Diffusion Index Image Generation for White Matter Feature Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for assessing hearing disorders using diffusion tensor images are limited by the inability to accurately determine white matter microstructural features without detailed analysis, making it difficult for doctors to accurately judge the severity of hearing disorders based on traditional magnetic resonance imaging.

Innovation Solution

A hearing state prediction apparatus and method that processes diffusion tensor images to generate a diffusion index image, determining white matter microstructural features and corresponding hearing states through a mapping relationship, improving the accuracy of hearing state evaluation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If DTI images are used to assess hearing disorders, then white matter microstructural changes can be detected, but the images lack fine anatomical structures making accurate judgment difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of white matter microstructural changesVSAvoiddifficulty in accurate judgment by doctors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an AI-based image processing system as an intermediary between the DTI images and the doctor's judgment. The system processes the original DTI images to generate enhanced images with improved anatomical structure visibility, allowing doctors to make more accurate assessments without directly interpreting the raw, difficult-to-interpret DTI data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection process with AI-based image processing and analysis. Instead of relying on doctors' direct visual examination of complex DTI images, the system uses computational algorithms to enhance and interpret the images, substituting human visual processing with automated image processing techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If traditional magnetic resonance imaging is used, then anatomical structures are visible, but white matter microstructural changes cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of anatomical structuresVSAvoiddetection of white matter microstructural changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the advantages of traditional MRI (good anatomical structure visibility) with DTI (white matter microstructural change detection) through AI-based image processing. The system processes DTI images to generate enhanced images that simultaneously display both anatomical structures and microstructural changes, combining the strengths of different imaging approaches into a single integrated solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If doctors directly observe DTI images, then white matter microstructural features can be accessed, but the evaluation accuracy is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to white matter microstructural featuresVSAvoidhearing state evaluation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary AI-based processing and enhancement of DTI images before they are presented to doctors. The system pre-processes the images to extract and emphasize relevant white matter microstructural features, preparing the data in advance so that doctors can make more accurate assessments without having to perform complex analysis themselves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12183002B2Hearing state prediction apparatus and method based on diffusion tensor image

Publication Date: 2024.12.31 BEIJING FRIENDSHIP HOSPITAL CAPITAL MEDICAL UNIV

AI summary

Disclosed are a hearing state prediction apparatus and method based on a diffusion tensor image, including: obtaining a diffusion tensor image to be processed, wherein the diffusion tensor image comprises a diffusion-weighted image; generating a diffusion index image based on the diffusion-weighted image; determining a white matter microstructural feature corresponding to the diffusion tensor image, and determining a hearing state corresponding to the diffusion tensor image according to a mapping relationship between the white matter microstructural feature and the hearing state. The apparatus may generate the diffusion index image through the diffusion-weighted image included in the diffusion tensor image, and then the white matter microstructural feature is determined based on the diffusion index image, so that the white matter microstructural feature can be identified more accurately, and the accuracy of a hearing state evaluation result is improved. Meanwhile, the relation between hearing disorder and brain microstructure change is disclosed.