Pathology Image Region Selection for Faster Digital Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for processing pathology images are slow, costly, and inefficient, particularly when dealing with large and complex images.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize multiple representations of image regions, including first and second representations with different data sizes, to determine when a smaller, second representation can be used in place of a larger, first representation based on image property criteria, optimizing storage and processing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple separate software applications are used for different pathology image processing tasks, then specific processing functions can be performed, but the workflow becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkflow simplicityVSAvoidsoftware application quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate software applications into a single integrated application that provides all pathology image processing functions (stain separation, artifact removal, enhancement, etc.) within one unified interface, eliminating the need to switch between multiple programs and simplifying the workflow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The software application is designed with multi-functionality to perform diverse pathology image processing tasks including stain separation, artifact removal, image enhancement, and diagnostic analysis within a single system, making it universally applicable to various processing needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple manual processing steps are performed sequentially, then image processing can be completed, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous automated processing where multiple image processing operations (stain separation, artifact removal, enhancement) are performed in an uninterrupted automated sequence without requiring manual intervention between steps, significantly reducing processing time and increasing productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The software performs automated image processing tasks that previously required manual analyst intervention, with the system independently executing stain separation, artifact removal, and enhancement operations without continuous human input, reducing labor intensity and processing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If extensive manual processing is performed, then image quality can be enhanced, but analyst burnout and diagnostic errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddiagnostic accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical processing operations with automated computational algorithms for stain separation, artifact removal, and image enhancement, eliminating human fatigue and variability while maintaining or improving image quality and diagnostic reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4371060B1Processing pathology images
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 AIFORIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP4371060B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4371060B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4371060B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of facilitating processing of pathology images involves receiving pathology image data representing a pathology image having a plurality of image regions, wherein the pathology image data includes, for each of the plurality of image regions, a respective plurality of representations of the image region including a first representation and a second representation, the second representation having a smaller data size than the first representation. The method involves, for each of the plurality of image regions: determining, based at least in part on the first representation of the image region, a first set of image properties, determining whether the first set of image properties meets first image property criteria, and, if the first set of image properties meets the first image property criteria, producing signals for causing the second representation to be used in place of the first representation. Other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are disclosed.