Microscope Magnification Reader with Optical Scanner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopes without digital imaging capabilities lack the ability to automatically identify and record the magnification level of captured images, leading to potential human errors and increased time consumption in data recording.
Innovation Solution
A magnification level reader accessory that includes a base, electronic scanner, and indicia elements, allowing for automatic detection and electronic saving of magnification levels, which can be retrofitted to various microscope sizes and configurations using a single kit, with the scanner communicating with a computer to record the magnification level data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual recording of magnification levels is used, then device complexity is reduced, but human error increases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
A scanner head with optical scanner serves as an intermediary device that automatically detects magnification level indicia on objectives. The scanner head includes a movable arm with positioner that allows the scanner to read indicia on different objectives, eliminating manual recording while adding automated detection capability to the microscope system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by having the microscope automatically record its own magnification level data. The optical scanner reads the indicia elements on the objectives and automatically captures the magnification level information, allowing the microscope to self-document without external intervention or manual input from operators.
2Productivity
If manual recording of magnification levels is used, then device complexity is reduced, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical scanner acts as an intermediary that automatically captures magnification level data, eliminating the need for manual recording operations. The scanner head with movable arm reads indicia on objectives and transmits data to the computer, significantly reducing the time required to record magnification information alongside each captured image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical recording operations with an automated optical scanning system. The optical scanner uses light to read the indicia elements on objectives, substituting the mechanical act of manually noting down magnification levels with an automated optical detection and electronic data capture system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single retrofit kit is used for multiple microscope configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner head incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities with a movable arm and positioner that can be adjusted to different positions. This dynamic structure allows the optical scanner to reach and read indicia on objectives of various sizes and configurations, enabling a single retrofit kit to adapt to multiple microscope types without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrofit kit is designed with universal applicability, where the adjustable scanner head can serve multiple microscope configurations through its movable arm and positioner mechanism. This multi-functional design allows one scanner head to read indicia on different objective types and positions, making the device versatile across various microscope sizes and setups.
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 reduces human error and saves time by automatically recording magnification levels for each image, enabling cost-effective retrofitting of existing microscopes and providing accurate magnification data for images captured across different microscope configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic scanner is an optical scanner, such as a laser barcode reader
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device magnification level reader includes a base configured for attachment to an optical device, such as a microscope, where the base supports other components of the reader including a support arm and an electronic scanner. At least two indicia elements are positioned at different locations along the microscope. The different locations correspond to different respective magnification levels of the microscope. The electronic scanner is coupled to the base via the support arm, and is repositionable relative to the base and indicia elements to achieve proper alignment. The electronic scanner is in electronic communication with a computer associated with the microscope and is operable to detect the indicia element that corresponds to a current selected magnification level of the microscope, so that the electronic scanner is operable to send to the computer a signal indicative of the selected magnification level.