Cross-frame object reconstruction for image-based cytology applications

• US 20070133856A1
• Filed: 12/09/2005
• Published: 06/14/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/09/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cytyc Corporation (Hologic Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Cytyc Corporation (Hologic Incorporated)
• Inventors: Dutta-Choudhury, Paul
• Granted Patent: US 7,636,465 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 382/133
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/693 Acquisition

Abstract

Methods, computer software, and systems for analyzing a biological specimen (e.g., a cytological specimen) on a slide is provided. Magnified image data frames of the biological specimen are taken at different locations on the slide. An object that is not entirely contained within at least one of the image data frames is identified, and complementary portions of the object respectively located in different ones of the image data frames are matched. A fully integrated object is created from the matched object portions. Attributes of the integrated object are then analyzed.

Claims

1. An automated method for analyzing a biological specimen on a microscope slide, comprising:

receiving magnified image data frames of the biological specimen taken at different locations on the slide;

identifying an object that is not entirely contained within at least one of the image data frames;

matching complementary portions of the object respectively located in different ones of the image data frames;

creating a fully integrated object from the matched object portions; and

analyzing attributes of the integrated object.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the biological specimen is a cytological specimen.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a size of one of the complementary object portions, wherein the integrated object is created only if the size of the one object portion is greater than a threshold size.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising identifying the integrated object as an object of interest based on the analysis.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising classifying the biological specimen at least partially based on the integrated object analysis.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising foregoing or inaccurately analyzing attributes of one of the complementary object portions.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the integrated object is created by digitally stitching the complementary object portions together.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the identification of the object as not being entirely contained within the at least one image data frame comprises identifying if the object intersects two or more adjacent borders of the different image data frames.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

identifying an object entirely contained within any of the different image data frames; and

analyzing attributes of the entirely contained object.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising locating the integrated object within a coordinate system correlated to the slide.

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

16. A computer readable medium for analyzing a biological specimen on a microscope slide, containing instructions, which when executed, comprise:

receiving magnified image data frames of the biological specimen taken at different locations on the slide;

identifying an object that is not entirely contained within at least one of a plurality of magnified image data frames taken of the biological specimen;

matching complementary portions of the object respectively located in different ones of the image data frames;

creating a fully integrated object from the matched object portions; and

analyzing attributes of the integrated object.

17. The computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the biological specimen is a cytological specimen.

21. The computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions, when executed, further comprise determining a size of one of the complementary object portions, wherein the integrated object is created only if the size of the one object portion is greater than a threshold size.

22. The computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions, when executed, further comprise identifying the integrated object as an object of interest based on the analysis.

23. The computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions, when executed, further comprise further comprising classifying the biological specimen at least partially based on the integrated object analysis.

24. The computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions, when executed, further comprise further comprising foregoing or inaccurately analyzing attributes of one of the complementary object portions.

25. The computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the integrated object is created by digitally stitching the complementary object portions together.

28. The computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the identification of the object as not being entirely contained within the at least one image data frame comprises identifying if the object intersects two or more adjacent borders of the different image data frames.

29. The computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions, when executed, further comprise:

identifying an object entirely contained within any of the different image data frames; and

analyzing attributes of the object.

30. The computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions, when executed, further comprise locating the integrated object within a coordinate system correlated to the slide.

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

31. A biological screening system for analyzing a biological specimen on a microscope slide, comprising:

an imaging station for generating magnified image data frames of the biological specimen taken at different locations on the slide;

at least one processor for receiving the image data frames, identifying an object that is not entirely contained within at least one of the image data frames, matching complementary portions of the object respectively located in different ones of the image data frames, creating a fully integrated object from the matched object portions, and analyzing attributes of the integrated object, and identifying the integrated object as an object of interest based on the analysis; and

an automated or semi-automated microscope for scanning a field of view to present the integrated object within a field of interest.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein the biological specimen is a cytological specimen.

36. The system of claim 31, wherein the at least one processor is further configured for determining a size of one of the complementary object portions, wherein the integrated object is created only if the size of the one object portion is greater than a threshold size.

37. The system of claim 31, wherein the at least one processor is further configured classifying the biological specimen at least partially based on the integrated object analysis.

38. The system of claim 31, wherein the at least one processor is further configured further comprising foregoing or inaccurately analyzing attributes of one of the complementary object portions.

39. The system of claim 31, wherein the integrated object is created by digitally stitching the complementary object portions together.

42. The system of claim 31, wherein the identification of the object as not being entirely contained within the at least one image data frame comprises identifying if the object intersects two or more adjacent borders of the different image data frames.

43. The system of claim 31, wherein the at least one processor is further configured for:

identifying an object entirely contained within any of the different image data frames; and

analyzing attributes of the entirely contained object.

44. The system of claim 31, wherein the at least one processor is further configured for locating the integrated object within a coordinate system correlated to the slide.

33. (canceled)

34. (canceled)

35. (canceled)

40. (canceled)

41. (canceled)

45-82. -82. (canceled)