Medical Image Processing

Abstract

The present invention discloses an apparatus 100 for processing medical images related to an object. The apparatus includes a clinical information extractor 102 that determines clinical information associated with the medical image, a plurality of image processors 104, each image processor performing at least one image processing task on the medical image, and an image processing manager 106 that determines at least one image processor from the plurality of image processors to perform one or more tasks on the medical image based at least on the determined clinical information associated with the medical image.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to processing medical images, and more particularly to processing medical images using one or more of a plurality of image processors. The present invention also relates to a method and a computer readable medium. [Background technology]

[0002] In the medical field, workflows (also called clinical workflows) can be particularly complex, with different tasks within the workflow intended to be performed by many different medical professionals. Over time, the workflows can be optimized for quality and efficiency, so that each medical professional responsible for a task within the workflow is able to perform their associated tasks efficiently and effectively, so as to avoid introducing delays for other tasks in the workflow. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] One example where a workflow may be effectively implemented is in the field of radiology, where radiology studies may be processed and analyzed by one or more medical professionals (e.g., radiologists) to interpret the studies and establish some understanding from the radiology studies. Although the various tasks may be efficiently performed by appropriate medical professionals, each task may be particularly time consuming, thereby consuming valuable time of the medical professionals.

[0004] It is possible to use automated processing mechanisms (e.g., computer-implemented techniques) to process radiological examinations. For example, computer-implemented image processing techniques can be used to analyze medical images forming part of a radiological examination to perform processing tasks performed by a medical professional. For example, computer-implemented techniques incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) mechanisms including machine learning algorithms can be used to perform image processing techniques. However, computer-implemented image processing techniques are not currently of sufficient standard to replace the work of skilled medical professionals. The experience, insight, and expertise of medical professionals can provide more effective and accurate results when processing radiological examinations compared to such processing techniques performed by automated computer-implemented mechanisms. Thus, while the use of automated image processing techniques is beneficial in saving the time of medical professionals, such automated techniques are not of sufficient standard to allow replacing the role of medical professionals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The inventors of the present disclosure have recognized that, although computer-implemented image processing techniques may not be able to replace medical professionals for all analysis and processing of radiological examinations, there may be some processing tasks that can be appropriately performed by automated mechanisms rather than by medical professionals. Such tasks may include, for example, relatively simple processing tasks, tasks that can be easily checked / confirmed by a medical professional, and / or tasks that have a high probability of a particular outcome. Radiological examinations that may be suitable for processing (e.g., analysis) by a computer-implemented image processor are those whose interpretation or analysis is highly predictable and does not require significant input from a particular knowledge domain (e.g., input from a highly skilled medical professional).

[0006] Thus, the embodiments disclosed herein provide a mechanism by which decisions as to which processing tasks may be performed for a radiological examination may be made by a computer-implemented image processor, rather than by a medical professional, based on information related to the radiological examination.

[0007] According to a first aspect, embodiments disclosed herein provide an apparatus for processing medical images associated with an object, the apparatus comprising: a clinical information extractor that determines clinical information associated with the medical image; a plurality of image processors, each image processor performing at least one image processing task on the medical image; and an image processing manager that determines at least one image processor of the plurality of image processors to perform one or more tasks on the medical image based at least on the determined clinical information associated with the medical image.

[0008] In this manner, an automated (e.g., computer-implemented) image processor may be used to perform a particular appropriate image processing task on a medical image. The suitability of a particular task to be performed by an automated image processor is determined based on clinical information associated with the medical image. For example, an image processing task that is expected to have a particular result with a very high probability may be considered suitable for automation. More generally, an image processing task may be considered suitable for automation if, for a number of medical images (e.g., radiology studies), automated instructional execution of the task is achievable and provides a relevant output. This apparatus allows workflows to be generated that use computer-implemented image processing mechanisms, thereby reducing the amount of expert time required to process medical images.

[0009] In some embodiments, the clinical information extractor can be configured to determine clinical information associated with the medical image from at least one of the medical image, an electronic health record associated with the subject, a radiology information system, and a database including records associated with the subject.

[0010] The clinical information may include at least one of a clinical indication of a medical condition associated with the subject and an International Classification of Diseases (ICD) identifier indication of the medical condition associated with the subject.

[0011] In some embodiments, each image processor may include at least one of an artificial intelligence engine, an image processing engine, a predictive model engine, a machine learning engine, and a statistical analysis engine.

[0012] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a related image detector for determining whether the medical image is one of a set of related medical images. The image processing manager may be configured to determine at least one image processor of the plurality of image processors to perform tasks related to the medical image further based on a determination that the medical image is one of a set of related medical images.

