Researchers at the University Teknologi Petronas in Malaysia are developing the Smart Veins Locator, a wearable head-mounted display that allows nurses to see patients' veins by overlaying a map of the veins on top of their skin.
The Smart Veins Locator prototype integrates a camera and light source into a head-mounted display to capture an image of the patient's skin using near infrared light. An image of the veins is processed and projected onto a see-through display. The veins perceived by the nurse's eyes are accurately mapped and overlaid onto the real-world image of the patient's skin.
The Smart Veins locator uses different wavelengths of light and can optimize wavelength for skin color. The prototype has been tested on fair, light brown, dark brown and dark skin and works equally well with all four complexions.
Amazing Vein-Mapping Goggles
The Smart Vein Locator Projects Patient's Veins onto Their Skin
Trend Themes
1. Smart Healthcare Technologies - The development of the Smart Veins Locator highlights the trend of using technology to enhance healthcare procedures and improve patient outcomes.
2. Wearable Medical Devices - The integration of a head-mounted display into the Smart Veins Locator demonstrates the trend of wearable medical devices, providing convenient and innovative solutions for healthcare providers.
3. Image Processing and Projection - The use of image processing and projection technology in the Smart Veins Locator showcases the trend of leveraging advanced imaging techniques for medical purposes.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can leverage the Smart Veins Locator to improve the accuracy and efficiency of vein mapping procedures, enhancing patient care.
2. Medical Devices - The development of the Smart Veins Locator represents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the medical device industry, offering a new way of visualizing veins for medical professionals.
3. Imaging Technology - The integration of image processing and projection technology in the Smart Veins Locator presents a potential disruptive innovation opportunity in the imaging technology industry, expanding its applications in the healthcare sector.