Tile-Based Digital Pathology Image Analysis System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital pathology image analysis tools face inefficiencies due to the time-consuming process of analyzing large microscopic images, leading to complex and impractical workflows, as they require significant user interaction and processing time.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a two-segmented image analysis system, where a first automated segment performs low-level processing without user interaction and a second interactive segment processes user-inputted data, combined with a tile-based processing scheme for concurrent processing and fast data access, to enhance system response time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If image analysis programs are executed on large digital pathology images, then analysis completeness is improved, but processing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large digital pathology image into multiple smaller tiles or regions, allowing parallel processing of each tile independently. This segmentation enables the system to process comprehensive image data while reducing the computational burden on any single processing unit, thereby decreasing overall processing time while maintaining analysis completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary processing steps such as image preprocessing, feature extraction, and tile generation before the main analysis phase. By preparing data in advance and organizing it into manageable units, the system reduces the time required for the actual analysis phase while ensuring all necessary data is available for complete analysis.
2Measurement precision
If users interact frequently with image analysis programs, then analysis accuracy is improved, but workflow complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated processing capabilities that can operate without continuous user interaction. Default parameters, automatic tile processing, and streamlined workflows allow the system to perform accurate analysis independently, reducing the complexity of user interaction while maintaining or improving analysis accuracy through consistent automated procedures.
3Productivity
If automated processing is increased, then system response time is improved, but user control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic control mechanisms that allow users to adjust the level of automation based on their needs. Users can switch between fully automated processing for routine tasks and more interactive modes for complex cases, enabling the system to maintain high productivity while preserving user control when necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
Data processing systems and methods are provided that improve the perceived efficiency of image analysis tools in a digital pathology workflow when challenged by analyzing large size microscopic images. Various embodiments utilize a separation of the image analysis programs into a first automatically executed segment that requires no user interactions for identification and quantification of object data of processed images, and a second interactive segment for accepting user input. User interactions are only applied to the already calculated object data resulting in an improved system response time. A tile-based processing scheme with concurrent processing and generation of object data in a tile-based data format provides further performance improvements of the system.