[0013] The related image detector can be configured to compare information associated with a medical image with corresponding information associated with one or more previously acquired medical images to determine whether the medical image is one of a series of related medical images.

[0014] In some embodiments, the image processing manager may be configured to determine an order of operation of the determined plurality of image processors in response to determining a plurality of image processors to perform tasks with respect to a medical image.

[0015] The image processing manager may be configured to determine an order of operation of the determined plurality of image processors based on an output of at least one image processor.

[0016] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise a user interface for presenting an indication of the determined at least one image processor to a user.

[0017] The user interface may further be configured, in some embodiments, to receive user input to define or adjust the determined parameters of the at least one image processor.

[0018] According to a second aspect, the embodiments disclosed herein provide a workstation comprising an apparatus as disclosed herein.

[0019] According to a third aspect, embodiments disclosed herein provide a method for processing a medical image comprising the steps of determining clinical information associated with the medical image and determining, based at least on the determined clinical information associated with the medical image, at least one image processor of a plurality of image processors to perform one or more image processing tasks on the medical image, wherein each image processor is configured to perform the at least one image processing task.

[0020] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise determining that the medical image is one of a series of related medical images. The determination of the at least one image processor may be based at least on a determination that the medical image is one of a series of related medical images.

[0021] In some embodiments, determining the at least one image processor may include determining a plurality of image processors. The method may further comprise determining an order of operation of the determined plurality of image processors. According to a fourth aspect, embodiments disclosed herein provide a computer program product having a non-transitory computer readable medium having computer readable code embodied therein, the computer readable code being configured, when executed by a suitable computer or processor, to cause the computer or processor to perform any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0022] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

[0023] For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of an apparatus for processing medical images, according to various embodiments. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of another example of an apparatus for processing medical images, according to various embodiments. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a workstation for processing medical images, in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 4] 1 is a flow chart of an example of a method for processing medical images. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flow chart of another example of a method for processing medical images. [Figure 6] 1 is a simplified diagram of an example of a processor and a computer readable medium. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The embodiments disclosed herein provide mechanisms that can be used to obtain data associated with medical images of radiological examinations and determine whether image processing tasks performed on the medical images can be performed by computer-implemented or automated image processing mechanisms rather than by a human medical professional such as a radiologist. Today, some image processing tasks are relatively straightforward and simple and can be performed at low cost and with low variability by technical support staff rather than by a radiologist. It is envisioned that some image processing tasks (e.g., these relatively straightforward and simple tasks) can be adequately performed by a computer-implemented image processor, thereby reducing the man-hours spent reviewing and analyzing radiological examinations.

[0026] According to a first aspect, various embodiments disclosed herein provide an apparatus for processing medical images associated with an object. FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of an example of such an apparatus 100. The medical images can be part of a radiological examination (also called a radiological examination or a medical imaging examination). In some embodiments, the radiological examination can include only medical images, while in other embodiments, the radiological examination can include other information, such as text, data contained in one or more data fields, annotations, etc., in addition to one or more medical images (e.g., a stack or series of medical images). The medical images can be acquired using any medical imaging modality or technique, including, for example, x-ray imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), sonography or ultrasound, positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Other imaging modalities well known to those skilled in the art can also be used to acquire medical images. The term "object" as used herein is intended to refer to any human or animal from which a medical image can be acquired, for example, using one of the techniques described above. The subject may include a patient in a medical facility where the medical images are acquired, for example, for research, diagnostic or prognostic purposes.

[0027] The apparatus 100 comprises a clinical information extractor 102 for determining clinical information associated with the medical image. The clinical information extractor 102 may comprise, for example, a module, engine, or processor configured to obtain clinical information regarding the medical image. In some embodiments, the clinical information extractor 102 may obtain or determine the clinical information associated with the medical image from the medical image itself. For example, the medical image may include information indicative of the nature of the medical condition leading to the acquisition of the medical image, an indication of the body part and / or anatomical object captured within the medical image, information identifying the subject (e.g., the subject's name, date of birth, patient identification number, medical record number, medical imaging study registration ID, etc.), and / or a clinical indication of the associated medical condition (e.g., a medical condition that the subject suffers from or is suspected to suffer from, or a medical condition that forms the subject of the medical imaging study). The clinical information may in some embodiments be referred to as an examination indication, which may include an indication of the type and / or nature of the medical imaging study associated with the medical image.

