Imaging apparatus and method of imaging veins

Abstract

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an imaging apparatus (1) for imaging a vein (9) of a human or animal body, the imaging apparatus (1) comprising:-a mount (50) for fastening to a body part (4) of the human or animal body,-an imaging device (10) movably fastenable to the mount (50), the imaging device (10) comprises:-a scanner (30) operable to scan a scanning area (40) of the body part (4) and to generate scanner signals when scanning the body part (4),-a signal processor (22) connected to the scanner (30) and operable to process the scanner signals from the scanner (30), -a signal processor (22) connected to the signal processor (22) for at least one operation of extracting or identifying a structure of interest (19) from the scanner signals, and-a projector (32) connected to the signal processor (22) and operable for projecting an image (39) of the structure of interest (19) onto a projection area (42) of the body part (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of imaging veins in human or animal bodies, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus and a method for imaging veins. Background Technology

[0002] Drug delivery devices that allow for the administration of multiple discrete or continuous doses of liquid medicines and further provide the patient with the administration of such liquid medicines are well known in the prior art. Typically, such devices serve essentially the same purpose as ordinary syringes. Some medications require administration by infusion.

[0003] Patients with certain conditions (such as hemophilia) or requiring enzyme replacement therapy must receive regular intravenous (IV) infusions. Infusions typically require mixing and preparation, sometimes for a specific patient need (and sometimes shortly before drug administration), which can involve reconstituted drug powder from multiple vials using precise amounts of sterile fluids (such as water and / or saline). Because this preparation process is often complex and cumbersome, it is usually performed by healthcare professionals in clinics or pharmacies, possibly using laboratory equipment.

[0004] Once prepared, the infusion must be administered within a limited timeframe, as it is often sensitive to environmental factors such as high temperatures, light exposure, prolonged movement, or vibration. Furthermore, the efficacy of the mixture may decrease over time for other reasons, such as if the mixture is prone to separation or stratification over time. Therefore, patients often need to travel to a healthcare center to receive the infusion directly after preparation. Some medications require infusion at a limited flow rate over several hours, necessitating extended stays at the clinic, increasing travel time and overall inconvenience. This is a significant burden for patients, especially those living far from a suitable clinic. Patients would prefer to receive regular infusions at home if they are accustomed to the treatment, capable of handling the corresponding user tasks, and can tolerate the treatment well.

[0005] Venturing a blood vessel or vein to administer medication can sometimes be quite challenging. The first step may require locating a suitable vein and inserting the appropriate intravenous needle. Even experienced healthcare professionals often struggle to locate a suitable blood vessel or vein for intravenous injection, especially in obese patients or those with other preconditions affecting peripheral blood vessels. In other cases, and when patients intend to administer medication themselves, they may often lack the experience to reliably locate a vein, even without adverse preconditions.

[0006] Devices for locating blood vessels have been reported, in which the device must be placed directly on the injection site of the skin to visualize the blood vessel or vein. Such devices must be removed before needle insertion. Therefore, the operator must memorize the blood vessel as previously indicated or retrieved by the device. Consequently, subsequent needle insertion can be quite prone to error.

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved imaging device for imaging blood vessels or veins in human or animal bodies. This imaging device should enable relatively easy and direct localization and imaging of subcutaneous blood vessels (such as veins). The imaging device and its method of use should be particularly suitable for self-administration of medications, especially for self-administered intravenous injection procedures. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In one aspect, an imaging apparatus is provided for imaging blood vessels or veins of a human or animal body. The imaging apparatus includes a mounting for fastening to a body part of the human or animal body. The imaging apparatus further includes an imaging device capable of being movably fastened to the mounting. The imaging device includes a scanner capable of operating a scanning area for scanning the body part and generating a scanner signal while scanning the body part (particularly when scanning the scanning area).

[0009] The imaging apparatus further includes a signal processor connected to the scanner and operable to process scanner signals from the scanner to perform at least one operation of extracting or identifying a structure of interest from the scanner signals. The imaging apparatus further includes a projector connected to the signal processor and operable to project an image of the structure of interest onto a projection area of ​​the body part.

[0010] In some examples, the imaging device is configured such that the projection area and the scanning area substantially overlap. In some examples, the projector is configured to project an image of the structure of interest in a configuration that overlaps with the structure of interest retrieved from the scanner when scanning the scanning area of ​​a body part.

[0011] In this way, structures of interest (e.g., blood vessels or veins) detected by the scanner during a scanning operation of the scanning area can be extracted or identified by a signal processor from the scanner signal. The extracted and / or identified structures of interest can then be projected individually onto the projection area by a projector, thereby projecting onto the surface of the body part currently or previously observed by the imaging device.

[0012] By utilizing mounting components and movable fasteners or attachments on the mounting components or the imaging device, the scanner can move over the scanning area, thereby providing fairly accurate imaging or scanning of the scanning area.

[0013] Simultaneously or subsequently, the projector can be operated to project an image of the extracted or identified structure of interest onto a projection area, typically onto the scanning area. The projection of the image onto the projection area can be temporarily separated from the scanning operation performed by the scanner. Specifically, the image can be projected onto the projection area after the scanner has moved over the scanning area or after the scanning procedure has been terminated. Image projection can also begin and / or occur during the scanning operation.

[0014] The sequential operability of the imaging device (i.e., projecting an image of the structure of interest onto the projection area after a scanning procedure has been performed) is advantageous because a user intending to puncture the structure of interest (e.g., a specific blood vessel, such as a vein) will not interfere with the scanning procedure. Therefore, and through the mounting and the movable fasteners connecting the imaging device to the mounting, alignment and maintenance of the projector with the projection area and / or scanning area can be ensured. The mounting is specifically configured to secure the imaging device to a body part of a human or animal. The mounting is specifically configured to immovably fix the imaging device, thereby securing the imaging device to the corresponding body part. In this way, a fairly controlled scanning operation can be performed, and an image of the structure of interest can be projected onto the projection area.

[0015] Sequential operation of the imaging device can be provided through the movable fasteners of the mounting and imaging equipment relative to the mounting. Thus, in the first step, and while fastened to the body part by the mounting, the scanner can move or be moved relative to the mounting and therefore relative to the human or animal body part to scan the scanning area. Simultaneously, temporally overlapping, or subsequently, in the second step, the projector can be operated to project an image of the structure of interest identified or extracted from the scanner signal by the signal processor. The second step can be performed after the first step is completed. In some examples, the second step (and therefore the projection of the image) can overlap temporally with the first step (i.e., with the scanning of the scanning area). Therefore, projection may begin before the scanning of the scanning area is completed.

[0016] When a scanner covers the scanning area of ​​a body part during the scanning process, it is advantageous for the scanner to be movably secured to the mounting. Using a scanner that can move over the scanning area, a relatively short distance can be achieved between the scanner and the scanning area, and thus between the surface of the scanning area of ​​the body part and the scanner. In this way, many different scanning methods can be provided or implemented, such as optical scanning methods or other scanning methods, such as ultrasound-based scanning, where the latter may require direct mechanical contact between the scanning area and the scanner.

[0017] Portable scanners not only allow scanning of the area at minimal distance from the body, but also provide relatively high accuracy or resolution for the corresponding scans.

[0018] Furthermore, the process of self-administering medication to the structure of interest (i.e., to a blood vessel or vein) via the mounting device is now visualized or imaged by the imaging device, eliminating the need for the operator, patient, or user to pay attention to the correct positioning of the imaging device relative to the body part intended for puncture. Instead, the imaging device can be held in place, or even fixed in position, by the mounting device, freeing the user's hands for self-administration of medication intravenously. The imaging device can follow any movement of the body part because it is secured to the body part via the mounting device.

[0019] According to another example, the imaging device can be moved relative to the mount to scan a scanning area. The imaging device can be moved relative to the mount in order to scan the scanning area and / or during the scanning of the scanning area. The mobility of the imaging device and therefore the scanner relative to the mount provides corresponding mobility of the imaging device and therefore the scanner relative to the body parts of the human or animal to which the mount is attached or fastened. By moving the imaging device and therefore the scanner relative to the mount, the scanning area can be scanned during sweeping movements of the imaging device and therefore the scanner over the scanning area.

[0020] For scanning, a one-dimensional scanner can be used, which includes scan lines whose length corresponds to or defines a first dimension of a two-dimensional scanning area. The scanner (and thus the scan lines) can then be moved or swept at a predefined angle, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the scan lines, thereby allowing the acquisition of a two-dimensional image and / or two-dimensional structure of the scanner signal as the scanner moves (e.g., sweeps across or along the scanning area). Here, the direction of movement can define a second dimension.

[0021] Therefore, and in some examples, the scanner may include a line scanner that extends perpendicular to the direction of movement of the scanner relative to the mounting. In this way, a line scanner or a one-dimensional scanner can be used to generate or provide a two-dimensional scan or image of the scanned area.

[0022] With a movable scanner, the distance to the scanning area of ​​the body part can be minimized, thereby allowing for increased spatial resolution of the scanner and / or improved accuracy of the scan results.

[0023] According to another example, the imaging device can be slidably moved relative to the mount in a guiding or sliding direction. In some examples, the imaging device can be slidably moved relative to the mount in a longitudinal sliding or guiding direction. The longitudinal sliding direction can be defined by a movable fastener from the imaging device to the mount. The imaging device can be slidably moved relative to the mount in the longitudinal sliding direction toward a first end or direction of movement and toward a second end or direction opposite to the first end or first direction. In some examples, the imaging device can move back and forth in the sliding direction. It can move in a longitudinal proximal direction and can move in the opposite direction (e.g., in a longitudinal distal direction).

