Funding Agency:

NIH-National Heart Lung and Blood Institute

Total Project Period:

8/15/07 - 5/31/11

Total Project Award:

$2,365,682

Principal Investigator:

Mingui Sun, PhD

Co-Investigators:

James Delany, MD; John Fernstrom, MD; Madelyn Fernstrom, MD; Robert Sclabassi, MD, PhD; Jie Yang MD

Project Summary:

We propose a novel application of the multimedia technology to the study of obesity. It is based on electronic chronicle (or e-chronicle), which captures and organizes daily events related to diet and physical activity.

Specifically, we will develop a unified sensor device which is cosmetically pleasant and can be easily worn by patients. This device contains a miniature video camera which is configured to record the same scene as the wearer perceives and a set of physiological sensors.

The data recorded will be uploaded to a powerful computer where extensive multimedia processing will be performed to de-identify any human appearance in the video and organize information using the newly developed e-chronicle technology. Diet and activity related events will be extracted, indexed, and organized into an easily accessible form.

Besides these applications, our technology will also provide a new platform to study lifestyle, behavior, and environment that promise new understanding and effective treatment of obesity.