Stroke Diagnosis System Using 3D Lesion Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stroke diagnosis methods are inefficient and prone to high variability due to reliance on descriptive measurements and skill-level dependence, requiring extensive time and potentially inaccurate prognosis predictions.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing an image acquisition unit, image array unit, lesion area detection and mapping, three-dimensional image generation, and a deep neural network for precise stroke diagnosis and prognosis prediction, incorporating MRI images and standard brain image alignment for accurate lesion classification and severity assessment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional descriptive measurement methods are used for stroke severity assessment, then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the diagnostic precision and reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestroke severity measurement precisionVSAvoiddiagnosis system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual descriptive assessment with an automated image processing system using deep neural networks. The system automatically analyzes MRI images to quantify lesion characteristics, substituting the mechanical/manual assessment process with an automated computational system that provides precise measurements without requiring complex manual procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual three-dimensional model of the brain lesion by mapping and integrating multiple MRI image slices. This digital copy of the actual brain structure allows for precise quantitative analysis of lesion volume, shape, and location without requiring direct physical measurement, thereby improving measurement precision while keeping the system manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If extensive MRI image data and patient clinic information are considered for stroke diagnosis, then the diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the diagnosis time is significantly increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis reliabilityVSAvoiddiagnosis time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and focuses on the most critical features from extensive MRI data using deep neural networks. The system automatically identifies and extracts key lesion characteristics (volume, shape, location, intensity) from multiple image slices, separating the essential diagnostic information from redundant data, thereby maintaining high diagnostic reliability while reducing processing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary processing of MRI images by automatically segmenting lesion areas and creating three-dimensional models before final diagnosis. This preliminary action prepares the data in advance, organizing extensive image information into structured formats that can be quickly analyzed, thus reducing the time required for the actual diagnostic decision-making process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If manual stroke diagnosis is performed by medical specialists, then the diagnostic process is flexible and adaptable, but the deviation in diagnosis results is great depending on skill level

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis consistencyVSAvoiddiagnosis automation level
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual assessment with automated deep learning-based image analysis. The system uses trained neural networks to objectively quantify lesion characteristics, substituting the variable human assessment process with a consistent automated system that produces reliable and reproducible results regardless of operator skill level, while maintaining appropriate levels of medical oversight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms subjective diagnostic parameters into objective quantitative measurements. By converting lesion characteristics into precise numerical values (volume in mm³, intensity values, spatial coordinates), the system eliminates subjectivity in diagnosis, ensuring consistent and reliable results across different cases and operators while maintaining the flexibility needed for clinical decision-making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3543880B1Stroke diagnosis and prognosis system
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 JLK INSPECTION CO LTD
  • EP3543880B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3543880B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3543880B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided are a stroke diagnosis and prognosis prediction method and system, which are capable of accurately diagnosing a stroke and reliably predicting the condition of a stroke patient. The stroke diagnosis and prognosis prediction system comprises: an image acquisition unit configured so as to receive a plurality of images including at least a part of a human brain; an image alignment unit for aligning the plurality of images on the basis of a standard brain image; a lesion area detection and mapping unit for respectively detecting lesion areas from the plurality of images, and mapping the detected lesion areas so as to generate one mapping image; a matching and correction unit, which scales a mapping image so as to match the same to the standard brain image and performs image correction on the mapping image; a three-dimensional image generation unit storing the mapping image in a three-dimensional data space, thereby generating a three-dimensional lesion image; and a stroke diagnosis unit for diagnosing a stroke on the basis of the three-dimensional lesion image.