[0024] In some examples, the mount may include or define a guide structure whose shape is complementary to the mating guide structure of the imaging device. Therefore, through the mutual mechanical engagement between the guide structure of the mount and the mating guide structure of the imaging device, a well-defined movement of the imaging device relative to the mount can be provided. In some examples, the guide structure of the mount includes at least one or more rails defining the mobility of the imaging device relative to the mount. Here, the mating guide structure of the imaging device may include one or more sliders whose shape is complementary to or corresponds to the rails of the guide structure of the mount.

[0025] In some examples, the imaging device can be fastened (e.g., detachably fastened) to the mountain-shaped object via a guide structure and a mating guide structure of complementary shapes. Here, the mating guide structure of the imaging device may include a mating fastening structure to cooperate or engage with a corresponding fastening structure of the mounting component.

[0026] Removably securing the imaging device to the mounting allows for replacement of the imaging device for a given mounting and / or replacement of the mounting for a given imaging device. This allows the imaging device to be used with mountings of various shapes suitable for fastening to different parts of the human or animal body. Thus, the size and configuration of a first mounting can be set for fastening to the elbow. The size and configuration of a second mounting can be set for fastening to the wrist. The size and configuration of a third mounting can be set for fastening to the leg, and the size and configuration of a fourth mounting can be set for fastening to the ankle or foot.

[0027] For example, various mounts provided as kits comprising numerous mounting components can each include a standardized fastening structure whose shape complements the standardized mating fastening structure of the imaging device. In this way, a given imaging device can be selectively connected and fastened to a mount for use on a body part to which the mount is configured and intended for use. In this manner, the imaging device can be reconfigured for and adapted to imaging blood vessels and veins in various different body parts of a human or animal body.

[0028] In some examples, the mounting includes a longitudinally extending guide rail that engages with or can engage with a slider of the imaging device. In this way, the imaging device can be slidably moved along the guide rail provided by the mounting.

[0029] In some examples, the mounting includes a first guide rail and a second guide rail. Here, the first and second guide rails may extend parallel to each other. The imaging device may be mechanically engaged with or can be mechanically engaged with both guide rails. In this way, dual-guided movement can be provided between the imaging device and the mounting, for example, to scan a scanning area of ​​a body part to which the imaging device is attached via the mounting.

[0030] According to another example, the scanner is capable of operating to scan the area as the scanner undergoes movement relative to the mounting.

[0031] According to another example, the imaging device includes a motion detector that is operable to synchronize the movement of the imaging device with a scanner signal available from the scanner when the imaging device undergoes movement relative to the mounting (e.g., during a scanning operation).

[0032] A motion detector can be operated to quantitatively determine the position and / or instantaneous movement state of the imaging device and / or scanner relative to the mounting. With the motion detector, scanner signals obtained from the scanner when it is in a first position can be precisely mapped to that specific first scanner position. Similarly, scanner signals obtained when the scanner is in a second position can be precisely mapped to that second scanner position. In this way, all scanner signals can be obtained from the scanner over time, and as the scanner moves across the scanned area, at least a two-dimensional map of the scanner signals indicating the properties of the scanned area can be provided.

[0033] According to another example, the motion detector includes at least one motion sensor operable to quantitatively measure the movement of an imaging device relative to a mounting. The motion sensor may be integrated into a scanner or imaging device. The motion sensor may be operable to quantitatively measure the movement of the imaging device directly relative to the mounting. For this purpose, the mounting may include a scale extending along a direction of movement in which the imaging device can move relative to the mounting. In other examples, the at least one motion sensor may be operable to quantitatively measure the movement of the imaging device and / or the movement of the scanner directly relative to a scanned area of ​​a body part. Typically, the motion sensor may include at least one of a digital camera, an optical sensor, a gyroscope, or a solid-state compass.

[0034] In some examples, the motion sensor can be implemented as an optical motion sensor. The motion sensor may include a light source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED) and a corresponding photodiode, to detect movement of the motion sensor relative to a surface. Typically, light emitted by the LED is directed onto the surface, for example, onto the surface of a mount or onto the surface of the body part to be scanned. A motion sensor that can be implemented as a photodiode can be operated to capture continuous images of the surface to which the motion detector is moving. The images of the surface captured continuously by the photodiode can be compared electronically by a corresponding processor. Based on the comparison of the images captured at a time offset, a degree of positional change can be determined, and thus the movement of the motion sensor relative to the surface of the mount or relative to the surface of the body part to which the mount is currently fixed can be determined.

[0035] In another example, the motion sensor is implemented as an optical motion sensor and includes an imaging system (such as a digital camera) capable of capturing images of a surface that has moved relative to the motion sensor as the imaging device undergoes movement relative to the mount. The surface imaged or captured by the camera can be disposed on either the mount or a body part to which the mount is fastened. The camera can be implemented as a smartphone camera, which is commercially available at a reasonable cost. The camera can be derived from a smartphone camera. It can include a small optical design.

[0036] Typically, optical motion sensors are operated to track distinguishable structures on a surface, such as feature marks on skin or body parts. In some examples, optical motion sensors are operated to track the contours of feature structures on body parts, such as the contours of an arm or finger. Based on the tracking of features or distinguishable structures on the surface, a signal processor can be operated to adjust the imaging position of the structure of interest onto the projection area accordingly. Typically, and in the same manner as the imaging device undergoes movement relative to the mounting, the projection of the image of the structure of interest undergoes corresponding movement or modification, such that the projected image is effectively fixed to the body part. Any movement of the scanner relative to the body part during the scanning operation is effectively compensated by the signal processor and / or projector in a manner such that the image projected onto the projection area does not move relative to the projection area or the body part.

[0037] According to another example, the imaging device includes a housing. The housing includes a bottom side and at least one sidewall adjacent to the bottom side. One of the scanner and the projector is disposed on or integrated into the bottom side. The other of the scanner and the projector is disposed on or integrated into at least one sidewall.

[0038] In some examples, the sidewalls extend at a predefined angle relative to the bottom side. The bottom side can be configured to face the scanning area of ​​the body part. In some examples, the bottom side of the imaging device housing includes a surface normal that extends substantially parallel to the surface normal of the scanning area of ​​the body part to be scanned.

[0039] When the imaging device is fixed or attached to a body part, the sidewalls can project upwards from the bottom and thus away from the scanning area. The sidewalls can include a number of sidewall segments or portions. In some examples, the sidewalls can be cylindrical. In this case, the sidewall may consist of only a single tubular structure. In other examples, the housing of the imaging device can be cubic. In this case, the sidewalls can include four separate sidewalls or portions that confine the interior of the imaging device.

[0040] In any embodiment of the imaging device's sidewall, at least one of the scanner and projector is disposed on or integrated into the sidewall. In this way, the scanner and projector extend relative to each other at a predefined angle, which is defined by the angle between the bottom side of the housing and the sidewall.

[0041] In some examples, the scanner is positioned on or integrated into the bottom side, while the projector is positioned on or integrated into at least one sidewall. This arrangement offers the advantage that the scanner can move a relatively small distance over the scanning area, and therefore its distance from the scanning surface is less than the distance between the scanning surface and the projector. During the scanning process, the housing of the imaging device can at least partially cover both the scanning area and the projection area, which can substantially coincide with the scanning area of ​​the body part. Then, and for example, at or near the end of the scanning operation, the imaging device may have moved relative to the mounting to an end position, where the imaging device no longer covers the scanning area or any part thereof.

[0042] The projector can then be positioned within or above the side wall of the housing, at a location elevated relative to the scanning area of ​​the projection area. This position (e.g., obtained at the end of the scanning procedure) can be advantageous for illuminating the structure of interest or projecting its image onto the projection area. There, the projector can be positioned at a clearly defined distance from the surface of the scanning or projection area, a distance greater than the distance between the scanner and the scanning area of ​​the projection area, such as, for example, measured along the surface normal of the scanning or projection area.

[0043] By positioning the projector at a distance greater than the distance between the corresponding area and the scanner from the projection or scanning area, the entire scanning area can be easily illuminated visually and / or the structure of interest can be optically projected. With a relatively large distance between the projector, located on or within the sidewall of the housing, and the surface of the scanning or projection area, a fairly accurate optical projection of the structure of interest can be provided across the entire projection area. As the distance between the projection area and the projector along the surface normal of the projection area increases, the lateral extent or size of the projection area (i.e., the size of the projection area on a human or animal body part) can be increased accordingly, even without implementing particularly expensive or sophisticated optical projection hardware.

[0044] According to another example of the imaging apparatus, the scanner and projector are configured and arranged such that the scanning area and the projection area substantially overlap. Furthermore, the projector and / or a signal processor configured to control the projector can be operated to adjust any movement of the imaging device relative to the mounting during a stage or step of projecting an image of the structure of interest onto the projection area. Therefore, a motion detector can be used not only during scanning of the scanning area but also during projection of the structure of interest onto the projection area.

[0045] In this way, a dynamic and variable projection of an image of the structure of interest onto the projection area can be provided as the projector and thus the imaging device undergoes measurable movement. Through the quantitatively measurable movement of the imaging device relative to the mounting, the projector or signal processor can, for example, modify the image currently projected by the projector in real time, such that the structure of interest projected onto the projection area remains constant and substantially unmodified even as the projector or imaging device moves. This allows for the projection of at least a portion of the structure of interest not only after the movement or scanning operation is completed, but also during a scanning operation in which the imaging device undergoes movement relative to the mounting of the imaging apparatus.

