Design and Development of New Systems for Medical and Endoscopic Imaging Applications

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The application proposes to develop new image and video processing algorithms and low-cost digital systems for medical and endoscopic imaging applications. A key area is the wireless capsule endoscopy where a patient swallows an electronic capsule, integrated with imaging and transmission capabilities, which travels through small intestine, captures and sends images that are used for diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases. Common limitations of commercial products are low image quality and frame rate, poor visibility of intestinal features, and low working time that lead to inaccurate and incomplete diagnosis. The research addresses the limitations by exploring novel image compression algorithms and low-cost architectures that result in significant improvement of image quality and ultra-low power consumption that helps extend the battery life. It also uses emerging narrow-band lighting techniques that help improve the visibility of diagnostically important features of the intestine; as a result, more accurate diagnosis is possible and more intestinal area can be examined. This next-generation endoscopic system features advanced automated algorithms to detect and classify abnormalities in endoscopic images that will help physicians identify suspected areas quickly and enables speedy diagnosis. Besides, there is no endoscopic capsule for large animals such as horse and dog. The research will explore new technologies to develop wireless capsules for veterinary endoscopy. Another key focus of the research is to explore new compressed sensing techniques to efficiently reconstruct MRI, Synchrotron-based CT and micro-CT images using fewer input samples. The outcome will shorten scan time and reduce radiation dose to patient, which will potentially improve the practice of medical diagnosis. Thus, the proposed program facilitates interdisciplinary interaction and has huge potential for industry collaboration. The outcome of the research will significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of many health related applications, enhancing Canada's role in medical and endoscopic imaging products.