1. Recommendation Report: Fitting Transtibial
and Transfemoral UNYQ Covers
Scott Sabolich Prosthetics and Research
Summer 2016
Jake Bonsteel
Drew Walther
Internship Project

2. UNYQ Covers
UNYQ as a company began by crowd-funding their covers via Fundable.com
where they received $1.6 million in donations. They soon began taking preorders for
their covers in June of 2014 and they have been growing in popularity and accessibility
since their inception. The company traditionally has received photos of the prosthesis
from the patient’s prosthetist in order to render a 3D image file on which to base their
cover. However, a new way that has emerged to save time and energy for both parties:
UNYQ has began accepting 3D image files directly from prosthetists.
How does the prosthetist create this image? Normally, UNYQ makes the
recommendation to purchase a 3D imaging camera. A 3D imaging camera was
purchased here at SSPR, but it is currently being underutilized due to complexity and
time commitments. The current methods used are flawed and can be improved upon in
order to allow more satisfaction from our patients and ensure ongoing healthy
relationships with them.

3. Current Methods Used at SSPR
1. Pictures
Initially, taking pictures of the prosthesis was the only way a patient could receive a
UNYQ cover. This requires the UNYQ application to be used on a phone or tablet as
well as a large amount of time to be scheduled by the prosthetist with the patient
in-room. Through multiple rounds of testing using an actual prosthesis and leg
measurements, the time to obtain the appropriate amount of reliable and usable data
was approximated to be 34-37 minutes, which has been proven to be undesirable and
unrealistic for both prosthetists and patients.
2. 3D Imaging with iPad Mini (1st Generation)
The Occipital Structure Sensor (or OSS), made by Structure, is the 3D imaging camera
that is currently being used with the in-office iPad Mini to generate 3D images of
prostheses. Once a scan of the prosthesis is taken, it is saved as a .obj file and sent via
email to UNYQ to help create a prosthetic cover. The images produced using this iPad
are not suitable for UNYQ and in accordance with Occipital, the 1st generation iPad
mini is not compatible with the Structure Sensor; the sensor requires at least a second
generation iPad Mini or newer. Some sample images are provided to show the best
caliber 3D scan that the iPad Mini could produce:

4. Solution
The initial defined task was to generate an acceptable 3D model in a reasonable
amount of time using the hardware that we had at hand. We started with the iPad Mini
Generation 1 and the OSS, and were under the impression that a newer iPad was the
way to go for our recommendation. We began seeking to use a newer iPad at hand, and
found one to be used with the OSS. However, the holder for the camera did not fit, as
we had found a fully sized iPad. We then began searching for a way to mount the OSS
onto a fully sized iPad without purchasing a new holder online.
This led to our discovery that the Occipital Structure Sensor was actually
compatible with the iPhone as well. We then began searching for a way to mount the
OSS to an iPhone 6 that we had on-hand. We found a few ways of mounting it online:
firstly, Structure sells iPhone 6/6+ cases compatible with mounting the OSS. However,
still seeking to remain costless, we searched for a free 3D file of a homemade OSS
mounting iPhone case, which we found. We then took the file to a 3D printer at the
University of Oklahoma’s library and printed out our own iPhone 6 case onto which the
OSS is capable of mounting.
We mounted the OSS onto the iPhone 6 and downloaded the compatible
software. We calibrated it and tried it out on the sample leg used in our iPad Mini
testing. There was an immediate difference in the two most important factors: amount of
time taken to scan 360 degrees and quality of scan. Through multiple testing phases,
we determined a method that yielded results and 3D scans which we estimated had a
25% higher quality rate between the iPad Mini and iPhone 6, and cut down the amount
of time it took to generate the necessary models by as much as 50% (from 6.5 minutes
to 3-3.5 minutes), averaging a 35% faster full process rate (from 19-21 minutes to 13
minutes). Comparing the time to the picture-taking method, it saves an average of 65%
of process time to end result, resulting in a drastically reduced downtime for the patient
and more patient satisfaction. The quality difference is shown in the pictures below:

