Iterative multilevel thresholding and splitting for 3D segmentation of live cell nuclei using laser scanning confocal microscopy

Luo, D., Barker, J., McGrath, J.C. and Daly, C.J. (1998) Iterative multilevel thresholding and splitting for 3D segmentation of live cell nuclei using laser scanning confocal microscopy. Journal of Computer-Assisted Microscopy, 10(4), pp. 151-162. (doi: 10.1023/A:1023482003483)

Abstract

Accurate thresholding and segmentation of three-dimensional structures within thick biological specimens is particularly difficult to achieve. However, there exists a vast array of possible methods and approaches with which to tackle this problem. In this paper, we describe the problems associated with cellular segmentation and computerised analysis of confocal derived data from living blood vessels. In addition, current segmentation methods are examined and discussed in relation to their use with biological samples. Finally, a novel iterative multilevel thresholding and splitting method for semiautomated 3D segmentation of objects of different brightness and intensity homogeneity is presented. The method is particularly suited to segmentation of vascular cell volumes. The method has been tested on three typical confocal data sets, each of which have features common to 3D volumes of living biological tissue. The segmenter has been estimated to produce results which are accurate to within 90% of the “ground truth” measurements.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McGrath, Professor John and Daly, Professor Craig
• Authors: Luo, D., Barker, J., McGrath, J.C., and Daly, C.J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
• Journal Name: Journal of Computer-Assisted Microscopy
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• ISSN: 1040-7286
• ISSN (Online): 1573-8671