Annular Lighting Apparatus for Specimen Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting systems for high-resolution imaging of small specimens lack the ability to independently adjust multiple light sources at varying distances and angles, leading to suboptimal illumination and difficulty in achieving desired contrast and clarity.
Innovation Solution
A highly adjustable lighting apparatus with an expandable annular boundary composed of longitudinally curved plates and a hub system, allowing for precise control of light direction, intensity, and distribution, featuring pivoting jaws connected to a hub with a hinge and an adjustable stem for easy access to specimens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are positioned close to the specimen for intense illumination, then illumination intensity is improved, but shadows and reflections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system divides illumination into multiple independent light sources arranged in an annular configuration, each capable of independent positioning and adjustment. This segmentation allows different zones of the annular array to provide direct illumination while other zones provide diffuse illumination, resolving the contradiction between intensity and shadow reduction
Solution Approach 2:
Diffusing elements are introduced as intermediaries between the light sources and the specimen. These diffusers scatter the light paths, maintaining illumination intensity while eliminating direct shadows and reflections, thus mediating between the need for bright lighting and the need to avoid harmful optical artifacts
2Object-affected harmful factors
If light sources are positioned obliquely to reduce glare, then contrast is improved, but illumination intensity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular light array is segmented into multiple independently adjustable light sources positioned at different angular orientations. This allows the system to combine oblique lighting from some sources (reducing glare) with more direct lighting from other sources (maintaining intensity), resolving the contradiction between contrast enhancement and illumination strength
3Device complexity
If fixed lighting configuration is used for simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different specimens decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system incorporates dynamic adjustability where each light source in the annular array can be independently positioned, angled, and intensity-controlled. This dynamic capability allows the same device to be adapted to various specimen types and imaging requirements without increasing fundamental device complexity, as the adjustments are made through controlled movement of modular components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables optimal illumination for high-resolution imaging by allowing for semi-annular to complete annular oblique illumination, reducing shadows and glare, and facilitating the observation of small objects with improved contrast and clarity.
Implementation Method 1
curved plates containing light sources and/or reflective surfaces along the concave boundary
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology relates generally to a method and system for an improved lighting apparatus compatible with imaging small specimens for viewing or photographic purposes. In certain embodiments, the disclosed technology provides an apparatus for projecting light on specimens from opposing light sources at varying distances and angles. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes an elongated stem that allows the light sources to be repositioned quickly, easily, and accurately. The elongated stem may be flexible and may be used in conjunction with a positioning system, such as a rack and pinion system, thereby allowing precise movement of the light sources.