Open AccessDigital image enhancement for in vivo laser scanning microscopy
Author(s) -
Gruber Martin J.,
Wackernagel Alexandra,
Richtig Erika,
Koller Silvia,
Kerl Helmut,
Smolle Josef
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
skin research and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.521
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1600-0846
pISSN - 0909-752X
DOI - 10.1111/j.0909-725x.2005.00128.x
Subject(s) - artificial intelligence , computer vision , confocal laser scanning microscopy , image quality , normalization (sociology) , digital image analysis , computer science , image processing , digital image processing , laser scanning , smoothing , biomedical engineering , laser , image (mathematics) , optics , medicine , physics , sociology , anthropology
Background/purpose:In vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is a new method that provides skin images in horizontal plane at a level of resolution that allows to view microanatomic structures. This study examines whether certain digital image‐processing steps can increase the visibility of various structures in CLSM. Study design: Fifty images were taken from normal skin of 25 probands, and 39 image enhancement procedures were created. Eight procedures that seemed to provide some quality enhancement were deliberately selected for further evaluation. Subsequently, a collection of random pairs of the original image and an image submitted to any of the eight selected procedures was rated by five independent observers. Results: In three of the eight procedures tested, the modified image was significantly preferred to the original image (χ 2 ‐test,: P ≤0.001). In particular, smoothing, shading correction, delineate and grey‐level normalization in various combinations were helpful in showing the characteristic honeycomb pattern, pigmented basal cell layer, cell borders and the nuclei more clearly. Conclusion: Digital image processing may help to increase visibility of in vivo CLSM images.