Iterative image transformations for an automatic screening of cervical smears.

The new generation of image analysis systems permits the use of iterative image transformations. It is now possible to construct algorithms where the elementary steps are not arithmetic operations but image transformations. This will be illustrated by two examples. In the first, the absorption image of Feulgen Stained nuclei is processed by contrast algorithms in order to detect suspect cells. In the second, free lying cells are separated from overlapping cells and other artefacts by the use of skeletonization procedures.