CT Image Generation Control Using Learning-Based Diagnostic Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The generation of unnecessary images in CT systems leads to increased storage and network traffic, and the on-demand image generation process is inefficient, making timely interpretation difficult.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that uses a learning device to analyze CT images and control the generation of images based on the analysis results, suppressing unnecessary image creation and enabling rapid display of relevant images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If images of a plurality of image types are automatically generated and stored in PACS, then diagnosis efficiency is improved by providing multiple image types in a short period, but storage capacity is excessively consumed and network traffic increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis efficiencyVSAvoidimage data volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis using a learning device to predict which image types will be useful for diagnosis before generating them. This preliminary action filters out unnecessary image types, so only predicted-useful images are generated and stored in PACS, reducing storage consumption while maintaining diagnosis efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of generating all possible image types (excessive action), the system generates only a subset of image types that are predicted to be useful (partial action). This selective generation approach reduces the quantity of stored image data while still providing sufficient diagnostic information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Quantity of substance

If on-demand image generation is implemented, then storage and network resources are conserved by generating only requested images, but interpretation efficiency deteriorates due to time delays in image generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage data volumeVSAvoidimage generation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary generation of image types predicted to be useful for diagnosis, before the user actually requests them. This preliminary action stores pre-generated images in PACS, so when users request images, they are already available immediately, eliminating interpretation delays while avoiding generation of unnecessary image types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If all generated images are transmitted to PACS via network, then complete image availability is ensured for all diagnostic needs, but network traffic and storage strain increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage availabilityVSAvoidnetwork traffic
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis using the learning device to predict which image types will be useful, and only transmits these predicted-useful images to PACS via the network. This preliminary filtering reduces network traffic and storage strain while ensuring that all transmitted images are reliably available for actual diagnostic needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4674353A1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP4674353A1 patent drawingFigure 1
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  • EP4674353A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that can suppress the generation of unnecessary images in a CT apparatus and provide images useful for diagnosis in a time-efficient manner. An information processing apparatus (10) includes a processor (102), in which the processor (102) is configured to: acquire a first image captured by a CT apparatus (30) ; execute an analysis process of the first image using a learning device; cause the CT apparatus (30) to execute a generation process of a second image corresponding to a result of the analysis process; and display at least one of the first image, the result of the analysis process, or the second image on a display device (124).