Patent Publication Number: US-2022211339-A1

Title: Non-Visible Radiation Medical Imaging

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The current application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/148,386, filed on 1 Oct. 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/569,461, filed on 6 Oct. 2017, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to imaging and diagnostics, and more particularly, to imaging non-visible (including thermal, near infrared all the way up to infrared) radiation and/or visible light for a subject, and to perform medical imaging and diagnostics of human or animal subjects using the non-visible radiation and/or visible light image(s). 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Numerous imaging devices exist for generating images of human subjects based on electromagnetic radiation in the spectral band. However, additional information on one or more attributes of many subjects can be obtained from imaging electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths that fall above and/or below visible light in the infrared spectral band. For example, infrared light (e.g., thermal radiation) can be imaged to determine the temperature characteristics of the subject. Other radiation spectra having non-visible wavelengths that may provide useful information include ultraviolet light, X-rays, radio waves, and the like. 
     To date, three major technologies are used to detect and/or measure infrared light. A bolometer, which includes an extremely fine wire in an electrical circuit, can measure temperature based on a change in conductance in the wire. When only a particular spectrum of radiation, such as infrared light, is permitted to reach the bolometer, the radiation can be measured. Similarly, a pyroelectric device can measure radiation by exposing a particular type of crystal to a particular spectrum of radiation. Finally, a thermopile, which includes numerous thermocouple elements, can measure radiation based on temperature changes for each element. 
     Each technology has been used to create an imaging device for infrared light. In particular, a two-dimensional matrix of a selected detection technology can be combined with proper optics to generate a two-dimensional image of radiation in the infrared spectrum. A similar matrix design is used in modern digital cameras for generating visible light images. However, to date, infrared imaging solutions have lagged in both resolution and cost as compared to visible light imaging solutions. As a result, only small resolution infrared imaging systems that use a thermopile array are available for an affordable price (e.g., less than a few hundred dollars). However, these imaging systems have an insufficient resolution for many demanding medical applications. 
     To date, numerous solutions have been proposed that seek to obtain additional resolution from low-resolution images, particularly visible light images. These solutions include a one-pass super-resolution solution, a simple cubic or bilinear resampling, and the like. A more complex solution comprises a longer-term super-resolution approach that attempts to extract data through complex averaging methods from multiple low-resolution images. 
     Additional information on a subject can also be obtained by fusing two or more images. Image fusion combines images from one or more sensing modalities, e.g., infrared light and visible light, into a single presentation that retains the useful and unique information from both modalities. Properly done, an image fusion presentation can be synergistic. That is, the fused presentation allows the viewer to comprehend more of the totality of the subject being imaged. As a result, a need exists for an improved imaging and/or examination solution that can incorporate imaging of non-visible radiation (e.g., infrared light) in a cost-effective manner. In particular, a need exists for an imaging system and an examination system and method that generate and use an image based on non-visible radiation of the subject. 
     However, users must observe strict regime in order to acquire useful infrared images. Unless a strict process and procedure is followed, the infrared images will not be as useful in medical diagnostics on human beings or other living bodies. Proper environment control temperature, humidity control, emissivity verification, etc. are just some of the steps needed to be observed before a scientifically useful medical thermal image can be obtained. 
     Also, the infrared images must be processed by using innovative algorithms to enhance them so that most of the information from the infrared images, fused with visible images or as is infrared images, can be clarified, enhanced, or improved to obtain underlying human medical diagnostic information. It should be noted that typical infrared images obtainable from lower cost, affordable imagers are typically noisy and not very clear, which is not suitable or required for medical diagnostics and medical work. 
