VeinVision

Overview

VeinVision is a biomedical imaging device concept aimed at improving vein visibility using infrared-assisted imaging and real-time processing. The project was inspired by a real patient pain point and developed through hands-on prototyping and system iteration.

Problem

Difficult IV insertion can cause repeated attempts, patient pain, and workflow inefficiency. I wanted to explore whether a low-cost imaging-based system could help improve vein visualization.

Objectives

• Improve subcutaneous vein visibility
• Build a practical prototype with accessible hardware
• Explore optical and imaging tradeoffs
• Support real-time visualization concepts

System Architecture

A modified imaging setup combines controlled illumination, infrared-assisted capture, and software-based processing to enhance vein patterns for visualization.

Hardware

• modified camera setup
• Raspberry Pi
• infrared illumination concepts
• prototype housing/materials

Software

• Python
• OpenCV

Algorithms / Processing

• image enhancement and feature visualization workflows

Key Decisions and Tradeoffs

• Balanced imaging clarity with practical prototyping constraints
• Explored illumination geometry and camera-window tradeoffs
• Focused on translating a human-centered medical problem into a workable system

Biggest Challenge

A major challenge was getting a meaningful imaging setup using accessible components while balancing illumination and visibility. I addressed that through repeated physical prototyping and iteration on the optical layout.

Validation and Testing

• prototype testing
• imaging comparison
• setup iteration
• visual quality evaluation

Impact

This project became one of my strongest examples of combining medical-device thinking, prototyping, and technical implementation around a real human problem.

Next Improvements

• Improve image quality
• Tighten the optical system
• Validate performance more rigorously
• Continue evolving the form factor