Mobile Microscope Sampling for Autonomous Neural Network Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing research methods for sample collection and analysis using microscopes are time-consuming, costly, and pose safety risks, especially in hostile environments.
Innovation Solution
A mobile microscope platform equipped with a sampler tool, microscope, camera, and control circuit that automates the process of sample collection, imaging, and classification using a neural network, enabling operation in unfriendly environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sample collection and analysis is used, then research personnel can directly observe and analyze samples, but the process is time-consuming, costly, and dangerous in hostile environments
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile microscope platform performs sample collection, preparation, and analysis autonomously without human intervention. The sampler tool automatically collects samples, the microscope automatically images them, and the neural network automatically classifies the samples, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate the need for human researchers to be present in hazardous environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated mobile platform that integrates sampling, imaging, and analysis functions. The mechanical system of manual sample handling is substituted with an automated robotic platform that uses a sampler tool, microscope, and neural network processing to perform the same functions remotely and more efficiently
2Productivity
If manual sample analysis is used, then researchers can directly examine samples under the microscope, but the cost and time of research increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (sample collection, preparation, imaging, and classification) into a single mobile microscope platform. By merging these previously separate operations into one integrated system, the patent achieves faster research throughput while managing complexity through functional consolidation rather than multiplication
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile microscope platform is designed as a multi-functional system that can perform sampling, imaging, and analysis across various sample types and environments. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized tools, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity
3Productivity
If automated mobile microscope platform is used, then sample collection and analysis speed increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile microscope platform is divided into distinct functional modules: a sampler tool for sample collection, a microscope for imaging, a camera for capturing images, and a control circuit with neural network for analysis. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together as an integrated system, managing complexity through modular design
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for a mobile microscope is disclosed. The system includes a platform to move about an environment; a sampler tool coupled to the platform; a microscope coupled to the platform; a camera coupled to the microscope; and a control circuit to: instruct the platform to move about an environment; instruct the sampler tool to obtain a sample and place the sample in a view field of the microscope; instruct the camera to capture an image of the sample, the image enlarged by the microscope; receive the image from the camera; analyze, using a neural network, the image to classify the sample; and output a classification of the sample.