SBIR Phase I: An Endoscopic 3D Imaging System for the Evaluation of Cancer and Other Disorders of the Esophagus and Pharynx

小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第一阶段项目的更广泛的影响/商业潜力涉及到实现食道癌和喉癌的早期检测的能力。该项目的目标是每年数百万美元的市场，并有可能对农村和没有获得专业内窥镜检查诊所的服务不足的社区产生积极影响。该项目还有可能对食道癌发病率较高的非裔美国人社区产生积极影响。这个小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第一阶段项目旨在帮助临床医生及早发现食道和喉部肿瘤，这将具有挽救生命的作用。该项目将把液体透镜技术与人工智能软件和天文成像技术相结合，目标是生成早期食道和喉部肿瘤的三维图像。这项特别的研究将专注于获取身体食道和咽部的高质量三维图像，为下一阶段的测试和开发做准备。这一奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project regards the ability to achieve early detection of cancers of the esophagus and throat. This project targets a multimillion-dollar annual market and has the potential to positively impact rural and underserved communities without access to specialty endoscopy clinics. The project also has the potential to positively impact the African American community, where the incidence of esophageal cancer is higher. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to assist clinicians in detecting tumors of the esophagus and throat at an earlier stage, which will have life-saving effects. This project will combine liquid lens technology with artificial intelligence software and astronomical imaging techniques, with the objective of generating three-dimensional images of early stage esophageal and throat tumors. This particular study will focus on acquiring quality three-dimensional images of a cadaver’s esophagus and pharynx to prepare for the next stage of testing and development.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.