Apparatus, system, and method for supporting settings for cell image analysis

Abstract

To efficiently set a parameter from which a useful analysis result can be obtained.SOLUTION: An apparatus 100 includes a control unit which refers to a database about a parameter setting history of cell image analysis and an output unit. The control unit selects parameter setting candidate information on the basis of combination information including a first parameter included in setting history information in response to the selection of the first parameter. The output unit outputs selection candidate information including at least one of the parameter setting candidate information and analysis use information corresponding to the parameter setting candidate information. The database includes setting history information being the set of combination information including a recognition parameter and an analysis parameter set in the image analysis that has been already performed, and analysis use information being the set of individual analysis use information indicating the use of image analysis using the combination information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods that aid in the setup of cell image analysis. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a device that performs image recognition of an object appearing in an image acquired by a microscope or the like and performs analysis using specified parameters. Generally, such a device is capable of performing various analyses by setting a recognition parameter that specifies the object to be recognized and an analysis parameter that specifies which feature of the object to be recognized should be focused on in the analysis. On the other hand, there is a problem that it is difficult for a user without sufficient expert knowledge to obtain useful analysis results because the degree of freedom in the settings is too high.

[0003] A technique related to this problem is described, for example, in Patent Document 1. According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, a user can obtain information about the correlation between parameters used in analysis from image information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 109826 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, the above-mentioned analysis device is usually shared by multiple users. Taking advantage of this usage situation, there is a demand for a technique that allows multiple users who share the analysis device to share not only the analysis device but also knowledge regarding analysis settings.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables efficient setting of parameters that provide useful analysis results. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for supporting the setting of a cell image analysis, and includes a control unit that selects parameter setting candidate information for the image analysis by referring to a database related to parameter setting history of an image analysis for analyzing a cell image, and an output unit. The database includes setting history information, which is a set of combination information indicating a combination of parameters set in an image analysis that has already been performed, including a recognition parameter that specifies an object to be recognized as an image, and an analysis parameter that specifies which feature of the object to be recognized as the image is to be focused on in the image analysis, and analysis purpose information, which is a set of individual analysis purpose information indicating the purpose of the image analysis using the combination information. In response to the selection of a first parameter as the recognition parameter, the control unit selects the parameter setting candidate information based on the combination information including the first parameter included in the setting history information, and the output unit outputs selection candidate information including at least one of the parameter setting candidate information and the analysis purpose information corresponding to the parameter setting candidate information. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the above aspect, it is possible to efficiently set parameters that will give useful analysis results. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a database 200. [Figure 4]1 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of processing performed by the device 100. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method for specifying recognition parameters. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a selection process performed by the device 100. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining differences in selection results depending on selection conditions. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a list display of selection results. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a list display of selection results. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a list display of selection results. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of a list display of selection results. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of a list display of selection results. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of a list display of selection results. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of a list display of selection results. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method for evaluating analysis results. [Figure 16] 13 is a diagram showing another example of a flowchart of the selection process performed by the device 100. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of a list display of selection results. [Figure 18] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system including an apparatus 100. [Figure 19] 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of a flowchart of the selection process performed by the device 100. FIG. [Figure 20] 11 is a diagram showing another example of a flowchart of the process performed by the device 100. FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method for specifying a search word. [Figure 22] 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of a flowchart of the selection process performed by the device 100. FIG. [Diagram 23] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a system 1000 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a system 2000 according to a third embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer 100a for implementing the device 100 according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. The apparatus 100 is an apparatus for analyzing a cell image, and also an apparatus 100 for supporting the setting of an analysis for analyzing a cell image (hereinafter, referred to as a cell image analysis). The cell image may be an image in which a cell is captured, that is, an image including a cell. The cell image may be, for example, an image including a cell aggregate such as a spheroid or an organoid, or an image in which a part of a cell is enlarged and displayed.

[0011] When the device 100 executes the analysis program, an analysis window W1, for example, as shown in Fig. 1, is displayed on the display device. The user can set the cell image analysis by specifying parameters for cell image analysis using the setting areas (areas R1, R2, and R3) in the window W1. After the settings are made, the device 100 executes the analysis, whereby the cell image displayed in area R4 is analyzed, and the measurement results and analysis results are displayed in areas R5 and R6.

[0012] The types of parameters for cell image analysis that can be specified by the user in the device 100 include at least two types: recognition parameters that specify an object to be recognized, and analysis parameters that specify which feature of the object to be recognized is to be focused on in the analysis. The recognition parameters and analysis parameters can be specified in the regions R1 and R3, and one or more of each can be specified.

[0013] Parameters that can be selected as recognition parameters include, for example, cell aggregates such as "spheroids" and "organoids," "cells," "cell nuclei," "cell organelles," and "cell sheets." Also, a specific type of cell, i.e., a "cell type," may be selectable. Furthermore, a "region of interest" that is an area having an arbitrary characteristic designated in advance by the user, and a "characteristic structure" that is an intracellular structure having an arbitrary characteristic designated in advance by the user may be selectable. However, the above-mentioned parameters are merely examples, and other parameters may be set as recognition parameters.

[0014] It may be possible to specify whether an object specified by a recognition parameter is to be recognized and analyzed in two dimensions (2D) or three dimensions (3D). Furthermore, for recognition parameters having a parent-child relationship (e.g., "spheroid"-"cell", "spheroid"-"cell nucleus", etc.), the parent-child relationship may be specified and set. By setting the parent-child relationship, it is possible to aggregate child information for each parent.

[0015] Parameters selectable as analysis parameters include, for example, various parameters classified as intensity information, morphological information, and system information. Parameters classified as intensity information include, for example, total intensity, average intensity, maximum intensity, minimum intensity, and SD (standard deviation) of intensity. In addition, absorbance, transmittance, and reflectance may also be classified as parameters of intensity information. Parameters classified as morphological information include, for example, area, boundary, surface area, volume, circularity, sphericity, major axis, and minor axis. In addition, number, color, brightness, and saturation may also be classified as parameters of morphological information. Parameters classified as system information include, for example, container, position (X, Y, Z), time, and center of gravity (X, Y, Z). However, the above-mentioned parameters are merely examples, and other parameters may be set as analysis parameters.

