Content-Based Medical Macro Search System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiology report generation systems rely on inefficient text matching algorithms that only search for macros by name, leading to difficulties in finding unique macros among hundreds of options, resulting in occupational stress and prolonged reporting times for radiologists.
Innovation Solution
A content-based indexing and searching system that analyzes user input to generate keywords, compares them to preprocessed macros, and identifies a unique macro with the minimum number of words in common, using a sequential shortest word matching algorithm to facilitate efficient macro selection and insertion into medical report templates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional text matching algorithms are used to search macros by name only, then the search process is simple, but the ability to find unique macros efficiently deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional name-based searching to multi-dimensional content-based searching. Macros are indexed and searched not only by name but also by their content keywords, allowing radiologists to search from multiple dimensions (name, content, keywords) simultaneously. This dimensional expansion enables efficient retrieval of unique macros even from large databases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical text matching algorithms with intelligent content-based retrieval systems. Instead of relying on basic string comparison, the system uses keyword extraction, content analysis, and smart matching algorithms that understand the semantic relationship between search queries and macro content, significantly improving search efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hundreds of macros are made available for selection, then the versatility of the system improves, but the difficulty of finding a unique macro increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces keywords and content-based indexing as intermediaries between the radiologist's search query and the macro database. Instead of directly comparing search terms against hundreds of macro names, the system uses extracted keywords from macro content as intermediate indices, making the search process more targeted and efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary indexing and keyword extraction on all macros during system initialization or updates. This advance preparation creates an optimized search structure that enables rapid retrieval without requiring complex real-time analysis when radiologists search for macros, significantly reducing search time.
3Loss of information
If conventional macro search returns multiple matching macros, then the recall rate improves, but the precision of finding the intended macro deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that learn from radiologist search behavior and selection patterns. When radiologists select or reject certain macros from search results, the system uses this feedback to refine its ranking and matching algorithms, continuously improving precision while maintaining high recall through iterative optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
When automatically populating medical report templates, insertable macros are indexed and searched not only my name or title but also by contents, such as keywords times, pre-defined terms for key information included in the macro, free texts in the macros, etc. When a unique macro is found, the system inserts the text of the macro into the report being generated. If multiple related macros are found, the system highlights the macros for user review. After the insertion of the macro into the template, the system identifies pre-defined terms and fills in the key information value(s). The system thus facilitates, e.g., radiologists' observation reporting procedure through an intelligent matching algorithm that facilitates finding a unique macro, which in turn aids in filling in report field instance values and optimizes radiology workflow.