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Wearable Infrared Augmented Reality Viewing System

Award Information
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Branch: National Institutes of Health
Contract: N/A
Agency Tracking Number: 1R43HL067587-01
Amount: $100,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2001
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
ELECTRONICS CORPORATION 5155 E RIVER RD, STE 416
FRIDLEY, MN 55421
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 GARY HAVEY
 () -
Business Contact
Phone: (763) 502-0137
Email: THENDRICKSON@AME-CORP.COM
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

DESCRIPTION (Provided by Applicant): Advanced Medical Electronics (AME)
proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of using infrared (IR) microbolometer
imaging technology in a wearable infrared augmented reality viewing system for
use by physicians. A head mounted display and dual-camera system will
co-capture normal visible images and IR images. Processing circuitry will
seamlessly overlay the two and present a combined spatially-aligned image to
the wearer in a head-worn display. Using this system, the physician will be
constantly aware of the underlying anatomy of a structure as well as the tissue
temperatures during procedures such as thermal treatments. The field of
infrared (IR) imaging is about to experience a growth surge due to the emerging
commercialization of uncooled JR imaging arrays based on microbolometers. In
the past, JR imaging required bulky, expensive cryogenically cooled systems.
Microbolometer based designs will make JR as easy to apply and low cost as
visible video imaging (camcorders, etc.). Current and potential applications of
JR imaging in medicine including neurology, vascular disorders, arthritis,
rheumatism, surgery, neonatology, oncology, tissue viability, emergency
medicine, dermatology, and others stand to gain by applying this technology.
The University of Minnesota will conduct animal tests to demonstrate the
feasibility of using the proposed system in surgical procedures.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
There are many opportunities for the medical and biomedical engineering communities to
conduct innovative research in the area of infrared imaging using the proposed head-worn
IR augmented reality viewing system. AME plans to manufacture and sell these units
either directly or as an OEM to a distributor of associated equipment. In addition to
medical applications this technology could be sold in an industrial maintenance application.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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