Treatment planning based on multimodal case similarity

A system, method, and computer program product for treatment planning are disclosed. The system includes at least one processing component, at least one memory component, a training module, a retrieval module, and a plan generator. The training module generates hash codes by hashing features from data sources with data source-specific hash functions, and generates superclass hash codes by hashing the generated hash codes with at least one superclass hash function. The retrieval module extracts features from case data, and locates features from the data sources that are similar to the extracted features. The plan generator calculates outcome probabilities for the case data based on known outcomes associated with the located features.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to computer-assisted clinical decision making and, more specifically, to personalized treatment planning based on multimodal similarity matching.

Clinical decision making, such as treatment planning, can be aided by health information technology systems that use techniques from machine learning, data science, etc. For example, computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) systems can provide support in the interpretation of medical images (e.g., images from X-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), etc.). Clinical decision support (CDS) systems can output information in response to user-input information about a patient's case. For example, CDS systems can generate case-specific responses using knowledge-based or machine learning techniques (e.g., artificial neural networks, support-vector machines, genetic algorithms, etc.). The responses can be based on the user-input information and information from healthcare databases, statistical methods, etc. The responses can offer suggestions for treatments, predicted outcomes, etc.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments are directed to a system for treatment planning that includes at least one processing component, at least one memory component, a training module, a retrieval module, and a plan generator. The training module generates hash codes by hashing features from data sources with data source-specific hash functions, and generates superclass hash codes by hashing the generated hash codes with at least one superclass hash function. In some embodiments, the training module generates higher level superclass hash codes by hashing a group of the superclass hash codes with at least one higher level superclass hash function. The training module can also generate a machine learning module trained on the superclass hash codes, as well as a machine learning module trained on the higher level superclass hash codes. The retrieval module extracts features from case data, and locates features from the data sources that are similar to the extracted features. The retrieval model can also generate query hash codes by hashing features from the extracted features with superclass hash functions and/or higher level superclass hash function. The features from the data sources and/or the case data can include longitudinal sequences, such as sequences based on series of medical images. The plan generator calculates outcome probabilities for the case data based on known outcomes associated with the located features.

Further embodiments are directed to a method that includes generating hash codes by hashing features from data sources with data source-specific hash functions, and generating superclass hash codes by hashing the generated hash codes with at least one hash function. The method also includes extracting features from case data, locating features from the data sources that are similar to the extracted features, and calculating outcome probabilities for the case data based on known outcomes associated with the located features. In some embodiments, the method also includes generating higher level superclass hash codes by hashing a group of the superclass hash codes with at least one higher level superclass hash function. Additionally, the method can include generating a machine learning module trained on the superclass hash codes. The method can include generating query hash codes by hashing features from the extracted features with superclass hash functions and/or higher level superclass hash function. The features from the data sources and/or the case data can include longitudinal sequences, such as sequences based on series of medical images.

Additional embodiments are directed to a computer program product for treatment planning. The computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a processor to cause a device to perform a method. The method includes generating hash codes by hashing features from data sources with data source-specific hash functions, and generating superclass hash codes by hashing the generated hash codes with at least one hash function. The method also includes extracting features (e.g., longitudinal sequences) from case data, locating features from the data sources that are similar to the extracted features, and calculating outcome probabilities for the case data based on known outcomes associated with the located features. In some embodiments, the method also includes generating higher level superclass hash codes by hashing a group of the superclass hash codes with at least one higher level superclass hash function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Health information technology systems can include systems that use machine learning and data science techniques to help medical professionals make decisions regarding individual cases based on data gathered from similar cases. For example, medical images, lab results, and treatment outcomes from a large number of cases can be stored. A medical professional can enter information for a particular individual's case, and receive a response generated by a treatment planning system using knowledge-based and/or machine learning techniques (e.g., artificial neural networks, support-vector machines, genetic algorithms, etc.). For example, a radiologist can input an X-ray image into a computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) system that accesses a database of X-ray images with previously identified features. The CADx system can then use machine learning techniques to help the radiologist interpret regions of interest in the input X-ray image. For example, the CADx system can use a machine learning model trained on data from the database of identified X-ray images. The model can use statistical methods to determine which interpretations (e.g., benign, malignant, unknown, etc.) are most likely to be accurate based on similarity matching between the input image and images in the database.

