기가 급변하는 장소로서 자동차 운전자가 터널 진입 시 도로의 상황이나 교통상황을 정확히 파악하여 안전하고 불안감 없이 도로를 통행할 수 있도록 조명설비가 관리되어야 한다. 터널내의 충분한 밝기 유지를 위하여 터널내부의 조도를 정기적으로 측정하여야 하는데 기존의 수동식 측정법으로는 신속하고 신뢰성 높은 조도측정에 한계가 있다. 따라서 본 논문에서는 차량을 이용한 터널조도 및 휘도 측정시스템을 개발하고 그 운용타당성에 대한 결론을 도출하였다.

Comparing Digital Range Finders for Forestry Applications

Abstract Digital measurement tools for forestry applications are now becoming affordable for many organizations. One example is a digital range finder that, depending on the instrument, can almost instantly record distance, height, and angular measurements of objects within sight of an observer. Digital range finders have tremendous advantages over traditional manual measurement techniques, but prospective users should understand an instrument's capabilities in order to realize its full potential. We compare the accuracy and reliability of five commercially available digital range finders in taking measurements of a distance course, traverse boundaries, and tree heights. Because we found some significant differences in the capabilities of the instruments we tested, potential users should identify their measurement and accuracy requirements prior to choosing a digital range finder.