     Last but not the least, the medical infrared images must be processed in a systematic way without taking a lot of time from the healthcare provider to allow the provider with an easy and automated means to extract medical diagnostic information. Especially, when a provider with limited time is trying to arrive at a diagnostic conclusion, lots of images must be compared automatically to reduce human error and improve decision time simultaneously. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides a non-visible infrared radiation imaging system for medical diagnostic purposes on humans or animals. Specifically, under the present invention, one or more images of a subject can be obtained based on non-visible radiation of the subject. Additionally, one or more visible light images can be obtained for the subject. In the latter case, a subject image can be generated based on the non-visible infrared spectral band radiation image(s) and the visible light image(s). In any event, the non-visible radiation image(s) can have a lower resolution obtainable from an affordable imager that is enhanced to increase the amount of resolution for the radiation image. We discuss many different methods to enhance the images: the visible light image(s) and/or other data on the subject can be used to generate the enhanced image; image enhancement techniques suitable for images enhancement are used; image processing techniques are used to enhance the information of interest, e.g. a human tumor. As a result, a lower resolution and therefore affordable cost, non-visible radiation imaging system can be used to obtain the desired imaging resolution. 
     The invention also provides a non-visible radiation examination system and method. In particular, one or more of the images discussed above can be used to examine/monitor one or more characteristics of the subject. The images can be presented for review by a healthcare provider and/or analyzed to diagnose health related issues. In either case, the analysis can use subject data that is obtained from the user and/or the processing of one or more of the images. In addition, one or more actions can be automatically performed based on the analysis. As a result, an examination of the subject can be performed that incorporates the use of one or more images based on non-visible radiation. 
     A first aspect of the invention provides a non-visible radiation imaging system comprising: means for obtaining a radiation image of a subject based on non-visible radiation of the subject; means for generating an enhanced image based on the radiation image, wherein the enhanced image has a higher resolution than the radiation image; and means for processing the radiation image to automatically extract useful diagnostic information; and displaying at least one of the radiation image or the enhanced image. 
     A second aspect of the invention provides a medical imaging system comprising: means for obtaining an infrared light image of a subject; means for obtaining a visible light image of the subject; means for displaying an enhanced subject image based on at least one of the infrared light image or the visible light image; and means for managing at least one of the infrared light image, the visible light image or the subject image. 
     A third aspect of the invention provides a non-visible radiation examination system comprising: means for obtaining a radiation image of a subject being inspected based on non-visible radiation of the subject; means for generating an enhanced image based on the radiation image, wherein the enhanced image has a higher resolution and clearer than the original radiation image; and means for determining a medical diagnostic situation based on the radiation image and a set of diagnostic examination parameters. 
     A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of automatically creating diagnostic results on a subject, the method comprising: obtaining a radiation image of the subject based on non-visible radiation of the subject; obtaining a visible light image of the subject; generating a subject image based on the radiation image and the visible light image; and performing the diagnostics based on the subject image and a set of examination and diagnostic parameters where automatic diagnostic information extraction process is carried out on the images. 
     The fifth aspect of this invention provides a set of steps, guidelines and procedures for the users of this invention to follow so that proper non-visible images are obtained. These steps can help to insure high quality and clinically useful images are gathered. The illustrative aspects of the present invention are designed to solve the problems herein described and other problems not discussed, which are discoverable by a skilled artisan. 
     The sixth aspect of this invention is to use the high resolution visible image to perform image processing thereby generating cues to help automatically locate critical areas and thermal information in the fused image, collocated thermal image, etc. Thermal images are hard to process; however, high resolution visible images are easy to perform automatic image processing to extract regions of interests which can be used to zoom in on critical areas of interest. For example, one can automatically obtain thermal details of subject&#39;s ear by using the above method. 