However, machine learning models for health information technology systems such as these are limited by the availability of accurate and complete training data. For example, ground truth annotation of the training data must be carried out by qualified medical specialists. Further, the anonymity of patients must be maintained when extracting information from any data source, and privacy policies can forbid sharing patients' information across institutions. Additionally, due to the complexity inherent in diagnosing and treating medical conditions, even small amounts of incomplete or inaccurate information in the training data can significantly reduce the efficacy of the information generated. Thus, there is a need for techniques that can improve similarity matching and prevent users from receiving suggestions based on inadequate information.

Disclosed herein are techniques for generating personalized treatment plans based on multimodal information that can come from more than one data source. Obtaining the data does not require transfer of patients' information across institutions. Instead, data source-specific hash functions are generated for each data source, and used to hash features of the data. The resulting hash codes can then be hashed by superclass hash functions to generate multiple levels for different modalities. Hash codes generated by the data source-specific and superclass hash functions are used to train a retrieval model for matching similar cases. Therefore, the treatment planning system can locate relevant data for evaluating an input case based on hash code similarity, without accessing the raw patient-level data. Additionally, the treatment planning retrieval model can search large amounts of data without needing to extract the data or generate and store hash functions for the data. This allows the treatment planning system retrieval model to conduct faster searches, and it requires less memory consumption. Longitudinal sequences based on series of data for individuals can be determined for various modalities. Different modalities can include biometric data, clinical notes, medical images, etc.

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating a treatment planning environment100, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The treatment planning environment100includes a training module110, a retrieval module115, a plan generator120, and a user interface125. The treatment planning environment100also includes data sources130and case data140. The data sources130provide training data for the training module110, and the case data140is user-input data for a particular patient's case.

There can be two or more data sources130. Each of the data sources130can provide at least one type of data related to treatment planning. For example, data sources130can include X-ray and/or other medical image (e.g., MRI) databases, clinical research publications, fitness-tracking wearable device data, lab test results, prescription records, patient background information (e.g., age, medical history, etc.), etc. Additionally, each data source130can be associated with at least one institution and/or category. For example, one data source130can be a set of X-ray images from a first clinic, and another data source130can be a set of X-ray images from a second clinic. Further, information related to particular individuals can be stored in more than one of the data sources130. For example, computed tomography (CT) scans from one patient can be stored in at least one CT scan database (data source). If the patient has had CT scans taken at more than one clinic, each clinic may store its own CT scan database. Other data sources130can store information related to this patient as well. For example, a set of clinical notes can include notes associated with this patient (e.g., descriptions of treatments and their outcomes).

The training module110can extract features from the data sources130. However, in some embodiments the features are already hashed at the data source, and the training module110extracts the hash codes generated by the preexisting hash data source-specific hash function. The features can include structured and/or unstructured data. For example, features extracted from an MRI scan database can include image features (e.g., signal intensities in different regions of the images), image interpretation features (e.g., types of tissues, regions identified as possible abnormalities, diagnoses of identified abnormalities, etc.), identifying features (e.g., patient or case number, date and time of scan, etc.), and/or MRI scanning information (e.g., sequencing type, signal processing information, MRI hardware information, etc.). Features similar to those extracted from the MRI database can be extracted from the CT scan database (e.g., CT scan images features, image interpretation features, case identifying features, CT scanning information, etc.).

The features can include longitudinal features. For example, a data source130can include multiple X-ray images of the same patient, each depicting the same region of interest (e.g., a lesion), which were collected at intervals over a period of time. A longitudinal sequence can be generated from these images, and hashed with the appropriate data source-specific hash function. Other longitudinal sequences that can be generated can include information about the development of symptoms or responses to treatments over time. This information can come from data sources130such as clinical notes, lab test results, information reported by the patient, medical images, clinical trial publications, etc. The generated sequences are then hashed by the corresponding data source-specific hash functions. Longitudinal sequences can be generated from any information collected at two or more intervals (e.g., at yearly physical examinations, continuously by a wearable fitness tracking device, from irregular patient check-ins, etc.). Examples of longitudinal sequences are discussed in greater detail below.

