Fish Eye Lens Imaging for Compact Multi-Sample Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reflectance spectrometers are limited by their size and inability to simultaneously read multiple reagent strips or cartridges, necessitating a reduction in the optical path between the detector and the reagent pad to create a more compact device capable of analyzing multiple samples at once.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wide-angle lens, specifically a fish eye lens, coupled with a detector allows for a more compact design that can image multiple reagent strips or cartridges simultaneously, with the detector positioned closer to the target and capable of converting raw image data into test results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional reflectance spectroscope uses a standard optical path configuration, then the device can achieve sufficient imaging quality, but the device size becomes large and it cannot simultaneously read multiple reagent strips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fish-eye lens that captures light from a hemispherical field of view, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the optical path. This allows the detector to receive light rays from multiple angles simultaneously, enabling the imaging of multiple reagent strips arranged in different spatial positions without increasing the device's physical footprint, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fish-eye lens configuration enables the single detector to perform multiple functions: it can simultaneously read multiple reagent strips placed at different positions within its wide field of view, and it can capture the entire field in a single shot. This multi-functionality allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate reading positions or devices, reducing overall device size while maintaining or enhancing measurement capability.
2Volume of moving object
If the optical path is reduced to create a compact device, then the device size decreases, but the field of view and ability to capture multiple samples simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fish-eye lens provides a hemispherical field of view that captures light rays from all directions within that hemisphere. This dimensional approach to light collection allows the compact detector to 'see' around corners and capture samples positioned at various orientations and distances, effectively expanding the functional field of view beyond what a linear optical path could achieve in the same space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a fish-eye lens that creates a curved, hemispherical field of view rather than a flat, planar one. This spherical geometry allows the detector to capture samples arranged in a curved or radial pattern, maximizing the use of available space and enabling simultaneous reading of multiple strips positioned at different angular locations, thus achieving versatility within a compact form factor.
3Device complexity
If a single detector reads multiple reagent strips sequentially, then the device structure remains simple, but the analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fish-eye lens enables the single detector to capture light from multiple reagent strips simultaneously by accepting light rays from a hemispherical volume. This allows parallel acquisition of data from all strips in the field of view during a single measurement cycle, dramatically reducing analysis time compared to sequential reading while maintaining a simple single-detector configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The wide-angle fish-eye lens configuration allows the detector to continuously capture light from all reagent strips in its field of view simultaneously, rather than requiring sequential movement or switching between strips. This continuous parallel measurement approach maximizes productivity while keeping the device structure simple, as the detector remains stationary and collects all necessary information in one uninterrupted action.
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
This configuration enables a smaller, more efficient medical diagnostic tool that can analyze multiple samples concurrently, improving the compactness and versatility of reflectance spectrometers while maintaining the necessary field of view, thus enhancing their usability in limited spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a wide-angle lens operatively coupled to the detector such that the detector receives image data of the target area through the wide-angle lens
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging device is disclosed. The imaging device has a housing, a detector positioned within the housing and has a field of view encompassing one or more target area within the housing to be imaged, a wide-angle lens operatively coupled to the detector, and a support positioned at the target area and configured to receive one or more test component. The wide- angle lens is operatively coupled to the detector such that the detector receives image data of the target area through the wide-angle lens.