Gaze-Based Medical Image Reading Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Medical image reading is inefficient due to varying brightness levels and the need for subjective analysis of multiple slices to determine morphology and lesions, making it difficult for doctors to distinguish between structures like blood vessels and nodules, and quantify lesions accurately.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that track the gaze of the reader to determine regions of interest, analyze gaze information to infer suspected diseases, and provide quantitative and three-dimensional information to aid diagnosis, while adjusting brightness levels for improved readability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If doctors manually adjust brightness and review multiple slices to determine morphology, then diagnostic accuracy is maintained, but reading efficiency and time consumption deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically analyzing multiple slices and pre-determining morphology information before the doctor views the images. The image processing apparatus proactively calculates three-dimensional morphology and compares it with template images, preparing diagnostic insights in advance so the doctor only needs to review pre-processed information rather than manually examining multiple slices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the diagnostic process by using computer-generated three-dimensional morphology representations and template image comparisons. Instead of the doctor directly analyzing multiple two-dimensional slices, the system generates a three-dimensional model copy that preserves morphological information, allowing faster assessment while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If doctors subjectively judge lesions without quantitative measurement, then reading process is simple, but measurement precision and objectivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing apparatus performs self-service by automatically executing quantitative lesion analysis without requiring complex external measurement tools. The system independently calculates lesion volumes, densities, and morphological parameters from the medical images, providing objective quantitative data that enhances measurement precision while keeping the additional complexity contained within the automated processing system rather than requiring complex manual measurement devices.
3Measurement precision
If doctors examine multiple adjacent slices to determine three-dimensional morphology, then morphology accuracy is maintained, but reading efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional slice-by-slice examination to three-dimensional morphology representation. By generating three-dimensional models from multiple slices and comparing them with template images, the system preserves accurate morphological information while allowing the doctor to assess three-dimensional structures in a single integrated view, dramatically improving reading speed without sacrificing morphology determination accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a method for increasing the reading efficiency of a medical image is provided. The method of increasing the reading efficiency of a medical image comprises of: receiving the gaze information of a user, acquiring a gaze tracking device, during a medical image reading process; determining a region of interest of the user with respect to the medical image by using the gaze information; determining a type of service corresponding to the region of interest; and providing the determined service.