Similar Case Search Apparatus Using Multi-Modal Medical Image Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing similar case search systems for medical images obtained by different imaging methods lack accuracy as they typically use only one image as a search target, leading to the need for extensive screening to find effective cases.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes a similar case database storing examination identification, imaging information, and content-based characteristic information across multiple imaging methods, allowing for a comprehensive search that relates imaging information to examination identification and characteristic information, thereby enhancing the accuracy of similar case searches by using images from different imaging methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If only one image is used as a search target, then the search process is simple, but the search accuracy decreases and extensive screening is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the search process into multiple independent search operations, where each search target image (from different imaging methods) is searched separately. The results from each search are then integrated. This allows the system to maintain simple individual search operations while achieving high overall search accuracy through multiple perspectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the search system multi-functional by enabling it to handle multiple imaging methods (CT, MRI, PET, etc.) simultaneously. The search apparatus can process different types of medical images with different characteristics, making the system adaptable to various clinical scenarios while improving search accuracy through diverse image modalities.
2Measurement precision
If multiple images from different imaging methods are used as search targets, then search accuracy improves, but the processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-processing each search target image independently before integration. Characteristic quantities are extracted and stored for each image type, and search conditions are pre-defined for different imaging methods. This preliminary preparation reduces the complexity of the actual search and integration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the search process by incorporating multiple imaging methods as separate search dimensions. Instead of processing multiple images as a single complex task, the system treats each imaging method as a separate dimension, searches independently in each dimension, and then integrates results. This dimensional approach simplifies the overall processing load.
3Measurement precision
If multiple images from different imaging methods are used as search targets, then search accuracy improves, but the time required for screening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary extraction and storage of characteristic quantities from each search target image before the actual search. By pre-computing and storing these characteristics (such as region properties, texture features, etc.), the system avoids redundant computations during the search and screening phases, significantly reducing the time required for evaluating similar cases.
4Loss of information
If comprehensive search using multiple imaging methods is performed, then more relevant similar case information is provided, but the database complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the database into separate storage areas for different imaging methods, with each area storing characteristic quantities specific to that imaging type. This segmentation allows the system to maintain comprehensive information across multiple modalities while managing database complexity through organized, modifiable storage structures that can be independently updated.
Data Source
AI summary
More accurate search for similar cases can be carried out in the case where images by different imaging methods exist. An imaging information analysis unit obtains imaging information of search target images obtained by different imaging methods in the same examination from accompanying information of the images, and a similar case database storing similar case information sets each including examination ID, imaging information, a characteristic quantity, and image interpretation/diagnosis support information is searched in processing by a first similar case information search unit, a second similar case information search unit, and a judgment unit. A corresponding portion of the similar case information sets satisfying three conditions comprising agreement of the imaging information with the search target images, agreement of examination between the portion of the similar case information sets, and similarity of a content-based characteristic to the search target images is obtained.