Human chromosome classification based on local band descriptors

In this paper several new techniques for automated chromosome analysis are described: one for piecewise-linear chromosome stretching and projection, two for accurately localizing the centromere and one for two-dimensional local band pattern description. A classification procedure is described that is based upon local band descriptors. Classification results obtained with this method are compared with results obtained with the global band description method (WDD functions). Data sets from two different laboratories are used to investigate the influence of the preparation. Results show the suitability of the local description method in its ability to visualize the image processing technique at the level of the chromosome image.