FST Graduate Research Topic


Research Topic: Medical Image Diagnosis System
Suggested By: Harris Wang
Last Update: September 28th, 2025

Constrained Object Hierarchies (COH) provides a neuroscience-inspired theoretical framework for modeling Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). As a flexible and robust foundation, COH supports the representation of general intelligent systems across diverse domains.


Formally, a COH is defined as a 9-tuple:


O = (C, A, M, N, E, I, T, G, D)


Where:



  • C: Components – sub-objects organized hierarchically

  • A: Attributes – state variables describing object properties

  • M: Methods – executable actions associated with components

  • N: Neural Components – adaptive models for learning and inference

  • E: Embedding Neural Component – semantic representation of the COH

  • I: Identity Constraints – rules ensuring object integrity

  • T: Trigger Constraints – event-condition-action rules for dynamic behavior

  • G: Goal Constraints – optimization objectives guiding intelligent behavior

  • D: Constraint Daemons – real-time monitors enforcing system constraints






Based on the COH framework, the modelling process and result of Medical Image Diagnosis System are as follows:


System Description and Significance: Medical diagnostic systems apply pattern recognition to clinical images, requiring high accuracy, reliability, and the ability to work alongside human experts [21]. They represent safety-critical applications of AI.


Requirements Analysis: The system must achieve expert-level accuracy, provide uncertainty estimates, handle rare conditions, and integrate with clinical workflows. Key requirements include high reliability, interpretability, and safety.


COH Modelling Solution:



  • C: {Image_Preprocessor, Feature_Extractor, Disease_Classifier, Confidence_Estimator}

  • A: {medical_image, processed_image, feature_maps, diagnosis_probabilities, confidence_score}

  • M: {preprocess(), extract_features(), classify(), estimate_confidence()}

  • N: Deep learning models trained on expert-annotated medical images

  • E: Specialized medical pattern recognition assistant

  • I: Probability output requirement, confidence thresholding, audit trail

  • T: Image upload triggers analysis, low confidence triggers human review

  • G: Maximize diagnostic accuracy relative to experts

  • D: Out-of-distribution detection, quality control monitoring


The inclusion of confidence estimation as a distinct component reflects the critical need for uncertainty quantification in medical AI. The trigger constraint for human review models the essential human-in-the-loop approach for safety-critical applications.






You may choose this topic and pursue one of the following routes:


📝 Essay



  • Survey existing methodologies for modeling, designing, and implementing similar intelligent systems.

  • Include:

    • Literature synthesis

    • COH framework analysis

    • Critical evaluation of competing approaches




🛠️ Project



  • Design and implement the system using the COH model.

  • Include:

    • System architecture and design

    • Development and testing

    • Demonstration of core functionality




🎓 Thesis



  • Explore COH’s theoretical foundations in depth.

  • Include:

    • Proposed enhancements or extensions

    • Implementation and evaluation

    • Development of an advanced intelligent system grounded in COH principles