[0046] According to another example, the imaging device is configured to project an image of at least a portion of the structure of interest onto a projection area during scanning of the scanning area. In this way, real-time information about the projection area of ​​the structure of interest onto the body part can be provided. The imaging device can respond to time-varying conditions fairly instantly.

[0047] According to another example, the imaging device is configured to project an image of the structure of interest onto a projection area after scanning the scanning area is complete. In this way, the step of scanning the scanning area can be separated from the step of projecting the image of the structure of interest onto the projection area. This can be particularly advantageous when the user intends to puncture the structure of interest (e.g., a blood vessel or vein) while the imaging device projects the image of the structure of interest onto the projection area. In some examples, the imaging device can be at least temporarily fixed or fixable to a mount during the projection of the image of the structure of interest onto the projection area. At least temporarily fixing the imaging device to a mount can be particularly beneficial for improving the quality of the projection. In some examples, the user may have to actively move the imaging device relative to the mount. Here, the movable fastening of the imaging device to the mount may provide a well-defined mechanical resistance or friction that the user must overcome to move the imaging device relative to the mount, for example, for scanning operations.

[0048] The mobility of the imaging device relative to the mount can be guided at least by a first stop that defines a well-defined end position for the movement of the imaging device relative to the mount. A second stop may also be present to define a starting position for the movable imaging device. Typically, this stopping configuration is achieved at the end of a scanning procedure during which the scanner and / or imaging device moves relative to the mount, for example, over a scanned area of ​​a body part. In some examples, not only a stop configured to define or limit the end position of the movement of the imaging device relative to the mount can be provided, but also a fastener can be provided to secure the imaging device relative to the mount, for example, to the end position or at any position between the starting and end positions, wherein the stopping position deviates from the end position and / or the starting position in the direction of movement in which the imaging device and / or scanner can move relative to the mount.

[0049] According to another example, the scanner includes one of a scanning light source and a photodetector, as well as an ultrasonic transducer. In one example, the scanner includes a combination of a scanning light source and a spatially resolved light detector (such as a photodetector). The scanning light generated by the scanning light source can be directed onto a scanning area of ​​the body part, and the light reflected from the scanning area is detected by the photodetector. The light source and the corresponding light detector can operate in the infrared or near-infrared spectral range. In other examples, they can also operate in the visible spectral range.

[0050] According to another example, the scanner includes an ultrasonic transducer that may need to make direct mechanical contact with the scanned area of ​​a body part in order to provide a corresponding ultrasound-based spatially resolved image.

[0051] The mobility of the scanner relative to the mounting allows for the implementation of a variety of different scanning techniques, through which structures of interest (such as blood vessels or veins) can be extracted or identified from the corresponding scanner signals.

[0052] In some examples, the light source is an infrared light source, and the photodetector is a corresponding infrared-sensitive photodetector.

[0053] Using light in the infrared range, blood vessels, veins, or other subcutaneous structures of interest can be easily and clearly identified and / or extracted from scanner signals obtained from photodetectors or scanners.

[0054] According to another example, the projector of the imaging device includes a projection light source and an image projector. The image projector includes one of a laser projector, a liquid crystal display (LCD) image projector, and an LED or OLED-based image projector.

[0055] Typically, the light source of an image projector is configured to emit light within the visible spectrum. The light source can be monochromatic. In other examples, the light source is a polychromatic light source or comprises many light sources that are distinguished by the spectrum or color of the light emitted from them.

[0056] According to another example, the image projector is operable to project a first stereoscopic image onto a projection area, and is further configured or operable to project a second stereoscopic image onto the projection area. The first and second stereoscopic images are complementary to each other to provide a stereoscopic three-dimensional image of the structure of interest. In this way, a stereoscopic image can be provided to the user that indicates not only the location of the structure of interest of a corresponding body part of a human or animal, but also its three-dimensional shape or depth.

[0057] Stereoscopic projection can provide users with a three-dimensional impression of the location of structures of interest (e.g., specialized blood vessels or veins beneath the skin of a human or animal body part). Here, the overall depth of veins beneath the skin can be displayed.

[0058] According to another example, the image projector can operate to alternate between a first projection of a first stereoscopic image onto a projection area and a second projection of a second stereoscopic image onto the projection area. The alternation between the first and second projections can be performed according to a predefined schedule, such as a predefined switching frequency or alternation frequency. While the first and second projections are alternately performed on the projection area, corresponding stereoscopic glasses can be provided, which can be synchronized with the alternating projection of the first and second stereoscopic images.

[0059] According to another example, the imaging device includes stereoscopic glasses that can be synchronized with alternating projections of a first stereoscopic image and a second stereoscopic image. Synchronization between the alternating projections and the stereoscopic glasses can be provided by a signal processor and / or by a separate synchronization unit for the stereoscopic projection. Typically, the stereoscopic glasses are operable to communicate wirelessly with a corresponding stereo controller or signal processor of the imaging device to provide the corresponding synchronization.

[0060] The stereoscopic glasses may include a first lens and a second lens. Each lens may include a shutter, for example, in the form of an electro-optic modulator or electro-optic shutter controllable by a local controller of the shutter glasses. In this way, a first projection of a first stereoscopic image onto the projection area may temporally overlap with the optical transparency of the first lens of the stereoscopic glasses, while the second lens is switched to an opaque or non-opaque mode. When the image projector projects a second projection of a second stereoscopic image onto the projection area, the configuration of the stereoscopic glasses will switch simultaneously. Then, the first lens may switch to a non-opaque or opaque configuration, while the second lens may switch to a transparent mode.

[0061] In another example, a first stereoscopic image has a first color, and a second stereoscopic image has a second color. The first and second colors can be different and therefore distinguishable. Typically, the first and second colors are colors with opposite chromaticity, such as red and cyan. In this way, a projection system similar to embossing or color coding can be provided, in which a stereoscopic three-dimensional effect is achieved by each of the two images reaching only one eye, thus displaying an integrated stereoscopic image. The user's visual cortex fuses this into a perception of a three-dimensional image.

[0062] Accordingly, and in cases where the first stereoscopic image and the second stereoscopic image include a first different color and a second different color, the stereoscopic glasses may include a first lens with a first color filter and a second lens with a second color filter. The first color filter corresponds to the first color, and the second color filter corresponds to the second color. In this way, the first stereoscopic image and the second stereoscopic image with different colors can be projected simultaneously, thereby projecting onto the projection area in a time-overlapping manner. The first stereoscopic image and the second stereoscopic image with different colors can be projected onto the projection area with a well-defined lateral offset relative to each other, which provides a three-dimensional impression when viewed through stereoscopic glasses including a first lens and a second lens with corresponding first and second color filters.

[0063] In some examples, the scanner of the imaging device can be implemented as a 3D scanner. Therefore, it can operate to scan a 3D structure of interest on or beneath the skin of a human or animal body.

[0064] In some examples, the projector can operate not only to generate and / or project images of structures of interest, such as those extracted or identified from scanner signals by a signal processor, but also to generate and / or add supplementary information obtained from the scanner signals, providing this supplementary information in the form of at least one of symbols, colors, or numerical values, and embedding this supplementary information into the image projected onto a projection area of ​​the body part. Here, the projection may include a specific portion of the image of the structure of interest, such as a highlighting of further useful information about veins or blood vessels extracted or identified from the scanner signals.

[0065] Additional information, particularly the depth of the structures of interest and / or the optimal injection location below the scanned area (and thus below the actual skin surface scanned by the scanner), can be filled in or color-coded in the projected image. This provides supplementary guidance when the user intends to puncture the corresponding blood vessel or vein, for example, with an injection needle or butterfly needle.

[0066] According to another example, the mounting device for fastening to a body part includes one of a cuff, loop, or wristband for fastening to a body part of a human or animal body. The mounting device may be provided in variable sizes and / or may be adjustable in size to allow for proper fastening to various different body parts or body parts of different sizes.

[0067] The installer can be designed for specific injection sites, such as the flexor of the arm, the forearm, or the back of the patient's hand. In some examples, the installer can be configured as a cuff that can be attached to other body areas, such as the patient's leg, calf, or foot.

[0068] The mount can be configured to press the imaging device and / or scanner against the skin of a body part, but still allow the imaging device to move relative to the mount, for example, along a guide structure disposed on or inside the mount. Securing the mount to the corresponding body part can be achieved using flexible materials, strips, or Velcro fasteners. For example, the mount, in the form of a cuff, loop, or wristband, can cover a portion of the body part. The mount may optionally include a tourniquet to assist with self-injection after imaging of a vein or blood vessel.

[0069] In some examples, fasteners may include sleeve-shaped components to enclose the body portion of a human or animal body with a scanning area.

[0070] The mounting element (e.g., a cuff or loop) may include an aperture extending in a direction of movement, along which the imaging device can, for example, move relative to the mounting element. In some examples, the imaging device may move above the aperture of the mounting element, and the scanned area of ​​the body part may appear below or through the aperture. This allows the mounting element to be secured to the body part with considerable precision, while ensuring unobstructed viewing or observation of the scanned area of ​​the corresponding body part. Furthermore, the aperture in the mounting element allows unobstructed projection of the image onto the projection area.

[0071] The signal processor may include or provide a digital image processing engine, through which the structure of interest in the scanner signal can be extracted or identified.

[0072] According to another aspect, this disclosure also relates to a method for imaging veins or blood vessels in a human or animal body. Typically, this method is performed using an imaging apparatus as described above. Therefore, all the effects, features, and benefits described above in conjunction with the imaging apparatus are equally applicable to the method for imaging veins or blood vessels in a human or animal body; and vice versa.

