Virtual Microscope Thumbnail Image Segmentation for Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual microscope systems for medicine and pathology lack convenience and usability in displaying thumbnail images, making it difficult for users to intuitively navigate and manage sample images, especially when personal information needs to be concealed.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and system that stores and outputs thumbnail images of slides, including both sample and label information, with options for label removal, encryption, and selective display, allowing for enhanced user interface and security through image processing and encryption techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thumbnail images display only sample images without labels, then security is improved by concealing personal information, but usability deteriorates as users cannot intuitively recognize samples
Solution Approach 1:
The thumbnail image is segmented into multiple regions: a first region displaying the sample image and a second region displaying the label image. This segmentation allows selective display of information - the sample image provides intuitive recognition while the label image (displayed separately or on demand) provides security by concealing personal information until needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system dynamically adjusts what information is shown based on user interaction. The label image can be displayed in a collapsed state (hiding personal information) or expanded state (showing full label details). This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by adapting the display to user needs - maintaining security by default while enabling intuitive access when required.
2Ease of operation
If thumbnail images display both sample and label images, then usability is improved by intuitive recognition, but security deteriorates due to potential data leakage
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the thumbnail image have different quality characteristics. The first region (sample image) displays high-quality visual information for intuitive recognition, while the second region (label image) displays text information with controlled visibility. This local differentiation allows usability improvement through clear sample display while mitigating data leakage risks through controlled label display.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary processing to separate the label image from the sample image before display. By pre-processing the thumbnail to identify and separate label regions, the system can then apply security measures (such as selective display or blurring) to the label portion while maintaining full visibility of the sample portion, thus preventing data leakage before it occurs.
3Reliability
If label images are completely removed from thumbnails, then security is improved, but information completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The label image serves as an intermediary element between the sample image and the full label information. Instead of completely removing labels or displaying full detailed information, the thumbnail includes a condensed label image that provides essential identifying information without revealing sensitive personal details. This intermediary approach maintains information completeness at an appropriate level while preserving security.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a circuitry configured to provide a slide image including a sample image and a label image which are obtained by shooting a slide, generate a first image that a specific area of the slide image is concealed, output a thumbnail image, wherein the thumbnail image is one of the slide image and the first image.