     The illustrative aspects of the invention are designed to solve one or more of the problems herein described and/or one or more other problems not discussed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features of the disclosure will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that depict various aspects of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  shows an illustrative system for performing an examination of a human subject; 
         FIG. 2  shows typical human diagnostic setup to be used in a provider&#39;s office as a preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  shows an illustrative process that the user of a radiation imaging system must follow to gather useful images according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4A-C  shows illustrative method steps to enhance the images according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5A  shows an illustrative human subject image that is generated based on a visible light image and a non-visible radiation image collected by using visible optics and thermal imaging optics to capture approximately co-located images to create a fused image; 
         FIG. 5B  shows an illustrative human subject image that is generated based on a visible light image and a non-visible radiation image which are fused by matching features in two respective images to create a fused image; 
         FIG. 5C  shows an illustrative human subject image that is generated based on a visible light image and a non-visible radiation image collected by using visible optics and thermal imaging optics to capture exactly co-located images by using multi-spectral beam splitter and multi-spectral focusing optics to create a fused image; 
         FIG. 6A-B  shows illustrative method steps for automatically extracting diagnostic examination related information from a subject image according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 7A-B  show alternative views of an illustrative personal digital assistant (PDA) and sensor head according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     It is noted that the drawings may not be to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As indicated above, the invention provides a non-visible radiation imaging system for medical diagnostic purposes. Specifically, under the present invention, one or more images of a subject can be obtained based on non-visible radiation of the subject. Additionally, one or more visible light images can be obtained for the subject. In the latter case, a subject image can be generated based on the non-visible radiation image(s) and the visible light image(s): first by fusing the two types of images together and second by using visible image as a template to the non-visible image. In any event, the non-visible radiation image(s) can have a lower resolution, typically 640×480 pixels available commercially at an affordable price, that is enhanced to increase the amount of resolution for the radiation image. The visible light image(s) and/or other data on the subject can be used to generate the enhanced image. As a result, a lower resolution, and therefore lower cost, non-visible radiation imaging system can be used to obtain the desired imaging resolution. 
     The invention also provides a non-visible radiation diagnostic examination system and method. In particular, one or more of the images discussed above can be used to examine/monitor one or more diagnostic parameters of the subject. The images can be presented for review by a healthcare provider or a user and/or analyzed to determine impending health issues. In either case, the analysis can use subject data that is obtained from the user and/or the processing of one or more of the images. In addition, one or more analyses can be automatically performed based on the innovative algorithms. As a result, a diagnostic examination of the subject can be performed that incorporates the use of one or more images based on non-visible radiation. 
     Turning to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows an illustrative system  10  for performing an examination on a subject  16 . As used herein, the subject  16  is used to represent any human being or animal capable of being imaged. To this extent, the subject  16  can comprise a single physical item (e.g., an entire human), a physical item made of a plurality of physical items (e.g., many human body parts), and the like. Further, the subject  16  can comprise an area that may include one or more physical items, such as the perimeter of an abdomen. As a result, the term “subject” does not limit the invention to any particular type of examination and/or imaging application. 
     The system  10  includes an imaging system  40  that can obtain and manage one or more images of the subject  16  from a radiation capture system  30  and/or a visible capture system  32 . The radiation capture system  30  obtains radiation image(s) of the subject  16  based on non-visible radiation of the subject  16 . In an embodiment, the non-visible radiation can comprise infrared light (e.g., thermal radiation). However, it is understood that a radiation image can be obtained for other types of non-visible electromagnetic radiation, including ultraviolet light, radio waves, gamma rays, electric waves, microwaves, and the like. The visible capture system  32  obtains visible light image(s) of the subject  16  that are based on electromagnetic radiation having frequencies within the visible light spectrum (i.e., visible light) for the subject  16 . To this extent, the visible capture system  32  can comprise any type of visible light sensing device for the imaging subject  16 . Typical commercially available visible light sensing devices are 10 mega pixels or higher resolutions and can be affordable. 
     In any event, an examination system  50  can perform an examination of the subject  16  based on the radiation image(s) and/or visible light image(s). As used herein, the term “examination” means any type of examination/monitoring of the subject  16  that seeks to obtain diagnostic information on the subject  16  for any purpose. For example, an “examination” can comprise an examination of a human patient, or the like; an examination of an animal for overheating due to racing; an examination of a human over time to reveal developing tumors, and the like. 
     An imaging system  40  and the examination system  50  are each shown as implemented on a computing device  14  as a program product. However, it is understood that some or all of the functionality described for the imaging system  40  and/or the examination system  50  could be implemented as hardware and/or firmware. Regardless, the radiation capture system  30  and/or the visible capture system  32  can comprise one or more digital sensing devices that obtain image(s) in the form of digital data based on the non-visible radiation and/or visible light for the subject  16 . In this case, the radiation capture system  30  and/or the visible capture system  32  can provide the image(s) to the imaging system  40  and/or the examination system  50  in a format that can be readily processed by either system. In one embodiment, the radiation capture system  30  and/or the visible capture system  32  can utilize a line/group scanning approach to generate the corresponding image, rather than the typical gestalt approach commonly incorporated in imaging devices. 
