In this image, two distinct gel runs with the same sample preparation are displayed. In the image sequence on the left we see first the raw images, then the images after they have been registered, and finally the raw images again with the vector field that has been determined by the software. There are several key differences between Compugen's approach and the customary ones. At the heart of Compugen's image processing system is an automatic registration procedure that allows the precise alignment of two gel images within a few seconds. Compugen's proprietary process reverses the customary order of the analysis steps.
Registration becomes the first and crucial step.
It is carried out on the original, raw images, so that all of the markings, streaks, and special shapes of the spots, along with the information they carry, are used as anchors for the registration algorithm. By employing this methodology, it is guaranteed that no information is lost in the process. As a next step, the registered images serve as the basis for spot identification, spot quantitation, annotation, archiving and publishing. An important analysis module of Z3 is the Raw Master Gel, enabling users to create a raw image from multiple runs of the same sample. The raw master gel is derived from the original gel images and can be used for comparison with other gels or other raw master gels.