[0073] The method includes the following steps: providing the imaging device as described above, and fastening the mounting of the imaging device to a body part of a human or animal. Thereafter, and in subsequent steps, a scanning area of ​​the body part is scanned using a scanner of the imaging device. By scanning the scanning area, a scanner signal as described above is generated. In subsequent steps, or while scanning the scanning area, the scanner signal is processed to extract or identify structures of interest. The processing of the scanner signal is typically provided by the signal processor of the imaging device as described above.

[0074] Subsequently, or while scanning and extracting or identifying the structure of interest, an image of the structure of interest is generated, and the image is projected onto the projection area of ​​the body part by the projector of the imaging device described above.

[0075] The imaging methods for blood vessels or veins described herein allow for and provide fairly automated imaging of veins or blood vessels in body parts. The imaging device frees up the user's hands through its mounting fastened to the body part, which is useful for puncturing veins or blood vessels in a fairly simple and direct manner.

[0076] According to another example, the scanning area is scanned during movement of the imaging device relative to the mounting. Typically, the imaging device is moved by the patient or the user of the imaging apparatus. The imaging device may sweep along a direction of movement defined by a guide structure provided by the mounting for the imaging device. In some examples, such as during and / or for projecting an image of the structure of interest onto the projection area, the imaging device may be at least temporarily fixed to the mounting.

[0077] According to another example, an image of the structure of interest is projected onto a projection area during or after scanning the scanning area. Projecting at least a portion of the structure of interest during scanning can provide the user with immediate feedback on scan quality or scan results. Projecting the structure of interest onto the projection area after the scanning procedure is completed can provide a complete illustration of the structure of interest, which may have been at least partially covered by the imaging device and / or a corresponding housing during the scanning procedure.

[0078] According to another aspect, this disclosure also relates to an imaging apparatus for imaging veins in a human or animal body. The imaging apparatus includes an imaging device. The imaging device includes a scanner capable of operating a scanning area for scanning a body part of the human or animal body and generating a scanner signal while scanning the body part. The imaging device further includes a signal processor connected to the scanner and capable of operating to process the scanner signal from the scanner to perform operations such as extracting or identifying at least one of the structures of interest from the scanner signal.

[0079] The imaging device further includes a display device connected to a signal processor and operable to display an image of the structure of interest on or relative to a body part.

[0080] The imaging device may optionally include a mounting for fastening to a body part of a human or animal. Here, and in some examples, the imaging device is movably fastened to the mounting, or movably fastened to the mounting. In other examples, the imaging device can operate independently, i.e., without a mounting. In still other examples, the imaging device may be fixed (e.g., non-movably fixed) to the mounting.

[0081] In some examples, the display device includes a projector or image projector as described above, which is operable to project an image of the structure of interest onto a projection area of ​​the body part.

[0082] In some examples, the image projector is operable to project a first stereoscopic image onto a projection area and a second stereoscopic image onto the projection area. The first and second stereoscopic images are complementary to each other to provide a stereoscopic three-dimensional image of the structure of interest. In this way, a stereoscopic image can be provided to the user that indicates not only the location of the structure of interest of a corresponding body part of a human or animal body, but also its three-dimensional shape or depth.

[0083] According to another example, the image projector can operate to alternate between a first projection of a first stereoscopic image onto a projection area and a second projection of a second stereoscopic image onto the projection area. The alternation between the first and second projections can be performed according to a predefined schedule, such as a predefined switching frequency or alternation frequency. While the first and second projections are alternately performed on the projection area, corresponding stereoscopic glasses can be provided, which can be synchronized with the alternating projection of the first and second stereoscopic images.

[0084] According to another example, the imaging device includes stereoscopic glasses that can be synchronized with alternating projections of a first stereoscopic image and a second stereoscopic image. Synchronization between the alternating projections and the stereoscopic glasses can be provided by a signal processor and / or by a separate synchronization unit for the stereoscopic projection. Typically, the stereoscopic glasses are operable to communicate wirelessly with a corresponding stereo controller or signal processor of the imaging device to provide the corresponding synchronization.

[0085] The stereoscopic glasses may include a first lens and a second lens. Each lens may include a shutter, for example, in the form of an electro-optic modulator or electro-optic shutter controllable by a local controller of the shutter glasses. In this way, a first projection of a first stereoscopic image onto the projection area may temporally overlap with the optical transparency of the first lens of the stereoscopic glasses, while the second lens is switched to an opaque or non-opaque mode. When the image projector projects a second projection of a second stereoscopic image onto the projection area, the configuration of the stereoscopic glasses will switch simultaneously. Then, the first lens may switch to a non-opaque or opaque configuration, while the second lens may switch to a transparent mode.

[0086] In another example, a first stereoscopic image has a first color, and a second stereoscopic image has a second color. The first and second colors can be different and therefore distinguishable. Typically, the first and second colors are colors with opposite chromaticity, such as red and cyan. In this way, a projection system similar to embossing or color coding can be provided, in which a stereoscopic three-dimensional effect is achieved by each of the two images reaching only one eye, thus displaying an integrated stereoscopic image. The user's visual cortex fuses this into a perception of a three-dimensional image.

[0087] Accordingly, and in cases where the first stereoscopic image and the second stereoscopic image include a first different color and a second different color, the stereoscopic glasses may include a first lens with a first color filter and a second lens with a second color filter. The first color filter corresponds to the first color, and the second color filter corresponds to the second color. In this way, the first stereoscopic image and the second stereoscopic image with different colors can be projected simultaneously, thereby projecting onto the projection area in a time-overlapping manner. The first stereoscopic image and the second stereoscopic image with different colors can be projected onto the projection area with a well-defined lateral offset relative to each other, which provides a three-dimensional impression when viewed through stereoscopic glasses including a first lens and a second lens with corresponding first and second color filters.

[0088] In some examples, the scanner of the imaging device can be implemented as a 3D scanner. Therefore, it can operate to scan a 3D structure of interest on or beneath the skin of a human or animal body.

[0089] In some examples, the projector can operate not only to generate and / or project images of structures of interest, such as those extracted or identified from scanner signals by a signal processor, but also to generate and / or add supplementary information obtained from the scanner signals, providing this supplementary information in the form of at least one of symbols, colors, or numerical values, and embedding this supplementary information into the image projected onto a projection area of ​​the body part. Here, the projection may include a specific portion of the image of the structure of interest, such as a highlighting of further useful information about veins or blood vessels extracted or identified from the scanner signals.

[0090] Additional information, particularly the depth of the structures of interest and / or the optimal injection location below the scanned area (and thus below the actual skin surface scanned by the scanner), can be filled in or color-coded in the projected image. This provides supplementary guidance when the user intends to puncture the corresponding blood vessel or vein, for example, with an injection needle or butterfly needle.

[0091] According to another example, a display device connected to a signal processor is capable of operating to display an image of the structure of interest relative to a body part (e.g., its position, orientation, or movement relative to the body part). Here, the display device may include a monitor for visualizing an image of the structure of interest. As mentioned above, the display device may be offset from the scanning area and / or from the projection area.

[0092] The display device can be provided as a separate device and may not be part of the imaging device. It can be connected to the imaging device and can be operated to generate an image of the structure of interest on or via its own display.

[0093] The display may include either a head-mounted display or a head-up display. The display may include a screen capable of reproducing or displaying images of a structure of interest. The screen may be implemented as a transparent or partially transparent display, allowing and supporting unobstructed viewing for a person wearing a head-mounted display or head-up display.

[0094] In another example, the display is equipped with a motion sensor that can quantitatively detect and / or measure the movement of the display relative to a body part.

[0095] At least one of the signal processor and the display device is operable to superimpose an image of the structure of interest onto the field of view via a transparent or partially transparent display. At least one of the signal processor and the display device is operable to process signals from a motion sensor in order to maintain an image of the structure of interest on the display in a configuration that overlaps with a scanned body portion.

[0096] Motion sensors can track and quantitatively measure any movement of a display device relative to a body part, thereby allowing the reproduction of an image of the structure of interest through a transparent or partially transparent display in a configuration overlapping the field of view and / or allowing compensation for any movement of the display device relative to the body part so that the image of the structure of interest is maintained in the display in a manner that overlaps with and / or remains substantially stationary relative to the scanned body part, as seen by a user through a monitor or display screen. Typically, motion sensors may include at least one of a digital camera, an optical sensor, a gyroscope, or a solid-state compass.

[0097] According to another example, the display device includes either virtual reality (VR) goggles or augmented reality (AR) goggles. The display device can be operatively connected to a signal processor and can be controlled by the signal processor via a wired or wireless data connection.

[0098] By implementing a display device as VR or AR goggles, it is also possible to provide a three-dimensional image or impression of the structures of interest above or below the skin of a body part. Therefore, it can facilitate puncture of blood vessels or veins above or below the skin of a body part.

[0099] Typically, the scope of this disclosure is defined by the content of the claims. This disclosure is not limited to a specific embodiment or example, but includes any combination of elements from different embodiments or examples. To a certain extent, this disclosure covers any combination of claims and any technically feasible combination of features disclosed in different examples or embodiments.

[0100] The terms “drug” or “pharmaceutical” are used synonymously herein and describe pharmaceutical preparations comprising one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof, and optionally pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. In the broadest sense, an active pharmaceutical ingredient (“API”) is a chemical structure that has a biological effect on humans or animals. In pharmacology, a drug or pharmaceutical preparation is used to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose a disease or to otherwise enhance physical or mental health. Drugs or pharmaceutical preparations may be used for a limited duration or periodically for chronic disorders.

