A research group led by Professor Manabu Fujimoto (Dermatology) at Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine has entered into a joint research agreement with Google LLC (Google) to verify the effectiveness of a skin condition detection model that utilizes AI technology. The agreement was concluded on August 2023, 8.
It is estimated that there are approximately 20 billion people around the world who are concerned about their skin conditions, and over 70% of them first search the Internet to identify their symptoms and look for treatments. On the other hand, there is also inaccurate and harmful information online.
Together with outside experts, Google developed a machine learning model that detects skin conditions based on photos, which was published in Nature Medicine in 2020. Additionally, in 2023, the company leveraged this model to offer users the ability to search for skin conditions using Google Lens. By leveraging machine learning, everyone can access better information about skin conditions and treatments without relying on inaccurate information online.
In this joint research, we will work to evaluate the effectiveness and improve detection accuracy in Japan of a machine learning model developed by Google that detects skin conditions based on photos. In order to safely operate an AI model, it is necessary to evaluate its effectiveness in many different populations, and in the joint research, approximately 10,000 people's skin photos taken at Osaka University Hospital were unable to identify individuals. It is completely anonymized and stored in an environment that adheres to high security and encryption standards before being analyzed. The data used in the research will be managed by the Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, and any personally identifiable information will be completely deleted before researchers perform analysis. Through joint research, we will work to further improve the fairness of AI models in skin disease detection, so that people not only in Japan but all over the world can access more appropriate information about skin conditions and treatments.
Professor Manabu Fujimoto says, ``Skin diseases can cause changes in appearance, cause itching and pain, reduce the quality of life, and sometimes be life-threatening.They can also develop suddenly, such as at night or while working. , you may not be able to see your trusted dermatologist right away. Google's AI technology may be able to provide a new solution to these problems. , anyone around the world will be able to easily access and use accurate information about skin diseases anytime and anywhere.This technology will allow many people suffering from skin diseases to obtain more accurate information. We hope that this will help resolve skin-related concerns."
