Open AccessAlgorithm to estimate cell biovolume using image analyzed microscopy
Author(s) -
Sieracki Michael E.,
Viles Charles L.,
Webb Kenneth L.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
cytometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1097-0320
pISSN - 0196-4763
DOI - 10.1002/cyto.990100510
Subject(s) - pixel , image (mathematics) , binary image , simple (philosophy) , binary number , computer vision , orientation (vector space) , digital image , microscopy , computer science , artificial intelligence , simple cell , biological system , image processing , algorithm , mathematics , optics , geometry , biology , physics , philosophy , arithmetic , epistemology , receptive field
Abstract This paper describes an algorithm for calculating the biovolume of cells with simple shapes, such as bacteria, flagellates, and simple ciliates, from a 2‐dimensional digital image. The method can be adapted to any image analysis system which allows access to the binary cell image—(i.e.), the pixels, or (x, y) points, composing the cell. The cell image is rotated to a standard orientation (horizontal), and a solid of revolution is calculated by digital integration. Verification and a critical assessment of the method are presented. The algorithm accounts for irregularities in cell shape that conventional methods based on length, width, and geometrical formulas do not.