WO2007025772A2

WO2007025772A2 - Image analysis device

Info

Publication number: WO2007025772A2
Application number: PCT/EP2006/008574
Authority: WO
Inventors: Markus Eblenkamp; Matthias Pigerl
Original assignee: S. Co Gmbh
Priority date: 2005-09-02
Filing date: 2006-09-01
Publication date: 2007-03-08
Also published as: DE202006020988U1; WO2007025772A3; EP1920405A2; DE202006003008U1

Abstract

The invention relates to an image analysis device which comprises means for transmitting one or more images to an analytical unit. Said means are configured in such a manner that a section of the transmission path or the entire transmission path is formed by internet. The device also comprises a receiving unit for receiving the transmitted images, means for automatically transmitting images from the receiving unit to an analytical unit, an analytical unit having means for automatically analyzing the received images, said analytical unit being adapted to analyze the images with respect to at least one property of the object(s) shown in the images, and means for making available and/or transmitting the result of image analysis carried out in the analytical unit.

Description

Device for image analysis

The invention relates to a device for image analysis.

The quantification and measurement of image objects is a regularly applied activity in research, development and production. Exemplary here are the counting of bacterial colonies in microbiology, the quantification of agricultural land on satellite images or the detection and measurement of structures or defects, such as cracks, called in the material analysis. Further fields of application are the cultivation of cells, for example for therapeutic purposes.

The quantification of image objects is a relatively time-consuming activity, so that there is a desire for an automation of these processes. However, the financial outlay for the development of automated object recognition systems is very high, since for each problem own software developments or complex software adapatations have to be carried out. Thus, such automatic object recognition systems can so far Only by financially strong institutions for larger screening.

Microscopic analyzes play an important role in the cultivation of cells. For example, it is necessary to constantly monitor whether the culture vessel is already completely covered with cells and the cells have to be transferred to new culture vessels, if there is contamination of the cell cultures with bacteria, if the cells do not degenerate in the course of cultivation, etc. Also numerous analytical Procedures are based on a microscopic evaluation. Cell counts in growth studies, for example, as well as the determination of the ratio of dead to live cells in the life / dead staining.

These analyzes are nowadays performed almost exclusively by the laboratory staff with the eye. As stated above, automatic detection is very costly and is therefore out of the question, especially for smaller companies and institutions.

Another disadvantage in addition to the cost intensity is to mention that the incorporation of personnel is very expensive and therefore is not feasible especially for smaller companies or institutes.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a device for image analysis, by means of which image analysis can be carried out inexpensively.

This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1.

Thereafter, it is provided that the device comprises means for transmitting one or more of the images to be analyzed to an analysis unit, wherein the means are designed such that at least a portion of the transmission path is formed by the Internet. The apparatus further comprises a receiving unit for receiving the transmitted images, means for automatically see transfer of the images from the receiving unit to an analysis unit. Furthermore, an analysis unit is provided which has means for automatically analyzing the received images, the analysis unit being designed such that the images are analyzed with regard to at least one property of the object represented on the images, for example a cell culture. The device according to the invention further comprises means for providing and / or transmitting the result of the image analysis performed in the analysis unit.

The device according to the invention makes it possible for companies or institutions that have Internet access to have an image analysis performed without having to purchase the above-described cost-intensive equipment for it. It is possible according to the invention to provide a very powerful object recognition for any company, the time required for the companies who desire an image analysis is minimal. The cost effort is also very limited.

For example, the analysis unit developed according to the wishes of the customers remains on a high-performance computer of the company, which carries out the image analysis. The customer only has to transfer the images to be analyzed via the Internet to the receiving unit. In a fully automatic process, the images are analyzed and then the results are made available to the customer, for example on a server or sent to him.

This makes it possible for customers to automatically perform object recognition even for smaller series, which is particularly interesting for the large number of laboratories in the field of industrial and academic research that can not or do not want their own image recognition systems and in which the Change questions very often.

In addition to the advantage that for customers, that is for the image analysis commissioning companies or institutes, the purchase of image analysis apparatus is not necessary, results in the further advantage that the use of specially qualified laboratory personnel is not required by the customer.

The device according to the invention can be used anywhere where any objects must be detected, quantified and / or measured.

An exemplary area is that of cell culture technology. Cell culture outside the body is now a standard technology in every biomedical laboratory. As the basic technology for cell therapy, which will be the main innovations in healthcare in the coming decades, the importance of cell culture will continue to rise steadily and sharply in the future.

However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the range of cells or cell cultures. Other areas, such as pore measurement or the measurement of defects, such as cracks, in any materials come into consideration.

The device according to the invention can be used advantageously in particular if a microscope with digital camera, computer and Internet access is already present in cell culture laboratories, which is often the case. Thus, it is readily possible for the customer to send via the Internet to the analysis unit of the device according to the invention, the images whose analysis or evaluation is desired.

Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

It is preferably provided that the means for providing the result of the image analysis carried out in the analysis unit are formed by a server which can be accessed by means of the Internet. This means that the company operating the device does not send the customer the result of the analysis. ken must. Rather, it is sufficient to provide the result of the analysis on a server that the customer can access at any time.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the receiving unit is also formed by a server. If necessary, the customer then sends the image (s) whose analysis is to be made via the Internet to a server connected to the Internet.

The means for automatically transferring the images from the receiving unit to an analysis unit may comprise access means by means of which the receiving unit is accessible. This means that the receiving unit is accessed in order to transfer the images present there to the analysis unit. It can be provided that the images remain after access to the receiving unit, thus copied into the analysis unit, or be moved from the receiving unit to the analysis unit.

It is particularly advantageous if test means are provided which are designed such that they check the receiving unit for new contents, and that the test means are connected to the access means which are controlled by the test means such that the access means to the receiving unit access if a new content is detected by means of the test equipment. The test means are thus used to check the content of the receiving unit as to whether there are new images in it which are to be analyzed. If it is determined by means of the checking means that this is the case, the checking means activate access means which copy or move the new contents from the receiving unit to the analyzing unit.

In this case, the check of the receiving unit for new content at regular intervals or only when changing the content of the receiving unit. If the content of the receiving unit changes, the checking means are activated to determine whether the change concerns the presence of new data on the receiving unit. In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the analysis unit is designed such that the images are analyzed with regard to at least one property of a cell culture shown on the images. As already stated above, there is an advantageous field of application of the device according to the invention in the analysis of cell cultures or materials or materials. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, any images can be evaluated with the device according to the invention.

The characteristic of a cell culture shown on the images may be, for example, the number of cells or cell nuclei, morphological properties of the cells or cell structures, the contamination of the cells, for example with bacteria, the cell type, the degree of confluence of the cells, the cell density, the cell volume or the areal extent of cells. In principle, of course, further properties can be analyzed.

It is particularly advantageous if there are resources available for the user or the company performing the image analysis, by means of which the property to be analyzed can be defined. These means may, for example, consist of an input mask into which the desired property to be quantified is entered, such as the number of cell nuclei, the cell density, the cell volume, etc. The mask or screen surface may for example be stored on an Internet-accessible server. which is operated by the company performing the image analysis. This server can be the same server that can be used to create the receiving unit to which the mappings to be analyzed are sent. In principle, it is also conceivable that these are two separate servers or receiving devices.

The means by means of which the property to be analyzed can be defined can thus be part of the receiving unit or be connected to it. It is particularly advantageous if the means by means of which the property to be analyzed can be defined are directly or indirectly connected to the analysis unit in such a way that the analysis unit is automatically adapted in such a way that the property defined by means of said means is analyzed. Such an embodiment of the invention makes it possible to modify the analysis unit without manual intervention in such a way that it actually detects the desired property to be detected. It is conceivable, for example, that the user pretends to detect the cell density and that this information is automatically transmitted to the analysis unit, which is then also automatically modified in such a way that the transferred images are actually analyzed with regard to the desired property. Such a modification of the analysis unit preferably consists in an automatic adaptation of the software by means of which the analysis unit is operated.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that further processing of the images is performed in the analysis unit. For example, it is conceivable that certain cell types, material areas, etc. are marked, cut out, copied, etc.

In a further embodiment of the invention, one or more terminals, preferably a plurality of terminals are provided, which are in communication with the means for transmitting one or more images to the receiving unit or are connectable. This is preferably a computer with a web browser. Preferably, it is thus provided that images from any computer with a web browser can be transmitted to the analysis unit or the reception unit independently of the software installation or the operating system used. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that an analysis corresponding to the test is then started automatically. An advantage of the present invention is that there is no need to have expertise in image analysis at the sender of the images. In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the analysis of the images in the analysis unit is triggered by the terminals and / or by the reception of the images in the receiving unit. It can be provided that the analysis is started automatically by the terminals or by receiving the images to be analyzed in the receiving unit or the analysis unit.

Preferably, it is provided that, after the end of the analysis, the analysis unit or the means for providing and / or transmitting the result of the analysis again provides the analyzed images or the acquired data for retransmission, preferably via the Internet.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the analysis unit works with a web application, which preferably supports any standard browser and makes it an access terminal for image analysis. On the one hand to support all available on the market browser, but on the other hand to provide the best possible performance, dominated the web application preferably a variety of communication methods, such. For example, older HTML versions such as HTML 2.0 to the latest techniques such as AJAX.

As stated, in a preferred embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the device, from which images are transmitted to the receiving unit, can consist of any computer with a web browser, which for example supports HTML (preferably from version 2.0), independently the operating system and the computer used.

As special advantages arise that additional software installations in the receiving unit are not necessary, as well as the fact of prolonged value retention of the systems in a laboratory, since when using the inventive device expensive laboratory equipment, which usually have a longer life than software products, on arrival not a new software generation more must be replaced because of this system incompatibility incurred.

Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment described below.

