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Review
. 2012 Dec;1(1):13-20.
doi: 10.1016/j.imr.2012.09.001. Epub 2012 Oct 5.

Review on the current trends in tongue diagnosis systems

Chang Jin Jung  1 , Young Ju Jeon  1 , Jong Yeol Kim  1 , Keun Ho Kim  1
Affiliations
Review

Review on the current trends in tongue diagnosis systems

Chang Jin Jung et al. Integr Med Res. 2012 Dec.

Abstract

Tongue diagnosis is an essential process to noninvasively assess the condition of a patient's internal organs in traditional medicine. To obtain quantitative and objective diagnostic results, image acquisition and analysis devices called tongue diagnosis systems (TDSs) are required. These systems consist of hardware including cameras, light sources, and a ColorChecker, and software for color correction, segmentation of tongue region, and tongue classification. To improve the performance of TDSs, various types TDSs have been developed. Hyperspectral imaging TDSs have been suggested to acquire more information than a two-dimensional (2D) image with visible light waves, as it allows collection of data from multiple bands. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging TDSs have been suggested to provide 3D geometry. In the near future, mobile devices like the smart phone will offer applications for assessment of health condition using tongue images. Various technologies for the TDS have respective unique advantages and specificities according to the application and diagnostic environment, but this variation may cause inconsistent diagnoses in practical clinical applications. In this manuscript, we reviewed the current trends in TDSs for the standardization of systems. In conclusion, the standardization of TDSs can supply the general public and oriental medical doctors with convenient, prompt, and accurate information with diagnostic results for assessing the health condition.

Keywords: computerized diagnosis; image processing; tongue diagnosis system; traditional medicine.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Procedure of tongue diagnosis systems (TDSs).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Construction of tongue diagnosis system that achieves a sufficient photographic distance using a surface coating mirror.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Example of ColorChecker location in tongue image.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
(A) Example of the input images for 3D tongue reconstruction; (B) diagram of 3D tongue acquisition model.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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