BeadNet: Deep learning-based bead detection and counting in low-resolution microscopy images

Motivation
An automated counting of beads is required for many high-throughput experiments such as studying mimicked bacterial invasion processes. However, state-of-the-art algorithms under- or overestimate the number of beads in low-resolution images. In addition, expert knowledge is needed to adjust parameters.

Results
In combination with our image labeling tool, BeadNet enables biologists to easily annotate and process their data reducing the expertise required in many existing image analysis pipelines. BeadNet outperforms state-of-the-art-algorithms in terms of missing, added and total amount of beads.

Availability and implementation
BeadNet (software, code and dataset) is available at https://bitbucket.org/t_scherr/beadnet. The image labeling tool is available at https://bitbucket.org/abartschat/imagelabelingtool.