5. We then sent these scans to be checked by our contact at UNYQ, Evy Wilkins.
Within the week, we received a response. Evy told us that our scans were a lot better,
but still not entirely usable. We then knew that we had to pivot again in order to fully
accomplish our goal.
The next step we took was to locate a newer iPad. We got in contact with a
prosthetist named Camila that was shadowing at the Scott Sabolich facility in OKC, and
she allowed us to use her iPad Air 2, which came out in late 2014, the same year as the
iPhone 6, and they contain comparable processors (~1.5 GHz). However, the iPad Air 2
has twice the amount of on-board RAM that the iPhone 6 had (2 GB to 1 GB). Since the
processing power and Rapid Accessed Memory are the two components of data input
that iPads use, we knew it had to be one of these two factors. Looking at the iPad Mini
Gen 1 supported this hypothesis as well, as it had only 1 GHz of processing power and
512 MB of RAM.

6. To conclude whether it was the processor or RAM, we mounted the OSS to the
iPad Air 2 via masking tape in order to continue keeping our cost to zero. We calibrated
it and then tried it on our test legs. What we found quite surprising is that the iPad Air 2
actually yielded a 3D scan of comparable quality to the iPhone 6’s, but the results came
much faster and the scans could be completed much faster. There was no discernable
improvement to the quality and it did not match up to the quality of examples sent to us
by UNYQ. What we determined from this test is that the RAM affected the speed at
which the scan could be completed, and the processing power of the iPad/iPhone was
the variable that most affected the quality. We went online to determine if other sources
could back this up, and found an article from UNYQ actually stated that better
processors will result in better scans. Since we knew nothing onhand could do the job,
we began searching for better alternatives online. We found the specifications for all
iPads and began looking at their processing power, RAM capabilities, and price.
Through careful consideration of all possible variables and outcomes, we determined
the best course of action to be pursued by Scott Sabolich Prosthetics and Research
using the Occipital Structure Scanner in order to generate 3D models used for UNYQ
covers.
Recommendation
We recommend the purchase of a 2016 iPad Pro 9.7” Wi-Fi Only with 32 GB of
storage and a new Occipital Structure Scanner case made specifically for the iPad Pro.
This iPad Pro has 2.1 GHz of processing power on an Apple A9X processor, and 2 GB
of RAM. We chose this iPad Pro because it was the best compromise of processing
power, price, and RAM. This would cost around $650 to receive the best possible 3D
scans from the OSS. We chose this one because it has great capabilities, and the 12.9”
version has twice the RAM, but our estimates only dictate that that would save around
10% of time for the full scanning process, and it costs around $200 more. We chose the
Wi-Fi only and 32 GB options to save costs, because the operations it would be doing

7. would not require a cellular signal and would require hardly any data storage on the
device.
We recommend that a generic email should be set up on the device in order to
export the 3D scans to other email accounts for preparation of delivery. We also
recommend the installation of all first-party applications made by Structure be
downloaded onto the device. These applications are: Structure, Calibrator, and
Scanner, all made by Occipital, Inc.
We recommend the iPad Pro and Occipital Structure Sensor be kept in an
accessible spot in the lab, both fully charged. Through our research, we have
determined that the OSS seems to need recalibrating either after around 15 3D scans
or 3-4 weeks, whichever comes first. Calibration time is estimated to take around 7
minutes.
Finally, we recommend that a dedicated blanket with a bright color array and
linear stripes be kept in the cupboards furthest from the demonstration leg closet. This
will allow easy access to a desirable foundation and background for scans.

8. How To Scan a BK Prosthesis for a UNYQ Cover: Step by Step
1. Find and apply Occipital Structure Sensor to iPad.
2. Take iPad with OSS attached to patient room.
3. Take the following:
a. A picture looking straight on to the prosthesis and sound leg.
i. Should be taken a few inches above the floor.
ii. Top of the foot shell should be visible.
iii. Full socket should be visible.
b. Measure the maximum circumference of the calf.
c. Measure from the bottom of the socket to the top edge of the foot shell.
4. Open the Scanner application on the iPad and position the box using the camera
to contain the prosthesis but not the sound leg. Pinch to size the box until it fits
the entire socket in the box.
5. Press the “record” button in the application and take a 3D scan of the socket with
the patient in the prosthesis by fully circling the patient with the iPad in-hand.
a. Watch out for unclear and empty spots - you may bring the OSS closer to
the socket and do not have to keep the entire socket in frame during the
whole process.
6. Evaluate for usability, then email the scan to the desired destination - work email
recommended.
7. Have the patient remove the prosthesis and remove the sleeve.
8. Take the prosthesis to the table furthest from the demo closet in the conference
room and bring the table out so that a full 360 degree circle can be easily made
around it.
9. Find the blanket with stripes in the cupboard next to the table and lay the blanket
flat over the table.
10.Place the prosthesis on the table upright.

