Artificial intelligence (AI) has become one of the most transformative technologies of this decade, driving significant advancements across various industries. This rapid evolution is powered by increased processing capabilities, innovative computing architectures, the abundance of large datasets, and the refinement of techniques such as machine learning (ML), deep learning, and neural networks.
MaxVal recently analyzed leading technologies in patent publications for 2023, revealing that approximately 200,000 patents incorporated AI techniques and applications. These patents cover a wide range of areas beyond the core neural networking class code (G06N), including i) Data Processing (G06F), ii) Object Recognition (G06V), iii) Image Data Processing (G06T), iv) Financial and Commercial Technologies (G06Q), v) Climate Change Mitigation/Adaptation Technologies (Y02D), vi) Healthcare Informatics (G16H), and vii) Medical Imaging (A61B).
AI in Medical Imaging: A Closer Look
In 2023, of the 200,000 AI-related patents filed, approximately 14,000 focused on medical imaging using AI/ML techniques. We conducted a deeper analysis of this data to uncover further insights.
AI has proven to be highly effective in medical imaging, where it excels at recognizing patterns and detecting early signs of diseases like cancer with greater accuracy and speed than traditional methods. The FDA has approved AI for various medical imaging applications, including computer-aided detection and diagnosis, automated image analysis, and workflow optimization, ensuring that these technologies meet stringent safety and efficacy standards.
Leading AI Medical Imaging Patent Filers
Comparative Analysis of Top Patent Filers
Our analysis indicates that Philips is at the forefront of AI medical imaging patents, followed closely by Siemens and GE Healthcare. These industry leaders are driving the integration of AI techniques into medical imaging, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in diagnostics and treatment.
To better understand the focus of these companies, we compared their overall patent filing percentages in 2023 with their filings specifically related to AI in medical imaging. The findings revealed that:
- Around 35% of Philips’ 2023 publications are related to AI/ML in medical imaging.
- Around 7% of Siemens’ 2023 publications are related to AI/ML in medical imaging.
- Around 3% of GE Healthcare’s publications are related to AI/ML in medical imaging.
Academic Contributions to AI in Medical Imaging
Universities are also making significant strides in AI for medical imaging, with their patent applications primarily focused on image processing, computer vision, and natural language processing (NLP). Our examination of contributions from top academic institutions highlighted Korea University Business School, the University of California, The Catholic University, and South China University as key players in this field.
Conclusion
The AI landscape in medical imaging is shaped by substantial contributions from both industry leaders and academic institutions. Companies like Philips, Siemens, and GE Healthcare are at the forefront, making significant investments in AI/ML technologies to enhance medical imaging. These advancements promise to revolutionize healthcare by improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
