Project Description:
Occipital frontal circumference (OFC), or head circumference, is a vital measurement in monitoring child growth and development in infants. An abnormal value can indicate serious health concerns such as micro/macrocephaly and various positional deformities, that lead to significant neurological and developmental complications. The current standard of care for head measurement involves a simple paper measuring tape wrapped around the patient’s head by a physician. This frequently produces inconsistent and inaccurate measurements due to infant movement, and relies upon a single clinical value, potentially leaving some cases of abnormal growth unnoticed. This can result in misdiagnoses, unnecessary medical procedures, and financial burdens for families. (Philadelphia, n.d.). Therefore, a more reliable, repeatable, and user-friendly method is necessary to increase diagnostic accuracy, improve clinical outcomes, and enable accurate brain health monitoring. The proposed solution is a beanie-style cap with colored “markers” placed at significant cranial anatomical landmarks, coupled with a Python image analysis software that computes three critical clinical parameters: OFC, Cranial Index, and Cranial Vault Asymmetry Index. The design has several components, summarized by the major prototyping progress for each: 1) wearable cap, 2) software, 3) the testbed, and 4) the wireframe app. The cap contains raised markers, an embroidered calibration line, and a variable fit. The software analyzes a single image of the top of the head and calculates each clinical value mentioned above. The testbed utilizes a 3D-printed mount platform for seamless integration of a model head into a robotic arm, allowing for testing of the system on a moving subject. A wireframe of the app showcases the device’s potential usability outside of the clinic. The bioethical implications of our system impact three focus groups: parents, patients, and pediatricians. This design is easy to use and allows for more accessible healthcare for both patients and parents. In further clinical applications, data privacy and storage are required as per the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines. Our system offers medical advice and suggestions but does not eliminate the need for physicians. Rather, it acts as an early warning system to alert patients/parents when treatment may be needed. By enabling early detection of abnormalities, supporting timely intervention, and increasing the likelihood of successful treatments, the device will have a positive impact on infants.
