Contour-Based Malignant Tissue Detection in Thermal Images
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cancer screening methods, particularly thermography, lack sophisticated techniques for accurately analyzing thermal images to detect malignant tissue, which is crucial for early detection and survival rates.
Innovation Solution
A contour-based method that analyzes thermal images by displaying temperature variations in color gradations, identifying patches with elevated temperatures, and calculating the irregularity of their boundary contours to determine if tissue is malignant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional thermography is used for cancer screening, then the screening can be performed non-invasively and non-contact, but the accuracy of detecting malignant tissue is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal image into multiple patches and analyzes each patch independently for temperature characteristics and boundary contour irregularity. This segmentation approach enables localized detection of malignant tissue while maintaining computational feasibility, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and analysis complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality analysis by examining specific regions (patches) of the thermal image with elevated temperatures, focusing computational resources on areas most likely to contain malignant tissue. This localized approach improves detection accuracy without requiring complex analysis of the entire image.
2Reliability
If sophisticated analysis techniques are implemented to improve cancer detection accuracy, then early detection capability is enhanced, but the complexity of the analysis system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary filtering by first identifying patches with elevated temperatures before conducting detailed boundary contour analysis. This preliminary action reduces the number of regions requiring complex analysis, thereby improving diagnostic reliability while controlling system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual analysis with automated computational algorithms that calculate boundary contour irregularity metrics. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with automated systems enhances diagnostic reliability while keeping the system complexity manageable through algorithmic efficiency.
3Productivity
If manual analysis of thermal images is performed, then flexibility in interpretation is maintained, but the productivity and consistency of diagnosis are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated algorithms that independently analyze thermal images, calculate temperature distributions, and evaluate boundary contour irregularity without human intervention. This automation simultaneously improves productivity by processing images quickly and enhances measurement precision through consistent application of detection criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the automated system evaluates detection results and can adjust analysis parameters to optimize detection accuracy. This feedback loop maintains high productivity while improving measurement precision through iterative refinement of detection algorithms.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of cancer detection by identifying irregular boundary contours indicative of malignant tissue, potentially leading to earlier and more reliable cancer diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal image of a patient is received for cancer screening. Pixels in the thermal image with a higher temperature value are displayed in a first color and pixels with a lower temperature value are displayed in a second color
Data Source
AI summary
What is disclosed is a system and method for contour-based determination of malignant tissue in a thermal image of a patient for cancer screening. In one embodiment, the method involves receiving a thermal image for cancer screening. Pixels in the thermal image with a higher temperature value are displayed in a first color and pixels with a lower temperature value are displayed in a second color. Pixels with temperature values between the lower and higher temperature values are displayed in gradations of color between the first and second colors. The thermal image is then analyzed to identify a patch of pixels with an elevated temperature relative to a temperature of pixels associated with surrounding tissue. Thereafter, tissue associated with the identified patch is determined to be malignant or non-malignant based a measure of irregularity calculated for boundary contour encompassing that patch of pixels.