Breast Cancer Screening Software Tool for Thermal Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software tools lack the sophistication needed for medical practitioners to effectively manually or automatically analyze thermal images of breast tissue for tumorous tissue, which is crucial for early breast cancer detection.
Innovation Solution
A software tool with a user-selectable interface that allows for patient data entry and thermal image analysis, enabling manual or automatic classification of breast tissue as tumorous, featuring a patient details section, thermal analysis section for image classification, and a modalities section for data storage and report generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current software tools are used for thermal image analysis, then basic functionality is maintained, but the sophistication and effectiveness of tumor classification is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The software tool is divided into distinct functional modules: a thermal image analysis module that processes thermal images, a classification module that applies algorithms to identify tumorous tissue, and a reporting module that generates results. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently for accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The software acts as an intermediary between the thermal imaging device and the medical practitioner, providing sophisticated analysis capabilities that bridge the gap between raw thermal data and clinically actionable insights. The software processes and interprets thermal patterns, presenting classified results that assist rather than replace medical judgment.
2Productivity
If manual analysis of thermal images is performed, then flexibility in classification is maintained, but time consumption and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The software performs preliminary automated analysis of thermal images, pre-processing and identifying potential tumorous regions before final clinical assessment. This preliminary action filters and highlights areas of concern, reducing the time medical practitioners need to spend on initial screening while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The software provides partial automation where algorithm-based classification handles routine pattern recognition, allowing medical practitioners to focus on complex cases requiring human judgment. This partial automation approach optimizes productivity by automating suitable tasks while preserving human oversight for critical decisions.
3Speed
If automated classification is implemented, then analysis speed is improved, but the need for sophisticated software complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical analysis of thermal patterns is replaced with automated computational algorithms that process thermal image data. The software uses image processing and pattern recognition algorithms to rapidly classify tissue, substituting human visual inspection with automated digital analysis that operates faster and with consistent accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The software analyzes multiple thermal parameters simultaneously (temperature distribution, gradient patterns, symmetry metrics) rather than relying on single visual assessment. By changing from qualitative visual evaluation to quantitative multi-parameter analysis, the system achieves faster automated classification with improved objectivity and reproducibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates accurate and efficient analysis of thermal images for breast cancer screening, improving early detection capabilities by allowing manual or automatic classification of tumorous tissue, with data storage and reporting features for comprehensive patient evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
Thermal imaging captures the infra-red emissivity from the human body in the 7-10 μm wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
Thermal imaging devices are useful for the detection of thermal activity in breast tissue
Implementation Method 3
This increased biophysical activity beneath the skin surface associated with tumor growth results in a higher metabolic rate which, in turn, results in an elevated temperature in that tissue. This appears as a hotspot in a thermal image containing that tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
What is disclosed is a software tool which enables medical practitioners to manually or automatically analyze a thermal image of an area of breast tissue for the presence of tumorous tissue. In one embodiment, the software interface tool disclosed herein comprises a patient details object which enables the display of a patient details screen wherein a user can enter/edit patient information. A thermal analysis object enables a user to analyze a displayed thermal image of a breast of a patient for breast cancer screening and to classify tissue identified in the thermal image as being tumorous. A modalities object concludes the patient evaluation, persists all data collected from other sections of the tool, and generates reports for documentation purposes. The information can be captured from a database and edited and analyzed further using the tool. Also, report containing all the relevant data is generated for doctor's reference.