[0016] The device 100 according to this embodiment presents information indicating candidates for parameter settings for cell image analysis (hereinafter, referred to as parameter setting candidate information) to the user by the user specifying a part of the parameter settings and / or inputting a keyword related to the analysis. More specifically, the device 100 presents the parameter setting candidate information to the user by referring to a database 200 (see FIG. 2) related to parameter setting history for image analysis for analyzing cell images based on the user's specification and / or input. This allows the user to set parameters for cell image analysis by simply selecting parameter settings to be used for analysis from the presented parameter setting candidate information. Therefore, even a user without specialized knowledge can easily perform analysis with appropriate settings.

[0017] Note that, instead of presenting the parameter setting candidate information itself to the user, device 100 may present other information (for example, analysis purpose information, which will be described later) for selecting parameter settings indicated by the parameter setting candidate information.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the device 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a structure of the database 200. The configuration of the device 100 will be described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 2 and 3.

[0019] 2, the device 100 includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 111, an input unit 112, and an output unit 113. The output unit 113 includes a display unit 114. The device 100 may further include other functional units.

[0020] The control unit 110 will be described later. The storage unit 111 stores a database 200. The database 200 includes, for example, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, setting history information 210, evaluation information 220, reference count information 230, and analysis purpose information 240, and may further include other information.

[0021] The setting history information 210 included in the database 200 is a collection of combination information indicating combinations of parameters set in cell image analyses that have already been performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the setting history information 210 is a collection of combination information indicating combinations of the above-mentioned recognition parameters and the above-mentioned analysis parameters. As shown in FIG. 3, the setting history information 210 may include a plurality of recognition parameters and a plurality of analysis parameters for each combination (each record in FIG. 3). The plurality of recognition parameters included in each combination may include a plurality of recognition parameters having a parent-child relationship (e.g., Spheroid and Nuclear), and may further include information regarding dimensions (e.g., three dimensions). In addition, the plurality of analysis parameters may include analysis parameters corresponding to each of a plurality of axes when the analysis results are displayed in a graph. Note that FIG. 3 shows an example in which analysis parameters corresponding to each of the X-axis and Y-axis in a two-dimensional display are included.

[0022] The evaluation information 220 included in the database 200 is a collection of individual evaluation information indicating evaluations for the combination information. Specifically, the individual evaluation information may include, for example, first evaluation information regarding the number of specific evaluations for the corresponding combination information, and second evaluation information regarding the number of evaluations for the corresponding combination information. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the individual evaluation information may include a value of the number of evaluations whose evaluation content was high as the first evaluation information, and may include a value of the number of all evaluations regardless of the evaluation content as the second evaluation information. In the example of FIG. 3, the numerator in the evaluation column indicates the first evaluation information, and the denominator indicates the second evaluation information. In the above example, the individual evaluation information includes the number of high evaluations and the total number of evaluations, but the evaluation for the combination information is not limited to a binary evaluation such as high evaluation and low evaluation. For example, three or more stages of evaluation based on predefined criteria such as "A", "B", "C", and "D" may be performed on the combination information. In that case, the number of times of each of the three or more stages of evaluation may be included in the individual evaluation information. That is, the individual evaluation information may include a plurality of pieces of first evaluation information, and each of the plurality of pieces of first evaluation information may be information on the number of different specific evaluations for the corresponding combination information (e.g., the number of A evaluations, the number of B evaluations, the number of C evaluations, the number of D evaluations, etc.). Furthermore, the individual evaluation information may include third evaluation information on an overall evaluation based on the plurality of pieces of individual evaluation information (i.e., the number of each of three or more stages of evaluation). Thus, the individual evaluation information may include second evaluation information and one or more pieces of first evaluation information. Also, the individual evaluation information may include second evaluation information, third evaluation information, and one or more pieces of first evaluation information. Also, the individual evaluation information may include third evaluation information and one or more pieces of first evaluation information. That is, the individual evaluation information may include at least one of one or more pieces of first evaluation information, second evaluation information, and third evaluation information.

[0023] The reference count information 230 included in the database 200 is a collection of individual reference count information indicating the number of times the combination information is referenced. The reference count is the number of times that the combination information is selected as parameter setting candidate information by the control unit 110, and the parameter combination indicated by the combination information is selected by the user as the parameter setting to be used for analysis. The reference count may also be the number of times that the combination information is selected as parameter setting candidate information, the parameter combination indicated by the combination information is selected as the parameter setting to be used for analysis, and then the analysis is actually performed with the parameter setting.

[0024] The analysis purpose information 240 included in the database 200 is a collection of individual analysis purpose information indicating the purpose of image analysis using the combination information. Specifically, the individual analysis purpose information is, for example, text information that means an analysis of the features specified by the analysis parameters, with the recognition target specified by the recognition parameters as the target.

[0025] The input unit 112 accepts a user's operation. The user's operation may be, for example, an operation to specify a recognition parameter to be performed in the region R1 of the window W1. Alternatively, the user's operation may be an operation to input a search keyword for an analysis purpose to be performed in the region R2 of the window W1. Also, the region R2 of the window W1 is not limited to a configuration in which free text is input, and may be a configuration in which an analysis purpose is specified from information listed in advance, like the regions R1 and R3. That is, the user's operation may be an operation to specify an analysis purpose to be performed in the region R2 of the window W1. Alternatively, the user's operation may be, for example, an operation to specify an analysis parameter to be performed in the region R3 of the window W1.

[0026] The control unit 110 selects parameter setting candidate information for image analysis by referring to the above-mentioned database 200. Specifically, in response to the selection of an arbitrary parameter (hereinafter referred to as a first parameter) as a recognition parameter, the control unit 110 selects parameter setting candidate information based on combination information including the first parameter included in the setting history information 210. More specifically, in response to the selection of the first parameter, the control unit 110 selects parameter setting candidate information based on the evaluation information 220 from among the combination information including the first parameter included in the setting history information 210. For example, the control unit 110 may select only combination information including the first parameter whose corresponding evaluation is higher than a predetermined standard. Note that the selection of the first parameter may be caused by, for example, a user's operation to specify a recognition parameter accepted by the input unit 112.