[0028] In some embodiments, the clinical information or examination indication may include a code (e.g., a clinical indication code) indicating a type of medical imaging examination and / or indicating a medical condition associated with the medical image. For example, the clinical information may include a word or code from a defined word list (e.g., a dictionary) or a defined hierarchy (e.g., an ontology). In some embodiments, the clinical information may include a code defined according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). In some cases, the clinical information (e.g., a clinical indication) may be associated with and / or appended to a medical image acquired by a medical imaging system. Such information may be provided to the medical image automatically by the medical imaging system or manually by an operator of such a system or a medical professional.

[0029] In some embodiments, the clinical indication code may be refined using other clinical information obtained or determined by the clinical information extractor 102. For example, the clinical indication code may be refined using information regarding the imaging modality used to acquire the medical image and / or the indication of the body part or anatomical object of the medical imaging exam. Each unique combination (e.g., each imaging modality and each body part or anatomical object combination) may be mapped to a code in the set of clinical indication codes. For example, if the imaging modality used to acquire the medical image is identified as a low-dose CT scan and the body part of the imaging exam is identified as chest, the associated clinical indication code may be determined to be the code corresponding to "pulmonary nodule screening indication."

[0030] The clinical information extracted by the clinical information extractor 102 may, in some embodiments, include an indication of the “clinical question” of the medical imaging exam. The clinical question may include an indication of the importance of the medical image or medical imaging exam, and may provide an indication of why the medical image was captured and / or what information is intended to be determined from the medical image. In some examples, the clinical question and / or clinical indication code may be entered by a medical professional, such as a radiologist. The clinical question and / or clinical indication code may be selected from a list (e.g., a drop-down list) of exemplary clinical questions and / or clinical indications. In other examples, the clinical question and / or clinical indication code may be entered as free text by a user. In one example, natural language processing techniques may be applied to interpret information contained in the clinical question, such as understanding and expanding abbreviations, extracting concepts contained in the clinical question, and determining the scope of negation of expressions contained in the clinical question. Non-negated concepts contained in the clinical question may be mapped to one or more codes (e.g., clinical indication codes) using ad hoc mapping techniques, or using rules or inference patterns that are related to, or form part of, an ontology, such as the Medical Ontology (e.g., SNOMED).

[0031] The clinical information can be obtained or determined from the medical image itself in some instances, while in other instances it can be obtained from other sources. Thus, the clinical information extractor 102 can be configured to determine the clinical information associated with the medical image from at least one of a database including the medical image, an electronic health record associated with the subject, a radiology information system (RIS), and records associated with the subject. For example, the subject's electronic health record may be stored and made available via a computer system or a shared computing network. The clinical information extracted from the subject's electronic health record can include an indication of any medical condition the subject currently suffers from or has previously suffered from, an indication of any previous medical imaging examinations associated with the subject, and / or an indication of any medical images previously captured regarding the subject. Thus, from the subject's electronic health record (electronic medical record), it may be possible to determine whether the medical condition for which the medical image was captured is a new condition for the subject or an ongoing or recurring problem. The radiology information system may include details of all past radiology examinations performed on the subject, and associated medical images. Thus, from the RIS, it may be possible to determine whether a particular medical image is associated with a new medical condition or a previously identified or recurring medical condition. Information associated with a subject may be stored in one or more records in a database, and clinical information associated with a medical image may be obtained from such records or databases. In other examples, clinical information associated with a medical image may be obtained or determined from another source.

[0032] The clinical information may include at least one of a clinical indication of a medical condition associated with the subject and an indication of an International Classification of Diseases (ICD) identifier of the medical condition associated with the subject. The medical condition associated with the subject may include, for example, a medical condition from which the subject is suffering or a medical condition from which the subject is expected to suffer. For example, the subject may be experiencing symptoms suggestive of suffering from a particular medical condition, such that a medical professional (e.g., a physician) may arrange for a medical imaging scan to be obtained for further investigation. In other examples, the clinical information may include another type of information or data.

[0033] The device 100 further includes a plurality of image processors 104, each of which performs at least one image processing task on a medical image. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the device 100 includes image processors 104a, 104b...104n-1, 104n, where n indicates the number of image processors. Each image processor 104 can include, for example, a circuit or engine configured to perform one or more image processing tasks. In some examples, each image processor 104 can include at least one of an artificial intelligence engine, an image processing engine, a predictive model engine, a machine learning engine, and a statistical analysis engine. The machine learning engine can use machine learning techniques including, for example, decision tree algorithms, artificial neural networks, deep learning neural networks, support vector machines, Bayesian networks, and the like, which are well known to those skilled in the art of machine learning.