[0101] As described below, a drug or pharmaceutical agent may include at least one API or combination thereof in different types of formulations for the treatment of one or more diseases. Examples of APIs may include small molecules (having a molecular weight of 500 Da or less); polypeptides, peptides, and proteins (e.g., hormones, growth factors, antibodies, antibody fragments, and enzymes); carbohydrates and polysaccharides; and nucleic acids, double-stranded or single-stranded DNA (including naked and cDNA), RNA, antisense nucleic acids (such as antisense DNA and RNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), ribozymes, genes, and oligonucleotides. Nucleic acids may be incorporated into molecular delivery systems (such as vectors, plasmids, or liposomes). Mixtures of one or more drugs are also considered.

[0102] Drugs or pharmaceutical preparations may be contained in primary packaging or "drug containers" suitable for use with drug delivery devices. Drug containers may be, for example, cartridges, syringes, reservoirs, or other robust or flexible vessels configured to provide suitable chambers for storing (e.g., short-term or long-term storage) one or more drugs. For example, in some cases, the chambers may be designed to store the drug for at least one day (e.g., from 1 day to at least 30 days). In some cases, the chambers may be designed to store the drug for about one month to about two years. Storage may be carried out at room temperature (e.g., about 20°C) or at refrigerated temperatures (e.g., from about -4°C to about 4°C). In some cases, drug containers may be or may include dual-chamber cartridges configured to separately store two or more components (e.g., API and diluent, or two different drugs) of a pharmaceutical preparation to be administered, one component in each chamber. In such cases, the two chambers of a dual-chamber cartridge may be configured to allow mixing between the two or more components before and / or during administration to a human or animal. For example, the two chambers can be configured such that they are in fluid communication with each other (e.g., through a conduit between the two chambers), allowing the user to mix the two components as needed before dispensing. Alternatively or additionally, the two chambers can be configured to allow mixing during the dispensing of the components into a human or animal body.

[0103] The drugs or agents contained in the drug delivery devices described herein can be used to treat and / or prevent many different types of medical barriers. Examples of barriers include, for example, diabetes or diabetes-related complications (such as diabetic retinopathy), thromboembolic barriers (such as deep vein or pulmonary thromboembolism). Other examples of barriers are acute coronary syndrome (ACS), angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, tumors, macular degeneration, inflammation, hay fever, atherosclerosis, and / or rheumatoid arthritis. Examples of APIs and drugs are those described in the following manuals: such as Rote Liste 2014 (e.g., but not limited to, main group 12 (antidiabetic drugs) or 86 (oncology drugs)), and the Merck Index (15th edition).

[0104] Examples of APIs used to treat and / or prevent type 1 or type 2 diabetes or complications associated with type 1 or type 2 diabetes include insulin (e.g., human insulin, or human insulin analogs or derivatives); glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), GLP-1 analogs or GLP-1 receptor agonists, or analogs or derivatives thereof; dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof; or any mixture of the above. As used herein, the terms “analyte” and “derivative” refer to a polypeptide having a molecular structure that is formally derived from the structure of a naturally occurring peptide (e.g., the structure of human insulin) by deletion and / or exchange of at least one amino acid residue present in a naturally occurring peptide and / or by addition of at least one amino acid residue. The added and / or exchanged amino acid residues may be encoding amino acid residues or other naturally occurring residues or purely synthetic amino acid residues. Insulin analogs are also referred to as “insulin receptor ligands”. Specifically, the term "derivative" refers to a polypeptide having a molecular structure that is formally derived from the structure of a naturally occurring peptide (e.g., human insulin), wherein one or more organic substituents (e.g., fatty acids) are bound to one or more amino acids. Optionally, one or more amino acids present in a naturally occurring peptide may have been missing and / or substituted with other amino acids (including non-coding amino acids), or amino acids (including non-coding amino acids) may have been added to a naturally occurring peptide.

[0105] Examples of insulin analogs are Gly(A21), Arg(B31), Arg(B32) human insulin (glargine insulin); Lys(B3), Glu(B29) human insulin (glutamate insulin); Lys(B28), Pro(B29) human insulin (lispro insulin); Asp(B28) human insulin (aspart insulin); human insulin wherein the proline at position B28 is replaced by Asp, Lys, Leu, Val, or Ala, and wherein the Lys at position B29 can be replaced by Pro; Ala(B26) human insulin; Des(B28-B30) human insulin; Des(B27) human insulin and Des(B30) human insulin.

[0106] Examples of insulin derivatives include, for instance, B29-N-myristoyl-des(B30) human insulin, Lys(B29)(N-tetradecanoyl)-des(B30) human insulin (detemir®); B29-N-palmitoyl-des(B30) human insulin; B29-N-myristoyl human insulin; B29-N-palmitoyl human insulin; B28-N-myristoylLysB28ProB29 human insulin; B28-N-palmitoyl-LysB28ProB29 human insulin; and B30-N-myristoyl-ThrB29. LysB30 human insulin; B30-N-palmitoyl-ThrB29LysB30 human insulin; B29-N-(N-palmitoyl-γ-glutamyl)-des(B30) human insulin, B29-N-ω-carboxypentadecanoyl-γ-L-glutamyl-des(B30) human insulin (Degludec insulin, Tresiba®); B29-N-(N-lithochyl-γ-glutamyl)-des(B30) human insulin; B29-N-(ω-carboxyheptadecanoyl)-des(B30) human insulin and B29-N-(ω-carboxyheptadecanoyl) human insulin.

[0107] Examples of GLP-1, GLP-1 analogs, and GLP-1 receptor agonists include, for example, lixilamide (Lyxumia®), exenatide (Exendin-4, Byetta®, Bydureon®, a 39-amino acid peptide produced by the salivary glands of the Gila monster), liraglutide (Victoza®), semaglutide, tasglutide, abiglutide (Syncria®), duraglutide (Trulicity®), rExendin-4, CJC-1134-PC, PB-1023, TTP-054, Langlenatide / HM-11260C (efpeglenatide), HM-15211, CM-3, and GLP-1. Eligen, ORMD-0901, NN-9423, NN-9709, NN-9924, NN-9926, NN-9927, Nodexen, Viador-GLP-1, CVX-096, ZYOG-1, ZYD-1, GSK-2374697, DA-3091, MAR-701, MAR709, ZP-2929, ZP-3022, ZP-DI-70, TT-401 (Pegapamodtide), BHM-034, MOD-6030, CAM-2036, DA-15864, ARI-2651, ARI-2255, Tepirotide (LY3298176), Bamadutide (SAR425899), Exenatide-XTEN, and Glucagon-Xten.

[0108] Examples of oligonucleotides are, for example, mirtrimazole sodium (Kynamro®), a cholesterol-reducing antisense agent used to treat familial hypercholesterolemia, or RG012 used to treat Alport syndrome. Examples of DPP4 inhibitors are liraliptin, vedagliptin, sitagliptin, denagliptin, saxagliptin, and berberine.

[0109] Examples of hormones include pituitary or hypothalamic hormones or regulatory active peptides and their antagonists, such as gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin, fertility-stimulating hormone), growth hormone (growth hormone), desmopressin, terlipressin, gosorelin, triptorelin, leuprorelin, buserorelin, nafarelin, and goserelin.

[0110] Examples of polysaccharides include glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, heparin, low molecular weight heparin or ultra-low molecular weight heparin or derivatives thereof, or sulfated polysaccharides (e.g., polysulfated forms of the above-mentioned polysaccharides), and / or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. An example of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of polysulfated low molecular weight heparin is enoxaparin sodium. An example of a hyaluronic acid derivative is Hylan GF 20 (Synvisc®), a sodium hyaluronate.

[0111] As used herein, the term "antibody" refers to an immunoglobulin molecule or its antigen-binding portion. Examples of antigen-binding portions of immunoglobulin molecules include F(ab) and F(ab')2 fragments that retain the ability to bind antigens. Antibodies can be polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, recombinant antibodies, chimeric antibodies, deimmunized or humanized antibodies, fully human antibodies, non-human (e.g., mouse) antibodies, or single-chain antibodies. In some embodiments, antibodies have effector functions and can immobilize complement. In some embodiments, the ability of an antibody to bind to an Fc receptor is reduced or absent. For example, an antibody can be an isotype or subtype, an antibody fragment, or a mutant that does not support binding to an Fc receptor, for example, its Fc receptor-binding region has been mutagenized or deleted. The term "antibody" also includes antigen-binding molecules based on tetravalent bispecific tandem immunoglobulins (TBTI) and / or dual variable-region antibody-like binding proteins with cross-binding region orientation (CODV).

[0112] The term "fragment" or "antibody fragment" refers to a polypeptide (e.g., antibody heavy chain and / or light chain polypeptide) derived from an antibody polypeptide molecule that does not contain the full-length antibody polypeptide but still contains at least a portion of the full-length antibody polypeptide capable of binding to an antigen. Antibody fragments may contain cleaved portions of the full-length antibody polypeptide, but the term is not limited to such cleaved fragments. Antibody fragments that can be used in this invention include, for example, Fab fragments, F(ab')2 fragments, scFv (single-chain Fv) fragments, linear antibodies, monospecific or multispecific antibody fragments (e.g., bispecific, trispecific, tetraspecific, and multispecific antibodies (e.g., double-chain, triple-chain, and quadruple-chain antibodies)), monovalent or multivalent antibody fragments (e.g., bivalent, trivalent, quadruvalent, and multivalent antibodies), microantibodies, chelated recombinant antibodies, tri- or bivalent antibodies, intracellular antibodies, nanobodies, small modular immunopharmaceuticals (SMIPs), binding domain immunoglobulin fusion proteins, camel-derived antibodies, and antibodies containing VHH. Further examples of antigen-binding antibody fragments are known in the art.

