Operating method of image processing apparatus, image processing apparatus, and computer-readable recording medium

An image processing apparatus comprising a processor comprising hardware, the processor being configured to:

• estimate, from an optical spectrum of each pixel of each training image of plural training images, a pigment spectrum and a pigment quantity that are staining characteristics of each pigment at the pixel of the training image, the plural training images being stained specimen images prepared by plural first specimen preparing process protocols different from one another, each first specimen preparing process protocol including staining using plural pigments;
• record the first specimen preparing process protocol for the training image in association with the estimated staining characteristics;
• estimate, from an optical spectrum of each pixel of an input training image, staining characteristics of each pigment at the pixel of the input training image, the input training image being a stained specimen image prepared by a second specimen preparing process protocol different from the plural first specimen preparing process protocols and including staining using the plural pigments, the input training image being input as a training image for learning;
• convert the staining characteristics of at least one selected pigment in the input training image into the staining characteristics of the at least one selected pigment of any one of the plural training images;
• and
• generate, based on the converted staining characteristics of the at least one selected pigment in the input training image, a virtual stained specimen image that is stained by a third specimen preparing process protocol different from the first specimen preparing process protocols and the second specimen preparing process protocol.

A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium with an executable program stored thereon, the program causing an image processing apparatus to execute:

• estimating, from an optical spectrum of each pixel of each training image of plural training images, a pigment spectrum and a pigment quantity that are staining characteristics of each pigment at the pixel of the training image, the plural training images being stained specimen images prepared by plural first specimen preparing process protocols different from one another, each first specimen preparing process protocol including staining using plural pigments;
• recording the first specimen preparing process protocol for the training image in association with the estimated staining characteristics;
• estimating, from an optical spectrum of each pixel of an input training image, staining characteristics of each pigment at the pixel of the input training image, the input training image being a stained specimen image prepared by a second specimen preparing process protocol different from the plural first specimen preparing process protocols and including staining using the plural pigments, the input training image being input as a training image for learning;
• converting the staining characteristics of at least one selected pigment in the input training image into the staining characteristics of the at least one selected pigment of any one of the plural training images;
• and
• generating, based on the converted staining characteristics of the at least one selected pigment in the input training image, a virtual stained specimen image that is stained by a third specimen preparing process protocol different from the first specimen preparing process protocols and the second specimen preparing process protocol.