This paper proposes a multisensory system for the detection and localization of peripheral subcutaneous veins, as a first step for achieving automatic robotic insertion of catheters in the near future. The multisensory system is based on the combination of a SWIR (Short-Wave Infrared) camera, a TOF (Time-Of-Flight) camera and a NIR (Near Infrared) lighting source. The associated algorithm consists of two main parts: one devoted to the features extraction from the SWIR image, and another envisaged for the registration of the range data provided by the TOF camera, with the SWIR image and the results of the peripheral veins detection. In this way, the detected subcutaneous veins are mapped onto the 3D reconstructed surface, providing a full representation of the region of interest for the automatic catheter insertion. Several experimental tests were carried out in order to evaluate the capabilities of the presented approach. Preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed design and highlight the potential benefits of the solution.
Keywords: SWIR camera; TOF camera; automatic catheter insertion; peripheral vein detection; subcutaneous vein localization.