Wavelet-based enhancement of human chromosome images

Human chromosomes contain important information for cytogenetics analysis. Cytogeneticists compare their patient´s chromosome images against the prototype human chromosome band patterns. Computer enhancement of chromosome bands in the images facilitate visualization and karyotyping. Currently available systems employing conventional convolution filtering are similar to photomicroscopy in their ability to support the detection of band pattern alterations. Improvement in visualization quality and capability of effective band enhancement for detail analysis would significantly increase the cost-effectiveness of these instruments. In this paper we describe a new technique developed for human chromosome image enhancement, based on the cubic-spline wavelet transform and multiresolution image analysis. Under this approach, chromosome band pattern features can be characterized compactly in the transform domain by a multiresolution image representation. Enhancement of these features can be achieved with designed flexibility in scale, orientation, location, and degree of enhancement, by analyzing and selectively processing the transform coefficients. This technique promises improved image enhancement means to assist the evaluation of chromosome abnormalities in clinical samples. Experimental results are presented to exemplify the feasibility of the approach