Cap image - A newly-developed computer-aided videoframe analysis system for dynamic capillaroscopy

We describe a newly developed multi-function video image analysis system for the computer-aided evaluation of capillaroscopic findings in microcirculation research. The Cap image analysis system comprises an IBM-compatible PC with a Matrox image processing card and real-time video tape digitalization. The video recorder is driven by a personal computer to which it is connected via an RS-232 interface. In contrast to currently available systems, the program presented here makes it possible to select ana of several integrated image analysis functions, depending on the quality of the video image. Some examples of the analysis functions available are measurements of erythrocyte Bow velocity using the line shift diagram method, the spatial correlation method, and the auto flying spot method. The standard features of the nem program include a number of special functions and automatic movement correction The system thus makes it possible not only to measure numerous morphological parameters such as capillary diameter, length, torquation index and capillary density, but also to perform video densitometric analysis, for example using fluorescent dyes.