Imaging Device Reflector Planes for Uniform Growth Plate Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Uneven lighting in imaging devices can negatively impact the quality of visual data, particularly in biological growth plate imaging, leading to inaccuracies in bacterial colony detection and enumeration.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device incorporates specific reflector planes and waveguides with defined angles and distances to ensure even illumination of the object plane, using back illumination and diffuse light transmission to enhance optical clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting is used in the imaging device, then the device structure remains simple, but uneven lighting occurs which negatively impacts the quality of visual data
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into multiple independent components: a first light source with a first reflector, a second light source with a second reflector, and a back illumination device. Each component can be independently positioned and adjusted to illuminate different portions of the object plane, allowing the system to achieve uniform lighting by combining the effects of multiple segmented light paths rather than relying on a single complex lighting structure
Solution Approach 2:
Reflectors are introduced as intermediary elements between the light sources and the object plane. The first reflector and second reflector redirect light from the light sources to illuminate the object plane from different angles, while the back illumination device provides additional illumination from the opposite side. These intermediary reflectors enable uniform lighting distribution without requiring the light sources to be directly positioned in multiple locations
2Measurement precision
If reflector planes are added to improve illumination uniformity, then lighting quality improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the imaging device are assigned different lighting functions: the first light source with its reflector illuminates a first portion of the object plane, the second light source with its reflector illuminates a second portion, and the back illumination device illuminates the object plane from the opposite side. This localized lighting arrangement ensures that each region receives appropriate illumination to enhance detection accuracy without requiring uniform complex lighting throughout the entire device
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources and reflectors are implemented, then illumination uniformity improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first reflector and second reflector are positioned within the housing structure, with the light sources mounted on the housing and the reflectors arranged in a nested configuration. The back illumination device is integrated into the housing from the opposite side. This nested arrangement allows the lighting components to be compactly organized within the existing device structure, reducing the overall footprint and simplifying the manufacturing process by avoiding the need for separate external lighting assemblies
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
The solution provides uniform illumination, reducing glare and shadows, thereby improving the accuracy of bacterial colony detection and enumeration on biological growth plates.
Implementation Method 1
A first reflector plane is within the housing. The first reflector plane is 68.0° to 70.0° from the object plane. The first reflector plane is in reflective communication with the object plane. A second reflector plane is within the housing. The second reflector plane is 68.0° to 70.0° from the object plane. The second reflector plane is in reflective communication with the object plane.
Implementation Method 2
The back illumination device has a back emitter face opposite the object plane relative to the support plate, where the back emitter face is 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm from the object plane, and the back emitter face is configured to transmit diffuse light through the object plane.
Implementation Method 3
The first waveguide has a first interior reflective surface, and the first waveguide defines a first optical inlet through the first interior reflective surface and a first optical outlet through the first interior reflective surface.
Data Source
AI summary
The technology disclosed herein relates to an imaging device. In some embodiments the imaging device has a support plate defining an object plane. A housing surrounds the object plane across the support plate. A first reflector plane is within the housing and in reflective communication with the object plane. The first reflector plane is 68.0° to 70.0° from the object plane. A second reflector plane within the housing and in reflective communication with the object plane. The second reflector plane is 68.0° to 70.0° from the object plane. Other embodiments are also described.