[0027] The output unit 113 outputs selection candidate information including the parameter setting candidate information selected by the control unit 110. The output unit 113 may output selection candidate information including analysis purpose information corresponding to the parameter setting candidate information, instead of selection candidate information including the parameter setting candidate information selected by the control unit 110. That is, the output unit 113 may output selection candidate information including at least one of the parameter setting candidate information selected by the control unit 110 and the analysis purpose information corresponding to the parameter setting candidate information selected by the control unit 110.

[0028] Display unit 114 displays the selection candidate information output by output unit 113. When parameter setting candidate information is included in the selection candidate information displayed on display unit 114, the user can select a parameter setting to be used for analysis from the displayed parameter setting candidate information. When analysis purpose information is included in the selection candidate information displayed on display unit 114, the user can indirectly select a parameter setting corresponding to the analysis purpose by selecting an analysis purpose that indicates information that the user wants to know by analysis, instead of directly selecting the parameter setting itself.

[0029] In the device 100, information presented to the user is distinguished based on the evaluation information 220, that is, evaluations obtained through analyses performed in the past. Therefore, only a limited number of options with relatively high evaluations are presented to the user. Therefore, the user can efficiently set parameters that can provide useful analysis results simply by selecting from the limited options. In particular, the device 100 is very useful in that it can efficiently set analysis parameters that are more difficult to select appropriately than recognition parameters. In addition, since settings can be made simply by selecting from the given options, there are fewer setting errors, and it is possible to avoid wasteful work such as realizing a setting error after analysis and redoing the analysis.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the process performed by the device 100. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method for specifying a recognition parameter. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the selection process performed by the device 100. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a difference in the selection result depending on the selection condition. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a list display of the selection result. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a list display of the selection result. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a list display of the selection result. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing yet another example of a list display of the selection result. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing yet another example of a list display of the selection result. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of a list display of the selection result. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing yet another example of a list display of the selection result. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a method for evaluating the analysis result. Hereinafter, the process performed by the device 100 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 15.

[0031] When the control unit 110 of the device 100 executes a program to start the process shown in Fig. 4 and the display unit 114 displays the window W1 shown in Fig. 1, the device 100 first accepts the designation of a recognition parameter (step S10). In step S10, when the user operates the UI control in the area R1 to designate a recognition parameter as shown in Fig. 5, the input unit 112 accepts the designation of the recognition parameter. In the following, an example will be described in which the user selects "Spheroid" as the recognition parameter.

[0032] When the designation of the recognition parameter is accepted, the device 100 performs a selection process shown in Fig. 6, in which the device 100 refers to the database 200 and selects parameter setting candidate information (step S20). In the selection process, the control unit 110 first acquires combination information including the recognition parameter designated in step S10, which is included in the setting history information 210 in the database 200 (step S21). As a result, for example, as shown in Fig. 7, all combination information 211 including "Spheroid" as a recognition parameter is acquired from the setting history information 210.

[0033] Thereafter, the control unit 110 selects parameter-setting candidate information from the combination information acquired in step S21 based on the evaluation information 220 (step S22). In step S22, combination information that satisfies a predetermined condition (hereinafter, referred to as a selection condition) is selected as the parameter-setting candidate information. For example, the selection may be performed with the number of high ratings being 75 or more as the selection condition. In this case, the control unit 110 may select combination information 212 with the number of high ratings being 75 or more as the parameter-setting candidate information, as shown in FIG. 7. In addition, the selection may be performed with the ratio of high ratings being 50% or more as the selection condition. In this case, the control unit 110 may select combination information 213 with the ratio of high ratings being 50% or more as the parameter-setting candidate information, as shown in FIG. 7. The selection condition may be set by the user, and for example, the user may be able to specify the selection condition from among several options prepared in advance. In addition, when the evaluation information includes third evaluation information that is a comprehensive evaluation, the control unit 110 may select the parameter-setting candidate information based on the third evaluation information.

[0034] When the parameter setting candidate information is selected and the selection process is completed, the device 100 displays the selected candidate information (step S30). Here, for example, the output unit 113 outputs the parameter setting candidate information selected in step S20 as the selected candidate information, and the display unit 114 displays the selected candidate information as shown in Fig. 8. The list L1 in the window W2 shown in Fig. 8 indicates the parameter setting candidate information selected in step S20. This allows the user to set parameters that are expected to produce useful analysis results simply by selecting an arbitrary combination from among the displayed parameter combinations.

[0035] In FIG. 8, an example in which only the parameter setting candidate information acquired from the setting history information 210 is displayed is shown, but the parameter setting candidate information may be displayed together with the evaluation information corresponding to the parameter setting candidate information as shown in FIG. 9. The list L2 in the window W2 shown in FIG. 9 is a list in which the parameter setting candidate information selected in step S20 and the evaluation information corresponding to the parameter setting candidate information are arranged side by side. That is, in step S30, the output unit 113 may output evaluation information corresponding to the selected candidate information in addition to the selection candidate information which is the parameter setting candidate information selected in step S20, and the display unit 114 may display the selection candidate information together with the evaluation information corresponding to the selection candidate information. This allows the user to determine a combination to be used for analysis from among the displayed parameter combinations with reference to the evaluation information. In particular, the display unit 114 displays the evaluation in terms of the number of times or the ratio using the first evaluation information and the second evaluation information, so that the user can grasp the details of the evaluation content. Also, as described above, when the individual evaluation information includes the third evaluation information which is a comprehensive evaluation, the display unit 114 may display the third evaluation information. By displaying the third evaluation information, it is possible to grasp at a glance whether the evaluation is good or bad, in comparison with the case where the number of times or the ratio is displayed. Note that the display unit 114 may display all of the first evaluation information, the second evaluation information, and the third evaluation information.