The training module110then uses data source-specific hash functions to generate hash codes for each of the extracted features. These hash functions can be represented by equation 1:
:fn→(fn)  (1)
where H is a data source-specific hash function that produces hash codes (C) for a feature set (f) from a data source, and where n indicates the number of the data source130(e.g., n=1, 2, 3, etc.). Continuing the example above in which the data sources130include an MRI scan database (n=1) and a CT scan database (n=2), the training module110can use a first data source-specific hash function (H1) on the MRI scan features (f1), and a second data source-specific hash function (H2) on the CT scan features (f2). The training module110uses the data source-specific hash functions to generate groups of hash codes (C1and C2, respectively) for each data source.

The hash codes from the different data sources130can be aggregated. For example, the hash codes can be aggregated by taking the union of

𝒞hf11(f1),…,𝒞hfnn(fn)
for underlying data sources130(X). The training module110can use at least one superclass hash function (Hx) to hash the aggregated hash codes. This hash function can be represented by equation 2:

ℋ𝒳:⋃fn︸𝒳N→⋃{𝒞hf11(f1),…,𝒞hfnn(fn)}︸𝒞ℋ𝒳(𝒳N)(2)
where N represents a number of levels. For example, N=1 when each of the aggregated hash codes has been generated by a data source-specific hash function (equation 1). Continuing the example above, the hash codes of the MRI and CT scan databases (X1) can be hashed by a first superclass hash function. A second superclass hash function can be used to hash aggregated hash codes from a second group of data sources130(X2). The hash codes generated by the first and second superclass hash functions can then be aggregated, and hashed by a higher level superclass hash function (N=3).

The training module110can therefore use superclass hash functions to obtain training data from a large number of sources130without storing the training data in a centralized location. Information from the data sources130is extracted, and features of each data point (e.g., features in original space, feature space, latent space, etc.) are hashed by data source-specific hash functions. The resulting hash codes are hashed by a superclass hash function. Additional superclass hash functions can be used on hash codes generated by lower level superclass hash functions. This allows features to be encoded at multiple levels. The training module110can maintain the position of each hash code with respect to n (equation 1). For example, the first four bits of each hash code can be allocated to the first source (n=1) in the first level (N=1). In some embodiments, the training module110generates vectors of the hash codes, and uses these vectors as training data.

The superclass hash functions can be defined for hash codes aggregated from data sources130according to preset and/or user-selected categories. For example, there can be at least one superclass hash function for a group of medical imaging data sources. The data sources130can include at least one type of medical image from at least one database or institution. For example, a group of fifteen data sources130can include X-ray image, MRI scan, and CT scan databases from five different healthcare providers. Various superclass hash functions can be used on hash codes from these data sources130. For example, a superclass hash function can be generated for the five X-ray image data sources130, each having hash codes hashed by a different data source-specific hash function. Similarly, superclass hash functions can be generated for the five MRI scan databases and the five CT scan databases. At least one higher level superclass hash function can be generated as well. For example, there can be a superclass hash function for the medical imaging category. This superclass hash function can be used on aggregated hash codes generated by the three lower level superclass hash functions.

However, any categories can be defined for grouping data sources130. For example, the medical imaging data sources130can be categorized by type of information. That is, there can be a superclass hash function for spinal medical images that include both X-ray images and CT scans from multiple data sources130. In some embodiments, there can be a lower level superclass hash function for the spinal X-rays and a lower level superclass hash function for the CT scans. In other embodiments, the hash codes representing spinal features generated by data source-specific hash functions for both the X-ray image and CT scan databases can be hashed by a single superclass hash function for the category spinal imaging. Additionally, there can be a higher level superclass hash function for medical imaging that includes the spinal imaging hash codes and hash codes generated by superclass hash functions for other types of information, such as breast cancer screening images from MRI scans, CT scans, and mammograms.

If new features are provided by a data source, the new features can be hashed by the corresponding data source-specific hash function, and the resulting hash codes can be hashed by any associated superclass hash functions. If new data sources130are added, the training module can hash features from the new data sources130with a new data source-specific hash function. Hash codes generated by one or more new data source-specific hash functions can be hashed by a new or existing superclass hash function. In some embodiments, a new data source130can be added by aggregating hash codes from its associated data source-specific hash function with hash codes generated by a higher level superclass hash function. Additionally, new groups of data sources130can be defined in some embodiments, and a new superclass hash function can be used on hash codes generated by the new data source-specific hash functions.