     In any event, the computing device  14  can comprise any type of computing system capable of being operated by a user  12  and/or communicating with one or more other computing systems. In one embodiment, the computing device  14 , the radiation capture system  30  and/or the visible capture system  32  are implemented as a unitary handheld imaging system as shown and discussed further below in  FIG. 7A . Alternatively, the computing device  14  can comprise a standard computing system such as a desktop/laptop computing system, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a palmtop, a multi-function mobile telephone, etc., that is capable of being programmed with and executing one or more program products, such as the imaging system  40  and/or the examination system  50 . In this case, the radiation capture system  30  and/or the visible capture system  32  can be implemented as a separate physical system that communicates with the computing device  14  via a standard communications technology. 
     To this extent, the computing device  14  is shown including a processor  20 , a memory  22 , an input/output (I/O) interface  24 , a bus  26 , and an I/O device  28 . In general, processor  20  executes computer program code, such as the imaging system  40 , that is stored in memory  22 . While executing the computer program code, the processor  20  can read and/or write data (e.g., image(s) of the subject  16 ) to/from the memory  22  and/or the I/O interface  24 . A bus  26  provides a communications link between each of the components in the computing device  14 , while the I/O device  28  provides a communications link between the computing device  14  and the user  12 , the radiation capture system  30 , and/or the visible capture system  32 . 
     The computing device  14  is only illustrative of various possible combinations of hardware. For example, the processor  20  may comprise one or more processing units that share the execution of the imaging system  40  and/or the examination system  50 . Similarly, the memory  22  can comprise any combination of various types of read only, read/write, fixed, portable, volatile, nonvolatile, etc., computer-readable mediums and/or devices. Further, the I/O interface  24  can comprise any system for exchanging information with one or more I/O devices  28 , which in turn provide an interface (e.g., a communications port, a wireless communications system) with one or more other computing systems and/or an interface (e.g., a pointing device, a display, etc.) with the user  12 . It is understood that the radiation capture system  30  and/or the visible capture system  32  can include the same components (e.g., processor, memory, I/O interface, etc.) as shown for the computing device  14 . These components have not been separately shown and discussed for brevity. 
     In any event, the user  12  can utilize the imaging system  40  to obtain and manage radiation and/or visible light image(s) for subject  16 . To this extent, the imaging system  40  is shown including an acquisition system  42  for obtaining radiation and/or visible light image(s) of subject  16 , an enhancement system  44  for generating an enhanced image of the subject  16  based on the radiation and/or visible light image(s), a display system  46  for displaying an image to the user  12 , a fusion system  48  for generating a subject image based on the radiation and visible light image(s), and a management system  49  for managing the various image(s) for the subject  16 . Similarly, the user  12  can utilize the examination system  50  to perform an examination of the subject  16  using the radiation and/or visible light image(s). To this extent, the examination system  50  is shown including an analysis system  52  for determining a situation (e.g., a medical condition) based on the radiation image(s), a processing system  54  for generating subject data based on the radiation image(s), and an action system  56  for performing an action in response to the situation. 
     Operation of each of the systems is discussed further below. However, it is understood that some of the various systems shown in the imaging system  40  and the examination system  50  can be implemented independently, combined, and/or implemented on another computing system. For example, the examination system  50  could be implemented on a separate computing system from the imaging system  40 . To this extent, the imaging system  40  could be implemented on the radiation capture system  30  and/or a computing system that includes both the radiation capture system  30  and the visible capture system  32 . Additionally, it is understood that some of the systems and/or functionality may be partially implemented, not implemented, or additional systems and/or functionality may be included within the system  10 . 
