Automated Comparison Image Selection for Medical Temporal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical imaging, selecting an appropriate comparison image from multiple images captured at different time points is a cumbersome process, especially when imaging conditions vary, making it difficult to accurately observe temporal changes in patients.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that selects a suitable comparison image by generating combinations of candidate images, calculating an overlap range and evaluation values, and then selecting the most appropriate combination for comparison processing with the diagnosis object image, ensuring consistent imaging conditions for effective temporal change analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a medical doctor manually selects a comparison image from multiple candidate images to observe temporal changes, then the comparison can be performed, but the operation becomes troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the image selection task that would otherwise require manual user intervention. The selection unit autonomously evaluates multiple candidate images based on overlap range calculations and selects the most appropriate comparison image without requiring the medical doctor to manually review and select from multiple options, thereby making the system serve itself in the selection process
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of all candidate images before the user needs to make a selection. By pre-calculating overlap ranges and pre-selecting the most suitable comparison image based on predetermined criteria, the system prepares the optimal choice in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual selection at the moment of need
2Measurement precision
If multiple candidate images are evaluated to ensure accurate temporal change analysis, then the accuracy of comparison improves, but the complexity of the selection process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical selection processes with automated computational systems. Instead of relying on human doctors to visually evaluate and select comparison images, the system uses automated overlap range calculation and evaluation algorithms to objectively determine the most suitable comparison image, substituting mechanical human judgment with computational automation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the evaluation parameters from subjective visual assessment to objective quantitative metrics. By calculating overlap ranges as specific measurable parameters and using these as the basis for automated selection, the system transforms the selection process from a complex subjective judgment into a straightforward parameter-based evaluation that maintains accuracy while reducing operational complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a first selection unit that selects a second image to be compared with a first image from a plurality of candidate images, a setting unit, an overlap range calculation unit, an evaluation value calculation unit, and a second selection unit. The setting unit sets a plurality of combinations including two or more candidate images from among the plurality of candidate images. The overlap range calculation unit calculates an overlap range between the first image and each of the plurality of combinations. The evaluation value calculation unit calculates an evaluation value of each of the plurality of combinations based on the calculated overlap range. The second selection unit selects at least one combination from the plurality of combinations based on the evaluation value. The first selection unit selects the two or more candidate images included in the selected combination as the second image.