Optical spine and posture analysis with uEye industrial cameras

Back pain is one of the main causes of sick leave, but to help with the problem Diers International enables fast and high-resolution optical measurement of the human back, spine and pelvis with its formetric 4D scanner. A dynamic version and additional modules for determining the mobility of the cervical spine or gait analysis as well as leg axis measurement make the system a compact movement analysis laboratory. Up to five camera units are integrated, equipped with uEye industrial cameras from IDS Imaging Development Systems.

The Diers formetric product family provides answers to a wide range of clinical questions concerning the objective and quantitative analysis of body statics and posture. Deformities such as scoliosis and all forms of spinal malformations can be visualised, and a wide variety of progress checks can be carried out. In this way, users such as orthopaedic surgeons can detect an imbalance in the muscular system or existing postural defects. The measurements are carried out statically, with the patient stands in front of the system.

In order to be able to carry out examinations in motion, the company has a dynamic version of the formetric system in its range, Diers 4D motion. The patient runs on a treadmill. Using the latest projection and camera technology (60 images per second) and specially developed software, the complex interaction of the spine and pelvis can be measured during walking and displayed in moving images. This enables an analysis of the vertebral body rotation as well as the creation of movement models of the spine. Corrections such as spinal straightening or leg length compensation, for example through the use of shoe inserts, can be simulated.

Additional modules increase the range of applications up to a compact motion analysis laboratory. With the integration of these and other measurement systems, it is possible for the first time to view the complex biomechanical interaction in the human musculoskeletal system holistically. The spectrum of use ranges from medical diagnosis to training therapy and sports science.

Up to five uEye CP industrial cameras from IDS are used per unit. “We use the UI-3040CP as well as the UI-3240CP in our units. The USB 3 interface and the speeds achieved by both models convinced us,” explains Christian Diers, managing director and CEO of Diers International.

The uEye CP stands for ‘Compact Power’ and is suitable for all kinds of industrial applications thanks to its high level of functionality with comprehensive pixel pre-processing and its small size of only 29 x 29 x 29 mm. The internal 120 MB image memory for buffering image sequences also qualifies it for multi-camera systems. The USB 3.0 cameras enable a high data rate of 420 MByte/s, low CPU load and easy integration. Users can choose from a large number of modern CMOS sensors from manufacturers such as Sony, CMOSIS, e2v and ON Semiconductor with a wide range of resolutions.

The model UI-3040CP-M-GL Rev. 2 enables excellent image quality even in low light or when shooting fast-moving subjects. The integrated IMX273 global shutter CMOS sensor from Sony’s Pregius range scores particularly well for its image quality, high sensitivity and wide dynamic range. With a resolution of 1.57 MPixel (1448 x 1086 px) at 3.45 µm pixels, it achieves impressive 243 fps. This makes the camera ideal for classic industrial applications such as surface inspection, but also for detailed image evaluation in medical technology.

The medical technology market is highly regulated, so that changes and new developments of products must be well considered through elaborate certification and approval procedures. At the same time, price pressure is increasing. Nevertheless, Diers is currently working on various new developments – from insole production to research projects in the rehabilitation and care sector. In addition to the use of classic 2D industrial cameras, 3D models are also conceivable, which inherently introduce the spatial component.