Lesion Analysis System Using Automated Image Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for tracking and analyzing lesions in medical imaging are laborious, time-intensive, and prone to errors due to manual outlining and recording processes, which can lead to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in tumor response assessment.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for lesion analysis that allows for the automatic identification and tracking of lesions across multiple time points, utilizing image processing and machine learning algorithms to predict lesion shapes, determine location information, and facilitate coordinated analysis among multiple physicians.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual outlining and recording processes are used for lesion tracking, then physicians can perform lesion analysis, but the process becomes laborious, time-intensive, and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of lesion analysisVSAvoidtime required for lesion tracking

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical outlining and recording processes with automated image processing and machine learning algorithms. The system automatically identifies, outlines, and tracks lesions across multiple images, substituting the mechanical manual workflow with computational automation that reduces time consumption and human error while maintaining or improving analysis accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service lesion tracking by automatically performing image analysis without requiring continuous manual intervention. Once initiated, the algorithm independently identifies lesions, measures their characteristics, and tracks them across time points, allowing the system to serve itself in the analysis process rather than relying on ongoing physician manual work.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual lesion tracking methods are used, then physicians can assess tumor response, but inconsistencies and errors occur due to laborious processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of tumor response assessmentVSAvoidconsistency of lesion measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual measurement processes with automated image processing algorithms that consistently apply the same measurement criteria across all lesions and time points. This substitution eliminates variability introduced by different physicians or the same physician at different times, ensuring consistent and reproducible tumor response assessments while improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the automated analysis results are validated and refined through iterative processing. The algorithm continuously improves its lesion identification and measurement accuracy by learning from previous analyses and adjusting its parameters, ensuring both high productivity and consistent, reliable measurements across multiple assessments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If multiple physicians perform lesion analysis manually, then comprehensive assessment is achieved, but coordination and consistency become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of lesion measurementVSAvoidcomplexity of coordinated analysis system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal automated analysis system that can be accessed and utilized by multiple physicians simultaneously. The system performs all essential lesion analysis functions - identification, measurement, tracking, and reporting - through a single standardized platform, allowing multiple users to benefit from the same precise measurement capabilities without requiring complex coordination mechanisms or multiple specialized systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12205276B2Systems and methods for lesion analysis

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 AI METRICS LLC

AI summary

A system for facilitating lesion analysis accesses a first data structure comprising a plurality of entries including anatomic location information and annotation information associated with a plurality of lesions represented in a first set of cross-sectional images. The system displays a respective representation of each of the plurality of entries and presents a second set of cross-sectional images. The system receives user input triggering selection of a particular entry of the plurality of entries of the first data structure. In response to the user input, the system (i) presents a particular cross-sectional image and a particular lesion of the first set of cross-sectional images associated with the particular entry, (ii) identifies a predicted matching cross-sectional image from the second set of cross-sectional images, and (iii) presents the predicted matching cross-sectional image simultaneously with the particular cross-sectional image, particular anatomic location information, and particular annotation information.