WinCELL is a specially designed image analysis system for analyzing tree cells, which can quantify changes in tree structure on annual rings.

Anatomy tree cell analysis can be performed using X-rays for tree density analysis (such as WinDENDRO). The density, color, mechanical and chemical properties of wood are all influenced by the tree ring structure, which is also related to the environmental climate. The quality of wood can be evaluated by measuring the size, distribution, and proportion of radiating cells (tracheids) to the inner wall.

WinCELL uses a microscope and a thin slice slicer to produce wood sample slices, or for large cells such as deciduous plant spring wood ducts, samples can be directly obtained from the surface of the wood to measure the morphology of tree cells. The morphological data of tree cells can be measured for each ring on one or more images of each wheel using the companion software XLCell for rapid data processing and visualization.

Typically, image analysts do not specifically measure tree cells, and the data generated from these measurements is not suitable for dendrochronological research. These systems lack knowledge about tree ring formation and its cellular structure (such as calculating ring width), so they do not know how to measure in this field. WinCELL knows how to do it, for example, the cell wall between two adjacent cells must be split in half to calculate the length of the cell and the width of the spring wood or tree ring. Its universal settings can be used to analyze different types of trees (the radial arrangement of deciduous and coniferous tracheids). It supports both fully automated and interactive analysis modes, with the latter allowing users to select cell rows and columns to simulate traditional tubular cell analysis methods. WinCELL can handle incomplete cells, which will be removed by image boundaries, so it will not affect the average cell measurement.

*Use appropriate image capture devices and sample preparation.

**A curve chart of the size of radiating cells at different functional positions in tree rings.

Image capture

In recent years, the development of high-quality digital cameras has made anatomical tree cell analysis easier than ever before.

Sample preparation

Wood cell analysis is typically performed by slicing wood samples using a thin slice slicer under a microscope. Sometimes the contrast of the inner cavity is improved by staining. With appropriate preparation and lighting, large conduits can be directly analyzed from the surface of wood.

microscope
In order to obtain images of wood sample slices produced by a thin slice slicer for a microscope, a microscope with an accessory tube that can install a camera and a C-mount adapter (provided by the microscope manufacturer) is required.

camera

WinCELL can analyze images captured by digital or analog cameras. The models sold by Regent are all of research grade and have standard C-mount threads that can be installed on microscopes. We sell three models of cameras ranging from 1 to 6 megapixels (million pixels), which can be directly mounted on top of wooden chips (with optical lenses). The sample surface is well prepared, and WinCELL can also obtain images from an optical scanner (please check the conditions before purchasing) to analyze large cells (catheters). The camera sold by Regent can be connected to a computer through the "FireWire" (IEEE-1394) or USB 2.0 interface. WinCELL is a TWAIN compatible product, which means it can capture images from many types of cameras and scanners.

followWinCELLObtained images

When users adjust the position of the microscope or sample, they can simply click on the icon in the WinCELL software window to display the image in real-time (or semi real time, depending on the camera type) on the computer screen. After the image is displayed, users can also set image parameters (size, color, filter). To digitize and analyze images, simply click on the button in the camera interface window.

WinCELLComposition of the entire system:

WinCELL standard or enhanced software with color manual.

Y grayscale or color "Fireline" or USB 2.0 camera, resolution of 3 or 5 million pixels, 2-meter cable connection.

XLCell companion software for data analysis and visualization.

Free email technical support for up to 2 years after termination of Y product.

Y system does not include: C-mount adapters for cameras, which should be provided by microscope manufacturers; Camera lens (a lens is not required for a microscope camera, but is needed for other applications without a microscope).

WinCELLCamera and optional components:

Y digital "Fireline" camera with a resolution of 3 or 5 million pixels and a 2-meter connecting cable.

Y "Firewire" card, installed in the PCI slot of a PC without a "Firewire" connector

Optional:

The Y "live" cable is 5 meters long.

Y large lens, can be used for other applications such as leaf area measurement.

WinCELLmeasure

Cell morphology measurement can be performed in different ways: automatic, semi-automatic, or manual (interactive)

Analysis Area
The first step in analyzing a sample is to select the analysis area. All versions can only analyze the overall image, while the enhanced version can analyze areas of any shape. In the example on the right, an analysis area (within the green line) was created to only analyze the spring wood conduits belonging to specific tree rings. These areas can be easily selected by drawing contours on the image. Instructions can quickly and easily create rectangular and circular analysis areas.

Internal and external wall area

The internal cavity area is automatically measured and is the actual measured area (based on the number of pixels contained inside) rather than estimated by the diameter. The lumen can be divided into cell and ductal groups based on their area. Those larger than the specified value are classified as ducts, while those smaller than the specified value are classified as cells. The two groups can be analyzed separately (obtaining overall and individual data for both groups). Users can easily re grade by pressing buttons and clicking on targets. The outer wall area is automatically calculated by calculating the pixel level area belonging to the outer wall in the analysis area.

The inner and outer wall areas are used for the total value of the analyzed area (measured in units and as a percentage of the analyzed area), while the inner wall area is also used as a single cell or catheter based on individual analysis data.

Inner cavity area color function

In addition to cell and outer wall area, the enhanced version can also use color function to measure the inner and outer wall area of the entire analysis area or a partial area (each cell).

Tube cell length and width

The length and width (or radial and longitudinal diameters) of the tubular cells can be calculated in different ways.

Maximum length and width:

The tube cell length calculated using this method is the distance between the farthest two points in the cell lumen boundary. It is the maximum cell length measured in any direction. Width is the longest distance in the direction perpendicular to length.

Longitudinal and radial diameters:

Length is measured directly radially, width is measured directly longitudinally (and vice versa). This method provides three modes of variation (distinguished by position and measured length).

The length and width of tracheids can be the average value of the entire measurement area, as well as the values of individual cells or ducts.

Cell location

On the image, the center position of the cell can be measured, which is related to the start of the annual ring. The latter can be used to perform statistical calculations on the distribution of cellular structural parameters of functional positions on tree rings.

Number of tracheids (cells and ducts)

Cells and conduits in the analyzed area or along the trace path can be automatically counted.

Automatic and interactive measurement methods

The morphological measurements mentioned above can be automatically calculated throughout the entire analysis area or through interactive measurements of selected cells. In automatic mode, all the user needs to do is click on the image or indicate the analysis area and the cells contained in the analyzed area. In interactive mode, users simply draw a line through the cell to measure. The latter is commonly used to analyze radial cell rows and columns (the arrangement of cells related to the position of annual ring boundaries is well known).

There are interactive measurement modes available4Type setting

In fully manual mode, the image will not be automatically analyzed. This mode is used to measure any object that is simply clicked by hand at the end. It can be used to measure cell length or to elucidate the complete fiber length. Flat objects can be measured by clicking twice at their ends, while curved objects can be measured by clicking an additional mouse at the deformation point of their curvature. Another manual mode is used to measure the length and width of objects in pairs (which can be used to estimate the area later), and to measure cells when the contrast does not meet the requirements for automatic analysis.

Two semi-automatic measurement modes can be used to measure cell length and their adjacent wall thickness (on the opposite side of the lumen). One mode operates in the trace direction, while the other mode operates in the radial direction.

These two semi-automatic measurement methods can also determine the length of radial cell rows (between the ring boundary and ring width).

Origin: Canada