9. a. If the prosthesis does not stand on its own due to the patient’s alignment,
grab a piece of tissue paper or tape to crumple up and support on the
weaker side.
11.Press the “record” button and get a second 3D scan of the prosthesis. It is
imperative that the best quality result, so it is recommended to fill all holes and
define all pieces of the prosthesis clearly.
12.Evaluate for usability, then email the scan to the same email account used in
Step 6.
13.Go to computer and log into email account to which the scans have been sent.
There should be two emails: both titled “3D Model”. Open both emails and save
the “Model.zip” file to a desired location on the computer (recommended
desktop).
14.Open the “Model.zip” files and locate the “Model.obj” file within. You are now
ready to begin your order to UNYQ.
15.Begin an email to “​snaps@unyq.com​”. Upload the picture of the patient with
his/her prosthesis on, list the two measurements taken in Step 3, and upload
both “Model.obj” files to the email. Once the uploads are complete, you are ready
to send the email and complete the order. UNYQ will contact with more
information.

10. Common Problems and Their Solutions
1. Floor is being detected in 3D scan (semi-rare) - rotate roughly 15 degrees around
the prosthesis. The software will often detect the floor’s flatness after filling out its
3D image profile more effectively. If this does not fix the issue, try stopping and
beginning the scan again. If this problem persists, try flattening out the blanket
and beginning at a different angle.
2. Prosthesis does not stand on its own (semi-rare) - locate a small piece of pliable
material (we found that crumpled tape or tissue paper works best) and support
the prosthesis with the item under the weak side. Make sure the item is kept out
of the 3D scan by putting it entirely underneath the footshell.
3. OSS does not detect entirety of prosthesis’ ears (common)- the 3D scanner box
may be resized by pinching inwards and outwards to get the entirety of the
prosthesis. Size the box appropriately for the scan.
4. The scan seems to be offset from the image seen onscreen (rare) - calibrate the
OSS by closing the Scanner application and opening the Calibrator application,
then following all prompts through the process.
5. OSS is having difficulty detecting reflective componentry (rare) - try beginning the
scan at a different angle. If the problem persists, use standard off-white one-inch
masking tape to wrap around reflective components. Use small pieces to best
detect the curvature of the parts.

11. Conclusion
Our findings have led to a new and improved way of scanning for UNYQ covers
to save time and energy for both the prosthetists and the patients. We researched and
tested multiple methods of 3D imaging and found that the iPhone 6 along with the iPad
Mini and Air 2 lack the necessary results for UNYQ. The iPhone 6 and the iPad Air
(second generation) with the attached OSS produced a much more quality image than
the iPad Mini, but both still yielded inadequate results for UNYQ to use. By comparing
the processing power of each device, we determined that the 9.7 inch iPad Pro with the
OSS is best suited to improve the clarity of the images to reach in order to reach the
standards of UNYQ. The iPad Pro is also the most cost efficient in terms of the
processing power and RAM per dollar amount. This being said, these are our findings
for each device when solely using the Occipital Structure Sensor. We cannot feasibly
say that our issues when scanning with the other devices was due to an issue with the
OSS because we did not have another camera to test against the OSS. Therefore, we
concluded that the processing power of the devices being tested was the reason we
could not reach the image quality for UNYQ and why we recommend the 2.1 GHz of
processing power in the 9.7” iPad Pro. There is also potential for users to come across
minor problems when scanning that could prevent optimal quality; simple steps can be
taken to solve each problem with ease and efficiency. When the OSS is running at full
strength, scanning prostheses becomes a simple and easy process that ultimately
saves each prosthetist large sums of time. This improvement to the scanning
capabilities at SSPR will now allow prosthetists to advertise UNYQ covers to each and
every patient with much more ease.