     As noted above, one embodiment of the invention provides a non-visible radiation imaging system. To this extent, the radiation capture system  30  can be implemented on a sensor head unit that can be attached to the computing device  14 . For example,  FIGS. 7A-B  show alternative views of an illustrative PDA  14 A and the sensor head  30 A. As shown in  FIGS. 7A-B , the sensor head  30 A can mount to the PDA  14 A such that it can be operated as a physical extension of the PDA  14 A. In an embodiment, the sensor head  30 A can include a multi-spectral flash  122 , and a pair of imaging devices, such as visible imaging optics  176  and thermal imaging optics  176 . In one embodiment, the mounting system can include a connector (male) that can mate with a communications slot (female) included on the PDA  14 A to enable communications between the sensor head  30 A and one or more systems on the PDA  14 A, such as the imaging system  40  ( FIG. 1 ). It is understood that the PDA  14 A and the sensor head  30 A are only illustrative, and the invention provides various alternative embodiments as will be recognized by one in the art. 
     Alternatively, the radiation capture system  30  can be included as part of the computing device  14 , which is manufactured as a table top non-visible radiation imaging system.  FIG. 2  shows an illustrative tabletop non-visible radiation imaging system  60  (“tabletop system”) according to one embodiment of the invention. Various aspects of the invention will be discussed with reference to the tabletop non-visible radiation imaging system  60 . However, it is understood that some or all of the functionality could be implemented apart from the tabletop non-visible radiation imaging system  60 . In any event, referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the tabletop non-visible radiation imaging system  60  is shown imaging a person, and can include the various elements shown and described for the computing device  14  together with the radiation capture system  30 . Further, the tabletop non-visible radiation imaging system  60  is shown including a combined visible and non-visible camera  62  and a digital display  64  for displaying an image  70 . To this extent, the tabletop non-visible radiation imaging system  60  can be operated by a user  12  in a manner similar to digital cameras that are widely known for generating images from visible light and/or non-visible light. 
     In particular, the user  12  can request, via an I/O device  28  such as a button, that the acquisition system  42  obtain a radiation image. Alternatively, the acquisition system  42  could automatically determine a set of conditions (e.g., a change in temperature, a movement, etc.) that indicate that a radiation image is desired. In either case, the acquisition system  42  can instruct the radiation capture system  30  to generate the radiation image, which in turn can obtain a digital radiation image  72 . The radiation capture system  30  can provide the digital radiation image  72 , which is shown enlarged adjacent to the tabletop non-visible radiation imaging system  60 , to the display system  46  for displaying to the user  12  via the digital display  64 . However, it is understood that various alternatives are possible. For example, a display could be included in an eyepiece, the radiation image could comprise an analog image that is subsequently converted to a digital data format, etc. 
     As noted previously, it can be cost-prohibitive to obtain a raw infrared image having a high resolution. As a result, the tabletop non-visible radiation imaging system  60  can include an enhancement system  44  for generating an enhanced image that has a higher resolution than the raw radiation image  72 . The enhancement system  44  can implement one or more of various solutions for generating the enhanced image. For example, one or more of various interpolation/enhancement solutions, such as bilinear and/or Bicubic resampling, can be applied to the radiation image  72  to generate the enhanced image, as is known in the art. Other image enhancement solutions that can be implemented by the enhancement system  44  include noise filtering and reduction, multiple pixel sample averaging, interpolation and super-resolution enhancement through multiple or single image means, image averaging or subtracting, Weiner filters, Kalman filtering of multiple readings, etc. Subsequently, the enhancement system  44  can provide the enhanced image to the display system  46  for display to the user  12 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , the enhancement system  44  can incorporate additional information apart from the radiation image  72  in order to generate the enhanced image  84  ( FIG. 4C ). For example, the user  12  can provide information on the subject  16  to the acquisition system  42 . The information can include, for example, one or more characteristics of the subject  16 . Subsequently, the one or more characteristics can be used by the enhancement system  44  to generate the enhanced image of the subject  16 . For example, one or more emissivity characteristics of the subject  16  can be considered when generating the enhanced image of the subject  16 . To this extent, a subject who is using makeup that has a low emissivity value would appear cooler than a subject such as a person with no makeup, which has a relatively high emissivity value, despite the two subjects being the same temperature. By using the emissivity characteristics of the subject  16 , more accurate and detailed information can be derived from an image. 
