Smartphone Imaging Compartment for Particle Morphology Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current centrifugal spreader technologies lack precision in adjusting spreading parameters for non-referenced fertilizers, and existing image analysis systems are cumbersome, non-portable, and not energy self-sufficient, making them impractical for farmers to use in the field for determining particle characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A portable, ergonomic device with a particle sample deposit plate and a compartment for controlled lighting, allowing precise and repeatable image acquisition of particles using a smartphone, which can analyze morphological characteristics to determine optimal spreading parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing image analysis systems are used to determine particle characteristics, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential image acquisition function from complex laboratory systems and implements it in a simplified portable device. The device uses a standard smartphone camera instead of specialized imaging equipment, removing unnecessary complexity while retaining the core capability to capture particle images for morphological analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized deposit plate with positioning features as an intermediary between the particle sample and the smartphone camera. This plate ensures consistent particle placement and optimal imaging conditions, bridging the gap between simple portable hardware and precise measurement requirements.
2Measurement precision
If existing image analysis systems are used to determine particle characteristics, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables farmers to perform their own particle characterization without external assistance. The self-contained system with integrated lighting, deposit plate, and smartphone interface allows independent operation in the field, eliminating the need for complex laboratory equipment or expert operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the operation from complex laboratory procedures to simple field-friendly actions. The deposit plate's positioning features and the smartphone's automated image capture change the operational parameters from manual, skill-intensive processes to automatic, user-friendly operations.
3Measurement precision
If controlled lighting conditions are implemented for image acquisition, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The flash provides brief, periodic illumination only during the exact moment of image capture. This periodic action delivers sufficient light for high-quality images while minimizing total energy consumption, as the flash operates only when needed rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The flash is pre-positioned and integrated into the device structure, with its optical path predetermined by the deposit plate geometry. This preliminary arrangement ensures optimal lighting conditions are automatically achieved without requiring energy-intensive adjustable lighting systems.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for assisting in the acquisition of images of a sample of particles to be spread or sown, which comprises: - a plate (121) for depositing the sample of particles, the depositing plate comprising a regular pattern of locations for anchoring and spacing the particles from the sample; - a compartment (13) having opaque walls, open at its ends, a base of which has means for coupling to the depositing plate, and an upper section of which, parallel to the base, carries a support tray (10), configured to receive a camera, the support tray having an opening (101) configured to be placed opposite at least one image sensor of the camera.