Georgia Tech researchers developing tricorder-like medical scanner

We've already seen some attempts to create a tricorder-like device, but this latest crack it at by some researchers at Georgia Tech looks like it could well be the closest to the real thing to date -- if it ever turns into an actual device, that is. The big advance with this one, it seems, is the use of a new mosaic narrowband filter, which includes photosensitive pixel sensors that can observe different wavelengths and allow for multispectral imaging. According to the researchers, the filter could also be laminated with standard imaging sensors used in digital cameras, making an all-in-one handheld device possible. That would apparently let individuals use the device to detect everything from the severity of bruises to contamination in food, or even perform remote sensing in mining, to name but a few applications. The researchers still have quite a bit more work to do on it before any of that's possible, however, and they're now seeking collaborative or financial support to further develop the device.

[Via Daily Tech]

[Michael @ May 22nd 2008 5:50PM]

Please state the nature of the medical emergency

[rock99rock @ May 22nd 2008 5:54PM]

This better lead to seeing through womens clothing.

[rock99rock @ May 22nd 2008 5:55PM]

Wasnt there a sony camcorder that could see though clothing some time ago? It was part of the "nightvision" feature. Not on purpose, of course :)

[Twitchy @ May 22nd 2008 6:00PM]

Tricorder schmicorder, I want my holodeck and replicator goddammit.

[Hayst @ May 22nd 2008 6:06PM]

i agree... of all the cool sci-fi gadgets to try and create in real life, they choose the boringest one...

[Aaron Wanker @ May 22nd 2008 6:54PM]

*pssst...* hayst it's "most boring"...

[low tech @ May 22nd 2008 7:10PM]

http://listverse.com/science/top-10-sci-fi-inventions-that-should-not-be-invented/

Look at what the top 2 are!

[Sma @ May 22nd 2008 9:21PM]

Was watching CSI NY last night and they had something close to a holodeck. They normally have a hemispherical globe thing that appeared to have spinning leds inside. Last nights episode they were inside a room that looked like it had a grid on the wall (most likey nothing to do with the displayed image). I think there was somse sorta fog or smoke and some how a 3d image of an x-rayed body was displayed in the cloud, and they could look all around it from different angles. Granted it may have been mostly, if not all CG but it still looked really neat. I'm pretty certain that the hemispherical globe thing though is real.

[John @ May 22nd 2008 6:09PM]

I want a disruptor gun :P

[Ali @ May 22nd 2008 6:47PM]

I love my school.

[john @ May 22nd 2008 7:00PM]

Go Jackets!

[akstylish @ May 23rd 2008 2:11AM]

I dropped out. :(

[Madoc @ May 22nd 2008 6:52PM]

Tidbit: An acquaintance works for a law firm that represents employers in workers comp disputes. She was sent to a demo of this item because they want to use it to help expose workers who they believe are faking injuries.

How about those no-needle injections? We were supposed to get those damn things 10 years ago.

[Aaron Wanker @ May 22nd 2008 7:03PM]

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/490408

[Sma @ May 22nd 2008 9:15PM]

Apparently that link requires a login (or I'm doing it wrong). But I have heard of needle-less injections before. It uses some sorta ultrasonic injection thing. If you've ever put your hand infront of one of those ultrasonic water misters it almost feels like a needle.

[Jeff @ May 22nd 2008 7:07PM]

Go Jackets ... Leading the way again

[Kr0n1cH4xx0r @ May 22nd 2008 8:34PM]

typo: "but this latest crack it at by some..."

crack at it*?

[T H @ May 22nd 2008 9:37PM]

That's DEFINITELY a Sidekick LX in the drawing.

Except this device sounds like it actually doesn't suck..

[John @ May 22nd 2008 11:35PM]

fascinating

[RecLou @ May 23rd 2008 12:02AM]

I'm a Ramblin Wreck from Georgia Tech and proud to be a Helluva Helluva Helluva Engineer!!!