Wearable 3D head modeling to improve natural brain scans for kids and adults
Official title: Flexible, scalable, and generalizable photogrammetric head modeling for high-density diffuse optical tomography
Funded at Esperimage LLC · NIH-11182677 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project builds flexible 3‑D head models and data alignment tools so a lightweight wearable optical brain scanner can map natural brain activity in children and adults, including those with autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Esperimage LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $444,693 |
| NIH project number | 5R41MH138258-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11182677 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be toddlers, children, or adults willing to wear a lightweight optical head device for brief, naturalistic brain imaging, including children at risk for autism.
✕Less likely to help
People who cannot tolerate wearing a head‑mounted device or who require MRI‑level structural resolution may not benefit from this technology.
What this research studies
You would get scanned using a lightweight, wearable optical device that aims to work while you move and interact naturally. The team will make 3‑D head models from photos (photogrammetry) and improve how those models link to brain measurements so signals are mapped more accurately. Their software will flexibly register the device to different head shapes and high‑density sensor layouts to reduce errors from movement. The work is aimed at making imaging fast and comfortable for both toddlers and adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make brain imaging more comfortable and practical for young children and adults, helping detect ASD‑related brain differences earlier and with fewer restrictions.
How similar studies have gone: Wearable optical imaging and fNIRS approaches have shown promise in infants and children, but this specific scalable photogrammetric head‑modeling approach is relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
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Esperimage LLC
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trobaugh, Jason Wayne — Esperimage LLC
- Study coordinator: Trobaugh, Jason Wayne
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.