[Static palatography and image processing system by computer.].

Abstract

In this study the artificial palates made of black vinyl seat covering the palate and occlusal surfaces of maxillary teeth were coated with white alginate powder and inserted into the mouth of the subjects.After pronunciation of the test sounds,the tongue contact areas on artificial palate were demonstrated by wetting of powder and changing in color from white to black.Thus,photographnys of palatograms were taken.After taking 5 palatogram of each sound,the samples were averaged by an image processor.The averaged outline of each subject's palatogram was converted into a standarized dental arch form,with the gray scale of each image reversed and reduced,and then added to every pattern of the same sound produced by all subjects.Thus,palatograms were based on the frequency of over lapping.From this compiling, contact areas that were common in more than four out of six subjects were extracted.