Performance Improvement in Blood Cell Segmentation with Deep Learning-based Image Fusion Approach

To overcome the limitations of examining blood cells under a microscope, several investigations have been carried out using artificial intelligence techniques. These investigations aim to automate the processes of detecting, counting, segmenting, and classifying blood cells. Typically, these investigations employ two-dimensional (2D) images to apply artificial intelligence and image processing techniques. Nevertheless, these 2D images occasionally lack optimal focus as a result of the microscope’s depth of focus (DOF). Inadequate achievement of optimally focused imaging has a detrimental impact on the efficiency of automated processes. In this context, the objective of this study is founded around two primary roles. The first of these is the performance improvement of blood cell segmentation by developing a deep learning-based image fusion approach. The second is the preparation of new data sets containing images with different focuses for optimally focused imaging of blood cells. In the study, four different performance evaluation criteria, namely Accuracy (ACC), Sensitivity (SEN), Specificity (SPE), and Jaccard, are utilized to demonstrate the efficacy of the deep learning-based image fusion approach in blood cell segmentation. Both the experimental results of the performance evaluation criteria and the visual findings obtained in the study indicate that the performance in blood cell segmentation is improved with a deep learning-based approach.