Track workflow > Setup Worm Detection and Tracking > Tracking panel

Tracking panel

Purpose

Use the Tracking panel to set up the parameters used for worm tracking.

This step is for adjusting worm settings only. To implement custom detectors for objects other than worms, see Use Custom Detector.

Tracking Parameters

Use back tracking: WormLab software performs tracking backwards, which allows worms with no predecessor—those suddenly appearing in the field of view—to be tracked backwards in time. Tracks generated by worms tracked through back tracking are connected to other worm tracks later.

Track worms at the edge of the image: Avoid using if you are interested in worm shape, length or area as worms at the edge of the image can be modeled with an inaccurate length.

Max tracked hypotheses: Sets the maximum number of hypotheses for a worm location. The fastest speed is achieved with a setting of 1. Multiple hypotheses can help disambiguate, or resolve conflicts, between worms when they are interacting. The hypotheses are tracked over several frames, and only the most likely hypothesis is used to determine the worm track.

For best results, set the maximum number to 4 or 5 when you are tracking multiple worms in complex overlap or interaction scenarios.

Exhaustive hypothesis search: WormLab evaluates all possible track hypotheses. It may take longer to run the tracking analysis, but it may also provide more accurate results, especially when the sequence includes worm interactions.

Tracking mode: Each mode uses its own model that takes into account locomotion differences.

  • Crawling: Select for worms on a dry plate.

  • Swimming: Select for worms in a liquid solution.

Advanced

Frames worms can touch boundary: Number of frames in which WormLab tracks a worm at the edge of the image. If the worm remains at the edge after the specified number of frames, it is dropped from tracking. This is useful for instances where a worm is at the edge for a few frames only.

Frames worms can overlap: Number of frames in which WormLab tracks overlapping worms. This option is used for faster tracking, limiting the amount of time (in frames) during which WormLab seeks to resolve worm overlaps.

Lower this parameter if tracking becomes unstable while WormLab tracks interacting worms over an extended period of time.
If WormLab drops interacting tracks for no apparent reason, increase this number to resolve this issue.

Position tolerance: Percentage of a position shift (as a fraction of body length) tolerated over consecutive frames to continue a track. For example, if a worm position is outside this value, WormLab generates a new worm track.

Shape tolerance: Percentage of a shape difference (length, width) tolerated over consecutive frames to continue a track. For example, if a worm shape is outside this value, WormLab generates a new worm track.

  • If track length is a priority, raise this value.

  • If detection accuracy is a priority, lower this value.

  • If there is only one or very few worms on the plate, a higher value will help to create a continuous track in the presence of noise.

Track Filtering

Use to filter out short, spurious tracks that can occur in the presence of image noise, a cluttered background, or deep tracks.

If a worm track exists for fewer frames than the set value, the program deletes the worm track from the data generated by Track Worms Workflow: Analyze Data.

  • Minimum track duration (frame): Check the box and set a value for a minimum number of frames in which a track must appear to be considered valid.

 

Copy parameters to clipboard Click to capture text that describes the current worm tracking parameters.