LR-COBRAS: A logic reasoning-driven interactive medical image data annotation algorithm

Abstract

The volume of image data generated in the medical field is continuously increasing. Manual annotation is both costly and prone to human error. Additionally, deep learning-based medical image algorithms rely on large, accurately annotated training datasets, which are expensive to produce and often result in instability. This study introduces LR-COBRAS, an interactive computer-aided data annotation algorithm designed for medical experts. LR-COBRAS aims to assist healthcare professionals in achieving more precise annotation outcomes through interactive processes, thereby optimizing medical image annotation tasks. The algorithm enhances must-link and cannot-link constraints during interactions through a logic reasoning module. It automatically generates potential constraint relationships, reducing the frequency of user interactions and improving clustering accuracy. By utilizing rules such as symmetry, transitivity, and consistency, LR-COBRAS effectively balances automation with clinical relevance. Experimental results based on the MedMNIST＋ dataset and ChestX-ray8 dataset demonstrate that LR-COBRAS significantly outperforms existing methods in clustering accuracy, efficiency, and interactive burden, showcasing superior robustness and applicability. This algorithm provides a novel solution for intelligent medical image analysis. The source code for our implementation is available on https://github.com/cjw-bbxc/MILR-COBRAS.