Automatic analysis of the function of the facial nerve

Facial paralysis caused by various reasons is common in clinical practice. Accurate evaluation of facial nerve function have a great influence on the efficacy of treatment. Traditional subjective grading systems bear inter-rater differences, and is not sensitive to recovery. Therefore, we developed a three-dimensional dynamic quantitative analysis system (3-D ASFM) based on facial motion, so as to quickly perform a complete facial paralysis evaluation and collect a set of facial motion parameters.

Facial three-dimensional dynamic quantitative analysis system (3D-ASFM) (Figure.1) consists of three parts: data collection, data processing and output, and fixation system. The data collection part is composed of six near-infrared array camera (frequency of 60 frames/s) placed in symmetrical "L” shape. Controlled by multi-way synchronization controller, each camera capture motions simultaneously. The customized facial motion capture software is the core of the data processing part. The fixation part consists of a fixing head frame and an integrated fixed chair. The fixation system is mounted on mastoids and the occipital protrusion, which maintain the system relatively static to the skull and not affect the facial movements of the subject. Three markers are placed in the front tip of the system. Once the process of measuring is started, CCD cameras capture the reflected light of subjects from face under the control of multi-channel synchronous controller; customized software calculate online and reconstruction and analyze offline.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)