Abstract
This thesis describes the acquisition of maxillo-facial soft tissue thickness data and its integration into a Computer Aided Design based solid model of the human head. The final outcome was a significant element in a novel approach to the creation of a 3D modeller for detailed study of the design of protective equipment at the interface with the skin tissues. Anthropometric surface data of 300 head 3D profiles were acquired using a laser scanning system consisting of a dual mirror configuration and a CCD video camera. Approximately 70,000 data points are scanned in less than ten seconds. The resulting surface model has a resolution of +/-0.5mm circumferentially and +/- 0.2mm radially. Soft tissue thickness values have been measured using A-scanning ultrasound system with a pulsed, 12.5MHz focused ultrasound probe with an axial resolution of 0.31mm and a lateral resolution of 2.7mm. The accuracy of the measurements has been estimated as +/-0.25mm. A novel representation of these data has been suggested in which quasi iso-thickness zones have been identified. These zones, where the thickness values are often consistent to within as little as +/-0.5mm, have been shown to be consistent with key anatomical regions. Colour spectral plots visualise the tissue zones. The thickness data are referenced to the laser data using a magnetic spacing system, POLHEMUS by 3DSpaceRTM the resulting 3D soft tissue model has important uses in Finite Element Analysis methods for design of protective equipment.