The device according to the invention has means for transmitting one or more images to an analysis unit. The figures are those of cell cultures to be qualitatively and / or quantitatively analyzed for a particular property. It is conceivable, for example, to carry out an analysis to ascertain the degree of confluence or the type of cell, or to check whether the cell culture is contaminated with bacteria, how many cell nuclei are present, how the ratio of living to dead cells is, etc. The figures are from from a company that itself has no image analysis device and in which often arise highly fluctuating issues in terms of analysis, so that the acquisition of such a device is not worthwhile.

The device according to the invention operates internet-based, i. she is connected to the internet. The connection is realized by a receiving unit in the form of a receiving server, which is connected to the Internet and on which a database is stored, in which the user can enter the parameters of a cell culture via an input mask that are to be recorded. The user therefore calls the input mask via the Internet and, in addition to user data, enters the properties of the imaged object that are to be analyzed.

At the same time or with a time delay, the user also uses the Internet to send the images to be analyzed to the receiving server.

The receiving server communicates with checking means which check at regular intervals whether the content of the receiving server has changed. As soon as If it is determined that new images have been received here, the test equipment activates access means which transmit the new images from the receiving server to the analysis unit.

Also, the request of the user regarding the characteristics to be detected of the imaged object is transmitted to the analysis unit. Subsequently, a check is made as to whether the analysis unit is already suitable for detecting the defined properties. If this is not the case, a modification of the analysis unit by software change takes place automatically in such a way that the analysis unit detects the parameters of the imaged object to be detected and, for example, statistically evaluates them.

Subsequently, the analysis of the images is made with regard to the defined properties. After the analysis has been completed, the result is made available on a server that also has Internet access.

From this Internet server, the customer can now download the result of the analysis, and it is conceivable that the customer will be notified as soon as the analysis result is available. This notification can be made, for example, by e-mail, SMS, phone call, etc.

The evaluation made by means of the analysis unit may comprise, for example:

• Preparation of images (eg contrast enhancement, filtering)

• Analysis of the image with image analysis software (eg pixel and object oriented image analysis software)

• Postprocessing and processing of the data (eg clearing, tabular processing, diagram depictions) The advantages for the customers are that the customer does not have to purchase an expensive hardware and software environment, that the customer does not have to worry about the administration of a computer network and that the customer does not have to familiarize himself with complex program systems. Rather, it is sufficient to use a simple user interface.

Further advantages of the system according to the invention are that the results due to the automation are provided in a fraction of the time that has to be expended in a manual analysis. Erroneous interpretations due to incorrect human recognition are eliminated. The otherwise required highly qualified personnel can be released for other tasks. It is particularly advantageous that high investment costs for expensive analysis units can be saved by the customer through the Internet-based platform technology.

The fact that the device operates on an Internet-based basis has the further advantage that the device can be reached worldwide, so that there is no regional restriction.

Since a microscope with digital camera, computer and Internet access is available today in almost every cell culture laboratory, it is particularly easy and convenient for the customers to use the device.

Claims

Device for image analysispatents claims

An apparatus for image analysis comprising means for transmitting one or more images to an analysis unit, the means being such that a portion of the transmission path or the entire transmission path is formed by the Internet, with a receiving unit for receiving the transmitted images, with means for automatically transferring the images from the receiving unit to an analysis unit, having an analysis unit with means for automatically analyzing the received images, the analysis unit being designed so that the images are at least one property of the object (s) shown on the images (s ) and means for providing and / or transmitting the result of the image analysis performed in the analysis unit.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for providing the result of the image analysis carried out in the analysis unit are formed by a server, which is accessible via the Internet.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receiving unit is formed by a server.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for automatically transmitting the images from the receiving unit to the analysis unit comprise access means by means of which the receiving unit is accessible.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that test means are provided which are designed such that it checks the receiving unit for new content, and that the test means are in communication with the access means, which are controlled by the test means such that the access means access the receiving unit when a new content is detected by means of the checking means.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the test means are designed such that the examination of the receiving unit to new content at regular intervals or only when changing the content of the receiving unit.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the analysis unit is designed such that the images are analyzed with respect to at least one property of a cell culture, a material, workpiece, etc. shown on the images.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that it is the property of a cell culture shown on the images by the number the cells or cell nuclei, morphological properties of the cells or cell structures, the contamination of the cells, the cell type, the degree of confluency of the cells, the cell density, the cell volume or the areal extent of cells.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means are provided by means of which the property to be analyzed is definable.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the means by which the property to be analyzed is defined, are part of the receiving unit or are in connection with this.

11. The device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the means by means of which the property to be analyzed is definable, with the analysis unit in connection so that the analysis unit is automatically adjusted so that analyzed by means of the analysis unit, the property to be defined becomes.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the analysis unit is designed such that the images with respect to at least one property of / on the images shown objects (s) are analyzed and processed, for example, marked.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more terminals, preferably a plurality of terminals are provided, which are in communication with the means for transmitting one or more images to the analysis or receiving unit or connectable.

14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the terminals are designed as a computer with a web browser.

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is designed such that the analysis of the images in the analysis unit is triggered by the reception of the images in the receiving unit and / or by the terminals.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the analysis unit and / or the receiving unit has a web application that supports browser, preferably standard browser.