Template construction and matching for identification of cells in differential interference contrast microscope images

Template matching, for identification of cells in differential interference contrast (DIC) microscope images by digital image analysis, is complex. This is due to the nature of DIC images, namely an apparent illumination effect across cells in the image. Different cell sizes and orientations cause further complications. Three methods of template construction are proposed for different types of cell, and a successful automatic method for cell counting and sizing is described. These methods compensate for the complexities in the images.