Original scientific paper

4D thermal imaging system for medical applications

KAROLJ SKALA ; Ruđer Bošković Institute, Centre for Informatics and Computing, Bijenička 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
TOMISLAV LIPIĆ ; Ruđer Bošković Institute, Centre for Informatics and Computing, Bijenička 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
IVAN SOVIĆ ; Ruđer Bošković Institute, Centre for Informatics and Computing, Bijenička 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
LUKO GJENERO ; Ruđer Bošković Institute, Centre for Informatics and Computing, Bijenička 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
IVAN GRUBIŠIĆ ; Ruđer Bošković Institute, Centre for Informatics and Computing, Bijenička 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

The dissipation of thermal radiation can be observed using thermal infrared cameras which generate images based on the amount of input radiation belonging to a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum (with wavelengths from 7 μmto 15 μm). Since thermal imaging is a simple, contactless, non-invasive and inexpensive imaging method, it is widely applicable in industry, medicine and research. The most common type of thermal imaging
involves taking and analyzing only a single thermal image, and it is thus called static thermal imaging. In cases when a thermal process cannot be approximated as static, dynamic thermal imaging and analysis are applied. The idea of combining thermal imaging with 3D scanning methods has spawned in the last few years. 3D thermal imaging can have many applications and purposes, ranging from thermogram rectification to the creation of standardized 3D thermal models of various subjects that can later be used
for comparison and evaluation. Although 3D thermal imaging systems exist, all of the examined ones were targeted on the acquisition and analysis of static 3D thermal models.
This paper presents the development of a 4D thermography system
through integration of dynamic 3D scanning and thermographic imaging, additionally providing markerless motion analysis, which together enable practical, non-invasive, accurate and automatic monitoring of the temperature changes in the human body, and the characterization of human motion. The workflow of the designed concept is outlined, and the components of the constructed system are thoroughly explained. The process of calibration
of the system is described, as well as the methods of motion detection
and analysis. Great emphasis is given on the possible medical applications of a 4D thermography system, such as medical diagnostics, human locomotive system rehabilitation and health status monitoring over prolonged time periods.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

76970

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/76970

Publication date:

15.11.2011.

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