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If you are comparing AI development tools for image analysis in pathology, you might encounter many options, ranging from commercial to open-source tools. The decision on a suitable tool ultimately comes down to your needs and priorities. To help you on your AI journey, we listed some things to keep in mind when making the decision.
Things to consider when selecting an AI development tool
Below is a list of topics that you should consider when discussing with different vendors for AI image analysis software:
- Integration possibilities: How does the tool fit into your existing laboratory infrastructure?
- Scalability and cloud resources: Does the tool allow you to grow from smaller projects to bigger ones? How is the image management handled, or is the user in charge of handling the storage space?
- Graphics processing unit (GPU): Advanced AI training requires powerful GPU resources. How powerful is the tool and technology to run it on?
- Support: What kind of documentation is available? How are new users onboarded? Is there support personnel available when needed?
- Transition to clinical: Is it possible to start using the AI model in routine practice once it’s developed and validated?
- Security: How is information security handled?
- Features: What features and functionalities are available for beginners? What about for advanced users?
What is Aiforia’s take on these topics?
Aiforia® Create is the most versatile tool in the market for developing, customizing, and validating deep learning AI models for histological features and patterns in image analysis. Thousands of AI models have been developed with it for research and clinical use cases; applications ranging from cancer research to neuroscience and even outside the medical field.
To tackle the above-mentioned topics, let’s go through five key points that make Aiforia Create unique.
1. Access to the entire Aiforia® Platform
Aiforia® Create subscription allows you to start building your own AI models and grants you access to the entire Aiforia® Platform, unlocking its full benefits. The platform can be used for image management, and scanned images can be uploaded there automatically as the platform can be integrated with any existing laboratory systems.
Advanced AI training requires powerful GPU resources. Aiforia® Create users have access to state-of-the-art processors and never have to worry about running out of cloud storage, making the solution scalable and fit for projects of all sizes.
Furthermore, the Aiforia® Platform supports the full journey from research to clinical, enabling you to develop your own AI model, validate it, and eventually take it to clinical practice.
“The biggest benefit of using the Aiforia® Platform is that it's cloud-based and that it did not require installation or any sophisticated equipment at our laboratory. The microscopic slides that were used for this project were digitized and uploaded to the platform. The only requirement was that the slides were stained using the same staining protocol and that the same scanner was used. Another advantage was that the training and external validation was completely remote and could be performed at any place and at any time, and this was clearly a big advantage.” – Leonie Saft, Senior Consultant, Karolinska University Hospital
2. Constant support
Aiforia provides dedicated support representatives from our team of scientists. They work closely with the customers, providing proactive guidance and help with any possible challenges on the way.
Users also get access to Aiforia Community, a digital space that gives them a unique opportunity to interact with peers, access a knowledge base to find the latest documentation, and learn tips and tricks on annotating, image analysis, and other topics.
"I really liked the collaborative aspect of the training. The Aiforia scientists were trying to get it right as much as we were trying to get it right, which feels good. A lot of times, a company will just give you a product and not be able to tweak it for you. But with Aiforia, it felt more like a collaboration." - Can Kayatekin, Senior Scientist at Sanofi
"The Aiforia team is extraordinary. Not only are they experts who have built amazing technology, but they are also great teachers and passionate about helping their clients succeed. We are thrilled to be working with them." - Dr. Mozayeni, Laboratory Director at T Lab Inc
3. Security
Aiforia emphasizes cloud security to ensure a reliable experience. This allows the user to focus on building AI models with their own data, knowing that their images are protected.
The platform follows the latest best practices, including data encryption, fault tolerant cloud storage, firewalls, and robust user authentication. Penetration testing is performed regularly, and continuous and automated monitoring provides fast identification of issues.
Read more about quality and security at Aiforia here →
4. Ease of use
Aiforia® Create is designed for pathologists and scientists. It requires no data science or software programming expertise. Its cloud-based nature makes it extremely fast to implement; no installation is needed.
Aiforia® Create efficiently processes large and complex medical images in any 2D format, including multichannel, Z stack, and high bit depth images, supporting all major file and scanner types.
“Aiforia Create is a great solution for pathologists with no data science or specific coding expertise willing to start working hands-on with AI in their research. The cloud-based platform is very user-friendly, and the open and on-demand communication with their knowledgeable team of scientists is a perk.” – Eleonora Duregon, Assistant Professor of Pathology at the Department of Oncology of the University of Turin
However, being easy does not mean a lack of features. Advanced users can uncover complex functionalities within the tool, enhancing its potential.
5. Unique functionalities
One of Aiforia Create’s unique functionalities helps with annotations, which is typically the most time-consuming part of AI model development. The patented Annotation Assistant utilizes active learning, a highly sought-after technique in artificial intelligence. It offers pre-made annotations on the most useful areas of training data, allowing the user to accept, modify, or reject the suggestions, speeding up the process dramatically. Learn more →
Instance segmentation is another advanced technique that enables precise quantification of areas and shapes. Instance segmentation is used to outline objects recognized by an object detection layer. Image analysis can be taken a step further with instance segmentation as detailed data on aspects such as area count, bounding, and staining intensity of individual objects can be acquired. Learn more →
Learn more about Aiforia® Create’s features:
See for yourself
To summarize, if you are looking for an easy-to-use and secure AI development tool for image analysis–with support from experienced scientists–turn to Aiforia® Create. Paying only for what you use, you can get started with smaller projects and scale up as your needs grow.
Request a personalized demo to see the tool's versatile capabilities for creating, customizing, and validating deep learning AI models for histological features and patterns in image analysis.
