title: Alternative automatic alignment method for specimen tilt-series images based on back-projected volume data cross-correlations.
abstract: We devised a new automatic image alignment method for a specimen tilt series; this method is based on the volume data cross-correlation among 3-D cross-sections reconstructed from different sets of projection images (including a single image) for tilt-series alignment or tilt-axis search purposes. This method requires neither markers nor image feature points traceable through the tilt series, and it was examined through simulations and applied to biological thin sections. The method automatically aligned tilt series centred at the correctly detected tilt axis with a precision sufficient for practical applications.
authors.affiliation: Major of Informatics, Graduate School, Kogakuin University, 2665-1 Nakano, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0015, Japan.
authors.forename: Sachihiko
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tomonaga
authors.affiliation: Research Institute for Science and Technology, Kogakuin University, 2665-1 Nakano, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0015, Japan.
authors.forename: Misuzu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baba
authors.affiliation: Major of Informatics, Graduate School, Kogakuin University, 2665-1 Nakano, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0015, Japan baban@cc.kogakuin.ac.jp.
authors.forename: Norio
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Baba
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003198:Computer Simulation; D055032:Electron Microscope Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000166:cytology*
keywords: automatic alignment; electron tomography; marker-free alignment; tilt-axis search; volume data cross-correlation; volume reconstruction