The retrieval module115includes machine learning models trained on the training data (e.g., hash codes) generated by the training module110at each level. This can be carried out in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, vectors are generated for sets of hash codes, such as those generated by equation 2. The length of each vector can be equal to the number of data sources130(X). When a vector is generated, it is labeled and used as training data for the retrieval module115. Additional vectors can be generated for hash codes generated by superclass hash functions. Examples of techniques that can be used to train the machine learning model can include any appropriate supervised or unsupervised learning techniques, such as random forest, convolutional neural networks, locality-sensitive hashing (LSH), kernelized LSH, spectral hashing, anchor graph hashing, etc.

The retrieval module115determines the similarity between new data and the training data from the data sources130. This is discussed in greater detail with respect toFIG.2. The new data can be case data140entered by a medical professional through the user interface125. For example, a doctor may want to plan a treatment for a patient with scoliosis. The doctor can enter case data140for the patient such as medical images (e.g., spinal CT and/or MRI scans, spinal X-ray images, etc.). Other case data140can be entered as well, such as patient background (e.g., age, sex, other known health conditions, prescriptions, treatment history, family medical history, etc.) and/or wellness information (e.g., blood pressure, body mass index, lab test results, etc.).

The plan generator120extracts features from the case data140. These can include features such as those extracted from the training data. In some embodiments, the features are directly input via the user interface125. However, features can also be extracted from a patient's medical records if the plan generator120is authorized to access the records. In some embodiments, the plan generator120generates at least one longitudinal sequence from the case data140.

For example, the patient with scoliosis may have regular CT scans. The case data140can include information from these CT scans, such as image features and/or data such as degrees of spinal curvature (e.g., Cobb angle). Using this information, the plan generator120can generate a longitudinal sequence representing rates of change in curvature over time. For example, the patient may be 32-year-old male diagnosed with scoliosis in early adolescence. Since that time, the patient may have had yearly CT scans showing a gradual and steady increase in Cobb angle until early adulthood, followed by a greater rate of change for several years. However, the most recent CT scans may show that there has been no change in the past three years. The plan generator120can extract features from the case data140that include measures of these changes, as well as background information (e.g., age, sex, other medical conditions, family history of scoliosis, etc.) and wellness information collected at the time of each CT scan (e.g., height, weight, blood pressure, reported symptoms such as back pain or shortness of breath, etc.). The plan generator120can measure longitudinal features based on changes in the wellness information over time as well.

The retrieval module115hashes features extracted by the plan generator120using at least one hash function from the training module110. Similarities between features or combinations of features can be determined at any of the training data levels by generating query hash codes with the corresponding superclass hash functions or data source-specific hash functions. Training data hash codes (Ci, where i represents the level) can be compared to hash codes generated for the case data140query (Cqi) using any appropriate similarity determining techniques. For example, the retrieval module115may locate similar patients using a superclass hash function (e.g., a patient-level hash function) to hash patient features from the case data140. The Hamming distance between each hash code in training data generated by the patient-level superclass hash function and a query hash code (Cpi⊕Cqi) can be calculated. In some embodiments, when more than one data source130is queried, the most similar training data hash codes can be found by minimizing the root square error between generated hash codes at each level.

Returning to the example above, a superclass hash function can be used to find cases above a similarity threshold to that of the 32-year-old male with scoliosis (e.g., based on a patient background information level, men with scoliosis who are 32±5 years). The similarities can be calculated at additional levels. For example, medical imaging features from the case data140can be hashed with at least one superclass hash function for medical images to determine similarities between features such as current angles of curvature, as well as longitudinal features such as rates of change in curvature over time. Additional examples of features that can be compared are discussed in greater detail above.

When at least one patient with similarities above a threshold similarity is located, the plan generator120can identify treatment options and calculate outcome probabilities for these treatments. The plan generator120can also calculate probabilities to aid in diagnosis and/or evaluation of a health condition. In the above example, there can be a group of twenty patients similar to the patient associated with the case data140. If ten of these patients were treated with surgery to reduce spinal curvature, the outcomes of these surgeries can be compared. For example, if seven of the patients had future CT scans showing that the reduced curvature was maintained, and three had future CT scans showing increased spinal curvature, the probability of surgery being a successful option may be 70%. Further, if the training data indicated that 19 of the similar patients had been experiencing back pain for a given amount of time, and that 8 of the 10 patients who had surgery reported pain reduction while the remaining 12 patients reported either an increase or no change in back pain, the plan generator120may determine that surgery has an even greater probability of success.