[0034] The image processor 104 can be configured to perform any image processing task, particularly those related to the field of medical image analysis. In some examples, the image processor 104 can be configured to detect the presence of a defined entity in a medical image. For example, the image processor can be configured to detect the presence of a lesion, a tumor, an anomaly, a fracture, a tear, or any other feature visible or detectable in a medical image. In some examples, the image processor 104 can be configured to locate or determine (e.g., identify a location using a coordinate system) a defined entity (e.g., a lesion, a tumor, an anomaly, etc.) in a medical image. The image processor 104 can be configured to determine boundaries of the defined or detected entity in some examples. For example, once a defined entity is detected by one of the image processors 104, the image processor (e.g., the same image processor that performed the detection or another one of the multiple image processors) can locate and / or detect one or more boundaries of the defined entity. In some examples, the image processor 104 can determine at least one size, dimension, or volume of the defined or detected entity. For example, the dimension can include length, width, height, or depth. This can be referred to as quantifying the defined entity. The volume of the defined entity can be determined or estimated using one or more of the determined dimensions and / or one or more other methods. In some examples, the image processor 104 can be configured to perform a segmentation task (e.g., lesion segmentation) on the defined entity in the medical image. For example, the defined entity (e.g., lesion) can be segmented, outlined, or visually distinguished from other portions of the medical image. The image processor 104 can be configured in some examples to determine changes in one or more characteristics or features of the medical image over time (e.g., compared to a previously captured medical image).The image processor 104 can be configured to determine a diagnosis of the defined entity. For example, the image processor 104 can be configured to recognize or determine features present in a medical image that are indicative of a particular medical condition. In making such a determination, the output of the image processor may be combined with information obtained from another source, such as an electronic health record associated with the subject. In some embodiments, the image processor 104 can be configured to determine treatment options based on the detected entity. Such a determination can be made based on the nature of the defined entity, for example using a lookup table or database, and / or using a predictive model (e.g., a machine learning model).

[0035] In some examples, the image processor 104 may be configured to perform multiple image processing tasks, such as the image processing tasks described above.

[0036] In any of the above examples, the "defined entities" may be user-defined entities or automatically selected entities (e.g., using recognition or machine learning predictive models). For example, depending on the nature of the medical imaging exam and the nature of the medical images being processed, image processor 104 may determine the defined entities to be detected, measured, diagnosed, etc. In other examples, image processor 104 may be configured to perform specific image processing tasks with respect to particular defined entities. For example, image processor 104 may be configured to detect only bone fractures.

[0037] The apparatus 100 further comprises an image processing manager 106 for determining at least one image processor 104 of the plurality of image processors to perform one or more tasks related to the medical image based at least on determined clinical information associated with the medical image. The image processing manager 106 may comprise a processing circuit (e.g., a processor) or a controller. For example, the image processing manager 106 may comprise a processor configured to execute a set of instructions. The image processing manager 106 may, in some embodiments, use one or more rules to determine which (if any) of the image processors 104 should be implemented to perform tasks related to the medical image. The decision made by the image processing manager 106 is based on the determined clinical information associated with the medical image. In this manner, the image processing manager 106 may implement an appropriate image processor 104 when appropriate. For example, the image processing manager 106 may determine that an image processor 104 configured to detect bone fractures may be implemented when there is a high certainty of the outcome of such a decision. For example, clinical information extracted from an electronic health record for a subject may indicate that a fracture is highly unlikely, and an x-ray scan may be performed to confirm this. Rather than a radiologist spending time reviewing the medical images (i.e., x-ray scan images), the image processing manager 106 may determine that a particular image processor should be implemented to perform processing of the x-ray scan images. In another example, the image processing manager 106 may determine that a particular image processor 104 should be implemented when the processing tasks to be performed are relatively simple and / or when the results of the image processing tasks are not particularly important. In another example, an image processor 104 may be implemented when it is known that the output of the image processor will be checked by a medical professional at some point.

[0038] If it is determined by the image processing manager 106 that none of the image processors 104 can be adequately implemented to perform image processing tasks on the medical image, the image processors are not implemented. In such a scenario, the image processing manager 106 can generate and / or output such a determination for presentation to the user. In this way, the user (e.g., a medical professional) knows that human input is required and therefore resources can be adequately provided to enable the workflow to be completed. If the image processing manager 106 determines that one or more image processors 104 are to be used to perform one or more image processing tasks on the medical image, such a determination can be output for presentation to the user. In some examples, the image processing manager 106 can control one or more image processors 104 to perform the tasks.

[0039] 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of another example of an apparatus 200 for processing medical images associated with an object. The apparatus 200 may include a clinical information extractor 102, multiple image processors 104, and / or an image processing manager 106, as described herein. An electronic health record 202, a radiology information system (RIS) 204, and a database 206 are shown in FIG. 2, each of which is in communication with the clinical information extractor 102. FIG. 2 also shows a medical image 208 associated with the object, and one or more related medical images 210. As described above, the clinical information extractor 102 may extract or determine clinical information from one or more of the electronic health record 202, the RIS 204, the database 206, and the medical images 208.

