Colin Gibson

Pelvis feature extraction and classification of Cardiff body match rig base measurements for input into a knowledge-based system.

The purpose of this paper is to determine whether it is possible to use an automated measurement tool to clinically classify clients who are wheelchair users with severe musculoskeletal deformities, replacing the current process which relies upon clinical engineers with advanced knowledge and skills. Clients’ body shapes were captured using the Cardiff Body Match (CBM) Rig developed by the Rehabilitation Engineering Unit (REU) at Rookwood Hospital in Cardiff. A bespoke feature extraction algorithm was developed that estimates the position of external landmarks on clients’ pelvises so that useful measurements can be obtained. The outputs of the feature extraction algorithms were compared to CBM measurements where the positions of the client’s pelvis landmarks were known. The results show that using the extracted features facilitated classification. Qualitative analysis showed that the estimated positions of the landmark points were close enough to their actual positions to be useful to clinicians undertaking clinical assessments.

A Cell-Culture Exposure System for Millimetric Wavelength Radiation

We describe the design and construction of waveguide cavity cell-culture exposure system that allows the study of potential biological effects arising from an interaction with low-intensity millimetre wave radiation. Previous reports of millimetre wave induced biological effects have seldom been independently replicated due to confounding experimental factors that have led to uncertainty and controversy with regard to the existence of related phenomena. In order to reduce experimental inaccuracies we have paid particular attention to the design, set-up and calibration of our cell and, in addition, the environment in which it is placed. Furthermore, we have made use of high-accuracy microwave/millimetre test equipment and advanced electromagnetic simulation software to fully characterise the millimetre wave propagation characteristics of the cell over its operational frequency range of 27.5-35GHz. Experimental results and theoretical simulations of the cell millimetre wave characteristics show good agreement and give confidence that our technique can be applied to the entire millimetre wave spectral region.

Rule-based algorithm for the classification of sitting postures in the sagittal plane from the Cardiff Body Match measurement system.

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to present the design and implementation of a novel rule-based algorithm for the classification of sitting postures in the sagittal plane. The research focused on individuals with severe musculoskeletal problems and, thus, specific requirements for posture and pressure management. Clients’ body shapes were captured using the Cardiff Body Match system developed by the Rehabilitation Engineering Unit, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. The algorithm consists of four main steps: the first step is the symmetry line detection, the second step involves the mathematical analysis of the curvature of the backrest profile, the third step is the sitting posture classification and the fourth step is the extraction of the geometric parameters from the curve. The results show the classification system was successful in identifying four types of curves characterizing sitting postures using local derivatives as curve descriptors with an overall accuracy of 93.9%.

Development of a system for anatomical landmarks localization using ultrasonic signals

A review of the current protocols and techniques for the anthropometric measurements and postural assessment for wheelchair users and individuals with severe musculoskeletal problems was given. It was concluded that both contact and non contact methods have a number of significant limitations including time consuming measurement procedure, high cost and risk of excessive exposure to radiation. Many current approaches do not enable clinicians to accurately record and analyze the patients musculoskeletal configuration. The challenge still remains to combine the body shape data with the precise identification and localization of anatomical landmarks for postural assessment. To address the need for easy to use, low cost, reliable measurement of anatomical landmarks ultrasound measurement system has been proposed. The main elements of the system are: ultrasound transmitters, receiver, digital-analog converter, signal conditioning equipment and laptop executing the signal processing algorithm. The prototype of the system was build and tested. The preliminary measurements of ultrasonic signals were realized and demonstrated the potential for this technique to be used in anthropometric and postural assessments in the future.

Impact of the single point of access referral system to reduce waiting times and improve clinical outcomes in an assistive technology service

Abstract The introduction of a single point referral system that prioritises clients depending on case complexity and overcomes the need for re-admittance to a waiting list via a review system has been shown to significantly reduce maximum waiting times for a Posture and Mobility (Special Seating) Service from 102.0 ± 24.33 weeks to 19.2 ± 8.57 weeks (p = 0.015). Using this service model linear regression revealed a statistically significant improvement in the performance outcome of prescribed seating solutions with shorter Episode of Care completion times (p = 0.023). In addition, the number of Episodes of Care completed per annum was significantly related to the Episode of Care completion time (p = 0.019). In conclusion, it is recommended that it may be advantageous to apply this service model to other assistive technology services in order to reduce waiting times and to improve clinical outcomes.