Screen-Free Bio-Imaging Control via Mobile Web Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bio-imaging devices require proprietary software installations on computing devices, are costly for large organizations, and lack integration with smartphones and tablets for convenient image acquisition, processing, and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A screen-free bio-imaging device with an imaging subsystem and control subsystem that connects directly to mobile devices via WiFi or local networks, enabling image acquisition, processing, and analysis without the need for additional software installations, using a single board computer and main control board for communication and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If proprietary software is installed on computing devices to control the bio-imaging device, then the device can be operated and images can be processed, but software installation takes time, occupies large memory, requires high CPU, and is cost-prohibitive for large organizations
Solution Approach 1:
A web server is introduced as an intermediary between the bio-imaging device and users' personal computing devices. The web server hosts the control interface and image processing software, allowing users to access the system through standard web browsers without installing proprietary software. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating software installation requirements while maintaining full operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be accessible through universal web browsers on any computing device (smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops) without requiring device-specific software installations. This multi-functional approach allows the same interface to work across different platforms and devices, eliminating the need for separate software installations for each device type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated computing hardware is purchased for each user to access bio-imaging software, then users can access and process images, but it requires additional expenditure and is not cost-effective for large organizations
Solution Approach 1:
The web server acts as a shared intermediary that multiple users can access simultaneously through their existing personal devices. Instead of requiring each user to have dedicated computing hardware, the web server consolidates the computing resources, allowing multiple users to access the bio-imaging system through their own smartphones, tablets, or laptops without additional hardware purchases.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface and image processing capabilities are copied and made available through the web server to multiple users simultaneously. Each user accesses an identical functional copy of the software interface through their personal device's web browser, eliminating the need for each user to possess dedicated hardware with installed software.
3Ease of operation
If images are transferred to personal computers for storage and analysis, then users can perform local analysis, but it requires extra steps and is not convenient for users who prefer to use their own laptop or desktop
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a local file transfer model to a cloud-based web access model. Instead of transferring images physically or via file protocols between devices, images are uploaded to and accessed from the web server through standard web protocols. This dimensional shift in the access model allows users to view and analyze images directly in their web browsers without any file transfer steps, significantly improving convenience and reducing time delays.
4Ease of operation
If a screen is included on the bio-imaging device for display, then users can view images directly on the device, but it increases device size and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The display function is extracted from the bio-imaging device itself and relocated to users' personal computing devices through the web interface. The bio-imaging device focuses solely on image acquisition and uploading to the web server, while the display, navigation, and analysis functions are performed on users' existing devices with their own screens and processing capabilities. This extraction eliminates the need for a built-in display screen, reducing device size and complexity.
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 convenient, efficient, and cost-effective bio-image acquisition and analysis directly on mobile devices, eliminating the need for proprietary software and reducing hardware costs, with methods for chemiluminescent, visible color, and fluorescent imaging.
Implementation Method 1
The trans-illuminator, which is used for visible imaging, can be a LED, or lamp, or laser.
Implementation Method 2
The epi-illuminator, which is used for visible color imaging or for fluorescent imaging, can be a LED, or lamp, or laser.
Implementation Method 3
A filter ahead of the epi-illuminator and the lens unit is selected according to the light channel.
Implementation Method 4
The imaging subsystem comprises one or more mirrors to reflect light from the specimen to a lens unit
Implementation Method 5
a lens unit... The angles of the mirrors are precisely set. The angle of at least one of the mirrors can be adjusted.
Data Source
AI summary
Biological systems and methods of using same are disclosed. The systems comprise a biological imaging device and a mobile computing device in communication therewith. The biological imaging device includes a single-board computer embedded with control software, enabling remote operation and image acquisition from the mobile computing device without installing the control software thereon, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and user convenience.