Abstract:
A multichannel imaging system generates an ensemble of images for each field of view of an object (401). Each image in the ensemble is intended to contain information from only one source among a plurality of sources for the object. However, due to crosstalk, at least a portion of the signal from a first source appears in a channel intended for a second source (404). Because the accuracy of the correction will be degraded if the images in an ensemble are spatially misaligned with respect to one another, the spatial offset between images is determined (408) and a correction is applied to substantially eliminate the offset. Then, a correction to the signals is determined to substantially reduce the contributions to the signal in a channel from the signals in other channels. The signal processing can be employed to process the output signals for each of a plurality of different disclosed imaging systems (409).
Abstract:
A multichannel imaging system generates an ensemble of images for each field of view of an object (401). Each image in the ensemble is intended to contain information from only one source among a plurality of sources for the object. However, due to crosstalk, at least a portion of the signal from a first source appears in a channel intended for a second source (404). Because the accuracy of the correction will be degraded if the images in an ensemble are spatially misaligned with respect to one another, the spatial offset between images is determined (408) and a correction is applied to substantially eliminate the offset. Then, a correction to the signals is determined to substantially reduce the contributions to the signal in a channel from the signals in other channels. The signal processing can be employed to process the output signals for each of a plurality of different disclosed imaging systems (409).
Abstract:
The use of a multi-spectral imaging system, cell compartment markers, and molecular probes in a method for measuring movement of molecules within a cell by correlation analysis is provided, including measuring molecular movement to a particular compartment in adherent and non-adherent cells, e.g. in response to biological stimuli. A compartment in the cell is defined by the image of a specific compartment marker, e.g., a nuclear fluorescent stain. Molecule location is provided by a probe labeled with a different fluorochrome. A mask is generated based on the compartmental marker, and a correlation measurement is made between the locations of the molecular probe and the compartment marker. The correlation value between the regions defined by the compartment mask and molecular probe gives a quantitative measurement of the translocation of the molecule. The use of only a single masking function simplifies measurement of molecular translocation within a cell.
Abstract:
A high speed, high-resolution flow imaging system is modified to achieve extended depth of field imaging. An optical distortion element is introduced into the flow imaging system. Light from an object, such as a cell, is distorted by the distortion element, such that a point spread function (PSF) of the imaging system is invariant across an extended depth of field. The distorted light is spectrally dispersed, and the dispersed light is used to simultaneously generate a plurality of images. The images are detected, and image processing is used to enhance the detected images by compensating for the distortion, to achieve extended depth of field images of the object. The post image processing preferably involves de-convolution, and requires knowledge of the PSF of the imaging system, as modified by the optical distortion element.
Abstract:
When utilized in a flow imaging instrument, calibration beads provide a known data source that can be employed in various self diagnostic, calibration, and quality metric applications for the both the optical system of the flow imaging instrument, as well as the flow cell of the flow imaging instrument. Such data can be used to determine point spread functions associated with an imaging system, to determine a sensitivity of an imaging system, and to determine a focal point of the imaging system. Imagery collected from calibration beads can be used to determine core size and stability and TDI/flow speed synchronization. Calibration beads can be beneficially employed to enable stable system operation, even when very low sample concentration, or very small sample sizes are to be analyzed.
Abstract:
In automated computation-based interpretation of images, the accuracy and reliability of the detection and delineation of objects, known as "object segmentation," is implemented so as to provide efficient performance. In a multi-step process, objects are first detected and captured into regions of interest (ROIs). Sets of pixels belonging to respective objects are then identified. Preferably object detection is achieved using both a two-dimensional (2D) low pass filter and a 2D edge enhancement filter. Two different gradient based edge enhancement filters are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention defines a (ROI) by first determining the center of objects by executing a plurality of decimations on the filtered image data, and then establishing object boundaries. In a second embodiment the ROI is defined by generating an amplitude histogram of the filtered image data, and for histograms exceeding a threshold determining by pixel which rows are to be included in the ROI.
Abstract:
A multichannel imaging system generates an ensemble of images for each field of view of an object (401). Each image in the ensemble is intended to contai n information from only one source among a plurality of sources for the object . However, due to crosstalk, at least a portion of the signal from a first source appears in a channel intended for a second source (404). Because the accuracy of the correction will be degraded if the images in an ensemble are spatially misaligned with respect to one another, the spatial offset between images is determined (408) and a correction is applied to substantially eliminate the offset. Then, a correction to the signals is determined to substantially reduce the contributions to the signal in a channel from the signals in other channels. The signal processing can be employed to process the output signals for each of a plurality of different disclosed imaging systems (409).