     Additionally, one or more characteristics of the subject  16  can be automatically obtained by the acquisition system  42 . For example, as mentioned above, the system  10  and/or the tabletop non-visible radiation imaging system  60  can further include a visible capture system  32  for obtaining a visible light image of the subject  16 . In one embodiment, the combined visible and non-visible camera  62  ( FIG. 2 ) can include a subjective lens that focuses and allows both visible light and non-visible radiation (e.g., infrared light) to pass through for imaging by the visible capture system  32  and the radiation capture system  30 , respectively. To this extent, the acquisition system  42  can request that both of the systems  30 ,  32  obtain the respective images simultaneously, and both images can comprise substantially similar fields of view. As a result, the visible light image can be readily applied to enhance and interpret the radiation image, and vice versa. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , an illustrative process for determining whether a subject is ready for imaging according to an embodiment is shown. In particular, the process shown in  FIG. 3  is directed towards human subjects. While others have tried to develop and use thermal imaging as a non-visible radiation-based system to diagnose human subjects, without implementing the process illustrated in  FIG. 3  of the present invention, any diagnostic imaging system will not function to its potential and will have limited diagnostic value. The process shown in the  FIG. 3  starts with the human subject arriving for an exam. The first step is to verify if the room is set at the same temperature and humidity level as before. In an embodiment, the temperature and humidity level verifications will be done by a set of sensors included in the acquisition system  42 . If the system verifies that the room temperature and humidity levels are consistent and substantially the same as the standardized room temperature and humidity levels, then the process can continue. 
     Next, the human subject must wait for roughly 15 minutes to get his body acclimated with the room environment. This is essential to make sure that the subject body is roughly at the same temperature to allow thermal imaging system to discern small temperature changes. After roughly 15 minutes, the system automatically acquires a rough complete body image of subject and establishes if the body has reached the room temperature level. If the subject has not reached the room temperature, then the diagnostic work must wait for the subject temperature to come up to the same level. However, if the subject temperature has reached the ambient temperature, then the diagnostic work can continue. 
     The system can then acquire subject heart rate by using one or more sensors available in the art, e.g. human pulse detectors commonly found in commercial pulse Oximeters. Also, the heart rate can be acquired remotely by using remote heart rate acquisition methods such as microwave based remote hear rate sensors. Next in the process, the system will insure that the subject is not under any duress or emotional stress by measuring respiration rate by using visible imaging to acquire chest movements. Once it is determined that the subject is not under any duress or emotional stress, the system will next verify that the subject skin surface emissivity falls within normal skin emissivity for the same subject by using alternate IR sensors which are spread in the IR spectra. Surface emissivity measurement is necessary to ensure that subject is not using any makeup which can interfere with radiation measurements for the subject. There are commonly available IR sensors which are used to measure a surface emissivity. Next, the skin perspiration is measured by measuring surface reflection by using the visible camera and ordinary visible light. If the subject does not show any particular change in perspiration, then system prompts the provider to take subject/subject image for diagnostic analysis. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4A , an illustrative process of enhancing a non-visible radiation image according to an embodiment is shown. Present art in the thermal imaging work does not show any image enhancements which would lead to better and improved thermal images. The process of image improvement starts with a thermal image. That is, a non-visible radiation image can be obtained. Next, the system would extract, via cropping, a portion of the non-visible radiation image which is of interest, e.g. the thermal image of a hand shown in  FIG. 4B . The cropping function is carried out by using an innovative method which will use the high-resolution visible image as a cue. For example, presently available visible imagers are readily available in 20 mega pixels or even higher resolution. Visible images are easily obtained which can be used for high definition templates or image map to use to dissect and crop regions of interest (ROI) in much lower resolution thermal images. Note that higher resolution visible images are easily usable by shape recognition algorithms as opposed to lower resolution images. Once the thermal image ROI is cropped, image enhancement is then carried out on the thermal image. In an embodiment, a histogram adjustment of the thermal image shown in  FIG. 4B . As can be seen in the enhanced image shown in  FIG. 4C , the human hand veins are more easily visible when compared to un-enhanced image shown in  FIG. 4B . 
