Evaluation of a Structured Light Scanner for 3D Facial Imaging: A Comparative Study with Direct Anthropometry

• Published in: Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Vol. 24; no. 16; p. 5286
• Main Authors: Major, Martin, Mészáros, Bence, Würsching, Tamás, Polyák, Melinda, Kammerhofer, Gábor, Németh, Zsolt, Szabó, György, Nagy, Krisztián
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 15.08.2024; MDPI
• Subjects: 3D facial imaging; Access control; Accuracy; Adult; anthropometry; Anthropometry - instrumentation; Anthropometry - methods; Face - anatomy & histology; Face - diagnostic imaging; Facial recognition technology; Female; Forensic medicine; Forensic pathology; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - methods; Investigations; Male; Methods; Photography; Reproducibility of Results; Scanners; structured light scanner; Surgery; Technical Note; Three dimensional imaging; traditional caliper; Trauma; structured light scanner; traditional caliper; 3D facial imaging; anthropometry
• ISSN: 1424-8220; 1424-8220
• DOI: 10.3390/s24165286

This study evaluates the accuracy and repeatability of craniofacial measurements with a 3D light scanner, specifically the EINSTAR scanner, in comparison to traditional caliper measurements for facial anthropometry. Eleven volunteers were assessed by two examiners, one experienced and one inexperienced, who performed direct caliper measurements and indirect measurements using the scanner. Results indicated minimal differences between caliper and scanner results, with overall high accuracy and reliability demonstrated by correlation coefficients. Despite the slightly longer scanning time, the benefits of 3D imaging, including detailed surface mapping and virtual modeling, justify its integration into clinical practice, particularly in maxillofacial surgery and craniofacial assessment. Craniofacial measurements obtained with the EINSTAR scanner showed excellent reliability and accuracy, which qualifies this method for clinical and scientific use.