Adipose Distribution Analysis for Abnormal Shadow Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for assessing adipose distribution in medical images do not effectively correlate with the probability of malignant tumor presence, particularly in relation to abdominal adipose accumulation and its link to cancer incidence.

Innovation Solution

An image diagnosis support apparatus and program that computes adipose distribution data from medical images, detects abnormal shadow candidates by identifying local maximum points in the adipose distribution curve, and displays these candidates alongside the corresponding medical images, utilizing pattern matching to correlate with known cancer cases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If adipose distribution is assessed using conventional medical imaging methods, then the quantity and distribution of adipose tissue can be measured, but the correlation with malignant tumor probability cannot be effectively established

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadipose distribution measurementVSAvoidcancer probability correlation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the continuous adipose distribution curve into discrete measurement points and compares these segmented data points against a database of known cancer cases. By dividing the adipose distribution data into comparable units, the system can systematically identify patterns that correlate with malignant tumor presence, thereby establishing the reliability connection between adipose distribution and cancer probability while maintaining precise measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the adipose distribution curve is analyzed in detail to identify local maximum points, then abnormal shadow candidates can be detected, but the complexity of the diagnostic process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabnormal shadow detection accuracyVSAvoiddiagnosis system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that automatically identifies local maximum points in the adipose distribution curve and generates abnormal shadow candidate indicators. This intermediary system acts as a mediator between the raw adipose measurement data and the final diagnostic interpretation, automatically performing the complex analysis of identifying characteristic points and comparing them against reference databases, thereby maintaining high detection accuracy while reducing the apparent complexity for the end user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If pattern matching is performed against known cancer cases to detect abnormal shadows, then the probability of cancer presence can be indicated, but the time required for analysis increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecancer probability indicationVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-processing and storing characteristic adipose distribution patterns from known cancer cases in a reference database before actual diagnosis. The system pre-identifies key features and local maximum points from historical cancer data, creating a ready-to-use comparison library. During actual diagnosis, the system quickly matches patient data against these pre-prepared patterns, significantly reducing the time required for analysis while maintaining reliable cancer probability indication through the established pattern matching methodology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8027524B2Image diagnosis support apparatus and image diagnosis support program
Publication Date: 2011.09.27 FUJIFILM CORP
  • US8027524B2 patent drawing
  • US8027524B2 patent drawing
  • US8027524B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image diagnosis support apparatus according to the invention comprises an adipose distribution data computing device which figures out adipose distribution data measured of a desired site in a subject from at least one medical image; an abnormal shadow candidate detecting device which detects an abnormal shadow candidate based on the figured-out adipose distribution data; and a display device which displays the abnormal shadow candidate detected by the abnormal shadow candidate detecting device and the medical image in a manner of being related to each other.