Automatic alignment of a contrast enhancement system

• US 20090002488A1
• Filed: 06/27/2008
• Published: 01/01/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: AccuVein LLC
• Original Assignee: AccuVein LLC
• Inventors: Luciano, Vincent, Wood, Fred
• Granted Patent: US 8,730,321 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/136
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/366 using projection of images directly onto the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0059 using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence A61B5/0093, A61B5/1455, A61B5/02416 and A61B5/0261 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0082 adapted for particular medical purposes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/489 Blood vessels
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 5/92 based on global image properties
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/33 Transforming infrared radiation cameras or camera modules for generating image signals from infrared radiation H04N23/20; circuitry of SSIS for transforming infrared radiation into image signals H04N25/20
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/3176 wherein the projection device is incorporated in a camera details of cameras adapted for combination with a projector not peculiar to the presence of an electronic spatial light modulator G03B17/54
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/3185 Geometric adjustment, e.g. keystone or convergence optical or mechanical adjustment of convergence H04N9/317; using scanning means H04N3/22; optical or mechanical adjustments of projectors not peculiar to the presence of an electronic spatial light modulator G03B21/14
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/3194 including sensor feedback

Abstract

An apparatus and method for insuring the proper alignment of a detected vein pattern and a projected vein pattern are disclosed. The apparatus enhances the visual appearance of veins so that an error that can lead to improper patient care or injury can be avoided.

Claims

11. A method for insuring the proper alignment of a detected vein pattern and a projected pattern comprising obtaining an image of a portion of a patient'"'"'s body, enhancing the image obtained to highlight the positions of one or more veins, projecting said enhanced image onto said body and aligning said projected image with said obtained image, said projected image and said obtained image being aligned by means of a known pattern.

12. The method according to claim 11 wherein an alignment card is positioned within the detecting/projecting field of said image.

13. A vein contrast enhancer for insuring the proper alignment of a detected vein pattern and a projected pattern comprising a camera for capturing an image of a portion of a patient'"'"'s body, a processing system for enhancing the image captured by said camera to highlight the positions of one or more veins, a projector for projecting said enhanced image onto said body.

1. A system for insuring the proper alignment of a detected vein pattern and a projected pattern comprising a means for capturing an image of a portion of a patient'"'"'s body, a processing system for enhancing the image captured by said capturing means to highlight the positions of one or more veins, a means for projecting said enhanced image onto said body and a means for aligning said projected image with said captured image.

2. The system according to claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the paths of said images are coaxial.

3. The system according to claim 1 wherein said means for aligning comprises a card with a known pattern, said card being positioned in front of said means for capturing.

4. The system according to claim 3 wherein said card has a fluorescent material applied to it.

5. The system according to claim 4 wherein said card emits infrared light when it is struck by green light.

6. The system according to claim 4 wherein said card emits infrared light that can be seen by said means for capturing.

7. The system according to claim 6 wherein said means for capturing is a camera.

8. The system according to claim 6 wherein said camera is able to selectively view projected light.

9. The system according to claim 6 wherein said projecting means is a multi-color capable projector.

10. The system according to claim 5 wherein said projector is a monochromatic projector.

14. The vein contrast enhancer according to claim 13 wherein said camera is able to selectively see the projected light.

15. The vein contrast enhancer according to claim 13 wherein the projector is a multi-color capable projector.

16. The vein contrast enhancer according to claim 15 wherein the projector has an array of single color LEDs.

15-1. The vein contrast enhancer according to claim 13 wherein the projector is a monochrome projector