MULTIRESOLUTION AUTOFOCUSING FOR AUTOMATED CYTOGENETICS

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.