Integrated Cancer Screening Method with Automated Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cancer screening methods suffer from limited sensitivity and specificity, leading to false negative or false positive results, which reduces patient acceptance and increases unnecessary follow-up procedures.

Innovation Solution

An integrated method combining medical imaging with automated computer-based analysis and decision support to select and execute only necessary diagnostic steps, providing a reliable diagnosis within a short time frame by obtaining images, determining parameters, and recommending subsequent screening steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional cancer screening methods are used, then the screening program is simple and cost-effective, but the sensitivity and specificity are limited leading to false negative or false positive results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis accuracyVSAvoidscreening method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple diagnostic methods including medical imaging, automated parameter determination, and computer-based decision support into an integrated screening system. This merging of methods improves diagnosis accuracy by leveraging the complementary strengths of each method while maintaining a coordinated workflow that resolves the technical contradiction between reliability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces automated computer-based analysis and decision support as an intermediary between image acquisition and final diagnosis. This intermediary processes imaging data to extract parameters and generate recommendations, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy without requiring direct complex integration of all diagnostic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If traditional screening methods with manual analysis are used, then the process is simple to operate, but the diagnosis time is extended and productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis speedVSAvoidautomated system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated parameter determination and automated recommendation generation that perform diagnostic tasks without manual intervention. The system self-processes imaging data, extracts relevant parameters automatically, and generates screening recommendations, thereby dramatically improving diagnosis speed while the automation handles the complexity internally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical analysis processes with automated computer-based analysis systems. Instead of manual image review and parameter extraction, the system uses automated algorithms and decision support software to process diagnostic data, substituting human labor with automated computational processes that operate faster and with greater consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of time

If automated analysis with immediate recommendation is implemented, then the diagnosis time is reduced to within 15 minutes, but the system complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreening timeVSAvoidautomated analysis system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary automated parameter determination and analysis immediately after image acquisition, preparing diagnostic recommendations in advance of final review. By conducting automated analysis and generating preliminary recommendations within the 15-minute window, the system reduces overall screening time while managing computational complexity through staged processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11798160B2Integrated method for cancer screening
Publication Date: 2023.10.24 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
  • US11798160B2 patent drawing
  • US11798160B2 patent drawing
  • US11798160B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of screening for a cancer in a patient, an integrated method of screening for a cancer in a patient, a computer program product for carrying out the methods, as well as a medical imaging apparatus for carrying out the methods are disclosed. Based upon the above, it is possible that the patient will obtain a more reliable result from a first medical imaging treatment.