An Experimental Electronic Recording System for the Motion of Condyle in Three Dimensions

Part 1-Development of the Clinical System

Abstract

The experimental model modified from the automatic measuring system, being able to measure the movement of condyle in three dimensions, had been studied and improved. And, the new electronic measuring system of the mandibular movement being applicable for the clinical operation was developed.
The features of this system are such as the followings;
1. A one-dimensional senser consisting of the light sources with optical fibers and the CCD line image senser was newly developed for this measuring system. The method measuring the movement of the mandible in three dimensions was established by means of employing three of those sensers.
2. Principle of the calculation was introduced so that the movement of the center of condyle was shown based on the results of the measurement by means of the sensers fixd anterior to the incisal point.
3. Each configuration of the system was developed, and the total system consisting of senser, microcomputer, fully adjustable articulator, and etc. was established.
4. This measuring system had the capability to measure and display the movement of condyle as accurate as the movement of the center of condyle would have directly been measured. For this, the technical errors relatively common to the pantographic procedures, such as transferring the tracings to the articulator, were reduced tremendously.
5. Since this system was not only easy but simple to operate, it must be said that it is the measuring system of the mandibular movement being effective and applicable for the clinical usage.