Expert system driven image processing for recognition and identification of microorganisms

A description is given of an automatic microorganism recognition and identification method, using image processing based on an expert system, for application in a micro-manipulator system. Since microorganisms under a microscope all appear different, are moving, and have time-dependent shapes, the conventional pattern-matching method used for industrial products can be applied. The proposed method is based on segmentation of the microorganisms, taking advantage of characteristic segment features that are independent of individual size and length. Complicated shapes are divided into simple-shaped segments such as lines, circles, ovals, etc. The relation between segments is described in the database of the expert system. Microorganisms can then be expressed simply by a set of segments and so that their individual differences can be avoided. Tracking the movement of a microorganism by its image is also shown