Flexible Conformal Ultrasound Arrays for Imaging and Modulation

This project will address the need for reliable and robust wearable ultrasound system for both imaging and modulation in challenging environments such as ambulances, emergency rooms, battlefields, and industrial facilities by using the concept of autonomy. Specifically, we will develop autonomous wearable systems that integrate ultrasound imaging and modulation subsystems within a single cognitive dynamic system (CDS). Ultrasound is well-suited for wearable imaging because of its (i) complex coupling mechanisms with fluids, tissues, and implanted/injected contrast agents (bubbles, nanoparticles, etc.); (ii) ability to use miniaturized hardware; and (iii) many practical advantages (programmability, high penetration, non-invasiveness, intrinsic safety, low cost, etc.). The proposed CDS paradigm outperforms traditional adaptive sensors in many poorly-controlled environments due to its use of (i) multi-level feedback between the sensors and actuators, including both global perception-action cycles that act through the environment and local shunt cycles that act within the CDS and (ii) top-down attention and planning mechanisms enabled by embedded short-term and long-term memory. Particular emphasis in the project will be placed upon achieving good size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) metrics while maintaining functionality, scalability, flexibility, and the ability to reliably image and deliver focused ultrasound simultaneously.