Abstract: An imaging system illuminates an object with infrared light to enhance visibility of buried structure beneath the surface of the object, and projects a visible light image of the buried structure onto the surface of the object. The system may include an infrared light source for generating the infrared light and a structure for diffusing the infrared light. The diffusing structure may include 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 object and for generating a video image of the buried structure based on the reflected infrared light. The buried structure may be a subcutaneous blood vessel. A calibration procedure is described as well as embodiments for ensuring that the object is maintained in focus at the correct distance.

Abstract: An imaging system and method illuminates body tissue with infrared light to enhance visibility of a vascular structure, and generates an image of the body tissue and the subcutaneous blood vessels based on reflected infrared light. The system includes an infrared illumination source for generating the infrared light and a structure for diffusing the infrared light. The system further includes an imaging device for receiving the infrared light reflected from the body tissue and for generating an enhanced image of the body tissue based on the reflected infrared light. The enhanced image is produced by contrast enhancement techniques involving applications of an unsharp mask. The system further includes a project a projector for receiving an output signal from the imaging device and for projecting the enhanced image onto the body tissue.

Abstract: An imaging system illuminates an object with infrared light to enhance visibility of buried structure beneath the surface of the object, and projects a visible light image of the buried structure onto the surface of the object. The system may include an infrared light source for generating the infrared light and a structure for diffusing the infrared light. The diffusing structure may include 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 object and for generating a video image of the buried structure based on the reflected infrared light. The buried structure may be a subcutaneous blood vessel. A calibration procedure is described as well as embodiments for ensuring that the object is maintained in focus at the correct distance.