FROM IMAGE-PROCESSING TO CLASSIFICATION .1. MODELING DISTURBANCES OF ISOELECTRIC-FOCUSING PATTERNS

In order to optimize the conditions for evaluation of isoelectric focu sing (IEF) patterns by digital image processing, the sources of error in determination of the pi values were analyzed together with the infl uence of a varying background. The effects of band distortions, in the spectra of the individual lanes, were examined. In order to minimize the effect of these distortions, optimal conditions for handling IEF p atterns by digital image processing were elucidated. The systematic pa rt of the global deformation on the gels was investigated and an algor ithm was developed by which it was possible to correct for a part of t he individual distortions. The effects of various corrections for lane distortions were illustrated by classification, using different types of discriminant analysis. Finally the background disturbances were ex amined, and described by a mathematical model.