Research Interests:

My primary research interest is bioinstrumentation with the focus on embedded system and ultrasound technologies. An embedded system comprises of a specially designed computing unit dedicated to specific functions of a device or instrument. The computing unit can be a personal computer, a microcontroller or a FPGA device. We use LabVIEW (National Instruments, TX) extensively in our research projects for fast prototype development because the same development suite supports all hardware platforms mentioned above. Our lab also equipped with the lastest hardware from National Insturmennts including multi-function data acquisition hardware, compactRIO system, PXI system with modular insturments and multi-functional FPGA, and LabVIEW robotics kit.

Scanning confocal acoustic device (SCAD) for bone properties imaging is the on-going project lasting for ten years. It detects the mechanical properties of bone as an alternative means in the early diagnosis of osteoporosis. The device has been evaluated in the NASA's bed rest project studying the response of muscular-skeleton system of astronauts under microgravity in space. Current research will enhance the device's capability in bone property measurements especially in areas other than the conventional calcaneous bone. In addition, therapeutic features will also be incorporated.

Vision prosthesis is another application of embedded system design. We are now engaging in the evaluation of the efficacy of electronic stimulation based artificial vision system primarily developed by Dr. William Dobelle and his associates. We have developed a simulated system that has the same functionality as Dobelle's system. Sighted human subjects are recruited to participate projects to evaluate every aspects of the artificial vision system including the accuracy of phosphene mapping and the ultra-low vision created by phosphenes.

Teaching:

BME 120 BME Programing fundamentals: This course is offered to freshmen in the BME undergraduate program. It is designed to teach students the basic programming concepts and logics in programming languages. The course adopts MATLAB as the programming language.

BME 313 Bioinstrumentation: This course is offered as a technical elective to upper level undergraduate student. It is designed to teach students the application of virtual instrument concepts of biomedical instrument. This enable the students who have the limited knowledge of electrical engineering to prototype medical instruements efficiently. This course also offers free certification of certified LabVIEW associate developer (CLAD) supported by National Instruments through LabVIEW Academy Program.

Selected Peer Reviewed Papers:

• Lin, W., Xia, Y., Qin, Y., Characterization of the trabecular bone structure using frequency modulated ultrasound pulse,  Journal of Acoustic Society of America, 125(6), June 2009
• Xia, Y., Lin, W. and Qin, Y-X., Bone surface topology mapping and its role in trabecular bone quality assessment using scanning confocal ultrasound, Osteoporosis International, 18, 905-913, March 2007
• Lin, W., Mittra, E., Qin, Y-X., Determination of Ultrasound Phase Velocity in Trabecular Bone Using Time Dependent Phase Tracking Technique, ASME Journal of Biomedical Engineering, 128(2), 24-29, Feb, 2006
• Xia, Y., Lin, W., Qin, Y-X., The Influence of Cortical end-plate on Broadband Ultrasound Attenuation Measurements at the Human Calcaneus Using Scanning Confocal Ultrasound, Journal of Acoustic Society of America, 118 (3), 1801-1807. Sept. 2005
• Qin, Y-X., Lin, W., Rubin, C., The pathway of bone fluid flow as defined by in vivo intramedullary pressure and streaming potential measurements. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 30 (5): 693-702 MAY 2002
• Rubin, C., Turner, AS., Muller, R., Mittra, E., McLeod, K., Lin, W., Qin, Y-X. Quantity and quality of trabecular bone in the femur are enhanced by a strongly anabolic, noninvasive mechanical intervention. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. 17 (2): 349-357 FEB 2002
• Lin, W., Qin, Y-X., Rubin, C. Ultrasonic Wave propagation in trabecular bone predicted by the stratified model. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 29 (9): 781-790 SEP 2001