An algorithm for locating landmarks on dental X-rays

A knowledge-based algorithm for locating certain characteristic anatomical points, or landmarks, on lateral dental X-rays or cephalograms using digital image processing and feature recognition techniques is discussed. Results are reported which show that this algorithm can locate 17 points out of the 27 required for craniofacial measurement. Combined with an algorithm developed earlier, the landmarking process can be automated using an IBM compatible microcomputer. The experiment indicates that the process can be performed accurately on soft tissue as well as bony tissue. More sophisticated techniques are required to improve the accuracy of the results in some internal regions that have complex features