Passive Illuminator for Uniform Smartphone Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for imaging a liquid sample between two plates in biological and chemical assays face challenges in achieving uniform illumination, particularly when using a smartphone as a light source, as ambient light interference and non-uniform light distribution hinder effective imaging.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a passive illuminator positioned around the outside peripheral of an imager lens, connected via light-guides to a smartphone's light source, which generates diffusive light to illuminate the sample through a diffuser, ensuring uniform illumination and reducing ambient light interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a smartphone light source is used to illuminate the sample, then the portability and ease of operation are improved, but the uniformity of illumination deteriorates due to ambient light interference and non-uniform light distribution
Solution Approach 1:
A diffuser is introduced as an intermediary component between the smartphone light source and the sample. The diffuser scatters and redistributes the light rays, converting the non-uniform direct light from the smartphone into uniform diffused light that evenly illuminates the sample, thereby resolving the illumination uniformity problem while maintaining smartphone-based portability
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is designed to provide different light distribution characteristics in different regions. The diffuser creates a localized uniform illumination zone over the sample area, while the adaptor housing provides localized ambient light blocking around the imaging path, ensuring optimal illumination quality exactly where needed without affecting overall system portability
2Illumination intensity
If ambient light blocking structures are added to reduce ambient light interference, then the illumination quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor housing simultaneously performs multiple functions: it holds the imaging sensor, provides structural support, and incorporates ambient light blocking features through its design. By merging these functions into a single integrated component rather than separate parts, the system improves illumination quality while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor housing is designed as a multi-functional component that serves as both the mechanical support structure for the imaging sensor and the ambient light barrier. This universal design approach allows one component to fulfill multiple roles, improving illumination quality without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 consistent and uniform illumination for imaging liquid samples between two plates, enhancing the quality of images captured with a smartphone, particularly in assay devices, by minimizing ambient light impact and optimizing light distribution.
Implementation Method 1
impinging light into one or two light-guides each connecting to one end of the passive illuminator; causing the impinging light to travel through each light-guide to reach the corresponding end of the passive illuminator
Implementation Method 2
generating diffusive light sideways from areas surrounding an optical axis of a lens in the camera of the smartphone
Implementation Method 3
illuminate the sample through one of the parallel plates with the illumination light
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, the present invention is related to devices and methods for imaging a liquid sample between two plates.