[0113] The term "complementarity-determining region" or "CDR" refers to a short polypeptide sequence within the variable region of both heavy and light chain polypeptides, primarily responsible for mediating specific antigen recognition. The term "frame region" refers to an amino acid sequence within the variable region of both heavy and light chain polypeptides; it is not a CDR sequence and is primarily responsible for maintaining the correct positioning of the CDR sequence to allow antigen binding. Although frame regions, as is known in the art, typically do not directly participate in antigen binding, certain residues within the frame region of some antibodies can directly participate in antigen binding or can influence the ability of one or more amino acids in the CDR to interact with the antigen.

[0114] Examples of antibodies are anti-PCSK-9 mAb (e.g., aliximumab), anti-IL-6 mAb (e.g., thalidomumab), and anti-IL-4 mAb (e.g., dupilumab).

[0115] It is also considered that a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of any API described herein may be used in a drug or pharmaceutical preparation in a drug delivery device. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are, for example, acid addition salts and basic salts.

[0116] Those skilled in the art will understand that modifications (additions and / or removals) can be made to the different components, formulations, devices, methods, systems, and embodiments of the API described herein without departing from the full scope and spirit of the invention, which covers such modifications and any and all equivalents thereof.

[0117] Example drug delivery devices may involve needle-based injection systems, as described in Table 1 of Section 5.2 of ISO 11608-1:2014(E). As described in ISO 11608-1:2014(E), needle-based injection systems can be broadly categorized into multi-dose container systems and single-dose (partially or completely emptied) container systems. The container may be a replaceable container or an integrated, non-replaceable container.

[0118] As further described in ISO 11608-1:2014(E), a multi-dose container system can relate to a needle-based injection device with replaceable containers. In such a system, each container holds multiple doses, the size of which can be fixed or variable (preset by the user). Another multi-dose container system can relate to a needle-based injection device with an integrated, non-replaceable container. In such a system, each container holds multiple doses, the size of which can be fixed or variable (preset by the user).

[0119] As further described in ISO 11608-1:2014(E), a single-dose container system can relate to a needle-based injection device with a replaceable container. In one example of such a system, each container contains a single dose, in which the entire deliverable volume is emptied (completely emptied). In another example, each container contains a single dose, in which a portion of the deliverable volume is emptied (partially emptied). Also as described in ISO 11608-1:2014(E), a single-dose container system can relate to a needle-based injection device with an integrated, non-replaceable container. In one example of such a system, each container contains a single dose, in which the entire deliverable volume is emptied (completely emptied). In another example, each container contains a single dose, in which a portion of the deliverable volume is emptied (partially emptied). Attached Figure Description

[0120] In the following, numerous examples of imaging apparatuses having imaging devices and their components will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0121] Figure 1 This schematically illustrates an example of a mounting device that secures an imaging device to a part of a human or animal body.

[0122] Figure 2 Another example of a mounting piece fastened to a body part is shown.

[0123] Figure 3 The imaging device is schematically shown, which is secured to the body part by a mounting bracket during scanning and / or projection operations.

[0124] Figure 4 An imaging device was demonstrated during the projection of an image of the structure of interest.

[0125] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the imaging device secured to the body part, as seen along the direction of movement.

[0126] Figure 6 A side view of the imaging apparatus is shown during or after scanning the scanning area.

[0127] Figure 7 A partial view of the scanner is shown.

[0128] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a method for imaging veins or blood vessels in the human or animal body.

[0129] Figure 9 An example of a scanner is shown.

[0130] Figure 10An example of a projector is shown, and

[0131] Figure 11 Another example of a projector is shown, along with stereoscopic glasses for a three-dimensional illustration of the image of the structure of interest in the projection area. Detailed Implementation

[0132] exist Figure 1 A separate illustration is provided of the mounting 50 of an imaging device 1 for imaging blood vessels 8 or veins 9 of a human or animal body. The imaging device 1 includes the mounting 50 and an imaging apparatus 10, which are respectively located in… Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is displayed in the middle. Figure 5 The complete imaging device 1 is shown schematically.

[0133] Mount 50 is configured to secure the imaging device 1, and thus the imaging apparatus 10, to a body part 4 of a human or animal body. In the example shown, the body part 4 includes an arm 5. Mount 50 includes a body 51 to be wrapped around the body part 4. Mount 50 includes a cuff 52 or loop that can be tightly secured to the body part 4. The cuff or loop can be secured to the body part 4 to such an extent that it provides a tourniquet to assist in intravenous injection or similar drug administration procedures.

[0134] As in Figures 3 to 6 The imaging device 10 shown is movably secured to the mounting 50. The imaging device 10 includes a scanner 30 capable of operating a scanning area 40 for scanning body part 4 and generating a scanner signal during scanning of body part 4. The imaging device 10 further includes a signal processor 22 connected to the scanner 30. The signal processor 22 is operable to process the scanner signal from the scanner 30 to at least perform an operation of extracting or identifying one of the structures of interest 19 from the scanner signal. The structure of interest 19 may include or represent, for example, a blood vessel 8 or vein 9 located beneath the skin 6 of the corresponding body part 4 to which the mounting 50 and therefore the imaging device 10 is attached or secured.

[0135] The imaging device 10 further includes a projector 32, which is connected to the signal processor 22 and is operable to project an image 39 of the structure of interest 19 onto a projection area 42 of the body part 4. Figure 4 The projection of image 39 is shown schematically. Here, the scanning area 40 and the projection area 42 substantially overlap, and the scanner 30 can move along the scanning area in the movement directions 2 and 3. The image 39 of the structure of interest 19 is projected onto the projection area by the projector.

[0136] like Figure 1The mounting member 50 shown may be provided with fasteners 53 to securely fasten the mounting member 50 and thus the body 51 of the mounting member 50 to the body part 4 of the human body. The body 51 may be sleeve-shaped. The body may be provided with an opening 56 that extends along the movement directions 2, 3 and passes through the cuff 52 or the body 51, along which the imaging device 10 may be movably fastened to the mounting member 50. The body 51 may include a first body portion 54 adjacent to the longitudinal opening 56, and may further include a second body portion 55 extending along the opposite end of the opening 56. The body portions 54, 56 may both abut the opposite longitudinal side of the opening 56. They may form or define opposite circumferential ends of the body 51. The fasteners 53 (e.g., implemented as strips) may extend across the opening 56 to securely fasten the body 51 and thus the cuff 52 to the body part 4, for example, to the arm 5.

[0137] On at least one of the first part 54 and the second part 55, a guide structure 58 may be provided for the longitudinal sliding movement of the imaging device 10 when it is fastened to the mounting member 50. The guide structure 58 may overlap or may form a fastening structure 60 through which the imaging device 10 is detachably fastened to the mounting member 50.

[0138] In such Figure 2 In another example of the mounting component 50 shown, the body 51 includes a sleeve-shaped structure, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the sleeve-shaped structure has a longitudinal aperture 56 on its upper side, which extends through the material of the entire body 51. In the directions of movement 2 and 3, the longitudinal aperture is shorter than the corresponding portion of the body 51. The skin 6 of the body part 4 can be observed through the aperture 56. Therefore, the scanning area 40 can be located below the aperture 56.

[0139] The guide structure 58 may include guide rails 59 extending along the movement directions 3 and 2. Movement direction 3 can be represented as the proximal movement direction. Movement direction 2 can be represented as the distal movement direction. These two movement directions 2 and 3 face opposite directions. The guide structure 58 may extend parallel to the movement directions 2 and 3 and may define corresponding movement directions along which the imaging device 10 can be movably secured to the mounting member 50. For example... Figure 5 In the configuration shown, the imaging device 10 is fastened to the guide structure 58 by a mating fastening structure 20 disposed on or within the housing 11 of the imaging device 10, which is mechanically engaged with a fastening structure 60 disposed on the outside of the mounting member 50.

[0140] In the example currently shown, the mating fastening structure 20 may include a slider 21 for mechanically engaging with a longitudinally extending guide rail 59 of the fastening structure 60. Here, the guide rail 59 may define or may coincide with a guide structure 58. The mating fastening structure 20 may include or may form the slider 21, which mechanically engages with the guide rail 59.

[0141] In this way, the imaging device 10 can be slidably moved relative to the mounting member 50 by sliding along a guide structure 58, such as that provided by the guide rail 59. Figure 2 In the example, two parallel extending guide rails 59 are provided, each forming or constituting a guide structure 58. Each of the guide rails 59 is mechanically engaged with a corresponding slider 21.

[0142] An aperture 56 extending through the body 51 of the entire mounting 50 is located between the guide structures 58 and thus between the guide rails 59. The slider 21 of the imaging device 10, and therefore the mating fastening structure 20, can laterally protrude from the opposing sidewalls 15, 17 of the housing 11 of the imaging device. To some extent, the bottom or bottom side 12 of the housing 11 can be located directly above the aperture 56 and thus between the guide rails 59.

[0143] In this way, the bottom side 12 of the imaging device 10 can be closely close to the scanning area 40, and therefore closely close to the surface of the skin 6, thereby allowing for a precise and comprehensive scan of the scanning area. The bottom side can even make direct mechanical and sliding contact with the scanning area 40.