[0036] In addition, in FIG. 8, an example in which the parameter setting candidate information acquired from the setting history information 210 is displayed as is is shown, but the parameter setting candidate information may be displayed in a display order determined based on the evaluation information corresponding to the parameter setting candidate information, as shown in FIG. 10. The list L3 in the window W2 shown in FIG. 10 is a list in which the parameter setting candidate information selected in step S20 is arranged in descending order of the number of times of high evaluation. That is, in step S30, the output unit 113 may rearrange the selection candidate information, which is the parameter setting candidate information selected in step S20, in a display order determined based on the evaluation information corresponding to the selection candidate information, and the display unit 114 may display the selection candidate information in the determined display order. This allows the user to preferentially consider the use of a parameter combination that is more highly evaluated, even if there are many parameter combinations in the selection candidate information.

[0037] Also, in FIG. 8, an example of displaying the parameter setting candidate information acquired from the setting history information 210 is shown, but as shown in FIG. 11, instead of the parameter setting candidate information, corresponding analysis purpose information may be displayed. A list L4 in a window W2 shown in FIG. 11 shows analysis purpose information corresponding to the parameter setting candidate information selected in step S20. That is, in step S30, the output unit 113 may output the analysis purpose information corresponding to the parameter setting candidate information selected in step S20 as the selected candidate information, and the display unit 114 may display the selected candidate information which is the analysis purpose information. In this case, too, the user can set parameters that are expected to produce useful analysis results corresponding to the analysis purpose by simply selecting an arbitrary analysis purpose from the displayed analysis purposes.

[0038] In addition, the above-mentioned parameter setting candidate information, analysis purpose information corresponding to the parameter setting candidate information, and evaluation information corresponding to the parameter setting candidate information may be displayed in an appropriate combination. A list L5 in a window W2 shown in FIG. 12 is a list in which analysis purpose information corresponding to the parameter setting candidate information selected in step S20 and evaluation information corresponding to the parameter setting candidate information selected in step S20 are arranged. A list L6 in a window W2 shown in FIG. 13 is a list in which the parameter setting candidate information selected in step S20 and analysis purpose information corresponding to the parameter setting candidate information selected in step S20 are arranged. A list L7 in a window W2 shown in FIG. 14 is a list in which the parameter setting candidate information selected in step S20, analysis purpose information corresponding to the parameter setting candidate information selected in step S20, and evaluation information corresponding to the parameter setting candidate information selected in step S20 are arranged.

[0039] When the selection candidate information is displayed, the device 100 then accepts direct or indirect designation of parameters by the user (step S40) and analyzes the cell image (step S50). Here, the control unit 110 sets the parameters designated by the user and accepted by the input unit 112 as parameters for cell image analysis, and then analyzes the cell image.

[0040] When the analysis is completed, the device 100 displays the analysis results (step S60). Here, the display unit 114 displays the analysis results in a graph format in an area R5 in the window W1, for example, as shown in FIG. 15. The graph format is not particularly limited, and for example, when there is one analysis parameter, a histogram for the one analysis parameter may be displayed. When there are two or three analysis parameters, a scatter diagram showing the distribution of the two or three analysis parameters in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional space may be displayed.

[0041] When the analysis result is displayed, the device 100 monitors an input for evaluating the combination of parameters used in the analysis (step S70), and when an input is detected (step S70YES), the device 100 updates the evaluation information corresponding to the input in the database 200 (step S80). Note that, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the user may input the evaluation using a UI control provided near the analysis result, and the control unit 110 may update the database 200 in response to an operation on the UI control. That is, the control unit 110 may control the update of the database 200 based on a new evaluation made after performing an arbitrary image analysis (hereinafter, referred to as a first image analysis) that analyzes a cell image. Note that the new evaluation is a new evaluation for the combination information indicating the combination of parameters set in the first image analysis. The device 100 is provided with a selection function for selecting candidates to be presented to the user and an evaluation function for evaluating the selection result, so that the selection function can be improved using the evaluation result. Therefore, the more the device 100 is used, the more the selection function is improved, and as a result, the use of the device 100 is further promoted.

[0042] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing another example of a flowchart of the selection process (step S20) performed by device 100. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing yet another example of a list display of the selection results. A modified example of the selection process performed by device 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 16 and 17.

[0043] In the selection process shown in Fig. 16, when a recognition parameter is selected, the device 100 first acquires combination information including the recognition parameter specified in step S10 of Fig. 4, which is included in the setting history information 210 in the database 200 (step S121). This process is similar to the process of step S21 shown in Fig. 6.

[0044] Thereafter, the control unit 110 of the device 100 determines whether a predetermined condition (first condition) is satisfied (step S122). The first condition may be a condition under which the selection of the parameter setting candidate information based on the evaluation information can be considered appropriate. For example, a sufficient amount of evaluation information may be stored in the database 200.

[0045] When the control unit 110 determines that the first condition is satisfied (YES in step S122), it selects parameter setting candidate information from the combination information acquired in step S121 based on the evaluation information 220 (step S123). This process is similar to the process in step S21 shown in FIG.

[0046] On the other hand, if the control unit 110 determines that the first condition is not satisfied (NO in step S122), it selects all of the combination information acquired in step S121 as parameter setting candidate information (step S124).

[0047] By performing the selection process shown in Fig. 16 instead of the selection process shown in Fig. 6, narrowing down based on the evaluation information is not performed during a period when evaluation information is not sufficiently accumulated, such as a period immediately after the operation of the device 100 is started, and a list L8 including all parameter settings set in the past including the specified parameter is displayed in the window W2 as shown in Fig. 17. Therefore, while providing setting support using history information from the beginning of the operation of the device 100, more effective setting support can be provided as the operation progresses. Note that the parameter setting candidate information displayed as the list L8 may be displayed in a display order determined based on reference count information corresponding to the parameter setting candidate information, or may be displayed in descending order of reference count, for example.

