Method and apparatus for thermal radiation imaging
US6023637A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 8, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S128/922
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for thermal imaging is disclosed which enables a clinician to obtain visual images reflecting metabolic activity within a patient's body. A scanning system is configured to scan an area on the patient's body to obtain infrared intensity data. The data is digitized and processed prior to being displayed. The data processing includes a "slicing" function in which infrared intensity values are assigned color values in accordance with an output window. By redefining the mapping of the output window to the color spectrum, the data can be manipulated such that the visual display reflects metabolic activity within the patient's body under the scanning area.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.