Image Analysis

In the Image Analysis research area, we develop and apply methods for computational processing and analysis of digital microscopy images, especially for solving problems in biology and medicine. A wide range of biomedical research projects rely on microscopy data which require specifically designed image analysis workflows to support the identification of complex biological processes. In close collaboration with our partners from research and industry, we develop algorithms and software that analyze microscopy images, for example fluorescence microscopy images of cells or other kinds of organic material. Our focus in algorithm development is mainly on methods of signal processing, machine learning, and computer vision for information extraction and interpretation. Besides filtering and denoising for pre-processing and feature extraction methods, we use machine learning approaches such as deep learning for object detection, segmentation, and object tracking. In addition to workflows and algorithms, we implement image analysis software (e.g. Spotty) for biological research to automatically detect, track, and analyze cells and particles to support fundamental research and drug development. For image analysis, we build on tools and frameworks such as MATLAB, OpenCV, and TensorFlow.

 

 

Selected Publications

2021 Jonas Schurr, Christoph Eilenberger, Peter Ertl, Josef Scharinger, and Stephan M. Winkler: Automated Evaluation of Cell Viability in Microfluidic Spheroid Arrays Proceedings of the 10th International Workshop on Innovative Simulation for Healthcare, 18th International Multidisciplinary Modeling & Simulation Multiconference 2021
2016 Daniela Borgmann, Sandra Mayr, Helene Polin, Susanne Schaller, Viktoria Dorfer, Christian Gabriel, Stephan Winkler, and Jaroslaw Jacak: Single Molecule Florescence Microscopy and Machine Learning for Rhesus D Antigen Classification Scientific Reports 6

Selected Projects

Screening 2.0

In Austria there are currently around 573.000 to 645.000 people affected by Diabetes mellitus. This is about 8 to 9 percent of all Austrians. About 143.000 to 215.000 people do not know about their diabetes yet (2 to 3%). They have a higher risk for complications and long-term effects. Because of demographic developments and the rising prevalence of lifestyle related risk factors (overweight/obesity, physical inactivity, unfavourable nutrition, smoking, etc.) the number of diabetics and diabetes related diseases will rise further.

To counter these developments the consortium of Screening 2.0 aims at the development of a comprehensive concept of non-invasive diagnostic tools for individual, exhaustive, and user-friendly diabetes screening (diabetes as a first step) in combination with e-health applications. It involves a service innovation combined with a product innovation:

 

* Development of a printed qualitative diabetes-screening strip used in a trend analysis for early detection of diabetes

 

* Development of a comprehensive communication concept

 

Test strips and screening methods already exist in various ways. However, these are not printed but mostly dipped or coated. Through the development of the printing process in combination with the development of the suitable print varnish production cost and used resources should be reduced significantly. Furthermore the strip must be designed in a way to be easily included in a postal mailing which is the prerequisite for the service innovation.

To implement early detection successfully into the existing health system an innovative service must be developed. Current communication- and supply channels need to be considered while it needs to be carried out nationwide. Screening enables an addition to current supply and communication. Therefore the communication cycle can be closed for the first time during the screening process and not – as before – after the analysis of prescribed medication (therapy) through health insurances.


Head

DI(FH) Dr. Viktoria Dorfer MSc

Researchers

DI(FH) Viktoria Dorfer MSc

Susanne Schaller MMSc

Prof. (FH) DI Dr. Stephan Winkler

Duration

2015 - 2017

Research Areas

DataScience

Research Institutions

Research Center Hagenberg

University of Applied Sciences, Upper Austria, Hagenberg Campus

Research focus

Software technology and application

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