[0048] In FIG. 16, an example is shown in which all of the acquired combination information is always selected as parameter setting candidate information when the first condition is not satisfied, but when the first condition is not satisfied and another condition (second condition) is satisfied, all of the acquired combination information may be selected as parameter setting candidate information. For example, the second condition may be that there is a predetermined number or more of acquired combination information. This makes it possible to give up on using the history information when not only the evaluation information but also the setting history information 210 is not sufficiently accumulated and the minimum number of options cannot be presented to the user.

[0049] Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system including the device 100. Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of a flowchart of the selection process (step S20) performed by the device 100. Another modified example of the selection process performed by the device 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 18 and 19.

[0050] Although the above describes an example in which the device 100 operates independently, the device 100 may realize the above-mentioned functions by communicating with other devices as necessary. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the device 100 may communicate with a server 400 via a network 300, and may refer to a database 500 stored in the server 400. The database 500 may have a similar configuration to the database 200, and may include, for example, setting history information in a plurality of devices 100. The database 500 is an example of a second database related to parameter setting history of image analysis for analyzing cell images stored in a storage unit of a device (server 400) different from the device 100.

[0051] In the selection process shown in Fig. 19, when a recognition parameter is selected, the device 100 first acquires combination information including the recognition parameter specified in step S10 of Fig. 4, which is included in the setting history information 210 in the database 200 (step S221). This process is similar to the process of step S21 shown in Fig. 6.

[0052] Thereafter, the control unit 110 of the device 100 determines whether or not the corresponding combination information exists in the database 200 (step S222). If one or more pieces of combination information are acquired in step S221, parameter setting candidate information is selected from the combination information acquired in step S221 based on the evaluation information 220 (step S224).

[0053] If no combination information is acquired in step S221, the control unit 110 acquires combination information including the designated recognition parameter included in the setting history information from the database 500 stored in a different device (step S223). That is, the control unit 110 performs the process performed on the database 200 in step S221 on the database 500. After that, the control unit 110 selects parameter setting candidate information from the combination information acquired in step S221 based on the evaluation information 220 (step S224).

[0054] 19 is performed instead of the selection process shown in Fig. 6, so that the control unit 110 selects parameter setting candidate information by referring to a second database (database 500) related to parameter setting history of image analysis for analyzing cell images stored in a storage unit of an apparatus (server 400) different from the apparatus 100, when combination information including the first parameter selected as a recognition parameter does not exist in the database 200. As a result, even during a period in which evaluation information has not been sufficiently accumulated in a specific apparatus 100, such as a period immediately after the start of operation of the specific apparatus 100, setting support utilizing history information can be performed by utilizing evaluation information obtained in the other apparatus 100.

[0055] 18, the system may include a device 100b that does not have a database 200 within itself, on the premise of using a network database 500. The device 100b differs from the device 100 in that steps S221 and S222 in FIG. 19 are omitted, and steps S223 and S224 are performed.

[0056] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing another example of a flowchart of the processing performed by device 100. Fig. 21 is a diagram for explaining a method of specifying a search word. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing yet another example of a flowchart of the selection processing performed by device 100. Below, a modified example of the processing performed by device 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 20 to 22.

[0057] The above describes an example in which device 100 displays selection candidate information when a user specifies a recognition parameter. However, device 100 may also display selection candidate information when information other than the recognition parameter, such as a search word, is input, as shown below.

[0058] In the process shown in Fig. 20, when display unit 114 displays window W1 shown in Fig. 1, device 100 first accepts the designation of a search word (step S310). In step S310, when the user inputs a search word into a UI control in area R2 as shown in Fig. 21, input unit 112 accepts the designation of the search word. In the following, an example will be described in which the user inputs "distribution analysis" as the search word.

[0059] When the input of the search word is accepted, the device 100 performs a selection process shown in FIG. 22, in which the parameter setting candidate information is selected by referring to the database 200 (step S320). In the selection process, the control unit 110 first acquires combination information included in the setting history information 210 in the database 200, which corresponds to the individual analysis purpose information including the search word input in step S210 and included in the analysis purpose information 240 (step S321). Specifically, for example, individual analysis purpose information indicating "Spheroid distribution analysis" and "Nuclear distribution analysis" included in the analysis purpose information 240 shown in FIG. 3 is acquired, and further, combination information corresponding to these individual analysis purpose information (for example, "Spheroid"-"X" and "Y", "Spheroid"-"Total Intensity" and "Y", "Spheroid" and "Nuclear"-"X" and "Y", "Spheroid" and "Nuclear"-"Y") is acquired. In addition, when an image analysis purpose is selected from pre-obtained options instead of inputting a search word, the control unit 110 may obtain combination information corresponding to the individual analysis purpose information indicating that purpose.

[0060] Thereafter, the control unit 110 selects parameter-setting candidate information from the combination information acquired in step S321 based on the evaluation information 220 (step S322). The process of step S322 is similar to the process of step S22 in Fig. 6. If the evaluation information 220 is not included in the database 200, the parameters themselves included in the combination information acquired in step S321 may be selected as parameter-setting candidate information. That is, the control unit 110 may select parameter-setting candidate information based on the combination information acquired in step S321 in response to the selection of the analysis purpose by inputting a search word or the direct selection of the analysis purpose.

[0061] When the parameter setting candidate information is selected and the selection process is completed, the device 100 displays the selected candidate information (step S330). Note that the process from step S330 onwards is the same as the process from step S30 onwards in Fig. 4. Therefore, even if a search word is used instead of a recognition parameter, the user can efficiently set parameters that can provide useful analysis results simply by selecting from limited options.

[0062] [Second embodiment] 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system 1000 according to this embodiment. The system 1000 shown in FIG. 23 is a system for supporting settings for cell image analysis, and includes an apparatus 600 and an apparatus 700.

[0063] The device 600 is a device that supports the setting of cell image analysis, and includes a control unit 110, an input unit 112, and an output unit 113. The device 600 is similar to the device 100 according to the first embodiment, except that the device 600 does not include the storage unit 111. The device 700 is a device that includes the storage unit 111, and the storage unit 111 stores the database 200. That is, in the second embodiment, the device 600 and the device 700 cooperate with each other, so that the system 1000 operates in the same manner as the device 100 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the user can efficiently set parameters that can provide useful analysis results simply by selecting from limited options.

