SBIR-STTR Award

CRAMMIT takes images originating in military field units, and applies innovative pre-processing algorithms. These algorithms use entropy-reduction and other techniques to pre-condition the image data so existing compression techniques, such as Winzip, Bzip, JPEG2000, or others, significantly improve their compression performance (higher compression ratios). Then, the existing techniques compress the images, which are transmitted in compressed form over the network being used. Finally, a CRAMMIT restoration process reconstructs the images, reverses the pre-processing, and delivers the restored imagery to users at the destination. Throughout this processing, distributed CRAMMIT elements ensure adherence to DICOM or other standards, so that (1) compression and transmission speed are optimized and (2) the final image product is of diagnostic quality and fully compliant with DICOM or other standards to ensure compatibility with medical imaging and diagnostic equipment. The fully-automated processing requires no special user interactions at either source or destination. In Phase I we will design and implement a CRAMMIT Feasibility Test Setup, test it, assess results, quantitatively evaluate feasibility, and prepare a commercialization plan and preliminary design for Phase II within the Phase I final report. We will demonstrate feasibility and compatibility with actual medical imagery (XRAY, CT, US) using this test setup.

CRAMMIT uses innovative combinations of lossy and lossless pre-processing and standard compressors to achieve 30:1 medical image compression and to speed image transmission over crowded networks. Pre-Processing automatically adapts the system to network conditions, user diagnostic or consultative image needs, and different medical image types. CRAMMIT is obsolescence-proof, and can use current pre-processing or compression techniques or any that are invented in the future. Phase II applies a Phase I test setup and preliminary design under four objectives: (1) Establish Requirements, (2) Optimize and Finalize Pre-processing and Compression; (3) Implement and Evaluate a CRAMMIT Prototype; (4) Demonstrate and Deliver the Final Phase II Prototype; and (5) Refine and Begin Executing a Transition and Commercialization Plan. Adherence to all applicable use, system, network, and information assurance (IA) standards are integral to the project. A unique user characterization tool (called MEDI-App) is used by medical experts to build a user characterization database for automatic operation, and also lets the user optimize the system for compressibility or speed in real-time. Results of the effort include prototypes tested and demonstrated over two build cycles, a production-ready design, and a practical and realistic commercialization and transition plan for Phase III or other continuing efforts. The Video-Compression using Robust, Adaptive, Multiple Methods, and Innovative Techniques (V-CRAMMIT) project is a Second Phase II effort that continues developing, demonstrating, and fielding innovative compression solutions while expanding into the vide...