[0040] The device 200 may further comprise a related image detector 212 for determining whether the medical image 208 is one of a series of related medical images 210. The image processing manager 106 may be configured to determine at least one image processor of the plurality of image processors for performing a task on the medical image 208 based further on the determination that the medical image is one of the series of related medical images 210. The medical image 208 may be one of the series of related medical images 210, for example, if the medical image is captured as part of a follow-up examination. Such an examination may be related to a subject undergoing ongoing treatment for a particular medical condition. For example, the subject may have one or more previous medical image scans to investigate a particular medical condition. It may be appropriate to configure a series of medical images 210 to be captured over a period of time so that the progression of the medical condition can be examined. Such previously acquired medical images may be stored in a storage medium accessible by components of the device 100, 200, such as the image processing manager 106. In some instances, a medical image forming part of the series of related medical images 210 may be expected to be similar to one or more of the previously acquired related images (e.g., if there has been relatively little progression of a medical condition between the acquisition of the two images). In such cases, it may be appropriate to use one or more image processors 104 to perform image processing tasks on the medical images 208 (i.e., follow-up images) since the results of the image processing are likely to be as expected (e.g., unchanged from the previous medical image in the series of related images 210). Furthermore, since relatively little image processing is required for the follow-up images, it may be more efficient to implement the image processor 104 in the workflow rather than having a medical professional perform the image processing manually.

[0041] The related image detector 212 can use various techniques to determine whether the medical image 208 is one of the set of related medical images 210. For example, the related image detector 212 can implement a rule-based mechanism whereby the medical image 208 can be determined to be a follow-up image in the set of related medical images 210 if one or more defined rules or criteria are met. In some examples, the related image detector 212 can implement a statistical analysis mechanism whereby the medical image 208 is deemed to be a follow-up image in the set of related medical images 210 if the statistical likelihood exceeds a threshold (e.g., if the medical image 208 is statistically similar to the set of related medical images 210). In some examples, the related image detector 212 can implement a machine learning model or a predictive model whereby a decision is made based on an understanding gained from a set of training data.

[0042] In some embodiments, the related image detector 212 can use information from the medical image 208 and the series of medical images 210 to determine whether the medical image forms part of a series of related medical images 210. For example, the information used to make such a determination can include one or more of the following: information about the imaging modality used to capture the medical image; information about the body part or anatomical object in the medical image; information indicating the time interval between each image in the series of related medical images 210 and / or the time interval between capturing the medical image 208 and one or more of the series of related images; information related to order codes and / or billing codes associated with the object and / or medical images 208, 210; and information included in a report that accompanies or is associated with one or more images in the series of related medical images 210. An order code is a code that is assigned or allocated by a referring physician when a medical study is entered into a medical computing system. The order code can provide a high level description of the exam, including, for example, the imaging modality type, the anatomical structures to be imaged, etc. The billing code is a code that represents the type of study that was actually performed. This could be, for example, a study for which a medical facility can bill.

[0043] In one example, if each image in the series of related medical images 210 is determined to have been captured approximately three months after the immediately preceding image, and the medical image 208 is determined to have been captured approximately three months after the immediately preceding medical image, then the most recent medical image may be determined to form part of the series of related medical images 210. In some examples, the medical image 208 may be determined to be part of the series of related medical images 210 if a threshold number of criteria are met (e.g., the imaging modality and body part are determined to be the same, and the time interval between capturing successive medical images is determined to be constant).

[0044] Thus, in some embodiments, the related image detector 212 may be configured to compare information associated with the medical image 208 with corresponding information associated with one or more previously acquired medical images to determine whether the medical image is one of a series of related medical images 210.

[0045] If the related image detector 212 determines that the medical image 208 is one of a series of related medical images 210, then the same or a similar image processor as was applied with respect to the series of medical images may be applied with respect to the medical image 208. For example, the image processing manager 106 may determine which image processor 104 was used in processing the medical image 210 and arrange for the same image processor to be used in processing the medical image 208.

