Automated cytological specimen classification system and method
First Claim
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1. A cytological specimen classifier, comprising:
- a) microscope means for obtaining a view of at least part of a cytological specimen,b) camera means for creating an image of such view,c) image digitizing means for producing a digital representation of such image,d) a primary classifier for identification of objects in such digital representation based on a detectable feature, ande) secondary adaptive classifier means for recognition of cells having patterns atypical of patterns in cells expected in the specimen among the objects identified by the primary classifier.
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Abstract
An automated screening system and method for cytological specimen classification in which a neural network is utilized in performance of the classification function. Also included is an automated microscope and associated image processing circuitry.
354 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A cytological specimen classifier, comprising:
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a) microscope means for obtaining a view of at least part of a cytological specimen, b) camera means for creating an image of such view, c) image digitizing means for producing a digital representation of such image, d) a primary classifier for identification of objects in such digital representation based on a detectable feature, and e) secondary adaptive classifier means for recognition of cells having patterns atypical of patterns in cells expected in the specimen among the objects identified by the primary classifier. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A quality control cytological specimen classifier for classifying specimens which previously have been screened as not containing pre-malignant or malignant cells, comprising:
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a) microscope means for obtaining a view of a prescreened cytological specimen, b) camera means for creating an image of such view, c) image digitizing means for producing a digital representation of such image, d) a primary classifier for identification of objects in such digital representation of a cytological specimen based on a detectable feature, e) secondary adaptive classifier means for recognition of cells having patterns typical of pre-malignant or malignant cells among the prescreened objects identified by the primary classifier, and f) a tertiary classifier for detection of malignant and pre-malignant cells among the prescreened cells recognized by the secondary classifier.
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24. A method of classifying objects in a cytological specimen, comprising the steps of:
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a) obtaining a view of a cytological specimen, b) creating an image of such view, c) producing a digital representation of such image, d) primarily classifying objects in such digital representation of a cytological specimen based on a detectable feature, and e) secondarily classifying cells having features atypical of cells expected in the specimen among the objects identified in the primary classification step using adaptive processing. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27)
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Specification