Systems and graphical user interface for analyzing body images

Abstract

Systems and graphical user interfaces for analyzing body images. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a graphical user interface having a display coupled to a microprocessing device and a memory device. The graphical user interface has an electronic representation of a first body image and a second body image and an electronic map representing the position of nodules on the first body image and second body image.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a continuation application of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 908,508, filed Jul. 17, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. The present application also is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 908,432, filed Jul. 17, 2001, entitled “Methods and Systems for Generating a Customized Lung Report” (Attorney Docket No. 021106-000320US) and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 908,466, filed Jul. 17, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,901,277 and entitled “Methods for Generating a Lung Report” (Attorney Docket No. 021106-000300US), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to systems, methods, software, and graphical user interfaces for displaying and analyzing body images and for generating organ reports. More particularly, the present invention relates to graphical user interfaces and systems fo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a system and method for analyzing and localizing lung nodules in baseline and follow-up images. The system includes a graphical user interface that displays the images side by side and allows the operator to visually assess changes in the nodules. The system can also compare the nodules in different images and display the differences in a quantitative manner. The system can also include an imaging device, database, and printer for collecting and processing the images. The technical effects of the invention include improved visualization of lung nodules and the ability to track and analyze changes in the nodules over time.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, such large amounts of data for each patient increases the probability that the radiologist will miss a potential nodule in their analysis of the image dataset, i.e., a “false negative.” Tumors may be too small to be reliably detected, or their appearance may be obscured by the surrounding tissues such as vessels.

In their early stages of development, malignant lung tumors may not be detected even upon careful inspection of the image dataset.

It is generally believed that early detection of cancer is beneficial, but in the case of lung cancer this is not established because of the recentness of the technique.

Conventional imaging systems and methods do not provide an efficient way to determine if the nodules have increased in size, stayed the same, or the like.

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