Computational tools and algorithms for impedance imaging

电阻抗断层扫描（EIT）根据体表电测量值计算内部图像。这样的图像在医学成像中提供有用的信息（即，血液和空气流动），血液物理学（即，矿物定位）和工业过程监测。 申请人已经建立了创新和应用EIT算法和数据分析的专业知识，以管理实际问题，如电极连接不良和边界移动。这些贡献已通过期刊论文和书籍章节（上一个赠款期内有42个章节）以及已成为该领域最广泛使用的开放源码软件包（EIDORS.org）传播。 工作将集中在两个流：第一，算法和软件流（由该赠款资助），以及使用开发的核心技术，应用程序流（主要由工业合作伙伴和合作者资助）。核心技术开发将集中在图像重建算法，这些算法对数据误差和伪影的来源更加鲁棒;有限元模型，以描述各向异性和身体变形（姿势和呼吸）;以及电极误差补偿和优化的测量策略。 重点应用领域包括：1）在医学成像中，EIT用于无创监测机械通气患者肺部的空气分布，然后指导个性化的肺部保护治疗; 2）在采矿技术中，EIT可以定位岩层和地下水，然后可以用于优化爆破模式和产量。该研究计划将开发技术，通过改善患者监测来提高效率并帮助挽救生命。

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.