US 12,243,637 B2
Systems and methods for artificial intelligence-based image analysis for detection and characterization of lesions
Johan Martin Brynolfsson, Helsingborg (SE); Kerstin Elsa Maria Johnsson, Lund (SE); and Hannicka Maria Eleonora Sahlstedt, Malmö (SE)
Assigned to EXINI Diagnostics AB, Lund (SE)
Filed by EXINI Diagnostics AB, Lund (SE)
Filed on Jun. 14, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/209,676.
Application 18/209,676 is a continuation of application No. 17/008,411, filed on Aug. 31, 2020, granted, now 11,721,428.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/048,436, filed on Jul. 6, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2023/0420112 A1, Dec. 28, 2023
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. G16H 30/40 (2018.01); G06T 7/00 (2017.01); G06T 7/11 (2017.01); G16H 50/20 (2018.01); G16H 50/30 (2018.01)
CPC G16H 30/40 (2018.01) [G06T 7/0012 (2013.01); G06T 7/11 (2017.01); G16H 50/20 (2018.01); G16H 50/30 (2018.01); G06T 2207/10072 (2013.01); G06T 2207/30056 (2013.01); G06T 2207/30096 (2013.01)] 32 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for automatically processing 3D images of a subject to identify and/or characterize cancerous lesions within the subject, the method comprising:
(a) receiving, by a processor of a computing device, a 3D functional image of the subject obtained using a functional imaging modality;
(b) automatically detecting, by the processor, using a machine learning module, one or more hotspots within the 3D functional image, each hotspot corresponding to a local region of elevated intensity with respect to its surrounding and representing a potential cancerous lesion within the subject, thereby creating a 3D hotspot map, identifying, for each hotspot, a corresponding 3D hotspot volume within the 3D functional image, wherein the machine learning module receives, as input, at least a portion of the 3D functional image and generates the 3D hotspot map as output; and
(c) storing and/or providing, for display and/or further processing, the 3D hotspot map,
wherein the 3D functional image comprises a positron emission tomography (PET) or a single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) image obtained following administration of an agent to the subject.