Principal Investigator Brian Anthony
Co-investigator Matthew W Gilbertson
Project Website http://devicerealization.mit.edu/
The Computational Instrumentation Group designs instruments and techniques to sense and control physical systems. Medical devices and manufacturing inspection systems are a particular focus. We develop and combine electromechanical systems, complex algorithms, and computation systems to create instruments and measurement solutions for problems that are otherwise intractable.
Research and product development interests cross the boundaries of computer vision, acoustic and ultrasonic imaging, large‐scale computation and simulation, optimization, metrology, autonomous systems, and robotics. We use computation, and computer science, as methodology for attacking complex instrumentation problems – our work combines mathematical modeling, simulation, optimization, and experimental observations, to develop instruments and measurement solutions.
RESEARCH:
Ultrasound Imaging -- Through novel device design, real-time image analysis and machine intelligence, understanding of diagnostic techniques, and system design we work to improve the usability, diagnostic capability, and workflow productivity of freehand ultrasound imaging. Freehand ultrasound instruments are a low cost, versatile, safe (i.e. non-ionizing radiation), imaging technique – suitable for diverse medical practices. Finally, ultrasound can be used to determine the mechanical properties (e.g. stiffness) of tissue.
Optical metrology and inspection -- Optical digital-imaging techniques offer a fast, high-resolution, and wide-range metrology capability for measuring semi-transparent and transparent polymer-based devices during manufacture. We create novel instrumentation for in-process statistical control and metrology capable of measuring a complete macroscale part (~25 mm) down to its microscale features (~50 µm).
Medical Electronic Device Realization Center -- The vision of the Medical Electronic Device Realization Center (MEDRC) is to transform the medical electronic device industries: Revolutionize medical diagnostics and treatments by bringing health care directly to the individual; and create enabling technology for the future information-driven healthcare system. Specific areas that show promise are wearable or minimally invasive monitoring devices, medical imaging, laboratory instrumentation, and the data communication from these devices and instruments to healthcare providers and caregivers.