[0046] In some embodiments, the image processing manager 106 may determine one image processor to perform an image processing task with respect to the medical image 208, while in other embodiments, the image processing manager may determine multiple image processors to perform multiple image processing tasks. For example, the image processing manager 106 may determine that a first image processor (e.g., 104a) performs a first image processing task (e.g., detecting a defined entity such as a tumor in the medical image 208) and a second image processor performs a second image processing task (e.g., determining the volume of the defined entity / tumor). Thus, according to some embodiments, the image processing manager 106 may be configured to determine an order of operations of the determined multiple image processors in response to determining multiple image processors to perform tasks with respect to the medical image 208. Determining the order of operations of the multiple image processors 104 helps to incorporate various image processing tasks into a workflow. In this way, a medical professional can accurately determine which image processing tasks should be performed by the image processor 104 and which tasks should be performed by a human user (e.g., a radiologist). The medical professional may also determine the order in which each image processing task is performed. The image processor 104 determined by the image processing manager 106 and / or the determined order in which the image processing tasks are performed may be provided for presentation to a user.

[0047] In some embodiments, one or more of the image processors 104 may be provided by a user (e.g., a medical professional). For example, the user may define one or more parameters of the image processor and / or may configure the image processor to provide an intended output. However, in other embodiments, the output from one image processor 104 may be used as an input for another image processor. Thus, according to some embodiments, the image processing manager 106 may be configured to determine an order of operation of the determined multiple image processors 104 based on the output of at least one image processor. For example, if a first image processor 104 determines that a defined entity is present in the medical image 208, the image processing manager 106 may determine that another image processor will perform a further image processing task. In some examples, the output from one image processor 104 may determine the image processor used to perform the next image processing task.

[0048] In embodiments in which multiple image processors 104 are determined / selected to perform image processing tasks, the image processing manager 106 may, in one example, determine a sequential trajectory or path through the various image processors. The order in which the image processors 104 are realized may be determined based on a known order or sequence (e.g., if a particularly useful sequence of image processing tasks is known), or based on the output of one or more image processors, as described above.

[0049] In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may further comprise a user interface 214 for presenting to a user an indication of the determined at least one image processor 104. For example, the user interface 214 may display to the user an indication of a representation of the image processor 104 selected to perform one or more image processing tasks. In this manner, the user may monitor the workflow and the progress of the various image processing tasks that form part of the workflow.

[0050] In addition to presenting information to a user, the user interface 214 may allow the user to input information. The user interface 214 may be capable of receiving user input via a user input device, such as, for example, a keyboard, a touch screen, a touch pad, a mouse, a microphone (e.g., via voice input), or any other means familiar to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the user interface 214 may be further configured to receive user input to define or adjust a determined parameter of at least one image processor 104. For example, a user (e.g., a medical professional such as a radiologist) may define one or more parameters of one or more user interfaces 104 and / or adjust one or more previously defined parameters. In this manner, a user may select how each image processor 104 performs its respective image processing task. For example, a user may desire to increase the sensitivity of an image processor 104 configured to detect a particular defined entity (e.g., a lesion) such that the image processor has a lower threshold for detecting the particular defined entity.

[0051] In some embodiments, the user interface 214 may graphically present the intended sequence of operations of the user interface 104, for example in the form of a series of blocks in a chart. As the workflow progresses (e.g., as each image processor 104 performs its task), the appearance of each block changes (e.g., a block corresponding to a particular image processor may change color after the image processor performs its task or tasks). In some embodiments, the user may navigate through a graphical representation of multiple image processors 104, for example to allow the user to select one of the image processors for adjusting parameters.

[0052] In some examples, the image processing manager 106 may determine that at a particular point in the workflow, multiple image processing tasks can be performed by multiple image processors 104. In such examples, the user interface 214 may present various options to the user so that the user can select which image processor will perform the tasks and / or the order in which the image processors perform the various tasks. The determination of which processor 104 should be implemented at such a branch point in the workflow may be based in part on output from one or more of the other image processors and / or input or decisions provided by the user.

[0053] In some embodiments, the image processing manager 106 can determine that no further image processing tasks are to be performed using the image processor 104 and / or that all of the intended image processing for the medical image 208 has been performed. If it is determined that no further tasks should be performed by the image processor 104, a report can be generated for presentation to a user / medical professional. The report can be generated by a processor associated with the device 100, 200, and in some embodiments, the report can be generated using the image processing manager 106. In some examples, the device 200 can further include a report generator (not shown) that generates a report based on the output of one or more image processors 104. In some embodiments, the report can include a preliminary report that can be provided to a medical professional for review. In some examples, the report can be generated in a machine understandable language or a human understandable language, and the report can also be integrated into a diagnostic radiology report. Thus, at least a portion of the report generated using the device 100, 200 can be combined with at least a portion of the report generated by a human (e.g., a radiologist) to generate a complete diagnostic report.

