The master's thesis presents the challenges faced by pharmacists conducting morphological analysis of pharmaceutical crystals.
Precise characterization of crystals, such as particle size and shape, is crucial for ensuring the quality and effectiveness of pharmaceutical products.
Traditional methods, such as manual analysis of images captured by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), are often slow, subjective, and prone to errors.
The primary goal of this thesis is to develop an automated solution that would replace manual methods and improve the accuracy and speed of particle recognition and measurement.
To achieve this goal, deep learning methods were applied, with several advanced computer vision models implemented,
such as LOCA (Low-Shot Object Counting Network with Iterative Prototype Adaptation) and the Segment Anything Model (SAM).
These models enable the segmentation and recognition of objects in images, even in cases where little or no training data is available.
Experimental results show that the algorithm accurately recognizes and measures particles while eliminating most of the errors commonly associated with manual analysis.
The average error in particle length measurement was minimal, with the highest deviations recorded in particles where manual analysis differed from actual values.
In these cases, the algorithm correctly identified the particles, further confirming the advantages of automation over manual analysis.
The processing speed was significantly improved, as the algorithm operates in near real-time, allowing for the processing of a larger number of images in a shorter time.
During the course of the thesis, we found that modern deep learning algorithms can significantly enhance the
accuracy and efficiency of image analysis using a scanning electron microscope. Our solution allows for precise particle
recognition even in challenging cases, opening up new possibilities for automation and process improvement in the pharmaceutical industry.
The results of the research indicate that this technology could be successfully applied in industrial settings, where speed, accuracy, and reliability are key factors.
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