System for the Validation of Cell-Tracking Algorithms Using On-Demand Simulated Optical Microscope Images

Computer cell tracking using an optical microscope and an image-processing module has proven to be a valuable technique for the study of cell behavior such as motility and migration. Validation of these techniques is difficult and often done by manual analysis or with the aid of limited and case-specific simulation software. We have developed a general simulation system that returns optical microscope images on demand. The system is designed to work well even in cases of three-dimensional, real-time or very fast moving cells, cases where other validation techniques fail. An evaluation of a popular particle tracker is also presented.