[0064] [Third embodiment] Fig. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system 2000 according to this embodiment. The system 2000 shown in Fig. 24 is a system for supporting settings for cell image analysis, and includes an apparatus 800, an apparatus 900, and an apparatus 700.

[0065] The device 800 is a device that supports the setting of cell image analysis, and includes a control unit 110 and an output unit 115. The device 800 differs from the device 600 according to the second embodiment in that it does not include the input unit 112 and the display unit 114. The device 800 also differs from the device 600 according to the second embodiment in that the output unit 115 does not include the display unit 114. The output unit 115 outputs information to the device 900 including the display unit 114, and the display unit 114 displays the information output from the device 800. The device 900 is a device that includes the input unit 112 and the display unit 114, and is a client terminal that is directly operated by a user. The device 700 is the same as in the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the device 800, the device 900, and the device 700 cooperate with each other to make the system 2000 operate in the same manner as the system 1000 according to the second embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, the user can efficiently set parameters that can provide useful analysis results simply by selecting from limited options.

[0066] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a computer 100a for realizing an apparatus for supporting the setting of cell image analysis according to the embodiment described above. As shown in FIG. 25, the computer 100a includes a processor 101, a memory 102, a storage device 103, a reading device 104, a communication interface 106, and an input / output interface 107 as a hardware configuration. The processor 101, the memory 102, the storage device 103, the reading device 104, the communication interface 106, and the input / output interface 107 are connected to each other, for example, via a bus 108. The computer 100a may also include a display device connected to the input / output interface 107. The display device corresponds to the above-mentioned display unit 114, and may be, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or a CRT display. The display device corresponds to the display unit 114 and the input unit 112, and may be, for example, a touch panel display.

[0067] The processor 101 may be, for example, a single processor, a multiprocessor, or a multi-core processor. The processor 101 reads out and executes a program stored in the storage device 103, thereby operating as the control unit 110 described above.

[0068] The memory 102 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, and may include a RAM area and a ROM area. The storage device 103 is, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a hard disk or a flash memory, or an external storage device.

[0069] The reader 104 accesses the removable storage medium 105 according to, for example, an instruction from the processor 101. The removable storage medium 105 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor device, a medium in which information is input and output by magnetic action, a medium in which information is input and output by optical action, or the like. The semiconductor device is, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory. The medium in which information is input and output by magnetic action is, for example, a magnetic disk. The medium in which information is input and output by optical action is, for example, a Compact Disc (CD)-ROM, a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), a Blu-ray Disc, etc. (Blu-ray is a registered trademark).

[0070] The communication interface 106 communicates with other devices, for example, according to instructions from the processor 101. The input / output interface 107 is, for example, an interface between an input device and an output device. The input device is, for example, a device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel that accepts instructions from a user. The output device is, for example, a display device such as a display, and an audio device such as a speaker.

[0071] The above-mentioned storage unit 111 may include, for example, the memory 102, the storage device 103, and the removable storage medium 105. The above-mentioned input unit 112 may include the input / output interface 107. The output unit 113 may include the communication interface 106 and the input / output interface 107.

[0072] The program executed by the processor 101 is provided to the computer 100a in the following form, for example. (1) It is pre-installed in the storage device 103. (2) Provided by a removable storage medium 105. (3) Provided from a server such as a program server.

[0073] The hardware configuration of the computer 100a for realizing the device for supporting the setting of cell image analysis described with reference to Fig. 25 is an example, and the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, a part of the above-mentioned configuration may be deleted, or a new configuration may be added. In another embodiment, for example, a part or all of the functions of the above-mentioned control unit 110 may be implemented as hardware using a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or the like.

[0074] The above-mentioned embodiments are specific examples shown to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Modifications of the above-mentioned embodiments and alternative forms that replace the above-mentioned embodiments may be included. That is, each embodiment can have its components modified within the scope of its purpose and scope. In addition, new embodiments can be implemented by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in one or more embodiments. In addition, some components may be deleted from the components shown in each embodiment, or some components may be added to the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, the processing procedures shown in each embodiment may be performed in a different order as long as there is no contradiction. That is, the device, system, and method of the present invention can be variously modified and changed within the scope of the claims.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which an apparatus for supporting the settings of cell image analysis performs cell image analysis, but the apparatus for performing cell image analysis may be an apparatus different from the apparatus for supporting the settings of cell image analysis.

[0076] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been shown in which the control unit 110 selects parameter-setting candidate information based on evaluation information. However, in addition to or instead of the evaluation information, the control unit 110 may select parameter-setting candidate information based on reference count information.

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been shown in which the database 200 includes the setting history information 210, the evaluation information 220, the reference count information 230, the analysis use information 240, and the other information 250, but the database 200 only needs to include at least the setting history information 210 and the evaluation information 220. If the database 200 does not include analysis use information, the output unit 113 only needs to output the parameter setting candidate information selected by the control unit 110 as selected candidate information.

[0078] The cell image is, for example, a fluorescent image, but is not limited to a fluorescent image. The cell image may be a bright field image, or may be an OCT or SHG image. In addition, although brightness analysis, circularity analysis, distribution analysis, and number counting are exemplified as analytical applications, analytical applications may include, for example, live / dead determination, quality evaluation, flatness, orientation, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 devices 101 Processor 102 Memory 103 Storage device 104 Reading device 105 Removable storage media 106 Communication Interface 107 Input / Output Interface 108 Bus 110 Control section 111 Storage section 112 Input section 113, 115 Output section 114 Display section 200, 500 databases 210 Setting history information 211, 212, 213 combination information 220 Evaluation Information 230 Reference count information 240 Analysis usage information 250 Other Information 300 Network 400 Servers 1000, 2000 systems

