Definiens unveils new laboratory and medical image analysis platform
26 June2008
Definiens has introduced a new multi-dimensional image analysis
platform, the Definiens XD. Software applications built on the platform
extract previously unattainable levels of volumetric and morphological
intelligence from digital data.
They provide scientists and clinicians with a deeper understanding of
the subtle biological changes associated with disease progression and
treatment, and the action and safety of new therapies.
Definiens XD fulfils formerly 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, 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; 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 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, colours 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. Definiens XD
facilitates a wide range of multidimensional image analysis
applications:
- Basic research (2D + time series, 3D, 3D + time series):
Advances in fluorescent proteins (GFP, YFP, CFP), 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;
- Pre-clinical small animal imaging (3D and 4D):
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 FDA’s 2003 Critical Path to New Medical Products
initiative; and
- Medical imaging (3D and 4D):
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 morphological
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 company says the launch of Definiens XD represents an important
milestone in its expansion in the life sciences market and entrance into
the medical imaging market. It intends to expand its product offerings
with CAD applications for medical professionals.