Cell counting and classification under the microscope
In the field image from the microscope camera every cell is located, assigned to one of two classes by staining intensity and shape features, and counted. The class ratio is compared with the defined limit and the result is recorded.
Total count, class counts and class-B share of every field are written to the sample record; a field above the limit is flagged on the display and the result indicator, and the sample is set aside for re-evaluation.
- 01 Position
- 02 Acquire
- 03 Detect
- 04 Classify
- 05 Decide
The stage moves the slide and brings the next field under the objective.
- Cell count
- —
- Class B
- —
- Class B share
- —
Scenes are illustrative simulations; they are not customer references or performance guarantees.
Need
Cells touch or overlap and staining intensity varies from slide to slide; a weakly stained class-B cell looks like class A, and two clustered cells look like one. Cells cut by the field border distort the count.
Solution approach
The stage moves the slide field by field; in each field an image is taken under transmitted light. Cells are segmented from the background, touching cells are separated and counted in a left-to-right sweep. The staining intensity of each cell forms two peaks in the histogram; the threshold between them assigns the cell to class A or B, and the class-B share is compared with the limit.
Process steps
- 01
Position
The stage moves the slide and brings the next field under the objective.
- 02
Acquire
The microscope camera captures the field image.
- 03
Detect
Cells are separated from the background and counted one by one.
- 04
Classify
Each cell is assigned to class A or B by its staining intensity and shape; the histogram sets the threshold.
- 05
Decide
The share of class B is compared with the defined limit.
Related applications
Let us assess your application together
We test your sample in our laboratory and report on resolution, optics and lighting selection.