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. 2019 May 23;14(5):e0216548.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216548. eCollection 2019.

3D analysis of child facial dimensions for design of medical devices in low-middle income countries (LMIC)

Israel Amirav  1 , Claude Kasereka Masumbuko  2   3 , Michael T Hawkes  1 , Ian Solomon  4 , Yossi Aldar  4 , Gil Margalit  5 , Alon Zvirin  6 , Yaron Honen  6 , Eugenie Sahika Sivasivugha  2 , Ron Kimmel  6
Affiliations

3D analysis of child facial dimensions for design of medical devices in low-middle income countries (LMIC)

Israel Amirav et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Background: Facial anthropometric data are scarce in African children. However, such data may be useful for the design of medical devices for high disease burden settings. The aim of this study was to obtain 3D facial anthropometric data of Congolese children aged 0-5 years.

Methods & findings: The faces of 287 Congolese children were successfully scanned using a portable structured-light based 3D video camera, suitable for field work in low- income settings. The images were analyzed using facial analysis algorithms. Normal growth curves were generated for the following facial dimensions: distance between nares and distance from subnasion to upper lip. At birth, 1 year, and 5 years of age the median dimensions were: 13·92, 14·66, and 17.60 mm, respectively for distance between nares, and 10·16, 10.88, and 13·79 mm, respectively for distance from subnasion to upper lip. Modeled facial contours conveniently clustered into three average sizes which could be used as templates for the design of medical instruments.

Conclusion: Capturing of 3D images of infants and young children in LMICs is feasible using portable cameras and computerized analysis. This method and these specific data on Congolese pediatric facial dimensions may assist in the design of appropriately sized medical devices (thermometers, face masks, pulse oximeters, etc.) for this population.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have the following interests: Ian Solomon and Yossi Aldar are shareholders in RespiDx Ltd., the manufacturer of the Multimometer product. There are no patents, further products in development or further marketed products to declare. This does not alter our adherence to all the PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. First prototype of the Respimometer.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Image acquisition.
A. operator, B. scanned child.
Fig 3
Fig 3
A. distances measured in ROI. B. triangulated face mesh.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Selected examples of 36 Congolese children with 3D facial photographs.
A. Raw image. B. Processed image, bringing face into forward alignment. C. Region of interest (ROI), restricted to nose and mouth, appropriate for measurement of distance between nares and distance from subnasion to upper lip.
Fig 5
Fig 5. Main facial dimensions by age with linear approximation for each of the two measured distances.
Fig 6
Fig 6. Age distribution in each cluster.
Fig 7
Fig 7. Average masks of 3 clusters.
Left–small size, right–larger size. Axis units are in m”m.
Fig 8
Fig 8. Newly designed device for measuring temperature, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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