Integrated CMOS Image Sensor based systems for Bio-Medical applications

拟议研究的目标是调查、设计和实现用于生物医学应用的新型集成图像传感器系统，了解并打算将其应用于安全、能源和环境部门。基于互补金属氧化物半导体(CMOS)的有源像素传感器在集成度、功耗、可靠性和成本等方面具有突出的优势，已被开发并应用于前沿微电子和超大规模集成电路(VLSI)电路中。这导致了新一代相机的开发，这种相机可以在人体内使用数小时，从而改善患者的诊断和潜在的结果。建议的研究是变革性的、非侵入性的和尖端的。 这项提议将推动“智能”、高性能、紧凑和低成本的基于实时输出的基于cmos的成像仪系统的发展。具体地说，我们将：1)利用我们在宽动态范围(WDR)传感器方面的成功，以及我们新型先进的高光和微光成像器[1]，开发一种基于差分的简单双二极管像素，该像素可降低固定图案噪声(FPN)并支持极端光级条件下的成像。例如，在人体中存在(弱光)，或者在有非常高水平的光和像素变得饱和的地方。处理后者可以帮助解决图像捕获应用中的问题，例如，在图像捕获应用中，使用强光来躲避来自安全摄像机的检测和图像捕获。2)在我们用于神经元监测的光学滤光片[2]的基础上，开发一种全新的用于pH检测的光学滤光片--生物医学标记物。这种新的传感器/过滤器克服了目前用于人类胃肠道[GI]的最先进的探头中的锑浸出危险。3)实现了一种新的WDR数据算法(已提交专利)[3]和架构，从而降低了技术的功耗和处理要求。这项研究还有望提高显示质量，从而提高其对人类观察者的意义。这将使该技术能够移植到芯片实验室或移动电话解决方案中，从而扩展它们的功能。 该方案建立在独特的WDR图像捕获技术的基础上，并扩大了其可用性和适用性。预计拟议的技术将改善诊断，降低与最先进的医疗技术相关的风险，变得更快、更准确，并消耗更少的电力。我们与医学研究人员合作的经验证明，我们的技术使他们能够以广泛的优势推进他们的领域。从我们实验室毕业的高素质人员拥有广泛的技能、实践经验，并了解如何将研究转化为商业成功。预期所取得的成果将转化为支持不同部门终端用户的不同网络的新技术。我们的过往记录表明，我们可以超越目前市场上的产品。 参考资料： 1.Y.Dattner，O.Yahad-Pecht，“采用宽动态范围扩展和低噪声读出的高光和微光cmos成像器”，IEEE Sensors Journal，第12卷，第6期，第2172-9页，2012年6月。 2.L.Blockstein，C.C.Luk，A.K.Mudraboina，N.I.Syed和O.Yado-Pecht，“A PVAc Based enzophenone-8 Filter as a Alternative Underable Dichroic Filters for Monitor in Live Neurn Than Fura-2 AM”，IEEE Photonics Journal，第4卷，第3期，第1004-1012页，2012年6月。 3.A.Hore‘，C.A.Ofili，O.Yahad-Pecht，《用于显示大动态范围图像的联合全局和局部色调映射算法》，《国际期刊信息模型与分析》，第2卷，第1期，2013年。JU

The objective of the proposed research is to investigate, design and implement new integrated image based sensor systems for biomedical applications, with the understanding and intent that they have application in the security, energy and environment sectors. Complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) based active pixel sensors (APS) have outstanding advantages in integration, power, reliability and cost and have been developed and implemented in leading edge microelectronics and Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) circuitry. This has led to the development of a new generation of cameras that can be used within the human body for many hours, thus improving patient diagnosis and potentially outcomes. The proposed research is transformative, non-invasive and cutting edge. This proposal will advance the development of “smart,” high performance, compact, and low-cost CMOS based imager systems with real time output. Specifically, we will: 1) leverage our success with wide dynamic range (WDR) sensors, and our novel advanced High and Low Light Level imager [1], to develop a simple two diode based differential based pixel that reduces Fixed Pattern Noise (FPN) and supports imaging in extreme light level conditions. For example, as present in the human body (low light), or where there are very high levels of light and pixels become saturated. Dealing with the latter can help to solve problems in image capture applications where, for example, bright light is used to avoid detection and image capture from security cameras. 2) Build on our optical filter for neuron monitoring [2], and develop an entirely new optical filter for pH detection - a biomedical marker. This new sensor/filter overcomes the hazards of antimony leaching from the current state-of-the-art probes used in the human gastro-intestinal [GI] tract. And 3) Implement a novel algorithm (patent submitted) [3] and architecture for WDR data, thereby reducing the technology’s power and processing requirements. This research is also expected to increase display quality, and thus its meaningfulness to the human observer. This would enable porting the technology into lab-on-a-chip or mobile phone solutions, expanding their capabilities. The proposal builds on unique WDR image capture technology, and broadens its usability and applicability. The proposed technologies are expected to improve diagnosis, reduce the risks associated with state-of-the-art medical technologies, be faster, more accurate, and consume less power. Our experience in working with medical researchers proves that our technologies are enabling them to advance their fields with far ranging benefits. The highly qualified personnel graduating from our Lab have a broad set of skills, hands-on experience, and an understanding of how research translates into commercial success. It is expected that the results obtained will translate into novel technologies supporting a diverse network of end-users in diverse sectors. Our track record establishes that we can surpass what is currently available in the market. References: 1. 1. Y. Dattner, O. Yadid-Pecht, "High and Low Light CMOS Imager Employing Wide Dynamic Range Expansion and Low Noise Readout", IEEE Sensors Journal, Vol. 12, No. 6, pp. 2172-9, June 2012. 2. L. Blockstein, C. C. Luk, A. K. Mudraboyina, N. I. Syed and O. Yadid-Pecht, "A PVAc based Benzophenone-8 Filter as an Alternative to Commercially Available Dichroic Filters for Monitoring Calcium Activity in Live Neurons via Fura-2 AM ", IEEE Photonics Journal, Vol .4, No. 3, pp. 1004 - 1012, June 2012. 3. A. Hore’, C.A. Ofili, O. Yadid-Pecht, “A Joint Global and Local Tone Mapping Algorithm for Displaying Wide Dynamic Range Images”, International Journal Information Models & Analysis, Vol. 2, No.1, 2013. Ju