An infrared detector and image projector system is set forth comprising an IR imager/projector for capturing an image of a vein and a needle and projecting the image on a surface and a discrimination and guidance system for discriminating the needle from the image, calculating parameters of the needle and based on these parameters causing the IR imager/projector to project the image of the needle and vein and additional information to assist in visualizing needle alignment with the vein and insertion through tissue into the vein.
