title: Automatic Biological Cell Counting Using a Modified Gradient Hough Transform.
abstract: We present a computational method for pseudo-circular object detection and quantitative characterization in digital images, using the gradient accumulation matrix as a basic tool. This Gradient Accumulation Transform (GAT) was first introduced in 1992 by Kierkegaard and recently used by Kaytanli & Valentine. In the present article, we modify the approach by using the phase coding studied by Cicconet, and by adding a "local contributor list" (LCL) as well as a "used contributor matrix" (UCM), which allow for accurate peak detection and exploitation. These changes help make the GAT algorithm a robust and precise method to automatically detect pseudo-circular objects in a microscopic image. We then present an application of the method to cell counting in microbiological images.
authors.affiliation: 1AgroSup Dijon,Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté,PAM UMR A 02.102,F-21000 Dijon,France.
authors.forename: Emmanuel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Denimal
authors.affiliation: 1AgroSup Dijon,Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté,PAM UMR A 02.102,F-21000 Dijon,France.
authors.forename: Ambroise
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marin
authors.affiliation: 1AgroSup Dijon,Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté,PAM UMR A 02.102,F-21000 Dijon,France.
authors.forename: Stéphane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Guyot
authors.affiliation: 1AgroSup Dijon,Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté,PAM UMR A 02.102,F-21000 Dijon,France.
authors.forename: Ludovic
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Journaux
authors.affiliation: 1AgroSup Dijon,Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté,PAM UMR A 02.102,F-21000 Dijon,France.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Molin
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001331:Automation; D059019:Clinical Coding; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008828:Microbiological Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008853:Microscopy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated / Q000379:methods*; D004718:Saccharomycetales; D015003:Yeasts
keywords: cell; circle; counting; hough; microscopy