Patch Gallery User Interfaces for Medical Microscopy WSI
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical microscopy, particularly in digital pathology, there is a challenge in achieving consistent diagnostic assessments due to variations in image appearance caused by differences in laboratory preparation and scanning processes, leading to high inter- and intra-observer variability.
Innovation Solution
The development of user-interaction methods that create visualizations for Whole-Slide Imaging (WSI) to provide consistent presentation of relevant content, allowing users to adjust and verify automated views through interactive patch galleries, which can be efficiently integrated into regular reviewing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated image analysis is used to improve diagnostic efficiency, then productivity increases, but measurement precision deteriorates due to subjective variations in image appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference image system that acts as an intermediary between automated analysis and final diagnostic decisions. The reference image, created by a pathologist from a representative field of view, serves as a gold standard against which automated quantification results are compared and verified, ensuring measurement precision while maintaining productivity benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where automated analysis results are continuously compared against reference images, and discrepancies trigger re-evaluation or adjustment of analysis parameters. This closed-loop feedback ensures diagnostic consistency while maintaining high throughput
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laboratories use different preparation and scanning methods, then adaptability increases, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to image appearance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting image processing parameters such as brightness, contrast, and color balance to normalize images from different laboratories. The system automatically adapts these parameters based on reference images from each laboratory, maintaining manufacturing precision while preserving laboratory flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The reference image approach serves multiple functions: it acts as a quality control standard, a normalization reference, and a training template for automated analysis. This multi-functionality enables the system to handle variations from different laboratories while maintaining consistent diagnostic standards
3Measurement precision
If pathologists perform manual review to improve measurement precision, then measurement precision improves, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by having pathologists review only a subset of images or only those that fall outside predefined confidence intervals. Automated analysis handles the majority of cases, while manual review focuses on borderline or uncertain cases, maintaining measurement precision without sacrificing productivity
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, workstations, and computer programs with user interactive patch gallery user interfaces that allow a user to alter at least one feature dimension of the patches and/or WSI image using the patch gallery. The patches are different small regions of interest of excerpts of the WSI and are not required to be neighboring excerpts but can be random samples spanning an extent of the feature dimension.