Apparatus and method for training of machine learning models using annotated image data for pathology imaging

A computer-implemented method comprising:

• obtaining a first slide image comprising a first plurality of objects;
• determining a number of the first plurality of objects in the first slide image and a first weight;
• generating training set data comprising:
• the first slide image,
• object data identifying the number of the first plurality of objects in the first slide image, and
• weight data identifying the first weight;
• training a machine learning model based on the training set data;
• and
• implementing the machine learning model, wherein the machine learning model predicts a number of a second plurality of objects in a second slide image and a second weight.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more computing devices, cause the one or more computing devices to:

• obtain a first slide image comprising a first plurality of objects;
• determine a number of the first plurality of objects in the first slide image and a first weight;
• generate training set data comprising:
• the first slide image,
• object data identifying the number of the first plurality of objects in the first slide image, and
• weight data identifying the first weight;
• train a machine learning model based on the training set data;
• and
• implement the machine learning model, wherein the machine learning model predicts a number of a second plurality of objects in a second slide image and a second weight.