Cell Analysis Area Setting Based on Image Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing technologies in biological and medical sciences face challenges in accurately determining the ratio and distribution of cells in images, which hinders effective analysis and analysis area selection for cells, particularly in high-throughput imaging applications.
Innovation Solution
An image-processing device and method that includes a determination unit to assess the ratio and distribution of cells in captured images and an area setting unit to select appropriate analysis areas based on these determinations, utilizing a combination of low-magnification images and high-magnification analysis to optimize cell imaging and analysis precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-magnification imaging is used for accurate cell analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to increased number of captures required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging process into two stages: low-magnification screening to identify candidate regions, followed by high-magnification analysis only in those selected regions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high measurement precision in the analysis phase while improving overall productivity by reducing the total number of high-magnification captures needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary low-magnification imaging and cell distribution analysis before conducting high-magnification imaging. This preliminary action identifies optimal analysis areas in advance, ensuring that subsequent high-magnification captures are focused only on regions with appropriate cell density and distribution, thereby reducing redundant captures and improving throughput.
2Measurement precision
If multiple captures are performed to ensure accurate cell analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into rapid low-magnification screening followed by targeted high-magnification analysis. This allows the system to quickly evaluate multiple regions and select only those requiring detailed analysis, reducing the total time spent on captures while maintaining accurate cell ratio determination in the selected regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Low-magnification imaging and automated cell distribution evaluation are performed as preliminary steps to identify suitable analysis regions before committing to time-consuming high-magnification captures. This preliminary action prevents wasted time on regions that would not yield useful analysis results.
3Productivity
If low-magnification imaging is used for initial screening, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses low-magnification imaging for the screening phase where high speed is prioritized, then transitions to high-magnification imaging for the analysis phase where precision is critical. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its primary function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Automated image processing algorithms serve as an intermediary between low-magnification screening and high-magnification analysis. These algorithms accurately assess cell distribution and density from the low-magnification images, enabling intelligent selection of analysis regions without requiring manual evaluation, thus maintaining both productivity and adequate precision in the screening phase.
Data Source
AI summary
An image-processing device including: a determination unit that determines a captured image on the basis of a ratio of cells and a distribution of the cells in the captured image acquired by imaging a sample including cells; and an area setting unit that sets an area used for analyzing the cells of the sample on the basis of a result of the determination acquired by the determination unit.