Recent advances in automatic image analysis using a television system

Abstract

SUMMARY Image analysis, in the context of this paper, comprises the extraction of quantitative geometric and densitometric data from images produced by optical and electron microscopes or any other imaging system. Typical measurements include area percentages, intersect counts, feature counts, size distributions and integrated density determinations. Much of the stereological work is still performed by manual methods, but technological progress in recent years has considerably promoted the use of automatic image analysing devices. This paper describes recent developments in scanner performance and the correction of shading errors which allow reliable densitometric measurement. In addition, the previous geometric capabilities have been extended to include feature selection by pattern recognition criteria.

Localization and Changes in NADPH-Diaphorase Reactivity and Nitric Oxide Synthase Immunoreactivity in Rat Pulp Following Tooth Preparation

“…An empty field image is digitally captured by removal of the histologic slide from the microscope's stage while retaining all of the microscope's illumination settings (intensity, aperture, etc.). Subtracting the empty field image from the corresponding histologic-section image reduces measurement artifacts in the gray level values that are caused by unequal microscope illumination across the field of view (Cole and Bond, 1972). Similar morphologic areas of 0.0246 mm2 (0.1 mm = 39 pixels) were assigned in a blinded manner to the distal, middle, and mesial pulp of cavity-prepared and control first molars, and in the central pulp of second molars as an additional uninflamed control.…”

Photo – Histometry A Modified Computer Assisted Morphometric Measurement Program

“…All automatic systems aimed at a rapid automatic input of information from the specimen with minimum subjectivity and high speed handling of those data (12,13). On the other hand, semi-automatic instruments accept a much lower rate of input and higher level of subjectivity, which, although much slower, allow a high degree of user control and involvement (14) .…”

Chemical microscopy

“…Sturgess and Braggins (293) define some performance critera for image analysis equipment. Television systems are discussed by three authors (48,207,328). Mertz (207) discusses contrast improvement with color filters.…”