Multispectral diagnostic imaging of the iris

描述（由申请人提供）：该项目的目标是开发一种新的诊断成像设备的原型，供眼科医生使用。具体来说，我们设想的仪器将检测、量化并报告通过使用可见光和近红外透照（即，通过皮肤照射的光，然后从眼睛内部通过虹膜反射出来）对虹膜进行多光谱成像获得的信息。在临床实践中，常规使用由医生进行视觉评估的可见光透照。然而，这种方法的灵敏度较低，特别是当受试者有深色虹膜和/或当疾病处于早期阶段或其他微妙时。我们认为，具有自动图像分析的多光谱数字成像将是虹膜疾病评估的重要一步。这种方法的预期优势不仅在于提高诊断性能，还在于数字成像提供的好处，包括自动图像分析、结果存档和报告以及疾病进展的纵向跟踪。该装置有望在以下疾病中具有临床重要性：色素分散综合征和继发性青光眼，Fuchs异色虹膜睫状体炎，婴儿眼白化和虹膜睫状体囊肿。第二阶段SBIR项目的研究将集中在成像仪器和所需图像处理/分析方法的技术开发上。在这个项目中开发的原型的复制品将被部署在伊利诺伊眼科研究所、伊利诺伊大学芝加哥分校和密歇根大学的诊所，用于收集训练自动检测方法所需的患者数据。如果成功，该仪器将允许在现有技术难以或无法检测的情况下可视化眼病。该二期SBIR项目将重点开发用于虹膜成像（眼睛前部的色素部分）的原型设备。该设备将获取、存储并自动分析图像，以检测与青光眼相关的虹膜缺陷。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The objective of this project is to develop a prototype of a new diagnostic imaging device for use by eye care practitioners. Specifically, the instrument we envision will detect, quantify, and report information obtained by multispectral imaging of the iris using visible and near-infrared transillumination (i.e., light directed through the skin, then reflected out through the iris from within the eye). Visible-light transillumination, with visual evaluation by the practitioner, is routinely used in clinical practice. However, this approach suffers from low sensitivity, especially when the subject has dark-colored irides and/or when the disease is in its early stages or is otherwise subtle. We propose that multispectral digital imaging, with automated image analysis, will be a major step forward for evaluation of diseases of the iris. The anticipated advantages of this approach lie not only in improved diagnostic performance, but also in the benefits offered by digital imaging, including automated image analysis, archiving and reporting of results, and longitudinal tracking of disease progression. The device is expected to have clinical importance for the following disorders: pigmentary dispersion syndrome and secondary glaucoma, Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis, ocular albinism in infants, and iridociliary cysts. Research in this Phase II SBIR project will focus on technical development of the imaging instrumentation and image processing/analysis approaches required. Duplicates of the prototype developed in this project will be deployed at the clinics of the Illinois Eye Institute, University of Illinois-Chicago, and University of Michigan for collection of patient data needed for training of automated detection methods. If successful, the proposed instrument will permit visualization of eye disease in cases where detection is difficult or impossible by currently available technology. This Phase II SBIR project will focus on development of a prototype device for imaging the iris (pigmented portion at the front of the eye). The device will acquire, store, and automatically analyze images to detect defects in the iris that are associated with glaucoma.