Claims

1. An apparatus for supporting settings for cell image analysis, comprising: A control unit that refers to a database related to parameter setting history of image analysis for analyzing a cell image and selects parameter setting candidate information for the image analysis; An output unit, The database includes: setting history information, which is a set of combination information indicating combinations of parameters set in image analyses that have already been performed, including recognition parameters that specify an object to be subjected to image recognition, and analysis parameters that specify which features of the object to be subjected to image recognition should be focused on in the image analysis; Analysis purpose information which is a collection of individual analysis purpose information indicating a purpose of image analysis using the combination information, the control unit, in response to a selection of a first parameter as the recognition parameter, selects the parameter setting candidate information based on combination information including the first parameter included in the setting history information; The output unit outputs selection candidate information including at least one of the parameter setting candidate information and the analysis purpose information corresponding to the parameter setting candidate information. An apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, The database further includes evaluation information which is a collection of individual evaluation information indicating an evaluation of the combination information, The control unit, in response to the selection of the first parameter as the recognition parameter, selects the parameter setting candidate information from the combination information including the first parameter included in the setting history information based on the evaluation information. An apparatus comprising:

3. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, The output unit includes a display unit. The display unit displays the selection candidate information in a display order determined based on the evaluation information corresponding to the selection candidate information. An apparatus comprising:

4. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, The output unit further outputs the evaluation information corresponding to the selection candidate information, The display unit displays the selection candidate information together with the evaluation information corresponding to the selection candidate information. An apparatus comprising:

5. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, The output unit is Including a display unit, outputting the evaluation information corresponding to the selection candidate information; The display unit displays the selection candidate information together with the evaluation information corresponding to the selection candidate information. An apparatus comprising:

6. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, The control unit is selecting, under a first condition, the parameter setting candidate information based on the evaluation information from the combination information including the first parameter included in the setting history information in response to a selection of the first parameter as the recognition parameter; Under a second condition that does not satisfy the first condition, in response to a selection of the first parameter as the recognition parameter, all of the combination information including the first parameter included in the setting history information is selected as the parameter setting candidate information. An apparatus comprising:

7. 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, The output unit includes a display unit. The database further includes reference count information which is a collection of individual reference count information indicating the number of references to the combination information, The display unit displays the selection candidate information in a display order determined based on the reference count information corresponding to the selection candidate information under the second condition. An apparatus comprising:

8. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, The control unit controls updating of the database based on a new evaluation performed after execution of a first image analysis that analyzes the cell image, the new evaluation being for combination information indicating a combination of parameters set in the first image analysis. An apparatus comprising:

9. 7. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: The individual evaluation information is First evaluation information regarding the number of specific evaluations for the combination information corresponding to the individual evaluation information; and second evaluation information regarding the number of evaluations for the combination information corresponding to the individual evaluation information. An apparatus comprising:

10. 7. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: The individual evaluation information is and third evaluation information regarding a comprehensive evaluation of the combination information corresponding to the individual evaluation information. An apparatus comprising:

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: A storage unit for storing the database is provided. An apparatus comprising:

12. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, When combination information including the first parameter selected as the recognition parameter does not exist in the database, the control unit selects the parameter setting candidate information by referring to a second database related to a parameter setting history of an image analysis for analyzing a cell image stored in a storage unit of a device different from the device. An apparatus comprising:

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: The database is stored in a storage unit provided in a device different from the device; The control unit refers to the database by communicating with the different device. An apparatus comprising:

14. A system for supporting settings for cell image analysis, comprising: a storage unit that stores a database regarding parameter setting history of image analysis for analyzing cell images; A control unit that refers to the database and selects parameter setting candidate information for the image analysis; A display unit, The database includes: setting history information, which is a set of combination information indicating combinations of parameters set in image analyses that have already been performed, including recognition parameters that specify an object to be subjected to image recognition, and analysis parameters that specify which features of the object to be subjected to image recognition should be focused on in the image analysis; Analysis purpose information which is a collection of individual analysis purpose information indicating a purpose of image analysis using the combination information, the control unit, in response to a selection of a first parameter as the recognition parameter, selects the parameter setting candidate information based on combination information including the first parameter included in the setting history information; The display unit displays selection candidate information including at least one of the parameter setting candidate information and the analysis purpose information corresponding to the parameter setting candidate information. A system characterized by:

15. 15. The system of claim 14, The database further includes evaluation information which is a collection of individual evaluation information indicating evaluations of the combination information, The control unit, in response to the selection of the first parameter as the recognition parameter, selects the parameter setting candidate information from the combination information including the first parameter included in the setting history information based on the evaluation information. A system characterized by:

16. A method for supporting settings for cell image analysis, comprising: selecting parameter setting candidate information for the image analysis by referring to a database related to parameter setting history for image analysis of a cell image; outputting selection candidate information; The database includes: setting history information, which is a set of combination information indicating combinations of parameters set in image analyses that have already been performed, including recognition parameters that specify an object to be subjected to image recognition, and analysis parameters that specify which features of the object to be subjected to image recognition should be focused on in the image analysis; Analysis purpose information which is a collection of individual analysis purpose information indicating a purpose of image analysis using the combination information, selecting the parameter setting candidate information includes, in response to a selection of a first parameter as the recognition parameter, selecting the parameter setting candidate information based on combination information including the first parameter included in the setting history information; Outputting the selection candidate information includes outputting, as the selection candidate information, information including at least one of the parameter setting candidate information and the analysis purpose information corresponding to the parameter setting candidate information.

