Image Processing Apparatus for Cell Classification Parameter Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing methods for classifying cell culture states in medical and pharmaceutical research are inefficient due to the need for costly reagents, time-consuming fluorescence reactions, and inability to observe changes in cell clumps over time, making it difficult for users to accurately set parameter ranges for judgment.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus and method that allows users to easily adjust parameter ranges by displaying measurement values and distributions, enabling the reversal of adoption/non-adoption results for cells, thereby improving the accuracy of cell classification without the need for reagents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the allowable range of parameters is made adjustable for users, then the accuracy of cell classification can be improved, but the operation complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of cell classificationVSAvoidease of parameter adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines appropriate allowable ranges for multiple parameters based on image data analysis, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust each parameter. The software performs self-configuration by analyzing the distribution of measurement values and setting ranges that achieve accurate cell classification without requiring user expertise in image processing parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts parameter ranges based on the specific image data being analyzed. By automatically determining optimal ranges for area, optical density, and other parameters based on the actual distribution in the image data, the system adapts to different datasets without requiring manual parameter tuning by users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple parameters are used for cell classification, then the accuracy of judgment can be improved, but the difficulty of selecting and adjusting parameters increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of judgmentVSAvoidcomplexity of parameter selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the parameter adjustment task by automatically handling multiple parameters (area, optical density, etc.) independently. Each parameter's allowable range is determined separately based on its distribution in the image data, allowing the system to manage complexity through systematic breakdown of the classification task into independent parameter evaluations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The software automatically configures multiple parameters and their respective allowable ranges without user intervention. The system analyzes the image data to determine appropriate ranges for each parameter, performing self-configuration that eliminates the burden of manual parameter selection and adjustment while maintaining high classification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If conventional fluorescence methods are used for cell assessment, then specific molecular information can be obtained, but the cost and time requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemolecular informationVSAvoidtime for fluorescence reaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the chemical fluorescence reaction process with optical image analysis. Instead of using fluorescent reagents that require chemical reactions to reveal molecular information, the system uses digital image processing to extract cell characteristics, eliminating the need for chemical processes while maintaining the ability to assess cell states through visual data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates digital copies of cell images and analyzes them computationally to obtain information about cell states. By working with digital representations rather than physical chemical reactions, the system can repeatedly analyze the same cell images without consuming additional reagents or requiring repeated fluorescence reactions, thus saving time and resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS9639736B2Apparatus for and method of processing image and storage medium

Publication Date: 2017.05.02 SCREEN HOLDINGS CO LTD

AI summary

An image processing apparatus displays an object adopted and an object not adopted by an adoption/non-adoption process in a distinguishable manner. A user designates an object whose adoption/non-adoption result is desired to be reversed among the objects displayed by the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus changes an allowable range stored in a storage part so that the adoption/non-adoption result of the designated object is reversed. That is, the user views the adoption/non-adoption result of the objects to change the allowable range of a parameter so that the adoption/non-adoption result becomes proper. This makes the allowable range of the parameter for use in the adoption/non-adoption process proper with ease.