Hybrid method of image analysis based on artificial intelligence technologies and fuzzy sets

The paper deals with the development of a prototype of a hybrid intelligent system for image analysis on the example of the task of diagnosis and staging of diabetic retinopathy – a complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by damage to the retinal vessels. As a result of chronically elevated blood glucose levels, microcirculation is impaired, leading to the development of microaneurysms, exudation, hemorrhage and, in severe cases, neovascularization. This can lead to visual impairment and, ultimately, to blindness in the absence of timely treatment. Detection and staging of the disease are based on the analysis of photographic images of the ocular fundus (fundus images). An overview of the research topic is given, the basis for the advantages of hybrid intelligent systems in comparison with solutions based on the application of a single technology is presented. The steps of creating a system that combines the joint use of classical methods of computer vision, artificial neural networks, elements of fuzzy logic theory and methods of explainable artificial intelligence are described. With the help of combined architecture of the software solution it was possible to achieve flexibility in the issues of applicability of criteria of disease staging, which indicates the broad prospects of such a solution in the diagnosis of other diseases with logically formalizable criteria.