Computational tools and algorithms for impedance imaging

电阻抗断层成像(EIT)根据人体表面的电测量来计算内部图像。这种图像在医学成像中提供了有用的信息(即。血液和空气流动)、地球物理(即。矿物定位)和工业过程监测。申请人已在创新和应用的EIT算法和数据分析方面建立了专门知识，以管理电极连接不良和边界移动等实际问题。这些贡献已在期刊论文和书籍章节中传播(在上一期赠款中有42篇)，并通过已成为该领域最广泛使用的开放源码软件包(EIDORS.org)传播。 工作将集中在两个方面：第一，算法和软件方面的工作(由这笔赠款资助)，以及使用开发的核心技术的应用程序方面的工作(主要由工业合作伙伴和合作者提供资金)。核心技术发展将集中在图像重建算法上，该算法对数据误差和伪影的来源更稳健；描述各向异性和身体变形(具有姿势和呼吸)的有限元模型；以及电极误差补偿和优化的测量策略。 应用的重点领域是：1)医学成像，其中EIT用于非侵入性地监测机械通气患者肺部的空气分布，然后指导个性化的肺保护治疗；2)采矿技术，其中EIT可以定位岩层和地下水，然后可用于优化爆破模式和产量。这项研究计划将开发通过改进患者监测来提高效率和帮助拯救生命的技术。

Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) calculates internal images from body surface electrical measurements. Such images provide useful information in medical imaging (ie. blood and air flow), geophysics (ie. mineral localization), and industrial process monitoring. The applicant has established an expertise in innovative and applied EIT algorithms and data analysis to manage practical issues such as poor electrode connections and boundary movement. These contributions have been disseminated in journal papers and book chapters (42 during previous grant term), and through an open source software package (EIDORS.org) which has become the most widely used in the field. Work will focus on two streams: first, an Algorithms and Software stream (funded by this grant), and, using the core technologies developed, an Applications stream (primarily funded by industrial partners and collaborators). Core technical developments will focus on image reconstruction algorithms which are more robust against sources of data error and artefacts; finite element models to describe anisotropy and body deformations (with posture and breathing); and electrode error compensation and optimized measurement strategies. Key areas of focus for applications are: 1) in medical imaging, where EIT is used to non-invasively monitor the distribution of air in the lungs of mechanically ventilated patients, and then to guide individualized lung-protective therapy; and 2) in mining technology, in which EIT can locate rock layers and ground water, which can then be used to optimize blast patterns and yield. This research program will develop technologies which improve efficiency and help save lives by improved patient monitoring.