Fast processing of microscopic images using object-based extended depth of field.

Background: Microscopic analysis requires that foreground objects of interest, e.g. cells, are in focus.

An automatic device for detection and classification of malaria parasite species in thick blood film.

Background: Current malaria diagnosis relies primarily on microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood films. This method requires vigorously trained technicians to efficiently detect and classify the malaria parasite species such as Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and Plasmodium vivax (Pv) for an appropriate drug administration. However, accurate classification of parasite species is difficult to achieve because of inherent technical limitations and human inconsistency.