3D Ultrasound Imaging and Spatial Pressure Measurement System to Investigate Spinal Curve Response Imposed by a Simulated Brace

目前，脊柱对物理载荷的三维力学响应无法监测，脊柱支撑过程发展缓慢。本研究旨在研究、改进和整合监测技术(传感器和执行器)，特别是实时3D超声图像处理技术、3D无线空间嵌入式压力控制传感器网络和低成本高速3D形状采集过程，以研究从模拟脊柱支架施加的生物力学载荷如何影响脊柱内部排列。将完成四项任务：1)研究实时显示的三维超声诊断技术；2)开发原型并验证在已知几何形状的物理脊柱体模上的三维超声测量；3)开发和验证空间压力监测系统，以记录施加到人体体模上的压力垫的载荷、位置和方向；以及4)开发高速自动过程，使用低成本的摄像系统来捕捉3D身体形状。

Currently, the 3D mechanical response of the spine to physical loadings cannot be monitored and the development of the spinal brace process is slow. This research aims to investigate, advance and integrate monitoring technologies (sensors and actuators), specifically real-time 3D ultrasound image processing techniques, a 3D wireless spatial embedded pressure control sensor network, and a low cost high speed 3D shape acquisition process to investigate how the biomechanical loadings applied from a simulated spinal brace affects the internal spinal alignment. Four tasks will be completed: 1) investigate 3D ultrasound diagnostic technologies for real-time display, 2) develop prototypes and validate 3D ultrasound measurements on a physical spinal phantom with known geometry, 3) develop and validate a spatial pressure monitoring system to record loads, positions and directions of pressure pads applied to a body phantom, and 4) development of a high speed automatic process to capture the 3D body shape using a low cost camera system.