New Image Analysis Platform Has Multidimensional Capabilities

These features provide scientists and clinicians with a deeper understanding of the slight biologic changes associated with disease progression and treatment, and the action and safety of new therapies.

Definiens XD, developed by Definiens (Munich, Germany), an enterprise image intelligence company, fulfils previously unmet needs, including precise and automated volumetric measurements of almost all structures and the ability to analyze virtually any multi-dimensional image data. It is the first image analysis platform to facilitate the automated comparison of images from different modalities, in vivo and in vitro data, two-dimensional (2D) and 3D images over time, and two-dimensional images to three-dimensional structures in a consistent and reproducible manner. The technology allows consistent and precise 3D volumetric measurement, which is the most challenging but most accurate way of measuring structures of interest, including various lesions in the human body.

Definiens XD is built upon the next generation of Definiens Cognition Network Technology, an advanced technology for extracting intelligence from images. Developed by Gerd Binnig, the 1986 Nobel Laureate for Physics, and his team, the technology emulates human cognitive processes. Definiens' technology differentiates itself from pixel-based and model-based matching technologies by recognizing groups of pixels as objects, picking out shapes, colors, and textures. The technology examines objects contextually and can understand scale, overlapping objects and the relationship of two-dimensional images to three-dimensional shapes.

"Our new Definiens XD platform, enabled by the next generation of Definiens Cognition Network Technology, addresses the growing need for multidimensional image analysis tools in the healthcare industry,” said Wolfgang Rencken, executive vice president, Technology and Products and member of the executive board of Definiens. "Definiens XD expands the capabilities of our technology, allowing us to serve new application fields.”

The increasing need for multi-dimensional image-analysis technologies is demonstrated by the growth of confocal and fluorescence imaging, kinetic and chemotactic assays and non-invasive imaging. Advances in fluorescent proteins, a wide range of fluorescent dyes, live cell and fixed cell fluorescence and confocal microscopy has resulted in their rapid adoption by biologists. Obtaining spatial (x, y, z) and time series images for analysis has become a necessity, as has the automated analysis of these images.

The growing use of non-invasive imaging devices manufactured for small animal imaging has significantly improved the quality of information derived from research studies. Many images can be acquired at different time points from the same animal and the ability to study the effect of therapeutic interventions in these animal models greatly improves statistical comparisons of therapeutic efficacy. Automating the analysis of this pre-clinical image data is central to the wider adoption of small animal imaging studies, which deliver the molecular, and preclinical imaging benefits identified in the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations' (FDA) 2003 Critical Path to New Medical Products initiative.

In recent years, a wide range of advanced noninvasive medical imaging techniques have been introduced in biomedical practice, including various combinations of positron emission tomography (PET), dynamic computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition to the imaging of morphologic structure, the analysis and visualization of time series and functional imaging are gaining importance.

Automated analysis of this medical imaging data can play a significant role in screening, treatment planning, and staging, and computer aided detection (CAD) applications.

The launch of Definiens XD represents an important milestone in the company's expansion in the life sciences market and entrance into the medical imaging market. Over the coming years, Definiens intends to expand its product range with CAD applications for medical professionals.

By automating image analysis on an enterprise level, Definiens supports life science organizations to analyze and interpret vast numbers of images accurately and consistently. Definiens improves the measurement of cell assays, examination of tissue samples, and the interpretation of non-invasive imaging, enabling high-content screening, digital pathology, and translational medicine.


Related Links:
Definiens