Multimodal-Multidimensional image fusion for morphological and functional evaluation of the retina

ABSTRACT: This project will deliver software that integrates information from repeated experiments, disparate imaging and functional sensing to study the physiological response of ocular tissue to laser damage. Imaging and functional testing modalities include the fundus camera, scanning laser ophthalmoscope, optical coherence tomography, hyperspectral, speckle and fluorescence. Physiological and biochemical information include oxygen consumption revealed through hyperspectral and speckle imaging. Function is measured with animals using multifocal-electroretinogram. These modalities need to be spatially and temporally registered to correlate and combine their diverse information. Software that provides these capabilities will be delivered in Phase II. Preprocessing techniques to reduce noise, eliminate motion and enhance the image are needed. Automatic spatial alignment among modalities, image fusion and correction for gradients in illumination are needed. Additional functionality will include the detection and display of changes between baseline and follow-up images and automated retinal layer identification. Automatic and manual measurements will be provided as well. These capabilities will provide the Air Force with capability to characterize laser lesions. The algorithms that prove to be computationally intensive will use graphical processing units to accelerate execution. BENEFIT: These capabilities will provide the Air Force with capability to characterize laser lesions. The resulting software package will be developed further and sold as a 3rd party image and data analysis product that is compatible with many existing ophthalmic imaging and functional testing products.