A fully-automated medical image analysis program that will detect breast tumours is being developed by researchers from the University of Adelaide’s Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML).
According to the report, the program, which employs artificial intelligence (AI), uses a unique style to focus on the affected area.
To be used in conjunction with an MRI scan, the program will make use of the traversal movement and style of a retro video game in order to examine the breast area.
Similar to how the video game Tetris manipulated geometric shapes to fit a space, this program uses a green square to navigate and search over the breast image to locate lesions.
The square will then change its colour to red to indicate that a lesion has been detected.
The team’s research shows that the unique approach they have created is 1.78 times faster in finding lesions as compared to existing methods of detecting breast cancer.
Moreover, the results are just as accurate.
Deep reinforcement learning methods were applied by the researchers when creating this program.
Deep reinforcement learning is a form of AI that enables computers and machines to learn how to do complex tasks without being programmed by humans.
Because of this, the program has the ability to independently analyse breast tissue.
They were able to train the computer program with the use of a relatively small amount of data, which is a critical challenge in medical imaging.
By incorporating machine learning into medical imaging analysis, a program that has the ability to intuitively locate lesions quickly and accurately was developed.
But before the program can be used clinically, more research needs to be done.
The ultimate aim, however, is for this detection method to be used by radiologists to complement, support and assist their important work in making a precise and quick prognosis.
Artificial intelligence has an important role to play in the imaging medical field. As such, the potential to use AI in this field is boundless.
The new Australian Institute for Machine Learning builds on decades of expertise in artificial intelligence and visual technologies.
With AI being a driving force of the 4th Industrial Revolution, the new Institute will ensure that South Australia benefits from this revolution.
The Institute will be based in the South Australian Government’s new innovation precinct at the old Royal Adelaide Hospital site.
Some of its benefits to South Australia include placing the state on the global map of world’s best centres of excellence in machine learning.
Its establishment will build on and realise the full potential of the investments in Smart Cities initiatives, among others.
The state’s workers, companies and government will gain global competitive advantage in being able to adapt to a world powered by AI.
World-class education in AI and machine learning is going to be in high demand globally, and Adelaide has a chance to be seen as one of the top destinations to go to.