23. A computer implemented method comprising:

17. 17. The method of claim 16, The database further includes evaluation information which is a collection of individual evaluation information indicating evaluations of the combination information, Selecting the parameter setting candidate information based on the combination information including the first parameter includes selecting the parameter setting candidate information based on the evaluation information from the combination information including the first parameter included in the setting history information. A method comprising:

18. An apparatus for supporting settings for cell image analysis, comprising: A control unit that refers to a database related to parameter setting history of image analysis for analyzing a cell image and selects parameter setting candidate information for the image analysis; an output unit that outputs the parameter setting candidate information selected by the control unit, The database includes: setting history information, which is a set of combination information indicating combinations of parameters set in image analyses that have already been performed, including recognition parameters that specify an object to be subjected to image recognition, and analysis parameters that specify which features of the object to be subjected to image recognition should be focused on in the image analysis; Analysis purpose information which is a collection of individual analysis purpose information indicating a purpose of image analysis using the combination information, The control unit, in response to the selection of the purpose of the image analysis, selects the parameter setting candidate information based on combination information corresponding to individual analysis purpose information indicating the selected purpose of the image analysis. An apparatus comprising:

19. 20. The apparatus of claim 18, The database further includes evaluation information which is a collection of individual evaluation information indicating evaluations of the combination information, The control unit, in response to the selection of the purpose of the image analysis, selects the parameter setting candidate information based on the evaluation information from the combination information corresponding to individual analysis purpose information indicating the selected purpose of the image analysis. An apparatus comprising:

20. A system for supporting settings for cell image analysis, comprising: a storage unit that stores a database regarding parameter setting history of image analysis for analyzing cell images; A control unit that refers to the database and selects parameter setting candidate information for the image analysis; a display unit that displays the parameter setting candidate information selected by the control unit, The database includes: setting history information, which is a set of combination information indicating combinations of parameters set in image analyses that have already been performed, including recognition parameters that specify an object to be subjected to image recognition, and analysis parameters that specify which features of the object to be subjected to image recognition should be focused on in the image analysis; Analysis purpose information which is a collection of individual analysis purpose information indicating a purpose of image analysis using the combination information, The control unit, in response to the selection of the purpose of the image analysis, selects the parameter setting candidate information based on combination information corresponding to individual analysis purpose information indicating the selected purpose of the image analysis. A system characterized by:

21. 21. The system of claim 20, The database further includes evaluation information which is a collection of individual evaluation information indicating evaluations of the combination information, The control unit, in response to the selection of the purpose of the image analysis, selects the parameter setting candidate information based on the evaluation information from the combination information corresponding to individual analysis purpose information indicating the selected purpose of the image analysis. A system characterized by:

22. A method for supporting settings for cell image analysis, comprising: selecting parameter setting candidate information for the image analysis by referring to a database related to parameter setting history for image analysis of a cell image; outputting the selected parameter setting candidate information; The database includes: setting history information, which is a set of combination information indicating combinations of parameters set in image analyses that have already been performed, including recognition parameters that specify an object to be subjected to image recognition, and analysis parameters that specify which features of the object to be subjected to image recognition should be focused on in the image analysis; Analysis purpose information which is a collection of individual analysis purpose information indicating a purpose of image analysis using the combination information, A computer-implemented method, characterized in that selecting the parameter setting candidate information includes, in response to a selection of an application of the image analysis, selecting the parameter setting candidate information based on combination information corresponding to individual analysis application information indicating the selected application of the image analysis.

23. 23. The method of claim 22, The database further includes evaluation information which is a collection of individual evaluation information indicating evaluations of the combination information, Selecting the parameter setting candidate information based on the combination information corresponding to the individual analysis purpose information indicating the selected purpose of the image analysis includes selecting the parameter setting candidate information based on the evaluation information from the combination information corresponding to the individual analysis purpose information indicating the selected purpose of the image analysis. A method comprising:

24. An apparatus for supporting settings for cell image analysis, comprising: A control unit that refers to a database related to parameter setting history of image analysis for analyzing a cell image and selects parameter setting candidate information for the image analysis; an output unit that outputs the parameter setting candidate information selected by the control unit, The database includes: and setting history information, which is a set of combination information indicating combinations of parameters set in image analyses that have already been performed, including recognition parameters that specify an object to be subjected to image recognition, and analysis parameters that specify which features of the object to be subjected to image recognition should be focused on in performing the image analysis. The control unit, in response to a selection of a first parameter as the recognition parameter, selects the parameter setting candidate information based on combination information including the first parameter included in the setting history information. An apparatus comprising:

25. 25. The apparatus of claim 24, The database further includes evaluation information which is a collection of individual evaluation information indicating an evaluation of the combination information, The control unit, in response to the selection of the first parameter as the recognition parameter, selects the parameter setting candidate information from the combination information including the first parameter included in the setting history information based on the evaluation information. An apparatus comprising:

26. A system for supporting settings for cell image analysis, comprising: a storage unit that stores a database regarding parameter setting history of image analysis for analyzing cell images; A control unit that refers to the database and selects parameter setting candidate information for the image analysis; a display unit that displays the parameter setting candidate information selected by the control unit, The database includes: and setting history information, which is a set of combination information indicating combinations of parameters set in image analyses that have already been performed, including recognition parameters that specify an object to be subjected to image recognition, and analysis parameters that specify which features of the object to be subjected to image recognition should be focused on in performing the image analysis. The control unit, in response to a selection of a first parameter as the recognition parameter, selects the parameter setting candidate information based on combination information including the first parameter included in the setting history information. A system characterized by:

27. 27. The system of claim 26, The database further includes evaluation information which is a collection of individual evaluation information indicating an evaluation of the combination information, The control unit, in response to the selection of the first parameter as the recognition parameter, selects the parameter setting candidate information from the combination information including the first parameter included in the setting history information based on the evaluation information. A system characterized by:

28. A method for supporting settings for cell image analysis, comprising: selecting parameter setting candidate information for the image analysis by referring to a database related to parameter setting history for image analysis of a cell image; outputting the selected parameter setting candidate information; The database includes: and setting history information, which is a set of combination information indicating combinations of parameters set in image analyses that have already been performed, including recognition parameters that specify an object to be subjected to image recognition, and analysis parameters that specify which features of the object to be subjected to image recognition should be focused on in performing the image analysis. Selecting the parameter setting candidate information includes, in response to a selection of a first parameter as the recognition parameter, selecting the parameter setting candidate information based on combination information including the first parameter included in the setting history information.

23. A computer implemented method comprising:

29. 29. The method of claim 28, The database further includes evaluation information which is a collection of individual evaluation information indicating evaluations of the combination information, Selecting the parameter setting candidate information based on the combination information including the first parameter includes selecting the parameter setting candidate information based on the evaluation information from the combination information including the first parameter included in the setting history information. A method comprising:

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