Automated Slide Label Recognition via Optical Character Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for tissue sample identification in histopathology face challenges in accurately and efficiently identifying slides from multiple sources with different labeling formats, requiring manual relabeling and separate data input, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when slides are processed on instruments with incompatible information systems.

Innovation Solution

A method involving image capture and processing to recognize and categorize sample identifiers, allowing users to manually match images with identifiers from a database, and automatically associate processing steps with extracted information, enabling flexible identification and processing of slides regardless of label format, using a system that includes image analysis and user interaction to ensure accurate data entry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual relabeling and separate data input are used to identify slides from multiple sources, then flexibility to handle different label formats is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to handle different label formatsVSAvoidtime for manual relabeling and data input

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes of relabeling and data entry with an automated optical recognition system. The image capture device captures slide labels, and image processing software automatically extracts identification information, eliminating the need for manual relabeling and separate data input while maintaining flexibility across different label formats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates digital copies of slide labels through image capture. Instead of physically relabeling slides, the system captures images of existing labels and processes these digital copies to extract identification information, thereby avoiding manual relabeling time while preserving the ability to handle various label formats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If manual relabeling is performed to ensure accurate identification, then identification accuracy is improved, but the processing speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes manual identification processes with automated optical character recognition and image processing systems. These systems accurately extract identification information from slide labels automatically, maintaining high identification accuracy while significantly increasing processing speed by eliminating manual relabeling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service identification where the image processing software automatically extracts and interprets identification information from slide labels without requiring manual intervention. This maintains accurate identification while accelerating the processing speed through automated data extraction and association with patient information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple labels are applied to slides from different sources, then compatibility with different laboratory systems is achieved, but the complexity of managing and processing these slides increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different laboratory systemsVSAvoidcomplexity of managing and processing slides

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal image processing system that can handle multiple types of slide labels from different laboratory sources. The optical recognition system and image processing software are designed to universally extract identification information from various label formats, enabling the system to manage slides from multiple laboratories without increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary image processing layer that mediates between different laboratory labeling systems and the central processing system. By capturing and processing images of labels, the system translates various label formats into a unified data structure, thereby maintaining compatibility with different laboratory systems while simplifying the processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8315445B2Tissue sample identification system and apparatus

Publication Date: 2012.11.20 LEICA BIOSYST MELBOURNE PTY LTD FORMERLY LEICA BIOSYST

AI summary

A method an apparatus for identifying slides is disclosed, where samples such as tissue sample mounted to slides are labeled with information, and an image of the information is captured by a processing instrument. The image is analyzed, for example using optical character recognition, and information extracted from the image is used to determine the test to be applied to the slide by the processing instrument. Where information about the slide cannot be extracted from the image, the image is presented to a user to that the slide information, such as its identity or the test to be applied, may be selected by the user to allow the slide to be processed.