Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for image analysis and modification using a fast sliding parabola erosion. The methods include selecting a scan line in an image and performing a unidirectional left-hand pass followed by a unidirectional right-hand pass. The unidirectional passes are performed as loops with increasing distance. By utilizing simple unidirectional left-hand and right-hand passes along a scan line in an image, the erosion procedure is greatly simplified and computation times are significantly reduced.

Abstract: In various embodiments, methods and apparatus are provided for automated selection of features of cells useful for classifying cell phenotype. The methods include determining a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) for each of a plurality of pairs of features, rather than S/N for individual features. The approach is capable of quickly identifying a small set of features of imaged cells that are most relevant for classification of a desired cell phenotype from among a very large number of features. The small group of relevant features can then be used to more efficiently and more accurately classify phenotype of unidentified cells.

Abstract: A method for characterizing samples having units, by monitoring fluctuating intensities of radiation emitted, scattered and/or reflected by said units in at least one measurement volume, the monitoring being performed by at least one detection means, said method comprising the steps of: a) measuring in a repetitive mode a number of photon counts per time interval of defined length, b) determining a function of the number of photon counts per said time interval, c) determining a function of specific brightness of said units on basis of said function or the number of photon counts.

Abstract: An approach for quantification of an underlying property of a multitude of samples, e.g. cellular biological samples, is described. In an exemplary application, input measures are mean pixel intensities from different segments of individual cells on original and filtered images. In another exemplary application, input measures are pixel intensities from different cells on a series of time-gated images. The set of input measures are expected to have a linear relationship to the underlying property. Latent variables are (1) a scalar noise factor responsible for intensity fluctuations in all segments of a cell at a time and (2) the main underlying property of the process responsible for observed changes on images. Linear coefficients for latent variables are determined using noise minimization while constraining the mean signal from positive and negative control samples to the corresponding theoretical values. The method is well suited for high throughput applications like drug screening.

Abstract: A method for characterizing samples having units, by monitoring fluctuating intensities of radiation emitted, scattered and/or reflected by said units in at least one measurement volume, the monitoring being performed by at least one detection means, said method comprising the steps of: a) measuring in a repetitive mode a number of photon counts per time interval of defined length, b) determining a function of the number of photon counts per said time interval, c) determining a function of specific brightness of said units on basis of said function or the number of photon counts.

Abstract: The method is well suited for single molecule observation. A fluorescence or Raman signal from single molecules is detected by photon counting. The sequence of detected photons is divided into counting intervals by defining the end of a counting interval when a predefined number of photons has been counted. For the photons from every counting interval, stochastic variables are determined like fluorescence decay time, anisotropy of the observed signal, etc., which are characteristic for the molecules. A multidimensional histogram is constructed as a function of the stochastic variables, whereby the histogram is built up using values of the variables determined from each counting interval. Regions of the histogram can be used to determine how the molecules are distributed in respect to binding sites, etc. The signal from selected regions of the histograms can then be chosen for further selective analysis to give species specific results.

Abstract: A method for characterizing samples having units, by monitoring fluctuating intensities of radiation emitted, scattered and/or reflected by said units in at least one measurement volume, the monitoring being performed by at least one detection means, said method comprising the steps: a) measuring in a repetitive mode a number of photon counts per time interval of defined length, b) determining a function of the number of photon counts per said time interval, c) determining a function of specific brightness of said units on basis of said function of the number of photon counts.

Abstract: A method for characterizing samples having units, by monitoring fluctuating intensities of radiation emitted, scattered and/or reflected by said units in at least one measurement volume, the monitoring being performed by at least one detection means, said method comprising the steps of: a) measuring in a repetitive mode a number of photon counts per time interval of defined length, b) determining a function of the number of photon counts per said time interval, c) determining a function of specific brightness of said units on basis of said function of the number of photon counts.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing samples having flourescent particles includes (a) monitoring intensity fluctuations of fluorescence emitted by the particles in at least one measurement volume by detecting sequences of photon counts by at least one photon detector, (b) determining, from the sequences of photon counts, intermediate statistical data involving at least two probability functions of the number of photon counts detected in different sets of counting time intervals, and (c) determining from the intermediate statistical data a distribution of particles as a function of at least two arguments, wherein one argument is a specific brightness of the particles, or a measure thereof, and another argument is a diffusion coefficient of the particles, or a measure thereof.

Abstract: The method is well suited for single molecule observation. A fluorescence or Raman signal from single molecules is detected by photon counting. The sequence of detected photons is divided into counting intervals by defining the end of a counting interval when a predefined number of photons has been counted. For the photons from every counting interval, stochastic variables are determined like fluorescence decay time, anisotropy of the observed signal, etc., which are characteristic for the molecules. A multidimensional histogram is constructed as a function of the stochastic variables, whereby the histogram is built up using values of the variables determined from each counting interval. Regions of the histogram can be used to determine how the molecules are distributed in respect to binding sites, etc. The signal from selected regions of the histograms can then be chosen for further selective analysis to give species specific results.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for characterizing samples having fluorescent particles, comprising the steps of: exciting particles in a measurement volume to emit fluorescence by a series of excitation pulses, monitoring the emitted fluorescence by detecting sequences of photon counts using a detector, determining numbers of photon counts in counting time intervals of given width, determining in the counting time intervals detection delay times of the photon counts relative to the corresponding excitation pulses, determining a function of the detection delay times, determining a probability function of at least two arguments, {circumflex over (P)}(n, t, . . . ), wherein at least one argument is the number of photon counts and another argument is the function of detection delay times, and determining from the probability function {circumflex over (P)}(n, t, . . .

Abstract: A method for characterizing a sample involves: a) monitoring the sample for intensity fluctuations of radiation emitted, scattered and/or reflected by units of the sample in at least one measurement volume with at least one detector which is able to detect radiation emitted, scattered and/or reflected by the units, b) determining from the intensity fluctuations intermediate statistical data of an at least two-dimensional joint statistical function, and c) determining information related to a joint distribution of the units out of the intermediate statistical data.

Abstract: A method for characterizing samples having units, by monitoring fluctuating intensities of radiation emitted, scattered and/or reflected by said units in at least one measurement volume, the monitoring being performed by at least one detection means, said method comprising the steps of:

Abstract: A confocal microscope for optical detection of an observation volume includes a light source, a dichroic mirror, and an objective lens arrangement which further includes a mechanical aperture and an observation optic arrangement. Between the dichroic mirror and the objective lens arrangement, a deflection mirror arrangement is located having a planar deflection mirror on the side of the objective which is arranged to oscillate about a normal position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for characterizing samples having fluorescent particles, comprising the steps of:

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for characterizing samples having fluorescent particles, comprising the steps of:

Abstract: A confocal microscope for optical detection of an observation volume includes a light source, a dichroic mirror, and an objective lens arrangement which further includes a mechanical aperture and an observation optic arrangement. Between the dichroic mirror and the objective lens arrangement, a deflection mirror arrangement is located having a planar deflection mirror on the side of the objective which is arranged to oscillate about a normal position.