Mobile Skin Imaging Attachment Using Beam Splitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile devices lack the necessary magnification and illumination capabilities to effectively image skin lesions and features below the skin surface, and existing dermoscopic solutions are often expensive and require specialized training, while also being obsolete due to rapid changes in mobile device technology.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus that attaches to mobile devices, utilizing a beam splitter and light guides to distribute light uniformly from the device's light source, providing improved illumination and magnification for skin imaging, and includes a connector for secure attachment to various mobile device sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional mobile devices are used for skin imaging, then the device is simple and portable, but the magnification and illumination capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mobile device with a dermoscopic attachment that includes a beam splitter and light guide. The mobile device's existing light source is merged with the light guide system, and the camera is merged with the beam splitter optical path, creating an integrated imaging system that provides both illumination and magnification without requiring separate complex devices
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide acts as an intermediary between the mobile device's light source and the skin surface. It collects light from the mobile device and distributes it uniformly across the field of view, enabling effective illumination without requiring a powerful dedicated light source in the attachment
2Measurement precision
If existing dermoscopic solutions are used, then illumination and magnification are improved, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment is designed to be compatible with various mobile device models and configurations. The beam splitter and light guide system can work with different camera positions and light source types, making the system universally applicable to multiple mobile devices without requiring device-specific customization
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the mobile device's own light source and processing capabilities. The mobile device's camera, processor, and display serve the imaging function, while the attachment provides only the necessary optical components (beam splitter and light guide) to enable dermoscopy, reducing overall system complexity
3Illumination intensity
If removably-attachable lens devices with LED light sources are used, then illumination capability is improved, but the device becomes heavy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide serves as an intermediary that efficiently transfers and distributes light from the mobile device's existing light source. This eliminates the need for heavy LED assemblies and battery systems in the attachment, as the mobile device already provides sufficient illumination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the illumination function from the attachment and relies on the mobile device's built-in light source. Only the essential optical components (beam splitter and light guide) are included in the attachment, removing unnecessary weight from batteries, LEDs, and power management circuits
4Adaptability or versatility
If mobile device cases are used to accommodate changing device sizes and shapes, then adaptability is improved, but the cases become obsolete rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment uses a flexible mounting system that can adapt to different mobile device sizes and shapes. The elastic band or adjustable connector allows the same attachment to fit various device dimensions, providing dynamic adaptability without requiring multiple case versions for different device models
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 high-quality, magnified digital images of skin lesions and features below the skin surface with improved illumination, reducing the need for external light sources and specialized training, and accommodating the changing sizes and shapes of mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter and light guides to distribute light uniformly from the device's light source
Implementation Method 2
light guides to distribute light uniformly
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for skin imaging is provided. The apparatus is used in conjunction with a mobile device to obtain digital images using a digital camera and a light source provided by the mobile device. The apparatus includes an optical system for illuminating an object to be imaged with uniform ambient light and a light conduit for delivering reflected light to the mobile device digital camera. The apparatus is removably attachable to the mobile device and/or a mobile device case. One or more optical elements, such as lenses, films, filters, and light caps may be used to improve image quality and/or acquire magnified images.