Near-Infrared Subcutaneous Imager with Adaptive Nonlinear Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing near-infrared imaging systems for subcutaneous structures are cumbersome, expensive, and struggle to provide clear two-dimensional or three-dimensional images, especially in dark-skinned or obese individuals, and are not suitable for emergency situations where under-skilled personnel may need to locate veins.
Innovation Solution
A compact near-infrared imager using an adaptive nonlinear processor that enhances image contrast by adjusting black levels and amplifying signals, allowing for clear visualization of subcutaneous structures as two-dimensional or three-dimensional images, even in complete darkness, and is not affected by melanin in the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art subcutaneous vessel imagers use large, multiple, and separate assemblies with complicated optics, then two-dimensional or three-dimensional images of subcutaneous structures can be obtained, but the device becomes cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate assemblies into a single integrated imaging device. The illuminator, imaging device, and processor are merged into one compact unit that can be placed in contact with the patient's skin, eliminating the need for large, separate components while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is designed to perform multiple functions within a single unit: it illuminates the tissue with near-infrared light, detects the scattered light, processes the signals, and displays both two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of subcutaneous structures
2Measurement precision
If prior art methods use complicated optics to image subcutaneous structures, then detailed images can be obtained, but the device becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical optical systems with electronic signal processing. Instead of using complicated optics to focus and manipulate light, the system uses near-infrared illuminators and electronic processors to achieve detailed imaging through signal enhancement and three-dimensional reconstruction algorithms
3Ease of operation
If infrared light is used to image subcutaneous structures, then visualization is possible, but the veins appear shadowy and distorted due to light scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adaptive nonlinear processor as an intermediary between the detector and display. This processor enhances the scattered infrared signals by adjusting black levels, amplifying contrast, and reconstructing three-dimensional information, transforming shadowy images into clear visualizations of subcutaneous structures
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of light interaction by using near-infrared wavelengths that penetrate tissue differently than visible light. The adaptive nonlinear processor further modifies signal parameters through contrast enhancement and three-dimensional reconstruction, converting scattered light data into clear structural images
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The imager provides high contrast visualization of subcutaneous structures, enabling effective location of veins and other structures for access, such as needle insertion or excision, and can be operated by under-skilled personnel in various settings, including emergencies and battlefield conditions.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the sample via the illuminator such that at least a portion of the radiation scatters off of the structure
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes placing an imaging device in contact with a sample, irradiating the sample via an illuminator such that radiation scatters off of the structure, and providing the scattered radiation to a detector to generate a digital video signal. A processor then performs various operations including subtracting a sum of a black state value and a user-defined black level clamping value from the digital video signal to create subtracted image data, substituting negative values in the subtracted image data with a reference value to create modified image data, and amplifying the modified image data by a user-defined gain to create contrast enhanced image data.