High definition thermal imaging for medical applications
AssigneesBAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc., Mark B. Lyles
InventorsJohn R. Franzini, Mark B. Lyles, Robert H. Murphy
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Abstract
An apparatus for high resolution thermal imaging in medical applications has a single channel EMI shielded sensor, remote cable, and laptop controller with real time image processing software. The apparatus provides high resolution, real-time viewable infrared (IR) images with a variable focus distance adjustable from six inches to infinity. The present invention enables crisp, clear imagery of the thermal band for greater awareness of everything within the field of view. Various medical applications which would benefit from high resolution thermal imagery are presented.
Claims15
A device for high definition thermal imaging and close focus viewing from 6 inches or more distance in medical applications, said apparatus comprising:
- a single channel uncooled thermal sensor with low noise characteristics and EMI shielding;
- a remote cable;
- and
- a laptop controller with enhanced real time image processing software providing thermal image processing of an output of the uncooled thermal sensor to provide thermal scene information, wherein the thermal image processing includes a spatial bandpass filter and a scene based noise suppression system for removing low frequency spatial noise and high frequency spatial noise,
- wherein the enhanced real time image processing software is used as an aid for at least one of:
- detecting a presence of abdominal aortic aneurysms;
- differentiating between burn classifications during burn treatments;
- assisting Mohs surgery and dermatological skin treatments;
- and
- detecting cardiovascular issues including at least one of:
- venal blockage, arterial blockage, frost bite, inflammation, infection, and sclerosis.
A method for providing a crisp, ultra-sharp, infrared image suitable for medical imaging in a hand carryable package comprising the steps of:
- providing a portable, lightweight high-resolution infrared sensor;
- providing a housing for the infrared sensor, wherein the housing is EMI shielded;
- using a processor, displaying an infrared image on a display screen coupled to the sensor;
- and
- executing post processing algorithms with the processor for processing an output of the infrared sensor to provide the displayed infrared image, further comprising thermal image processing to enhance thermal scene information, wherein the thermal image processing includes a spatial bandpass filter and a scene based noise suppression system for removing low frequency spatial noise and high frequency spatial noise.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.