Rapid quantification of pixel-wise fiber orientation data in micrographs

J Biomed Opt. 2013 Apr;18(4):046003. doi: 10.1117/1.JBO.18.4.046003.

Abstract

Defining fiber orientation at each pixel within a medical image has traditionally been computationally intensive and prone to systematic errors. A weighted orientation vector summation algorithm capable of detecting fiber orientation simultaneously at each pixel within an image is presented. As a result, pixel-specific fiber orientation information with 2 deg to 3 deg accuracy can be determined within seconds, enabling the practical use of pixel-wise orientation data for characterizing structural anisotropy. This analysis technique has applicability and potential diagnostic utility for a variety of modalities, including second harmonic generation, scanning electron microscopy and immunohistochemical imaging is demonstrated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Animals
  • Anisotropy
  • Chickens
  • Ganglia, Spinal / ultrastructure
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Models, Biological
  • Photomicrography / methods*