The plan generator120generates and delivers a report via the user interface125. The report can indicate a variety of information, including treatment options and probabilities of success. Additional details can be provided as well. For example, the report can indicate the sample size (e.g., 20 patients), the similarity values (e.g., based on Hamming distances), the types of data considered (e.g., CT scans, age, sex, longitudinal features such as curvature and symptom development), indicators of success (e.g., reduced pain and maintenance of curve reduction), etc. This can allow the medical professional and patient to make informed decisions regarding which treatment options to follow.

FIG.2is a flow diagram illustrating a process200of generating a treatment plan, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. To illustrate process200, but not to limit embodiments,FIG.2is described within the context of the treatment planning environment100ofFIG.1. Where elements referred to inFIG.2are identical to elements shown inFIG.1, the same reference numbers are used in both Figures.

A machine learning model is trained. This is illustrated at operation210. Training data for the model is generated by the training module110. The training module extracts features from data sources130, and hashes these features using data source-specific hash functions (equation 1). In some embodiments, the features include longitudinal sequences calculated from series of data collected for one patient over a period of time. Superclass hash functions (equation 2) can be generated for various categories (e.g., wellness information, patient background information, medical images, etc.), and used to hash the hash codes generated by the data source-specific hash functions. Examples of extracted features and superclass hash function categories are discussed in greater detail with respect toFIG.1.

Additional superclass hash functions can be used on hash codes generated by lower level superclass hash functions. In some embodiments, the hash codes are used as training data. In other embodiments, the training data includes vectors generated from sets of the hash codes. Examples of techniques that can be used to train the machine learning model can include any appropriate supervised or unsupervised learning techniques, such as random forest, convolutional neural networks, locality-sensitive hashing (LSH), kernelized LSH, spectral hashing, anchor graph hashing, etc.

Case data140for a patient is entered. This is illustrated at operation220. The case data140includes information specific to a patient for whom a treatment is being planned, and can be entered by a user (e.g., a qualified medical professional) and/or automatically extracted from a patient's medical records by the plan generator120, if given access to these records. Examples of case data140can include X-ray and/or other medical images, prescription records, electrocardiogram (EKG) results, lab test results, data from physical examinations (e.g., height, weight, body mass index, visual acuity, etc.), clinical notes, and any other relevant data. (e.g., known allergies, family medical history, measures of diet, exercise, and sleep, etc.). The data can be collected by at least one medical professional. In some embodiments, case data140can also be self-reported and/or based on fitness data from mobile devices (e.g., wearable devices or smartphones) with fitness tracking features (e.g., motion sensors, heart rate monitors, speedometers, etc.).

The plan generator120extracts features from the case data140. This is illustrated at operation230. These features can include features from images, text, information such as the date and time of data collection, the type/model of instrument and data collection settings (e.g., X-ray frequency, instrument manufacturer, etc.), numerical values, etc. In some embodiments, the user indicates which features to extract. For example, the user can enter data (e.g., numerical values and/or text) into designated fields in the user interface125(e.g., fields for entering information such as patient name, age, lab test results, etc.). There can also be a field for uploading text and/or image files (e.g., clinical notes, medical images, etc.).

In some embodiments, the user can click on or otherwise highlight a region of interest in a medical image. Features of this image can then be extracted by the plan generator120. In other embodiments, regions of interest can be automatically identified by the plan generator120based on recognition of image features (e.g., characteristics of legions, anatomical features, etc.). Similarly, features can be automatically extracted from text based on techniques such as keyword recognition, natural language processing, etc. For example, the case data140can include at least one MRI intended to assess and characterize breast abnormalities. The plan generator120can extract image features from region(s) of interest that may include abnormalities (e.g., lesions). The image features can include volumetric data, morphological features, boundaries of an abnormality, etc. Additionally, when the case data140includes a series of MRIs showing the region of interest, longitudinal sequences can be generated for changes in the image features.

It is then determined whether there are cases with features similar to that of the case data140. This is illustrated at operation240. To identify patients such as these, the retrieval module115can compare hashed features of the case data140with hashed features from the data sources130. The comparisons are made by determining similarities between hash codes at various levels. To search a level, the retrieval module115generates a query hash code by hashing a feature from the case data140with a superclass hash function corresponding to the level. This can be carried out for multiple features, and at multiple levels. Query hash codes can also be generated for data source-specific hash functions. The query hash codes can optionally be added to the training data (operation210).

