Mask Region-Based Convolutional Neural Network (R-CNN) Based Image Segmentation of Rays in Softwoods

The current study aimed to verify the image segmentation ability of rays in tangential thin sections of conifers using artificial intelligence technology. The applied model was Mask region-based convolutional neural network (Mask R-CNN) and softwoods (viz. Picea jezoensis , Larix gmelinii , Abies nephrolepis , Abies koreana , Ginkgo biloba , Taxus cuspidata , Cryptomeria japonica , Cedrus deodara , Pinus koraiensis ) were selected for the study. To take digital pictures, thin sections of thickness 10–15 μm were cut using a microtome, and then stained using a 1:1 mixture of 0.5% astra blue and 1% safranin. In the digital images, rays were selected as detection objects, and Computer Vision Annotation Tool was used to annotate the rays in the training images taken from the tangential sections of the woods. The performance of the Mask R-CNN applied to select rays was as high as 0.837 mean average precision and saving the time more than half of that required for Ground Truth. During the image analysis process, however, division of the rays into two or more rays occurred. This caused some errors in the measurement of the ray height. To improve the image processing algorithms, further work on combining the fragments of a ray into one ray segment, and increasing the precision of the boundary between rays and the neighboring tissues is required.