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 is disclosed for imaging buried structure, typically vasculature, below the surface of an object which can be skin, fat deposits, or other material and for projecting an image of the buried structure onto the surface of the object. Scanning lasers are used both to illuminate the object and to project an image onto it. One or more photodiodes measure the intensity of scattered and reflected light to create an image in conjunction with one or more of the scanning lasers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to facilitate dermatological procedures by illuminating a body part including at least one vein with a wavelength of light that is adsorbed by blood; producing a visible light image of said vein; coaxially projecting a computer-enhanced visible light image of the at least one vein onto the patients; and conducting a dermatological procedure on the patient. In one embodiment, the vein is a feeder vein. This method can be used to facilitate phlebectomy, sclerotherapy and botulinium toxin injection.

Abstract: A method to enhance the visibility of the vascular structure of the heart is disclosed. The method uses the previous imaging system to illuminate the heart with a wavelength of light this is adsorbed by blood. Using this material, we can differentiate the difference between the concentrations of hemoglobin within the vessels, the heart muscle, and in the chambers of the heart. A viable light image of the vascular structure of the heart is coaxially project on to the heart. It is contemplated that this method could assist a surgeon in coronary heart surgery.

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.