Adjunct to diagnostic imaging systems for analysis of images of an object or a body part or organ

• US 6,032,678 A
• Filed: 03/13/1998
• Issued: 03/07/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Shraga Rottem
• Original Assignee: Shraga Rottem
• Inventors: Rottem, Shraga
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamm, William E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Imam, Ali M.
• Application Number:
  US09/042,269
• Time in Patent Office: 725 Days
• Field of Search: 600/547, 600/595, 600/437, 600/407, 600/425, 128/920, 128/921, 128/922, 128/923, 128/924, 382/132, 382/276, 364/419.08
• US Class Current: 600/437
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 19/00 Manipulating 3D models or images for computer graphics
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2210/41 Medical
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2219/028 Multiple view windows (top-side-front-sagittal-orthogonal)
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 15/00 ICT specially adapted for medical reports, e.g. generation or transmission thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 30/20 for handling medical images, e.g. DICOM, HL7 or PACS
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 50/20 for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/92 Computer assisted medical diagnostics
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/922 including image analysis

Abstract

An adjunct device and system which works in tandem with existing diagnostic imaging tools such as for medical diagnosis to enhance reliability of diagnosis with guidance for appropriate treatment or imaging devices for machinery (or other objects) and guidance for repair. The adjunct device initially analyzes an input image and either automatically or semi-automatically (with input from a grid of organ and anomalies) provides matching images for adjacent viewing and comparison. Where relevant, the device provides weighted possible diagnoses with advisory pathways for treatment or additional testing. The device and system include computer elements with stored medical data appropriate to the diagnostic tool being used and the body part(s) or objects, being diagnosed to provide the appropriate comparative image.

Claims

1. An adjunct device and system for use with an existing diagnostic object or body imaging device, said adjunct device comprising:

a) means for providing comparative images to directly compare on a single display an image of an object or body obtained from the imaging device and one or more library stored images from the same type of imaging device of a corresponding object or body having probable conditions as the object or body being imaged, the probable conditions being determined either by the user or by a computerized comparison of the image to the library stored images falling within preset comparison parameters;

whereby a probable diagnosis of an actual condition of the object or body can be formulated by a matching comparison;

b) means for providing a weighted probability for a particular diagnosis being relevant to said condition, said weighted probability being based on library stored general parameters and optionally in further view of the prior history of the body or object;

c) means for providing a weighted probability for a particular mistake being relevant to the condition and image based on library stored general parameters and optionally in further view of the prior history of the body or object and present image on the screen;

d) means for providing to the user, if relevant, which additional test or tests are required to increase the probability of relevance of a probable diagnosis;

e) means for providing to the user a case and situation oriented need for follow-up and/or monitoring of conditions; and

f) means for providing to the user, information regarding treatment or repair protocols, as relevant to the body or object, for a diagnosis with a probability above a pre-set probability level.

2. The adjunct device of claim 1 wherein the condition is a medical condition and the imaging device is adapted for imaging of human body parts or organs.

3. The adjunct device of claim 1 wherein the condition is a mechanical condition of a machine or device.

4. The adjunct device of claim 1 wherein the means for providing weighted probability for a particular mistake being relevant also provides a showing of probable errors with respect to a particular image selected from the library stored images.