[0054] Components of devices 100, 200, such as user interface 214, can be incorporated or integrated into a computing system or software, such as a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) client. In this manner, once all of the image processing tasks have been performed by image processor 104, output from the image processor, or reports generated by devices 100, 200, can be provided to a PACS report engine and / or a PACS interpretation / diagnosis engine for further processing. In other examples, components of devices 100, 200 can be incorporated into a stand-alone application (e.g., a software application) that can be executed on a computing system.

[0055] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100, 200 may comprise or be incorporated into a computing device, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a wearable computing device, and / or a distributed computing system (e.g., in a cloud computing environment).

[0056] According to a second aspect, various embodiments disclosed herein provide a workstation. In some examples, the device 100, 200 may comprise or be incorporated into a workstation. Figure 3 is a simplified diagram of an example of a workstation 300. The workstation 300 may comprise the device 100, 200 as disclosed herein. The workstation 300 may further comprise a display screen 302 and / or a user input device 304, such as a keyboard.

[0057] According to a third aspect, various embodiments disclosed herein provide a method for processing a medical image. FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an example of a method 400 for processing a medical image (e.g., medical image 208). The method 400 includes, at step 402, determining clinical information associated with the medical image. The medical image may include, for example, image 208 as described herein. The clinical information determined at step 402 may, in some embodiments, be determined using a clinical information extractor 102 as described herein. At step 404, the method 400 includes determining at least one image processor of a plurality of image processors for performing one or more image processing tasks on the medical image based at least on the determined clinical information associated with the medical image, each image processor being configured to perform at least one image processing task. The image processor may include an image processor 104 as described herein. Thus, the method 400 may be performed by the apparatus 100, 200 and / or may be performed using a workstation 300.

[0058] Processing medical images using method 400 may help reduce the amount of time required for a medical professional (e.g., a radiologist) to perform image processing tasks on a medical image as part of a workflow, thus improving and / or optimizing the processing of medical images and workflow progression.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of another example of a method 500 for processing medical images. The method 500 may include the steps of the method 400 described above. In some embodiments, the method 500 may further include, in step 502, determining that the medical image is one of a series of related medical images. Such a determination may be made using the techniques described herein. The determination of at least one image processor (step 404) may be based on at least a determination that the medical image is one of a series of related medical images. Thus, if it is determined that the medical image forms part of a series of related medical images, it may be determined that some image processing tasks can be suitably performed using an image processor rather than a human (e.g., a medical professional). Thus, such a determination may be made and then one or more image processors may be implemented in the workflow.

[0060] In some embodiments, determining the at least one image processor (step 404) may include determining multiple image processors. In other words, it may be determined that multiple image processors can be used to perform multiple image processing tasks with respect to the medical image. In such a case, the method 500 may further include determining an order of operation of the determined multiple image processors at step 504. The determination of the one or more image processors and / or the determined order of operation of the multiple image processors may be provided for presentation to a user, for example, using a user interface 214 described herein.

[0061] According to a fourth aspect, various embodiments disclosed herein provide a computer program product. Figure 6 is a simplified schematic diagram of an example of a processor 602 and a computer readable medium 604. According to some embodiments, the computer program product comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium 604 having computer readable code embodied therein, which, when executed by a suitable computer or processor 602, is configured to cause the computer or processor to perform steps of the method 400, 500 disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the processor 602 may comprise, function as part of, or operate in association with the image processing manager 106 disclosed herein. Similarly, one or more of the multiple image processors 104 may form part of the processor 602.

[0062] The processor 602 may comprise one or more processors, processing units, multi-core processors or modules configured or programmed to control the components of the apparatus 100, 200 in the manner described herein. In certain implementations, the processor 602 may comprise multiple software and / or hardware modules each configured to perform or to perform individual steps or steps of the methods described herein.

[0063] The term "module" as used herein is intended to include a hardware component, such as a processor or a component of a processor configured to perform a particular function, or a software component, such as a set of instruction data that has a particular function when executed by a processor.

[0064] It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention also apply to computer programs adapted to implement the invention, in particular computer programs on or in a carrier wave. The programs may be in the form of source code, object code, code intermediate source, object code in partially compiled form, or in any other form suitable for use in implementing the method according to the embodiments of the present invention. It will also be understood that such programs can have many different architectural designs. For example, the program code implementing the functionality of the method or system according to the present invention can be divided into one or more subroutines. Many different ways of distributing functionality among these subroutines will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The subroutines can be stored together in one executable file to form a self-contained program. Such an executable file can include computer executable instructions, such as processor instructions and / or interpreter instructions (e.g. Java interpreter instructions). Alternatively, one or more or all of the subroutines can be stored in at least one external library file and linked with the main program statically or dynamically, e.g. at run-time. The main program includes at least one call to at least one subroutine. The subroutines can also include function calls to each other. An embodiment relating to a computer program product has computer-executable instructions corresponding to each processing stage of at least one of the methods described herein. These instructions may be divided into subroutines and / or may be stored in one or more files that may be linked statically or dynamically. Another embodiment relating to a computer program product has computer-executable instructions corresponding to each means of at least one of the systems and / or products described herein. These instructions may be divided into subroutines and / or may be stored in one or more files that may be linked statically or dynamically.

