EXTENDING 2D MANDIBULAR RADIOGRAPHS INTO 3D, BASED ON THE X-RAY PHYSICS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

摘要

A newmethod is presented for “extending” 2D radiographsinto the third dimension. Pixel grey values, reflecting X-rayintensity losses, are converted into average attenuation coefficients,and the latter are related to vascular porosities incortical and trabecular bone. These conversions contain informationon cortical and overall mandibular thicknesses,pixel-specific bounds for which can be finally assessedfrom the pixel brightness. Computed thickness profiles allowfor localizing potential abnormalities in the mandible,as incentive for further, targeted examination.