Medical Image Processing Apparatus Dynamic Tool Recommendation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical image processing tools face inefficiencies in labeling tasks due to the abundance of tools available, leading to prolonged processing times and low efficiency, as users struggle to find optimal tools for specific tasks and require manual duplicate operations for display adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A medical image processing apparatus that analyzes local characteristics of target structures in medical images to generate a usable tool set and workflow, recommending appropriate tools and streamlining the labeling process by recording user operations and image states, thereby enhancing efficiency and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of labeling tools are provided, then the versatility and capability for different labeling tasks are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of finding optimal tools increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabeling task capabilityVSAvoidtool selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system analyzes local characteristics of the medical image (such as image type, anatomical structure, and region properties) to dynamically recommend specific labeling tools suited for each local context, rather than presenting all tools universally. This resolves the contradiction by matching tool complexity to actual task requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically analyzes image characteristics and generates tool recommendations without requiring users to manually evaluate multiple tools. The automated analysis service eliminates the burden of tool selection while maintaining access to diverse labeling capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual duplicate operations such as display adjustments are required, then the ease of operation for complex tasks is improved, but the productivity and time efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual control flexibilityVSAvoidlabeling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of image characteristics and pre-configures appropriate display parameters and tool settings before the user begins labeling. This eliminates the need for manual duplicate adjustments during the labeling process, maintaining operational flexibility while significantly improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a unified workflow that integrates multiple operations (display adjustment, tool selection, labeling) into a single automated process. This multi-functional approach eliminates redundant manual operations while preserving the ability to handle diverse labeling tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If wizards are developed for different segmentation tasks, then the ease of operation for specific tasks is improved, but the adaptability to new tasks and development time deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguided operation simplicityVSAvoidtask coverage flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of static wizards for each task, the system dynamically generates operation guidance based on real-time analysis of image characteristics and task requirements. This dynamic adaptation provides guided simplicity for current tasks while automatically adjusting to new task types without requiring pre-developed wizards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically analyzes the current labeling task and generates appropriate workflow guidance without requiring manual wizard development. This self-service capability provides task-specific guidance while maintaining adaptability to new tasks through automated analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20230410497A1Medical image processing apparatus and medical image processing method
Publication Date: 2023.12.21 CANON KK
  • US20230410497A1 patent drawing
  • US20230410497A1 patent drawing
  • US20230410497A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to obtain a medical image subject to a labeling process. The processing circuitry is configured to receive a labeling step in a labeling task performed on the medical image. The processing circuitry is configured, while the labeling step in the labeling task is received, to analyze a local characteristic of a target structure serving as a labeling target in the medical image. The processing circuitry is configured to generate a usable tool set corresponding to the labeling task performed on the medical image, on the basis of the local characteristic.