Lasers measure human body in 2 s

17 Jun 2002

A Japanese laser-based device measures the human body to a 1 mm accuracy in record time.

3D face image

Researchers in Japan have developed a device that measures a human's height and limb lengths as well as the head, facial features and torso in just 2 s. The device was pioneered by researchers at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tokyo and the Osaka-based Research Institute of Human Engineering for Quality Life (HQL).

"Our new device will be especially helpful in accumulating data on human body dimensions," said AIST spokesman Masaaki Mochimaru. "This will help clothing fabricators and appliance manufacturers to develop products that fit better."

Mochimaru says that while conventional measuring devices also reach a 1 mm accuracy, they take around 30 seconds to measure an entire body. According to the researchers quick measurement times are crucial for optimizing results as the subject must remain motionless throughout the measurement time.

The device consists of 12 laser-based devices that contain CCD photosensors. Each device emits nine light beams, which strike a body in computerized sequences. The photosensors record body measurements as the lasers strike and the data is processed to produce a three-dimensional image of the body.

Mochimaru and colleagues say that they reduced the device's measurement time by using multiple laser beams simultaneously at frequencies different to conventional techniques. Lifelike dummies of a tall overweight man, short overweight woman, elderly man unable to stand straight and an average women in her 20s, were used to find the ideal positions of the CCD photosensors.

Get measured up

The researchers also claim that their device is adept at measuring difficult places such as armpits and believe that it is critical to Japan's ageing population. HQL will now measure 300 men and women between the ages of 60 and 70. It aims to complete by June 2002 and will offer its accumulated data to manufacturers.

"We think it is important to help makers develop new products such as household appliances, tools and utensils especially for senior citizens," said Kazuo Tsuchida of HQL. "That's why we will offer our data at no charge."

Author
Charles Whipple is a freelance journalist based in Japan.