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

我们开发了一种更简单、更实用的方法来评估咀嚼效率，最近报道了一种新的想法，即用筛子上的试验咀嚼材料颗粒来代替测量它们的重量。作者希望介绍我们最新的定量分析咀嚼效率的方法，通过图像处理器和个人计算机系统对颗粒进行计数，有望彻底改变传统的物理筛分。本报告讨论了对这一新系统的基本分析。采用可逆和不可逆水胶体印模材料作为实验材料。2.通过摄像机拍摄被试在特定咀嚼次数下对测试材料进行分解的照片。视频信号被转换成数字信号，然后图像处理器(EYESYSFIM-2)将图像分割为65,536个像素。3.将每个像素以16个等级的灰度级输入个人计算机。4.计算每个颗粒在X和Y轴上的投影面积和最大直径。在这个系统中，可以将颗粒分类成可选的大小，并在不使用任何机械筛分系统的情况下计算每个等级。2.通过与常规筛分系统的对比分析，该系统的测定值基本一致，特别是在5目和10目筛分等级上。

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.