|
The items on this page provide a means to accurately scale
photographs and radiographs for use with Metron-PX.
The Finger-Scale is a simple scale which is used when
taking a photo of the underside of the hoof. It conveniently
clips onto a finger of the person holding the hoof. It contains
a 2" scale and can be written on with a dry-erase pen
to note the horse, foot, date.
The Finger-Scale
The EponaTech Block provides everything you need to
accurately scale lateral and frontal photos of the hoof, as
well as lateral and DP radiographs of the hoof.
The EponaTech Block
The EponaTech Block provides a unique 4-point
calibration method so that all linear measurements are accurately
scaled to the center of the hoof capsule (centerline of the
hoof for lateral shots, and widest part of the hoof for frontal
shots). The block has three labels for writing with a dry-erase
pen. For radiographs, there are small metal balls placed into
the top surface of the block and spaced on 2" centers.
These are used to mark the "ground plane" of the
image as well as for setting the scale of the image. A "tray"
attachement is used to hold the film cassette on any of the
four sides of the block -- it adjusts for any variation in
cassette thickness.
How does the 4-point photo calibration system
work? A simple 2-point scheme (e.g. a scale marker on the
side of a block) can introduce errors in measurements at the
centerline of the hoof, as seen in this
example. Using the 4-point scheme establishes a calibration
system that computes accurate length measurements in the plane
of interest (in this case, the centerline of the hoof) as
seen in this example.
Metron-PX version 2.0 provides for easy use of the block -
you just pick the 4 calibration points in the image and the
scaling is done for you.
For use with radiographs, the 2 1/4" height
of the block is ideal for use with most portable x-ray units.
The metal balls placed at the top surface of the block will
image in the radiograph and can be used in Metron-PX for setting
the ground plane and calibration. A sample image showing these
points is here.
The "tray unit" holds the film cassette at just
the right height to image the metal balls near the bottom
of the film.
The "tray" for the Block
Here are images of the block with the tray installed
for a lateral
shot, and with the tray installed for a DP
shot. Three metal balls are oriented along each direction,
so you can shoot both the lateral and DP shots without moving
the horse or the block.
We sell these items as follows:
2 Finger-Scales & dry-erase pen for $25
The Block (includes the "tray") & dry-erase
pen for $95
We also offer the Hardware Kit which
contains everything you need. It contains two blocks, as we
recommend that both feet are placed on blocks of equal height,
especially for radiographs. The Ultimate Hardware Kit contains:
2 Finger-Scales
2 Blocks (including "trays")
2 Dry-Erase pens
All for $200
Note: the scaling features of the Block
are supported only in Metron-PX version 2.0 and later, so
please upgrade to 2.0 if you want to use the Block.
Use our Order
Form to order hardware items, and/or any other EponaTech
product.
|
