Tracking cell splits and merges

The key to tracking and analyzing histories of evolving structures is accurately mapping the structures to their corresponding ancestors. Without this mapping, no comparisons can be made of structure evolution over time. This paper describes an efficient method of mapping histories of large-scale evolving structures in order to track them over extended periods-without the need for complex computations or the retention of large image files. A controlled experiment is performed in which a flame forms a disk-shaped front when ignited and stabilized over a porous-plug burner. As the flow rate of the fuel through the burner is increased, the front forms cell-like structures which split and merge in complicated interactions as shown by the four consecutive frames of videotape. This work addresses how such interactions can be tracked from the videotape by applying image processing techniques.