In step S1, image data obtained by imaging is input to an image input unit
(1). In step S2, the diagnosis result obtained by a doctor using the
image data obtained by imaging is input as diagnosis information to a
diagnosis information input unit (2). In step S3, a keyword table (7) is
searched for a keyword input to the diagnosis information input unit (2)
or a diagnosis information analyzing unit (3). In step S4, a parameter
determining unit (5) selects an initial value parameter used in an image
search unit (4) from an initial value table (8) on the basis of the input
keyword. In steps S5 and S6, the image search unit (4) determines the
optimization degree of the selected parameter by applying the parameter
to the input image on the basis of the area or connectivity of a morbid
region, and also extracts a morbid region by using a general computer
aided diagnosis technique.