Software Core

Specific Aims

The Software Core will be responsible for identifying and developing consensus methodology for software-driven, spectroscopic and tomographic data acquisition, signal analysis image reconstruction and image display within the Project components forming the Optical Network. It will also serve as the center for translating these methods into specific software platforms for distribution within the Network. These activities will define both a service function and development role for the Core within the Optical Network. On the service side, the specific aims of the Core are to:

Aim 1: Assist Project components within the Network with the design and development of appropriate computer control interfaces for spectroscopic imaging system data acquisition (as instrumentation matures within the Network these interactions will involve the Instrument Development core).

Aim 2: Assist Project components with the use and maintenance of the most advanced signal analysis, image reconstruction and visualization capabilities available through the Network.

The Software Core will also take an active role in working with Network partners and affiliate members to advance the state-of-the-art in spatio-spectral signal analysis and image reconstruction for functional optical imaging of breast. The specific aims associated with the Core's developmental activities include:

Aim 1: Synthesizing new and existing approaches for mulit-dimensional diffuse optical image reconstruction which optimizes the interplay of the spatio-spectral degrees-of-freedom in the acquired data to generate functional responses of the breast..

Aim 2: Integrating new and existing strategies for multi-modality enhancement of diffuse optical image reconstruction through incorporation of anatomical and other priors available through the concomitant conventional imaging.

Aim 3: Developing standardized methods for diffuse optical image assessment including global and local analysis measures and performance benchmarks for imaging system characterization.