Subsurface Feature Imaging and Skin Surface Display System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for imaging and visualizing blood vessels beneath the skin are cumbersome, costly, and ineffective, making them unsuitable for accurate and comfortable medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A compact imaging and display system using an imaging light source and detector to visualize subsurface features, with a display light source projecting the image onto the skin surface, allowing for accurate location of blood vessels and other features for medical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing systems for imaging and visualizing blood vessels beneath the skin are used, then subsurface feature detection is achieved, but the systems are cumbersome, costly, and ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the imaging function and display function into a single integrated system. The imaging light source, detector, and display light source are merged into one portable device that can simultaneously detect subsurface features and project their locations onto the skin surface, eliminating the need for separate complex imaging and display systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the subsurface vascular structure by projecting an image onto the skin surface that corresponds to the detected subsurface features. This optical copy allows practitioners to see the location of blood vessels beneath the skin without requiring complex cross-sectional imaging equipment
2Measurement precision
If existing imaging systems are used, then blood vessel location is detected, but the systems are costly and not portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cost-effective light sources and detectors that can be manufactured at lower costs compared to traditional medical imaging systems. The system uses affordable optical components that provide sufficient performance for vessel localization without requiring expensive specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a portable handheld system that can be dynamically moved and positioned by the practitioner as needed. The imaging and display functions are integrated into a mobile platform that adapts to different patient positions and procedural requirements, unlike fixed expensive imaging equipment
3Ease of operation
If needle insertion is performed without accurate visualization, then procedures are simpler, but inaccurate placement can lead to improper delivery of drug or fluid and unwanted injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary imaging and visualization of the blood vessels before needle insertion. The system allows the practitioner to pre-identify the optimal insertion site by visualizing the subsurface vascular structure, then proceed with the simple needle insertion procedure with confidence in accurate placement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system that bridges the gap between the practitioner and the subsurface vascular structure. The imaging light source and detector act as intermediaries to detect vessel locations, while the display light source serves as an intermediary to project this information onto the skin surface for visual guidance during needle insertion
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 system provides accurate, portable, and cost-effective visualization of subsurface features, enhancing the precision and comfort of medical procedures while reducing the risk of injury.
Implementation Method 1
The wavelength of imaging light 312 is selected so that the absorption of the imaging light by blood 306 is greater than the absorption of the imaging light by tissue 305
Implementation Method 2
light in a first range of the electromagnetic spectrum... suitable for optical interaction with an underlying feature
Implementation Method 3
a display light source providing a display light beam including light in a second range of the electromagnetic spectrum, the display light beam being suitable for projecting an image onto a surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for imaging and display of subsurface features of a region of interest such as a portion of a body of a patient. A first imaging portion of the system is used to cause an interaction of an imaging beam with an underlying feature of a region of interest. A retro-reflected or returned portion of said imaging beam is detected by a detector which then provides an output to control a display portion of the system for displaying an image corresponding to that which was detected. The system can be used for guiding or assisting clinical or industrial operations or for diagnosis of medical conditions and other uses within medicine, industry and others.