Hash codes from the training data with similarity values above threshold similarities to the query hash codes can be selected in some embodiments. In other embodiments, a given number of hash codes from the training data having the closest similarities to the query hash codes can be selected. The case matching specificity can be increased by evaluating features at multiple levels. For example, if patients with similar background information do not also have similar features at another level (e.g., medical imaging), these patients' cases may be removed from the group of similar cases. The different levels can optionally have different similarity thresholds. In some embodiments, similar features must be found at specific levels (e.g., patient background information, wellness data, and at least one type of medical imaging data), although there can also be a minimum number of similarity features and/or a minimum number of levels required to be selected as a similar case.

If similar cases have been identified, a treatment plan can be generated. This is illustrated at operation250. The probabilities can be determined by evaluating the known outcomes of treatments, the progression of symptoms (e.g., based on longitudinal sequence features), and other results from the similar cases. Returning to the above example involving breast abnormality MRIs, features such as volumetric data, morphological features, boundaries of an abnormality, and longitudinal sequence(s) from similar cases with known outcomes can be evaluated. The plan generator120then generates the treatment plan based on these predicted outcomes. The treatment plan can also provide information for diagnosis and/or prognosis of a health condition. These can also be based on comparison with known outcomes of similar cases.

If no similar cases are identified at operation240, or if a treatment plan has been generated at operation250, a report can be provided to the user. This is illustrated at step260. If no similar cases were found, the report can indicate this. The report can also suggest information that may be added to or removed from the case data140, thereby returning the user to operation220. When a treatment plan has been generated, the report can illustrate the plan by providing a variety of information, such as outcome probabilities, search and/or evaluation parameters, sample size, etc. Examples of this information are discussed in greater detail with respect toFIG.1. The user can optionally return to operation220after viewing the report, and make changes to the case data140(e.g., if new data is received or if the user wishes to view another plan based on alternative information). The report can optionally provide fields for entering different case data140or adjusting the search and/or evaluation parameters. In some embodiments, process200can end after the report has been generated.

FIG.3is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computer system300that can be used in implementing one or more of the methods, tools, components, and any related functions described herein (e.g., using one or more processor circuits or computer processors of the computer). In some embodiments, the major components of the computer system300comprise one or more processors302, a memory subsystem304, a terminal interface312, a storage interface316, an input/output device interface314, and a network interface318, all of which can be communicatively coupled, directly or indirectly, for inter-component communication via a memory bus303, an input/output bus308, bus interface unit307, and an input/output bus interface unit310.

The computer system300contains one or more general-purpose programmable central processing units (CPUs)302-1,302-2, and302-N, herein collectively referred to as the CPU302. In some embodiments, the computer system300contains multiple processors typical of a relatively large system; however, in other embodiments the computer system300can alternatively be a single CPU system. Each CPU302may execute instructions stored in the memory subsystem304and can include one or more levels of on-board cache.

The memory304can include a random-access semiconductor memory, storage device, or storage medium (either volatile or non-volatile) for storing or encoding data and programs. In some embodiments, the memory304represents the entire virtual memory of the computer system300, and may also include the virtual memory of other computer systems coupled to the computer system300or connected via a network. The memory304is conceptually a single monolithic entity, but in other embodiments the memory304is a more complex arrangement, such as a hierarchy of caches and other memory devices. For example, memory may exist in multiple levels of caches, and these caches may be further divided by function, so that one cache holds instructions while another holds non-instruction data, which is used by the processor or processors. Memory can be further distributed and associated with different CPUs or sets of CPUs, as is known in any of various so-called non-uniform memory access (NUMA) computer architectures.

These components are illustrated as being included within the memory304in the computer system300. However, in other embodiments, some or all of these components may be on different computer systems and may be accessed remotely, e.g., via a network. The computer system300may use virtual addressing mechanisms that allow the programs of the computer system300to behave as if they only have access to a large, single storage entity instead of access to multiple, smaller storage entities. Thus, though the training module110, retrieval module115, plan generator120, and user interface125(FIG.1) are illustrated as being included within the memory304, components of the memory304are not necessarily all completely contained in the same storage device at the same time. Further, although these components are illustrated as being separate entities, in other embodiments some of these components, portions of some of these components, or all of these components may be packaged together.

