Imaging Research Laboratories

Imaging Research Laboratories

1. REMOTE SENSING

Known as the Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing (DIRS) group, these scientists are involved in collecting and analyzing images of the earth taken by specialized airborne or spaceborne cameras, usually for various environmental purposes. Students working in this area may be involved in “field collects” (ground-based measurements as sensors are flying overhead), cataloging or analysis of data, computer-based scene simulation, or other related tasks. Point of contact is Mrs. Nina Raqueno (475-7676, nina@cis.rit.edu).

2. ULTRASOUND IMAGING

Ultrasound imaging research centers on the development of technologies (both hardware and software) that could potentially improve the ability of ultrasonic imaging devices to provide useful clinical information to physicians. Research in this area has included investigation of “non-contact” ultrasound systems, techniques for analytically extracting meaningful data from ultrasonic “speckles,” use of ultrasound to characterize the structural properties of building materials, assessment of ultrasound as a clinical tool to characterize skin abnormalities, and the development of computer routines to merge ultrasound images with those of other imaging modalities. Students working in this area may be involved in preparation of various samples for measurement, or the collection and processing of data from these samples. Point of contact is Dr. Maria Helguera (475-7053, helguera@cis.rit.edu).

3. VISUAL PERCEPTION

Scientists in the Visual Perception Laboratory make use of eye-tracking devices to understand the subconscious visual “strategies” people use when performing various tasks. Research in this area includes an investigation of how people go about finding hidden objects in a cluttered scene, and experiments which provide insight on the specific elements of an image which are most important when a person assesses image quality. Students working in this area may be involved in collecting and preparing images for use in experiments, assisting with experiments involving human subjects, and cataloging data arising from such experiments. Point of contact is Dr. Jeff Pelz (475-2783, pelz@cis.rit.edu).

4. MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging is a method of creating images based on the fact that different materials respond differently at the atomic level to the presence of very strong magnetic fields. While MRI is often used to create images of the interior of the human body for the purpose of diagnosing and treating medical problems, it also has non-clinical applications. Students working in this area may be involved in preparing samples of various materials for imaging, scanning the samples under prescribed conditions to produce images, and organizing collected data. Point of contact is Dr. Joe Hornak (475-2904, hornak@cis.rit.edu).

5. ASTRONOMICAL IMAGING

RIT scientists are involved in capturing, processing, and analyzing images of astronomical objects at various wavelengths to better understand stellar and galactic evolution. Specific research includes analysis of images of planetary nebulae (or dying stars) from satellites such as the Chandra X-ray Telescope and the Hubble Space Telescope. Students working in this area will help process and catalog these images for use in published research. Point of contact is Dr. Jake Noel-Storr (475-2521, jake@cis.rit.edu).

6. SPACE WEATHER

RIT scientists are working to develop a strategy for an “all clear” sensor for use on Mars after the completion of a “space storm.” Since space weather storms are invisible and silent, it will be critical to a base of people on Mars to know when a space weather storm has subsided and it is safe to return outdoors. The student would work with NASA and colleagues at Rochester General Hospital to collect data on different types of detectors and match their properties to the characteristics of space weather storms. It is possible that a detector based on this work will be flown on the International Space Station. Point of contact is Dr. Roger Dube (475-5836, dube@cis.rit.edu).

7. HISTORIC DOCUMENT RESTORATION

RIT imaging scientists have been involved in imaging a number of documents with cultural and historic significance. These documents include the oldest known transcription of the works of Archimedes, 750 year-old palm leafs with sacred Sanskrit prayers, rare maps of the new world, and the oldest complete copy of the New Testament. Students working in this area will help develop a web-based system to organize and catalog the images of these documents. Point of contact is Dr. Roger Easton (475-5969, easton@cis.rit.edu).