Easier Method of Evaluation of Masticatory Efficiency Using an Image Processor and Personal Computer

我们已经开发了一种更容易和更实用的方法来评估咀嚼效率，最近报道了一种新的想法，即在筛子上计数测试咀嚼材料的颗粒，而不是测量它们的重量。作者希望介绍我们最新的通过图像处理器和个人计算机系统进行颗粒计数的咀嚼效率定量分析方法，有望彻底改变传统的物理筛分方法。本报告讨论了这一新制度的基本分析。材料与方法采用可逆和不可逆的水胶体压印材料作为试验材料。2. 将被试在特定咀嚼时间下将测试材料掰碎，用摄像机拍照。将视频信号转换为数字信号，然后通过图像处理器（EYESYS FIM-2）将图像分割为65,536像素。3. 每个像素以16级灰度输入到个人电脑中。4. 这些数据计算了每个粒子在X和Y轴上的投影面积和最大直径。在该系统中，可以将颗粒分类为可选的大小，并在不使用任何机械筛系统的情况下对每个等级进行计数。2. 通过与常规筛分系统的分析比较，该系统的测量值基本相同，特别是在5目和10目级。

We have developed an easier and more practical method to evaluate masticatory efficiency, and recently reported a new idea of counting particles of test chewing materials on the sieve instead of measuring their weight. The author wishes to introduce our newest quantitative analysis method of masticatory efficiency by counting particles through an image processor and personal computer system, which is expected to completely revolutionize the conventional physical sieving. The present report discusses the basic analysis of this new system.MATERIALS & METHOD1. Reversible and irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials were used as the test materials. 2. Pictures of the test materials, broken up by the subjects under the specific times of chewing, were taken by the video camera. The video signals were converted to digital signals, and thereafter the picture was split to 65,536 pixels by the image processor (EYESYS FIM-2). 3. Each pixel was input on a grey scale of 16 grades into a personal computer. 4. These data were calculated for both the projected area and maximum diameter in X & Y axis for each particles.RESULTS1. In this system, it is possible to classify the particles into optional sizes and to count on each of the grades without using any mechanical sieve system. 2. By comparing this analysis with the conventional sieve system, the measured values by this system were almost the same, especially in the 5 and 10 mesh grades.