3D Biological Tissue Characterization via AI Image Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electron microscopy techniques for imaging biological tissues require manual identification of biological elements, which is tedious and incompatible with studying the complete internal organization of the sample, necessitating a method for precise and reliable characterization of the internal three-dimensional organization in a reasonable time.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing mathematical procedures and artificial intelligence for automatic or semi-automatic segmentation and characterization of biological elements in a stack of images, reducing human intervention by at least 90%, and enabling fast characterization of the internal three-dimensional organization of biological samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual identification of biological elements is used, then identification precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to tedious manual work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification with automated image processing systems. Computer algorithms automatically detect, segment, and characterize biological elements from electron microscopy images, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining high precision through sophisticated image analysis techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of biological elements through automated image segmentation. Instead of manually tracing each element, the system generates digital masks and representations of biological structures from image stacks, enabling rapid automated characterization while preserving identification precision through accurate digital modeling.
2Measurement precision
If complete internal organization of sample is studied, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to extensive analysis required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex task of characterizing complete internal organization into discrete segmented steps. The image stack is processed through automated segmentation to identify individual biological elements, then each element is characterized separately through standardized algorithms, enabling complete analysis to be performed systematically and efficiently without excessive time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous automated processing of image stacks through sequential acquisition and immediate analysis. The system maintains continuous operation from image acquisition through automated segmentation and characterization, eliminating idle time and ensuring that the complete internal organization is studied without interruption or significant time loss.
3Productivity
If automated segmentation is used, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to algorithm limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the automated segmentation process. The system continuously evaluates the accuracy of automatic identification and adjusts parameters or re-processes specific regions where precision is compromised, ensuring that productivity gains do not come at the expense of measurement accuracy through iterative refinement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts algorithm parameters based on the specific characteristics of each biological sample and image stack. By adapting segmentation and characterization parameters to match the unique features of different biological elements, the system maintains high measurement precision while achieving automated high-speed processing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method allows for rapid and accurate characterization of the internal three-dimensional organization of biological samples, facilitating investigations in oncology and enabling the development of a three-dimensional imaging database for researchers and clinicians.
Implementation Method 1
The SBF-SEM technique consists in imaging the surface of a block of biological tissue sample by collecting backscattered electrons
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the invention concerns a method for characterizing the internal three-dimensional organization of a biological tissue sample comprising a plurality of types of biological elements (201, 202), said method having the following steps:For at least one type of biological elements (201, 202, 203, 204) of interest among the plurality of types of biological elements (201, 202, 203, 204), automatic or semi-automatic segmentation in each image (IZ) from a stack of images (I3D), of at least one region containing at least one biological element (201, 202, 203, 204) having as type, the type of biological elements (201, 202,203, 204) of interest, the stack of images (I3D) having been acquired by Z-series imaging by automated ultramicrotomy under scanning electron microscopy and including a plurality of images (IZ) each acquired in a plane perpendicular to a depth axis (Z) and each associated with a position on the depth axis (Z), the plurality of images (IZ) being ordered by increasing position in the stack of images (I3D, 102);Characterization of a set of biological elements (201, 202, 203, 204) having as type the type of biological elements (201, 202, 203, 204) of interest, by calculation, for each biological element (201, 202, 203, 204) from the set of biological elements (201, 202, 203, 204), of at least one indicator (301, 302) relating to the structure, the morphology, the size, the polarity, the texture, the constitution, the orientation, a surface area, the alignment, the convergence, the density, the convexity or the concavity of the biological element (201, 202, 203,204), from each corresponding segmented region (104);Comparison between the indicators (301, 302) calculated for the set of biological elements (201, 202, 203, 204).


