Interactive image enhancement and analysis of prometaphase chromosomes and their band patterns

An interactive computer system for measuring banding patterns on prometaphase and prophase chromosomes is described. Cells are digitized, and the images are enhanced by digital filtering. A chromosome's medial axis is determined either automatically by a skeletonization procedure or interactively by an operator. A straightened image of a bent chromosome is made by straightening the axis without distorting its length. Landmark bands on the straightened image can be labeled interactively by the operator. Sets of labeled homologous chromosomes can be normalized to have the same apparent interlandmark spacing and can be displayed side by side for visual comparison.