Multiresolution Autofocusing for Automated Cytogenetics

该项目的目标是开发创新的数字显微镜自动聚焦技术，用于自动化细胞遗传学应用。基于最近发展起来的小波变换数学理论，我们提出了一种新的基于多分辨率图像分析的聚焦测量和检测方法。与现有的单分辨率方法相比，该方法克服了它们的根本局限性，为图像采集提供了更准确、更可靠和更快速的计算和确定聚焦图像位置的方法。这将大大提高自动扫描显微镜仪器在临床和癌症细胞遗传学应用中的能力和效率。在第一阶段中，我们将基于其在荧光显微镜中的应用来研究所提出的方法的可行性。我们将开发和实现多分辨率聚焦函数计算和聚焦位置确定的算法和软件。我们将通过比较(1)精度；(2)范围；(3)对其他参数的不敏感性；以及(4)速度来测试和评估新方法与当前性能最好的算法。如果新方法取得了优异的性能，在第二阶段，该技术将进一步发展并扩展到明视场显微镜应用。全面开发后，这项新技术将可用于应用成像公司(AIC)，集成到Powergene细胞遗传学自动化产品中。拟议的商业应用：一旦新技术被开发出来，并符合常规应用的条件，它们将立即提供给AIC，用于纳入细胞遗传学自动化设备的Powergene产品线，既可用于出售的新系统，也可作为对细胞遗传学实验室已在使用的现有系统的升级，从而使该技术迅速商业化。

The goal of this project is to develop innovative digital microscope autofocusing techniques for automated cytogenetics applications. We propose a novel multi-resolution image analysis approach to focus measurement and detection, based on the recently developed mathematical theory of wavelet transform. In comparison to currently available single-resolution techniques, the proposed method overcomes their fundamental limitations and promises considerably more accurate, reliable and faster means to compute and determine in-focus image position for image acquisition. This will significantly increase the ability and efficacy of automated scanning microscope instruments for clinical and cancer cytogenetics applications. In Phase 1 we will investigate the feasibility of the proposed method based on its utilization in fluorescence microscopy. We will develop and implement the algorithm and software for multi-resolution focus function computation and in-focus position determination. We will test and evaluate the new method against the current best-performing algorithms by comparing (1) Accuracy; (2) Range; (3) Insensitivity to other parameters; and (4) Speed. If the new approach achieves superior performance, in Phase 2 the technique will be further developed and extended to bright-field microscopy applications. When fully developed, the new technology will be made available to Applied Imaging (AIC) for integration into the PowerGene cytogenetics automation products. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: As soon as the new techniques are developed and qualified for routine application, they will be made available to AIC for incorporation into the PowerGene product line of cytogenetics automation equipment, both in new systems sold and as an upgrade to existing systems already in use in cytogenetics labs, thus commercializing the technology quickly.