[0144] Since the housing 11 of the imaging device 10 can cover at least a portion of the aperture 56, and thus at least a portion of the scanning area 40 below, to project an image 39 of the structure of interest 19 obtained by a scanning operation, it is possible to move the imaging device 10 along the guide structure 58 to an end position, such as, for example... Figure 4 As indicated in the document.

[0145] exist Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the configuration during a scanning procedure, during which the imaging device 10 moves along a proximal movement direction 3. Simultaneously with the scanning operation, the projector 32 can be operated to project at least a portion of an image 39, such as that obtained from the scanner signal, onto a projection area 42. Whenever the imaging device 10 undergoes movement over the scanning area 40, the entire projection area 42 (which may coincide with or substantially overlap with the scanning area 40) may become unavailable for projection because the housing 11 of the imaging device 10 may obstruct the corresponding projection due to its movement over the scanning area 40, closely adjacent to the surface of the scanning area 40.

[0146] Therefore, and as Figure 4As shown, the projector 32 can be specifically configured to project a complete image 39 of the structure of interest 19 onto the projection area 42 when the imaging device 10 has reached an end configuration at the longitudinal end of the guide structure 58. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the imaging device 10 is positioned substantially overlapping with the proximal end of the guide structure 58. The scanner 30 is typically implemented or disposed within the bottom side 12 of the housing 11, as... Figure 6 As shown, the projector 32 is typically positioned above or inside the side walls 14, 15, 16, or 17 of the housing 11 in a raised position. In this way, and for effective projection, a sufficient projection distance can be provided between the projector 32 and the projection area 42.

[0147] Furthermore, since the projector 32 is disposed or integrated into the sidewalls 14, 15, 16, 17 of the housing 11, the image 39 of the structure of interest 19 is projected laterally from one side of the imaging device 10 onto the surface of the projection area 42. This allows unimpeded access to the projection area 42, for example, to puncture the structure of interest 19 with an injection device 45. Typically, the structure of interest 19 may include or may be a vein 9 designed for puncture or penetration with an injection device 45 (such as a syringe or butterfly needle).

[0148] The projected image 39 may include a projection of a vein 9 or blood vessel 8, and thus may represent a projected virtual vein 44 overlapping with the vein 9 located beneath the surface of the skin 6. Since the imaging device 10 remains in a stable position relative to the body part 4, the projected vein 44 and / or the projected image 39 can be in and maintain a stable overlapping configuration with the actual structure of interest 19 (and thus with the actual vein 9 located beneath the surface of the skin 6). Lateral projection of the image 39 from the sidewalls 14, 15, 16, 17 of the imaging device 10 particularly allows and supports a configuration where the imaging device 10 no longer covers the relevant portion of the scanned area 40. This enables the injection device 45 to access the structure of interest 19 without obstruction.

[0149] The mobility of the imaging device 10 relative to the mounting 50 and the tightly secured mounting provided to the body part 4 allows the process of scanning the scanning area 40 to be separated from the process of projecting the image 39 onto the projection area 42. Between the scanning operation and the projection of the image, there will be no uncontrolled movement of the imaging device 10 relative to the mounting 50 and / or relative to the body part 4, except for the intended scanning movement of the imaging device 10 relative to the mounting 50 controlled or defined by one or more guide structures 58.

[0150] The imaging device 10 includes not only a scanner 30, a signal processor 22, and a projector 32, but also an energy storage device 24, such as a rechargeable battery. The imaging device 10 may further include a motion detector 36, which includes at least one motion sensor 37, 38, such as, for example, in… Figure 7 As shown in the diagram, the motion detector 36 is operable to synchronize a quantitative movement of the imaging device 10 relative to the mount 50 with a scanner signal available from the scanner 30 as the imaging device 10 undergoes movement relative to the mount 50. In this way, a two-dimensional or even three-dimensional image or scan of the scanned area 40 can be provided using, for example, a line scanner extending perpendicular to the directions of movement 2, 3.

[0151] like Figure 7 As shown, the scanner 30 includes an elongated structure that extends substantially perpendicularly to the direction of movement 3 at a well-defined angle, along which the scanner 30 or imaging device 10 can move relative to the mounting 50. To quantitatively detect the degree or magnitude of movement of the imaging device 10 relative to the mounting 50, one or more motion sensors 37, 38 can be provided, by which the movement can be precisely and / or quantitatively measured.

[0152] Motion sensors 37 and 38 may include photoelectric sensors, which, for example, are combined with a corresponding light source and are capable of capturing continuous images of the surface of the body part and / or the surface of the mounting 50. By comparing the continuous images, for example with an image processing engine, the movement and / or position of the imaging device 10 relative to the corresponding surface can be quantitatively detected or measured. Motion sensors 37 and 38 may be implemented similarly to an optical computer mouse.

[0153] The motion detector 36 provides a quantitative measurement of the movement of the imaging device relative to the mount 50 and / or relative to the mount 50 and thus the body part 4 to which the imaging device 1 is fastened.

[0154] The projector 32 may include one or more light sources 33. The projector 32 may include an image projector 71, through which an image 39 of the structure of interest 19 may be projected onto the projection area 42, for example as a projection vein 44.

[0155] The imaging device 10 may further include a user interface 26. The user interface 26 may include at least one of a visual indicator, an auditory indicator, and a tactile indicator. It may include a one-dimensional or two-dimensional display or other visual indicator, such as a light source or LED. The user interface 26 may further include an input device, for example, in the form of user-operable buttons or dials. In some examples, the user interface 26 may include a touchscreen through which the user interacts with and controls the operation of the imaging device 10.

[0156] User interface 26 or a portion thereof may be integrated or disposed on or within the top side 18 of the housing 11 of the imaging device 10. In some examples, user interface 26 or a portion thereof may be disposed or integrated in one of the side walls 14, 15, 16, and 17.

[0157] Optionally, the imaging device 10 may be provided with an alignment sensor 35, which may include, for example, an accelerometer, through which the applied force effect on the imaging device 10 can be detected or quantitatively measured. The alignment sensor 35 may include or be implemented as an orientation sensor. It can be operated to determine the instantaneous orientation of the imaging device 10 relative to the ground or relative to the direction of gravity. In some examples, the alignment sensor 35 may include a gyroscope sensor. The alignment sensor 35 is operatively connected to a signal processor 22, which is in turn operable to process the signal generated by the alignment sensor 35. To some extent, the signal available from the alignment sensor 35 may be used to improve at least one of the scanning and projection steps.

[0158] like Figure 9 As specifically shown, the scanner 30 may include a light source 62 and a photodetector 63. The light emitted or emitted by the light source 62 can be directed onto the surface of the scanning area 40. The light reflected from the surface of the scanning area 40 can then be detected by the photodetector 63. As a supplement to or alternative to the light source 62 and the photodetector 63, the scanner 30 may include an ultrasonic transducer 64. To obtain a scanner signal, the ultrasonic transducer 64 should be in direct contact with the surface of the skin 6. As the scanner 30 moves along the movement directions 3, 2, two-dimensional or three-dimensional images of the vein 9 or blood vessel 8 and thus the structure of interest 19 can be acquired and / or captured.

[0159] exist Figure 10The image shows an example of a projector 32 including an image projector 71, which is operable to project a visual image 39 onto a projection area 42. The projection area 42 may substantially coincide with or spatially overlap with the scanning area 40. Typically, the image 39 may overlap with the structure of interest 19. The projected vein 44 may substantially overlap with the actual vein 9 or blood vessel 8 beneath the surface of the skin 6.

[0160] In some examples, image projector 71 includes laser projector 72. In other examples, image projector 71 includes liquid crystal display projector. In still other examples, image projector 71 includes LED projector 74. LED projector may include OLED image projector. Using all projector implementations, suitable image projection onto projection area 42 can be provided.

[0161] The light source 33 of the projector 32 may include a monochromatic light source. In some examples, a plurality of light sources 33 may be provided, each including or providing a different wavelength and / or a different visible color.

[0162] exist Figure 11 In one example, a projector 32 is shown, which includes an image projector 71 capable of generating a first stereoscopic image 75 and a second stereoscopic image 85 and / or projecting them onto a projection area 42 of the skin 6. The first stereoscopic image 75 and the second stereoscopic image 85 may be complementary to each other and / or may constitute a three-dimensional stereoscopic image 90, especially when viewed through stereoscopic glasses 92. In some examples, the image projector 71 may be configured or operable to alternate between the first stereoscopic image 75 and the second stereoscopic image 85. The corresponding stereoscopic images 75, 85 may be projected with a slight offset, as seen in the lateral direction.

[0163] The stereoscopic glasses 92 can be synchronized with the alternating projection of the first stereoscopic image 75 and the second stereoscopic image 85. Therefore, whenever the first stereoscopic image 75 is projected onto the projection area 42, the corresponding image can only be seen through the first lens 93 of the stereoscopic glasses 92. Similarly, whenever the second stereoscopic image 85 is projected onto the projection area 42, the corresponding image can only be viewed through the second lens 95 of the stereoscopic glasses 92. The alternation frequency between the first and second stereoscopic images is greater than 10 Hz, greater than 24 Hz, or greater than 36 Hz.

[0164] Here, and in the case of alternating projection of the first theoretical view image 75 and the second theoretical view image 85, the stereoscopic glasses 92 can be implemented as so-called shutter glasses. Here, the lenses 93, 95 can be equipped with electro-optic modulators or similar electrically controllable shutters, by which the transparency of each lens 93, 95 can be switched instantly, so that only one of the two stereoscopic images 75, 85 is provided to the user at a time.

