Premium
Analog enhancement of videomicroscope images
Author(s) -
Burton J. L.,
Bank H. L.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
journal of microscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.569
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1365-2818
pISSN - 0022-2720
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2818.1986.tb04285.x
Subject(s) - computer science , contrast (vision) , computer vision , signal (programming language) , artificial intelligence , visibility , image processing , computer graphics (images) , image (mathematics) , optics , physics , programming language
SUMMARY A simple, inexpensive technique for enhancing the contrast and resolution of videomicroscope images has been developed. The system has manual controls for gain and pedestal (black level) which permit expansion of low contrast images to the full white‐to‐black video range. Analog delay‐line based circuits are used to sharpen the edges and enhance fine details in the image. These circuits also produce an effective increase in the information content of the image by selectively amplifying low amplitude, high frequency components of the video signal. When live, unstained cells were examined at high magnifications, cytoplasmic structures which were only faintly visible in the unenhanced image became clear. The images of fluorescent objects appear in pseudo‐relief, which improves visibility even in the presence of background fluorescence. The system enhances images by performing signal processing functions that otherwise require expensive digital image processing equipment.