In an embodiment, the training module110, retrieval module115, plan generator120, and user interface125include instructions that execute on the processor302or instructions that are interpreted by instructions that execute on the processor302to carry out the functions as further described in this disclosure. In another embodiment, the training module110, retrieval module115, plan generator120, and user interface125are implemented in hardware via semiconductor devices, chips, logical gates, circuits, circuit cards, and/or other physical hardware devices in lieu of, or in addition to, a processor-based system. In another embodiment, the training module110, retrieval module115, plan generator120, and user interface125include data in addition to instructions.

Although the memory bus303is shown inFIG.3as a single bus structure providing a direct communication path among the CPUs302, the memory subsystem304, the display system306, the bus interface307, and the input/output bus interface310, the memory bus303can, in some embodiments, include multiple different buses or communication paths, which may be arranged in any of various forms, such as point-to-point links in hierarchical, star or web configurations, multiple hierarchical buses, parallel and redundant paths, or any other appropriate type of configuration. Furthermore, while the input/output bus interface310and the input/output bus308are shown as single respective units, the computer system300may, in some embodiments, contain multiple input/output bus interface units310, multiple input/output buses308, or both. Further, while multiple input/output interface units are shown, which separate the input/output bus308from various communications paths running to the various input/output devices, in other embodiments some or all of the input/output devices may be connected directly to one or more system input/output buses.

The computer system300may include a bus interface unit307to handle communications among the processor302, the memory304, a display system306, and the input/output bus interface unit310. The input/output bus interface unit310may be coupled with the input/output bus308for transferring data to and from the various input/output units. The input/output bus interface unit310communicates with multiple input/output interface units312,314,316, and318, which are also known as input/output processors (IOPs) or input/output adapters (IOAs), through the input/output bus308. The display system306may include a display controller. The display controller may provide visual, audio, or both types of data to a display device305. The display system306may be coupled with a display device305, such as a standalone display screen, computer monitor, television, or a tablet or handheld device display. In alternate embodiments, one or more of the functions provided by the display system306may be on board a processor302integrated circuit. In addition, one or more of the functions provided by the bus interface unit307may be on board a processor302integrated circuit.

It is noted thatFIG.3is intended to depict the representative major components of an exemplary computer system300. In some embodiments, however, individual components may have greater or lesser complexity than as represented inFIG.3, Components other than or in addition to those shown inFIG.3may be present, and the number, type, and configuration of such components may vary.

In some embodiments, the data storage and retrieval processes described herein could be implemented in a cloud computing environment, which is described below with respect toFIGS.4and5. It is to be understood that although this disclosure includes a detailed description on cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather, embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented in conjunction with any other type of computing environment now known or later developed.

Characteristics are as Follows:

On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provision computing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, as needed automatically without requiring humale interaction with the service's provider.

Service Models are as Follows:

Deployment Models are as Follows:

FIG.4is a block diagram illustrating a cloud computing environment400, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, cloud computing environment400includes one or more cloud computing nodes410with which local computing devices used by cloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA) or cellular telephone420-1, desktop computer420-2, laptop computer420-3, and/or automobile computer system420-4may communicate. Nodes410may communicate with one another. They may be grouped (not shown) physically or virtually, in one or more networks, such as Private, Community, Public, or Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combination thereof. This allows cloud computing environment400to offer infrastructure, platforms and/or software as services for which a cloud consumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computing device. It is understood that the types of computing devices420-1-420-4shown inFIG.4are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes410and cloud computing environment400can communicate with any type of computerized device over any type of network and/or network addressable connection (e.g., using a web browser).

FIG.5is a block diagram illustrating a set of functional abstraction model layers500provided by the cloud computing environment400, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood in advance that the components, layers, and functions shown inFIG.5are intended to be illustrative only and embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto. As depicted, the following layers and corresponding functions are provided:

Hardware and software layer510includes hardware and software components. Examples of hardware components include: mainframes511; RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture-based servers512; servers513; blade servers514; storage devices515; and networks and networking components516. In some embodiments, software components include network application server software517and database software518.

Virtualization layer520provides an abstraction layer from which the following examples of virtual entities may be provided: virtual servers521; virtual storage522; virtual networks523, including virtual private networks; virtual applications and operating systems524; and virtual clients525.

Workloads layer540provides examples of functionality for which the cloud computing environment can be utilized. Examples of workloads and functions that can be provided from this layer include: mapping and navigation541; software development and lifecycle management542; virtual classroom education delivery543; data analytics processing544; transaction processing545; and generating treatment plans based on multimodal training data546.