Analysis of video-recorded images to determine linear and angular dimensions in the growing horse.
Abstract: Studies of growth and conformation require statistical methods that are not applicable to subjective conformation standards used by breeders and trainers. A new system was developed to provide an objective approach for both science and industry, based on analysis of video images to measure aspects of conformation that were represented by angles or lengths. A studio crush was developed in which video images of horses of different sizes were taken after bone protuberances, located by palpation, were marked with white paper stickers. Screen pixel coordinates of calibration marks, bone markers and points on horse outlines were digitised from captured images and corrected for aspect ratio and 'fish-eye' lens effects. Calculations from the corrected coordinates produced linear dimensions and angular dimensions useful for comparison of horses for conformation and experimental purposes. The precision achieved by the method in determining linear and angular dimensions was examined through systematically determining variance for isolated steps of the procedure. Angles of the front limbs viewed from in front were determined with a standard deviation of 2-5 degrees and effects of viewing angle were detectable statistically. The height of the rump and wither were determined with precision closely related to the limitations encountered in locating a point on a screen, which was greater for markers applied to the skin than for points at the edge of the image. Parameters determined from markers applied to the skin were, however, more variable (because their relation to bone position was affected by movement), but still provided a means by which a number of aspects of size and conformation can be determined objectively for many horses during growth. Sufficient precision was achieved to detect statistically relatively small effects on calculated parameters of camera height position.
Publication Date: 1999-10-03 PubMed ID: 10505956DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03840.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article discusses a study that developed an objective system for assessing horse growth and conformation through the analysis of video-recorded images. The system evaluates structural features by measuring angles and lengths from video images, providing a method that is more exact and consistent than traditional subjective standards.
Objective of the Study
- The study aimed to develop and assess a new system that offers an objective evaluation of growth and conformation in horses.
- Unlike conventional subjective assessment methods used by breeders and trainers, this system leverages image analysis technology to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Methodology
- A studio crush was set up to capture video images of horses of varying sizes. Bone protuberances identified through palpation were marked with white paper stickers.
- The pixel coordinates of calibration marks, bone markers, and points on horse outlines were digitised from captured images and then corrected to account for aspect ratio and ‘fish-eye’ lens effects.
- Linear and angular dimensions were generated from the corrected coordinates, which were valuable for comparing horses for conformation and experimental reasons.
Results
- The precision of determining linear and angular dimensions through this method was explored by systematically examining variance for isolated procedure steps.
- Angles of the front limbs viewed from the front were determined with a standard deviation of 2-5 degrees, and the impacts of viewing angle were statistically noticeable.
- The height of the rump and wither were identified with precision closely related to the limitations faced in locating a point on a screen. This was greater for markers applied to the skin than for points on the edge of the image.
- Notably, parameters derived from markers applied to the skin were more variable, as movement could affect their relationship to bone position. They still provided a method for objectively determining various aspects of size and conformation for multiple horses during growth.
- The precision was significant enough to detect statistically relatively small effects on calculated parameters of camera height position.
Implications
- The study presents a new, objective approach to measure and study growth and conformation in horses, which could be a valuable tool for both the scientific community and the horse industry.
- This method moves from subjective evaluations to a precise, data-driven analysis, enabling more accurate and consistent results.
Cite This Article
APA
Hunt WF, Thomas VG, Stiefel W.
(1999).
Analysis of video-recorded images to determine linear and angular dimensions in the growing horse.
Equine Vet J, 31(5), 402-410.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03840.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- AgResearch, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses / growth & development
- Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
- Videotape Recording
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Tian W, Zhang J, Zhou K, Wang Z, Dang R, Jiang L, Wang J, Cong Q. The Limb Kinetics of Goat Walking on the Slope with Different Angles. Biomimetics (Basel) 2022 Nov 30;7(4).
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