Motors And Matlab: Programming White Light Computerized Tomography Research Scanners Using Arduinos, Motor Drivers In Conjunction With Matlab Toolboxes

Aida Kouri

School Name

South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics

Grade Level

12th Grade

Presentation Topic

Math and Computer Science

Presentation Type

Mentored

Mentor

Mentor: David Kwartowitz, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University

Oral Presentation Award

2nd Place

Written Paper Award

1st Place

Abstract

Medical imaging is an exponentially growing field with clear beneficence for early diagnoses in patients. Yet, with scanners costing upwards of two hundred thousand dollars and emitting harmful radiation, medicine today is facing a dilemma in how to train young physicians to use these immensely intricate machines. The end goal of this research project was to create a low-cost and portable alternative, utilizing white light instead of X-rays, which could be used in research as well as classroom settings. Tomography is a method, which takes multiple 2D images from different perspectives and combines them to create one all-encompassing 3D image. The end goal of this aim was to create the software responsible for operating our prototype CT scanner. The technique implemented was unique because as opposed to a rotating light source and stationary object, we used a turntable system to create a rotating object and a stationary light source. The programming for operating our scanner was an important part in making it work, and was split into two parts; image acquisition and image reconstruction. The first part used Arduino software and hardware to use MATLAB to control a stepper motor as well as programming the camera to take and store images at intervals of one degree. The second part was involved in collecting all captured images and using tomography to create a 3D rendering of the object. At the end of this goal, we had a functional code capable of controlling the working prototype scanner.

Start Date

4-11-2015 9:15 AM

End Date

4-11-2015 9:30 AM

COinS
 
Apr 11th, 9:15 AM Apr 11th, 9:30 AM

Motors And Matlab: Programming White Light Computerized Tomography Research Scanners Using Arduinos, Motor Drivers In Conjunction With Matlab Toolboxes

Medical imaging is an exponentially growing field with clear beneficence for early diagnoses in patients. Yet, with scanners costing upwards of two hundred thousand dollars and emitting harmful radiation, medicine today is facing a dilemma in how to train young physicians to use these immensely intricate machines. The end goal of this research project was to create a low-cost and portable alternative, utilizing white light instead of X-rays, which could be used in research as well as classroom settings. Tomography is a method, which takes multiple 2D images from different perspectives and combines them to create one all-encompassing 3D image. The end goal of this aim was to create the software responsible for operating our prototype CT scanner. The technique implemented was unique because as opposed to a rotating light source and stationary object, we used a turntable system to create a rotating object and a stationary light source. The programming for operating our scanner was an important part in making it work, and was split into two parts; image acquisition and image reconstruction. The first part used Arduino software and hardware to use MATLAB to control a stepper motor as well as programming the camera to take and store images at intervals of one degree. The second part was involved in collecting all captured images and using tomography to create a 3D rendering of the object. At the end of this goal, we had a functional code capable of controlling the working prototype scanner.