초록

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.

대표청구항 ▼

An automated cytological specimen classifier for classifying cells contained in a smear on a slide to identify cells that are likely to be malignant or pre-malignant, comprising: (a) microscope means for obtaining a vie of at least part of a cytological specimen including cells and other material lo

An automated cytological specimen classifier for classifying cells contained in a smear on a slide to identify cells that are likely to be malignant or pre-malignant, comprising: (a) microscope means for obtaining a vie of at least part of a cytological specimen including cells and other material located generally randomly on a slide in an arrangement which can include other than a single layer of cells, (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 means for detecting objects in a digital representation of a cytological specimen based on a detectable feature, said primary classifier means comprising a classifier means for detecting cells that are likely to be malignant or pre-malignant as well as other cells and material that initially appear to have characteristics of a malignant cell or a pre-malignant cell based on integrated optical density, and (e) a secondary classifier for distinguishing pre-malignant and malignant cells form other cells and material among the objects detected by the primary classifier, said secondary classifier means comprising a neural computer apparatus means for effecting such distinguishing as a function of training thereof. A method of classifying cytological specimens, comprising using a primary classifier apparatus primarily classifying a specimen which is generally randomly arranged and can include other than in a single layer to determine locations of interest, and secondarily classifying such locations of interest using a neural network computer apparatus.