AN APPLICATION OF KINECT-BASED 3D SCANNING IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING

This paper approaches the study on the use of a low-cost Kinect sensor for 3D scans and 3D reconstructions of human surfaces. The Kinect depth sensor used in this work is based on a webcam-style device and dedicated software. It uses a structured light technique in order to scan and reconstruct 3D surfaces. The target surface was the human head and the aim was to manufacture an orthotic mask for patients with traumatic burn injuries of the face. Method: The study was made in order to observe the applicability of the Kinect-based 3D scans in the case of anatomic surfaces with concavities. Anatomic surfaces of a human head were scanned and 3D-reconstructed using the Kinect sensor and the Skanect software. Following some 3D image processing, a customized acrylic face mask was fabricated from the 3D-reconstructed mesh of the head. Orthotic masks may be applied in the case of facial burns in order to provide a small pressure over the burns. Results: The study shows the applicability of the Kinect-based 3D scans in the case of anatomic surfaces with rounded concavities and especially in the case of patients with burn injuries of the face. This study is among the first approaches to the application of the scanning of burn injuries with a Kinect device.