About
Advancing Precision through Innovation in Imaging Solutions
Full Spectrum Imaging (FSI) is a promising start-up spun out from the highly competitive Homeland Security Startup Studio (HSSS) sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). FSI is one of only 5 companies that have made it to incorporation from the 2023 HSSS cohort and is also the winner of the People’s Choice Award from the HSSS Converge ’23 pitch event.
Improved Diagnostic Imaging Attachment (IDIA):
Traditional X-ray and CT systems are limited by their reliance on broad or dual-energy methods, which restrict their diagnostic potential. IDIA is an attachment mask/filter and Compressed Sensing (CS) algorithm set that will provide Full Spectral data to X-Ray & Computed Tomography systems. IDIA aims to broaden diagnostic capabilities in X-ray and Computed Tomography (CT) imaging by integrating advanced spectral data acquisition and compressive sensing capabilities. While compressive sensing has been highly successful in other fields, it remains underutilized in X-ray and CT applications for both the medical and security industries.
This project focuses on enabling Full Spectrum Imaging to enhance material-specific identification and diagnostic accuracy. The Randomized Foil Mask (RFM), composed of a structured array of varied metal foil sheets, captures a broad range of attenuation signals. These signals are processed using compressive sensing algorithms to reconstruct detailed spectral and spatial information, surpassing the capabilities of currently fielded systems.
Intellectual Merit: IDIA’s Innovational Approach
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project’s primary objectives are to design, build and validate the hardware components for the RFM prototype and the software component for the reconstruction algorithms, as well as test both with existing X-ray and CT system data to verify applicability to improve various diagnostic imaging applications. FSI is building upon data modeled and collected in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security’s S&T office.
With decades of robust data sets for fielded X-ray and CTs, we can leverage proven methodologies and attenuation data to deliver high-fidelity answers for our research objectives. The well-defined attenuation and absorption characteristic data of our target materials allow us to design a robust test plan, streamlining testing and significantly shortening the development timeline.
By combining RMF with compressive sensing techniques, IDIA promises to provide improved detection of diseases, illegal contraband, and other anomalies by providing high-resolution spectral data that traditional methods cannot achieve. This technology can lead to a 250% signal boost, essentially making it 2.5x easier to find critical threats.
Broader Impacts: How IDIA Can Drastically Change Detection for the Greater Good
This low-cost, scalable solution aims to be seamlessly integrated into existing infrastructures of fileded systems and updated with evolving threats, making it an ideal candidate for improving security and healthcare screening nationwide. IDIA can aid in underdeveloped areas, hospitals and security facilities that do not have access to more advanced imaging systems. By implementing IDIA, more people across the US can catch health risks faster, improving their chances for a successful treatment and survival. IDIA can also reduce security risks to citizens by finding security concerns at major / minor checkpoints, where today existing systems fail to catch these dangers. With the success of this project, FSI can solve the affordability and availability problem for advanced detection services. IDIA makes a difference by saving people time with faster detection and citizens health and safety with more accurate detection.
