Microscopy Image Processing for Efficient Time-Lapse Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing techniques for time-lapse microscopy require significant time to observe images obtained over a long period, as they focus on recognizing cells rather than efficiently summarizing changes over time.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device and method that acquire a sequence of images, analyze feature values, calculate an index of change between consecutive images, select images exceeding a threshold, and display these images in a temporal sequence, allowing for efficient observation of significant changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If all images in the time-lapse sequence are displayed for observation, then complete information about cell changes over time is preserved, but the observation time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information from the complete image sequence by calculating change amounts between consecutive images and selecting only those images where significant changes occur. This extraction process removes redundant information while preserving the key developmental stages of cell changes, thereby reducing observation time without losing critical information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a parameter-based selection criterion by calculating change amounts (parameters) between consecutive images and comparing them against threshold values. Images are selected for display based on whether their change parameter exceeds the threshold, transforming the observation process from viewing all images to viewing only those that meet specific parameter criteria, thus efficiently balancing information completeness with time reduction.
2Measurement precision
If image processing focuses on detailed cell recognition and analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity of image review deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and emphasizes only the essential features needed for cell change detection by calculating change amounts between consecutive images. This extraction focuses the analysis on meaningful variations rather than processing all image details, thereby maintaining measurement precision for detecting actual cell changes while improving productivity by reducing the volume of data requiring detailed review.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing detailed image analysis only on selected frames where significant changes occur, rather than analyzing every image in the sequence. The change amount calculation is performed on all images, but full detailed recognition and review is applied only to those exceeding the threshold, thus achieving high measurement precision where needed while improving overall review efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing device and image processing method are provided. A device for controlling display of a sequence of images of living objects obtained through microscopy may comprise a processor and a storage unit. The storage unit may store a program which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform acts. The acts may include acquiring a first sequence of first images of living objects obtained through microscopy. The acts may further include extracting a second sequence of second images from the first sequence of first images, wherein a number of second images in the second sequence is less than a number of first images in the first sequence. The acts may further include controlling a display device to display the second sequence of second images.