[0065] The carrier of a computer program may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the carrier may comprise a data storage device such as a ROM, for example a CD-ROM or a semiconductor ROM, or a magnetic recording medium, for example a hard disk. Furthermore, the carrier may be a transmissible carrier wave, such as an electrical or optical signal, which may be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable or by radio or other means. When the program is embodied in such a signal, the carrier wave may be constituted by such a cable or other device or means. Alternatively, the carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is embedded, the integrated circuit being adapted to perform or used for the performance of the relevant method.

[0066] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain means are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these means cannot be used to advantage. A computer program can be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium provided together with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. Any reference signs in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope thereof.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for processing medical images associated with an object, comprising: a clinical information extractor for determining clinical information associated with the medical image; Each image processor performs at least one image processing task on the medical image, each image processor including at least one of an artificial intelligence engine, a predictive model engine, a machine learning engine, and a statistical analysis engine, the at least one image processing task including: Detecting the presence of a defined entity within the medical image; Locating or determining the location of said defined entities; Locating and / or determining one or more boundaries of said defined entity; determining at least one size, dimension or volume of the defined entity; performing a segmentation task on a defined entity within the medical image; determining changes in one or more properties or characteristics of the medical images over time; Recognizing or determining features present in the medical image that are indicative of a particular medical condition; and Determine treatment options based on said defined entities a plurality of image processors, each of said image processors having at least one of: an image processing manager that determines, based at least on the determined clinical information, at least one image processor from a plurality of image processors to perform one or more of the at least one image processing tasks on the medical image; An apparatus having the above configuration.

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clinical information extractor is configured to determine clinical information associated with the medical image from at least one of the medical image, an electronic health record associated with the subject, a radiology information system, and a database containing records associated with the subject.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the clinical information includes at least one of a clinical indication of a disease associated with the subject and an International Classification of Diseases identifier indication associated with the subject.

4. a related image detector for determining whether the medical image is one of a set of related medical images; The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the image processing manager determines at least one image processor of the plurality of image processors to perform tasks related to the medical image based further on a determination that the medical image is one of the set of related medical images.

5. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the related image detector compares information associated with the medical image to corresponding information associated with one or more previously acquired medical images to determine whether the medical image is one of the series of related medical images.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the image processing manager is responsive to determining a plurality of image processors to perform tasks on the medical image to determine an order of operation of the determined plurality of image processors.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the image processing manager determines an operating order of the determined plurality of image processors based on an output of at least one image processor of the plurality of image processors.

8. 8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a user interface for presenting to a user an indication of the determined at least one image processor.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the user interface is further configured to receive user input for defining or adjusting the determined at least one image processor parameter.

10. A workstation comprising an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. 1. A method for processing a medical image, the method comprising: determining, using a processor, clinical information associated with the medical image; using a processor to determine, based on the determined clinical information, at least one computer-implemented image processor of a plurality of computer-implemented image processors to perform one or more image processing tasks on the medical image, each computer-implemented image processor configured to perform at least one image processing task, each image processor including at least one of an artificial intelligence engine, a predictive model engine, a machine learning engine, and a statistical analysis engine; having The one or more image processing tasks: Detecting the presence of a defined entity within the medical image; Locating or determining the location of said defined entities; Locating and / or determining one or more boundaries of said defined entity; determining at least one size, dimension or volume of the defined entity; performing a segmentation task on a defined entity within the medical image; determining changes in one or more properties or characteristics of the medical images over time; Recognizing or determining features present in the medical image that are indicative of a particular medical condition; and Determine treatment options based on said defined entities The method comprises at least one of the following steps.

12. determining, using a processor, that the medical image is one of a set of related medical images; The method of claim 11 , wherein the determining of the at least one computer-implemented image processor is based at least on the determining that the medical image is one of a series of related medical images.

13. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: determining a plurality of computer-implemented image processors; determining an operating sequence for the determined plurality of computer-implemented image processors; 13. The method of claim 11 or 12, comprising:

14. A non-transitory computer readable medium having computer readable code which, when executed by a suitable computer or processor, causes the computer or processor to perform a method according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

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