[0165] In another example of the stereoscopic image projector 71, the projector 71 is operable to project a first stereoscopic image 75 of a first color onto a projection area 42, and to project a second stereoscopic image 85 of a second color, and therefore a different color, onto the projection area 42. Here, the first lens 93 may be provided with a first color filter 94 corresponding to the first color of the first stereoscopic image 75, and the second lens 95 of the stereoscopic glasses 92 may be provided with a second color filter 96 matching the color of the second stereoscopic image 85.

[0166] In this way, a three-dimensional image 90 can be provided to the user of the imaging device 1, which can facilitate, for example, puncture of blood vessels 8 or veins 9 with an injection needle or butterfly needle.

[0167] In also by Figure 11 In another example shown, a display device 91 is provided, which includes a display 97 having a screen that is at least partially transparent. The display screen may be divided into multiple screen sections for viewing by a user's left and right eyes. Thus, the screen or screen sections may effectively overlap or be similar to lenses 93, 95, as described above in conjunction with stereoscopic glasses 92. The display device 91 may be implemented as AR goggles or VR goggles and may be operated to display an image 39 of the structure of interest 19 on the display 97 and to overlap or superimpose the image 39 having the structure of interest 19 with the user's field of vision through the at least partially transparent display 97.

[0168] The display device 91 may be further equipped with a motion sensor 98, which can quantitatively measure the movement of the display device 91 relative to the body part 4 so that the reproduction of the image on the display 97 can dynamically adapt to the movement of the display device 91 relative to the body part 4.

[0169] The use of imaging device 1 becomes apparent from the flowchart illustrating a method for imaging a human vein 9 or blood vessel 8 using imaging device 1.

[0170] There, and in the first step 100, the imaging device 1 as described above is provided. In step 102, the imaging device 1 is attached and / or secured to the body part 4 of a human or animal body via the mounting member 50. Subsequently, and in step 104, the scanning area 40 of the body part 4 is scanned using the scanner 30 of the imaging device 10. Typically, scanning the scanning area 40 involves the imaging device 10 moving relative to the mounting member 50 according to a direction of movement and thus according to the mobility of the imaging device 10 relative to the mounting member 50 as defined by the guide structure 58 of the mounting member 50.

[0171] In step 106, while scanning the scanning area 40, the structure of interest is extracted or identified from the scanner signal generated by the scanner 30. The extraction or identification of the structure of interest 19 is typically performed by an image processing engine, which may be integrated into or provided by the signal processor 22.

[0172] In a further step 108, an image 39 of the structure of interest 19 previously extracted or identified from the scanner signal is projected. Image 39 is projected by the projector 32 of the imaging device 10 onto the projection area 42 of the body part 4. Scanning step 104 and image 39 projection step 108 can be performed sequentially or at least temporally overlapping. Therefore, in some examples, image 39 projection can occur or begin after the scan in step 104 is completed. In other examples, image projection in step 108 can even begin before the scan in step 104 is completed. Here, image projection in step 108 can dynamically adapt to the ongoing scanning procedure. Therefore, image 39, as projected by projector 32, can, for example, dynamically adapt to the ongoing scanning procedure in real time.

[0173] Figure Labels

[0174] 1 Imaging device

[0175] 2. Distal direction

[0176] 3. Proximal direction

[0177] 4 body parts

[0178] 5 arms

[0179] 6 skins

[0180] 8 blood vessels

[0181] 9 veins

[0182] 10 imaging devices

[0183] 11 Casing

[0184] 12 bottom side

[0185] 14 sidewalls

[0186] 15 sidewalls

[0187] 16 sidewalls

[0188] 17 sidewalls

[0189] 18 top side

[0190] 19 structures of interest

[0191] 20 Paired Fastening Structure

[0192] 21 Slider

[0193] 22 signal processors

[0194] 24 energy storage

[0195] 26 User Interface

[0196] 30 scanners

[0197] 32 Projector

[0198] 33 light sources

[0199] 35 Alignment Sensor

[0200] 36 motion detectors

[0201] 37 motion sensors

[0202] 38 motion sensors

[0203] 39 images

[0204] 40 scan area

[0205] 42 projection area

[0206] 44 Projected veins

[0207] 45 Injection Device

[0208] 50 installation parts

[0209] 51 body

[0210] 52 sleeves

[0211] 53 Fasteners

[0212] 54 parts

[0213] Part 55

[0214] 56-hole

[0215] 58-Boot Structure

[0216] 59 guide rail

[0217] 60 Fastening Structure

[0218] 62 light sources

[0219] 63 photodetector

[0220] 64 Ultrasonic Transducers

[0221] 71 Image Projector

[0222] 72 Laser Projector

[0223] 73LCD Projector

[0224] 74LED Projector

[0225] 75 stereoscopic images

[0226] 85 stereoscopic images

[0227] 90 stereoscopic images

[0228] 91 display device

[0229] 92 3D glasses

[0230] 93 lenses

[0231] 94 color filter

[0232] 95 lenses

[0233] 96 color filter

[0234] 97 monitor

[0235] 98 motion sensor.

Claims

1. An imaging apparatus (1) for imaging a vein (9) of a human or animal body, the imaging apparatus (1) comprising: - a mount (50) for fastening to a body part (4) of the human or animal body, - an imaging device (10) which is movably fastenable to the mount (50), the imaging device (10) comprising: - a scanner (30) operable for scanning a scan region (40) of the body part (4) and generating scanner signals when scanning the body part (4), - a signal processor (22) connected to the scanner (30) and operable for processing the scanner signals from the scanner (30) for at least one of extracting or identifying a structure of interest (19) therefrom, and - a projector (32) connected to the signal processor (22) and operable for projecting an image (39) of the structure of interest (19) onto a projection region (42) of the body part (4).

2. The imaging apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein The imaging device (10) is movable relative to the mount (50) for scanning the scan region (40).

3. The imaging apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The imaging device (10) is slidably movable relative to the mount (50) along a sliding direction (2, 3).

4. The imaging apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The scanner (30) is operable for scanning the scan region (40) while experiencing a movement relative to the mount (50).

5. The imaging apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The imaging device (10) comprises a movement detector (36) operable for synchronizing a movement of the imaging device (10) with the scanner signals obtainable from the scanner (30) when the imaging device (10) experiences a movement relative to the mount (50).

6. The imaging apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The imaging device (10) comprises a housing (11) comprising a bottom side (12) and at least one side wall (14, 15, 16, 17) adjacent to the bottom side (12), wherein one of the scanner (30) and the projector (32) is arranged on or integrated into the bottom side (12), and wherein the other one of the scanner (30) and the projector (32) is arranged on or integrated into the at least one side wall (14, 15, 16, 17).

7. The imaging apparatus (1) according to claim 6, wherein The scanner (30) is arranged on or integrated into the bottom side (12), and wherein the projector (32) is arranged on or integrated into the at least one side wall (14, 15, 16, 17).

8. The imaging apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The scanner (30) and the projector (32) are configured and arranged such that the scan region (40) and the projection region (42) substantially overlap.

9. The imaging apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The imaging device (10) is configured to project the image (39) of at least a portion of the structure of interest (19) onto the projection region (42) during scanning of the scan region (40).

10. The imaging apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The imaging device (10) is configured to project an image (39) of the structure of interest (19) onto the projection area (42) after completion of the scan of the scan area (40).

11. The imaging apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The scanner (30) comprises one of: - a scanning light source (62) and a photodetector (63), and - an ultrasound transducer (41).

12. The imaging apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The projector (32) comprises a projection light source (33) and an image projector (71), wherein the image projector (71) comprises one of: - a laser projector (72), - a liquid crystal display image projector (73), and - an LED or OLED image projector (74).

13. The imaging apparatus (1) according to claim 12, wherein The image projector (71) is operable to project a first stereoscopic image (75) onto the projection area (42) and to project a second stereoscopic image (85) onto the projection area (42), and wherein the first stereoscopic image (75) and the second stereoscopic image (85) complement each other to provide a stereoscopic three-dimensional image (90) of the structure of interest (19).

14. The imaging apparatus (1) according to claim 13, wherein The image projector (71) is operable to alternate between a first projection of the first stereoscopic image (75) onto the projection area (42) and a second projection of the second stereoscopic image (85) onto the projection area (42).

15. The imaging apparatus (1) according to claim 14, further comprising stereoscopic glasses (92) synchronizable with the alternating projection of the first and second stereoscopic images (75, 85).

16. The imaging apparatus (1) according to claim 11, wherein The first stereoscopic image (75) has a first color, and wherein the second stereoscopic image (85) has a second color.

17. The imaging apparatus (1) according to claim 16, further comprising stereoscopic glasses (92) comprising a first lens (93) having a first color filter (94) and a second lens (95) having a second color filter (96), wherein, The first color filter (94) corresponds to the first color, and wherein the second color filter (96) corresponds to the second color.

18. A method of imaging a vein (9) of a human or animal body, the method comprising the steps of: - providing an imaging apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - fastening the mount (50) of the imaging apparatus (1) to a body part (4) of the human or animal body, - scanning a scan area (40) of the body part by using a scanner (30) of an imaging device (10) and generating scanner signals, - extracting or identifying a structure of interest (19) by processing the scanner signals, - projecting an image (39) of the structure of interest (19) onto a projection area (42) of the body part (4) by a projector (32) of the imaging device (10).

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The scan area (40) is scanned during movement of the imaging device (10) relative to the mount (50).

Images