     As the system performs the image enhancement automatically, the system next computes enhancement quality index by using image quality computations readily known to anyone in the art. If the enhanced image meets the image quality index level, then the enhancement process is stopped. However, if the enhanced image does not meet the image quality index threshold, then the image enhancement is continued by using other image enhancement techniques, e.g. contrast adjustment, speckle removal, Weiner filters, etc. Image averaging is yet another image enhancement technique used to create a better thermal image whereby multiple, i.e. more than one image, is temporarily averaged to reduce pixel noise or image noise thereby creating a better thermal image. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , the imaging system  40  can include a fusion system  48  for generating a subject image for the subject  16  that is based on non-visible light image  85  ( FIG. 4B ) and a visible image. To this extent, the fusion system  48  can fuse a visible light image and either the raw radiation image  85  ( FIG. 4B ) or enhanced image  84  ( FIG. 4C ) that is generated based on radiation image  85 . In any event, the fused image can be provided to the display system  46  for display to the user  12 . 
     In one embodiment, the fusion system  48  can combine elements of visible light image and radiation image in such a manner that the subject image is readily recognizable due to visible light image, but includes emphasized features based on the radiation image. For example,  FIG. 5A  shows an illustrative subject image  182  for a subject  172  that the fusion system  48  can generate by fusing visible light image  181  and enhanced non-visible image  180 . In an embodiment, a majority of the fused subject image  182  is based on the visible light image  181 , while portions of enhanced image  180  are included to make several features stand out. It should be noted that  FIG. 5A  describes a method where two images  180 ,  181  are obtained by using an imaging component  174  including approximately co-located visible imaging optics  176  and thermal imaging optics  175  which are optically aligned by positioning in close proximity. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 5C , in an embodiment, a multi-spectral focusing optics  185  and multi-spectral prism  186  can be used to split object image to shine visible image through visible imaging optics  176  and thermal image through thermal imaging optics  175  to create co-located images to be used for fusion. In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 5B , the imaging component  174  includes visible imaging optics  176  and thermal imaging optics  175  that do not co-locate the images. In this case, visible light image  181  and thermal image  180  are image processed to obtain key features in the two images, e.g. human body outline. These features are then used to align visible light image  181  and thermal image  180  to create a composite image  182 . 
     In an embodiment, diagnostic information can be automatically created for a provider. Turning now to  FIG. 6A , an illustrative process for automatically creating diagnostic information according to an embodiment is shown. For example, the first step is to use the higher definition visible image and create a template or outline to help automatic cropping of the region of interest (ROI) from a larger thermal image. Once, the ROI is cropped, the system uses the database where multiple prior non-visible images are stored to perform the image differencing on the image stream. The prior non-visible images correspond to images acquired over time of the same ROI. Based on the non-visible image differences, any regions or blobs which have grown, are located back automatically. So, in a typical case, one would process a ROI containing a tumor for example. As the tumor grows, the process described in  FIG. 6A  will automatically detect the tumor growth. 
     Turning back to  FIG. 1 , the radiation capture system  30  could comprise a plurality of imaging systems having fields of view that can be combined to generate a larger, contiguous field of view. In this case, each imaging system can concurrently generate an image, and the images can be combined to obtain a higher resolution image of the larger field of view. Using this approach, the use of smaller, less expensive, low resolution imaging arrays is possible rather than a single higher resolution imaging array. 
     It should be appreciated that the teachings of the present invention could be offered as a business method on a subscription or fee basis. For example, some or all of imaging system  40  ( FIG. 1 ), examination system  50  ( FIG. 1 ), and/or computing device  14  ( FIG. 1 ) could be created, maintained and/or deployed by a service provider that offers the functions described herein for customers. That is, a service provider could offer to image a subject and/or perform an examination as described above. It is understood that the present invention can be realized in hardware, software, a propagated signal, or any combination thereof. Any kind of computer/server system(s)—or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein—is suited. A typical combination of hardware and software could be a general purpose computer system with a computer program that, when loaded and executed, carries out the respective methods described herein. Further, a specific use computer, containing specialized hardware for carrying out one or more of the functional tasks of the invention, could be utilized. 
     The present invention also can be embedded in a computer program product or a propagated signal, which comprises all the respective features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and which—when loaded in a computer system—is able to carry out these methods. Computer program, propagated signal, software program, program, program product or software, in the present context mean any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following: (a) conversion to another language, code or notation; and/or (b) reproduction in a different material form. 
     The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to a person skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.