Kyocera Corporation Begins Research In AI-Based Image Recognition To Help Diagnose Skin Diseases And Cancers Via Smartphone

KYOTO, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fifth paragraph, first sentence of release dated August 29, 2017, should read: The project benefits from a database of more than 20,000 clinical images… (instead of The project benefits from a database of more than 200 clinical images…).

The corrected release reads:

KYOCERA BEGINS RESEARCH IN AI-BASED IMAGE RECOGNITION TO HELP DIAGNOSE SKIN DISEASES AND CANCERS VIA SMARTPHONE

Collaboration with University of Tsukuba to develop AI-based image recognition for eHealth applications to diagnose skin diseases; project targets commercialization by 2020

Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO)(TOKYO:6971) announced today that its subsidiary, Kyocera Communication Systems Co., Ltd. (hereafter “KCCS”), has started joint research with the University of Tsukuba to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system capable of detecting melanoma and other skin diseases by analyzing digital images of a patient’s skin. The team aims to commercialize the technology by 2020.

Background

Recent developments in AI, image recognition, and IT infrastructure are facilitating great advances in the ability to analyze digital images. In the medical field, where digital imaging is already an essential diagnostic tool, AI-based image recognition offers revolutionary potential. Diagnosing skin diseases from digital images using AI will offer great advantages over conventional practices, which now often depend on the knowledge and experience of a physician.

In Japan, the number of skin cancer patients has approximately doubled*¹ from 1999 through 2014. Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has identified AI as a key technology in the healthcare and medical sector. Because skin cancer treatment outcomes are substantially improved by early diagnosis, better diagnostic technologies are in great demand.

Overview of the Joint Research

KCCS is now working with Professor Manabu Fujimoto and Assistant Professor Yasuhiro Fujisawa (both of the Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba) to develop an image-recognition system accurate enough to distinguish several types of skin malignancies, including melanoma. The next phase of their project will aim for image-based diagnostic support of any skin disease. In addition to helping dermatology specialists, AI-based image recognition could allow accurate diagnoses in rural and remote areas lacking a local clinician, using pictures from smartphones or digital cameras to greatly improve healthcare outcomes.

The project benefits from a database of more than 20,000 clinical images accumulated over 20 years by the University of Tsukuba Hospital’s Department of Dermatology. The University’s experiences and knowledge including these images will be instrumental in assessing image-based diagnostic accuracy in real-world conditions. Additionally, KCCS will bring unique AI-based image-processing expertise accumulated through Labellio — a cloud-based web service. The service allows any user to create a simple “drag-and-drop” image classifier powered by deep learning.

KCCS and the University of Tsukuba will conduct joint research from March 2017 through March 2018, aiming toward a commercial application in the fiscal year ending March 2020. Furthermore, they plan to develop a system capable of identifying more than 2,000 different skin diseases from digital images by combining their respective resources and expertise in the future.

*1 Based on patient survey by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
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About KYOCERA

Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO)(TOKYO:6971) (http://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as “advanced ceramics”). By combining these engineered materials with metals and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of electronic devices, semiconductor packages, printers, copiers, mobile phones, solar power generating systems, cutting tools and industrial components. During the year ended March 31, 2017, the company’s consolidated net sales totaled 1.42 trillion yen (approx. USD12.7 billion). Kyocera appears on the “Top 100 Global Innovators” list by Clarivate Analytics and is ranked #522 on Forbes magazine’s 2017 “Global 2000” list of the world’s largest publicly traded companies.

Kyocera Communication Systems Co., Ltd. (KCCS) is a subsidiary of Kyocera Corporation and a provider of ICT, telecommunications engineering, environment and energy engineering and management consulting services. For more information, visit http://www.kccs.co.jp/english/