Overlay Image Display for Cell Detection Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for verifying the accuracy of cell region detection in stained images obtained by immunostaining require manual visual inspection of multiple images, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An image display method that allows for switching between different display modes to facilitate the verification of cell region detection results, including overlaying stained images with cell detection images, with adjustable scaling and positioning, enabling simultaneous comparison across multiple visual fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual visual inspection of multiple stained images is performed to verify cell region detection accuracy, then detection accuracy can be verified, but the time required for verification becomes extremely long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracy verificationVSAvoidverification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The verification process is segmented into automated preprocessing steps (image acquisition, cell region detection, overlay image generation) and manual review steps. The automated segmentation handles time-consuming tasks like detecting cell regions from multiple stained images and generating overlay images, while the operator only needs to review the pre-processed results, significantly reducing total verification time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting cell regions, calculating detection results, and generating overlay images before the operator begins verification. This preliminary automated processing prepares the data in advance, so when the operator reviews the results, the most time-consuming analytical work has already been completed, reducing the operator's time investment while ensuring accurate detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If multiple stained images and detection results are displayed separately, then detailed comparison is possible, but the complexity of operation increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracy verificationVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple stained images and their corresponding cell region detection results into a single integrated display interface. The overlay images combine multiple staining channels (e.g., DAPI, FITC, TRITC) with detected cell regions in one view, allowing operators to verify detection accuracy across all images simultaneously rather than switching between separate displays, greatly simplifying operation while maintaining comprehensive verification capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds a new display dimension by creating overlay images that superimpose detection results onto the original stained images. This dimensional transformation allows simultaneous visualization of multiple data layers (original images, detection boundaries, cell regions) in a single composite view, reducing the number of separate displays needed and simplifying the operator's workflow while preserving all necessary verification information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If all visual fields are displayed at once, then overall detection performance can be assessed, but the detail of individual cell regions becomes difficult to examine

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification efficiencyVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The display system is made dynamic, allowing operators to switch between different display modes (individual visual field view, multiple visual fields view, overlay image view) based on their verification needs. The system can dynamically adjust the level of detail displayed, enabling operators to examine individual cell regions up close when needed while also providing an overview of overall detection performance across all visual fields, thus maintaining both verification efficiency and detection accuracy assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4671758A1Image display method, image display device, and program
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 SCREEN HOLDINGS CO LTD
  • EP4671758A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4671758A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4671758A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

In an image display method of displaying a result of detecting a cell region from a stained image obtained by immunostaining, the display mode of a screen is switchable between a first display mode and a second display mode. In the first display mode, a first display image group is displayed in order, the first display image group including two or more overlay images obtained for each of two or more visual fields among visual field by overlaying a cell detection image and one stained image included in the stained image group. In the second display mode, a second display image group is displayed in order, the second display image group including two or more overlay images obtained for one visual field among the visual fields by overlaying the cell detection image and each of two or more stained images included in the stained image group. This facilitates the operator's verification of the result of detecting a cell region.