Imaging system using diffuse infrared light
AssigneeLuminetx Technologies Corporation
InventorHerbert D. Zeman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An imaging system illuminates body tissue with infrared light to enhance visibility of subcutaneous blood vessels, and generates a video image of the body tissue and the subcutaneous blood vessels based on reflected infrared light. The system includes an infrared light source for generating the infrared light and a structure for diffusing the infrared light. The diffusing structure includes one or more layers of diffusing material for diffusing the light. The system further includes a video imaging device for receiving the infrared light reflected from the body tissue and for generating a video image of the body tissue based on the reflected infrared light.
Claims25
An apparatus for providing diffuse light to an object to enhance subcutaneous blood vessel visibility, the apparatus comprising:
- an array of light-emitting sources, each source for emitting infrared light having a wavelength toward the object,
- a power source for providing power to the array, the array emitting infrared light when the power source is enabled,
- a diffusing structure having more than one diffusion stage providing various levels of diffusion to the infrared light emitted from the array as the emitted light passes through the diffusing structure.
An apparatus for providing diffuse light to an object, the apparatus comprising:
- an array of light-emitting sources, each source for emitting infrared light having a wavelength toward the object,
- a power source for providing power to the array, the array emitting infrared light when the power source is enabled,
- a diffusing structure for providing various levels of diffusion to the infrared light emitted from the array, the diffusing structure comprising:
- a first diffusing layer disposed adjacent the array, the first diffusion layer providing a first level of diffusion to the light emitted by the array,
- a second diffusing layer spaced apart from the first diffusing layer and providing a second level of diffusion to the light emitted by the array, and
- a polarizer for polarizing the light emitted by the array.
An apparatus for providing diffuse light to an object to enhance subcutaneous blood vessel visibility, the apparatus comprising:
- a light source for emitting infrared light toward the object,
- a first diffusing layer positioned to intercept light from the light source, the first diffusing layer providing a first amount of diffusion to the infrared light emitted by the light source, the first diffusing layer having a first diffusing plane,
- a video imaging device for receiving light reflected from the object, the video imaging device operable to provide a video image of the object based on the reflected light, and
- a power source for providing power to the apparatus.
An apparatus for providing diffuse light to an object, the apparatus comprising:
- groups of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in a select pattern which define an LED plane, each LED having an emitting surface for emitting infrared light towards the object and an electrical input for providing an electrical signal to the LED,
- a control circuit electrically connected to the electrical inputs of the LEDs for providing control signals to activate one or more LEDs in a select group of LEDs,
- diffusing structure positioned to intercept and diffuse the infrared light emitted from one or more of the LEDs.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.