Journal of the Korean Society of Visualization (한국가시화정보학회지)

The Korean Society of Visualization (한국가시화정보학회)
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Improvement of Image Processing Algorithm of High-Throughput Microscopy for Automated Counting of Asbestos Fibers

석면섬유 자동계수를 위한 고효율 현미경법의 영상처리 알고리즘 개선

  • Published : 2015.12.31
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Abstract

We developed a high-throughput microscopy (HTM) method which enabled us to replace a conventional phase contrast microscopy (PCM) method that has been used as a standard analytical method for airborne asbestos. We could obtain the concentration of airborne asbestos fibers under detection limit by automated image processing and analysis using HTM method. Here we propose an improved image processing algorithm with variable parameters to enhance the accuracy of the HTM analysis. Since the variable parameters that compensate the difference of the brightness are applied to the individual images in our new image processing method, it is possible to enhance the accuracy of the automatic image analysis method for sample slides with low asbestos concentration that caused errors in binary image processing. We demonstrated that enumeration of fibers by improved image processing algorithm remarkably enhanced the accuracy of HTM analysis in comparison with PCM. The improved HTM method can be a potential alternative to conventional PCM.

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References

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