14 DAY TRIAL // So far, the words “Smart Glasses” have always been used in a context involving consumers and entertainment, but Epson and Evena Medical have put together a new type of eyewear.
Essentially, they have come up with a type of smart glasses that allow nurses to better carry out their tasks by letting them “see” the veins right below the skin.
Although that's not exactly what happens, since the glasses don't use X-rays or anything of the sort (which would be unhealthy anyway).
Instead, the Eyes-On Glasses System, as the invention is called, uses multi-spectral lighting to show where the veins are.
Technically speaking, veins are actually visible through the skin, but not to the naked eye, usually. This just highlights them as it were.
It's a small mercy really. If the veins were so visible all the time, we'd all look like something out of a horror or drug use movie.
Anyway, the Eyes-On Glasses System is based on Epson's Moverio Smart Glasses Technology, a see-through wearable display powered by Android.
It was launched earlier this year, but was made for games and app interaction, not something like this, medical aid.
The near-infrared light highlights deoxygenated hemoglobin in the patient's veins, while two stereoscopic cameras capture images. Said images are wirelessly transmitted (via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or 3G connectivity) to a belt-mounted computer that doubles as a power supply when required.
Finally, the glasses even have a pair of built-in speakers, allowing doctors to participate in video conferencing.
A demo will take place at RSNA 2013, December 1-6, at McCormick Place in Chicago. We probably won't see the actual glasses before then (the ones in the photo represent the aforementioned Moverio gadget).
