Portable Variable Focus Microscope for Real-Time Contaminant Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing microscopic contaminants in samples are centralized, costly, time-consuming, and require specialized equipment and trained personnel, leading to delayed results and reactive contaminant management, which can pose health hazards and hinder real-time data collection and prediction of contaminant spread.
Innovation Solution
A portable, lightweight magnification scope and image recognition system integrated with mobile digital devices, enabling real-time data collection and analysis using a mobile variable focus microscope and image recognition algorithms, allowing non-experts to identify contaminants without the need for specialized training or infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If centralized laboratory analysis is used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image recognition algorithms that create digital copies of microscopic images to enable remote analysis. The mobile device captures images of contaminants and transmits them to a remote server for algorithmic analysis, replacing the need for physical sample transport to centralized labs while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical sample transport and manual microscopic examination with digital image transmission and automated algorithmic analysis. The image recognition system substitutes for the mechanical movement of samples through the supply chain, enabling instant analysis without physical relocation.
2Measurement precision
If centralized laboratory analysis is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates digital copies of samples through mobile device cameras and transmits them to remote servers for analysis. This eliminates the need for complex centralized laboratory infrastructure while maintaining analytical capability through distributed digital processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes mobile devices universal for scientific analysis by enabling them to perform functions previously requiring specialized laboratory equipment. The same smartphone or tablet can capture, process, and transmit microscopic images for contaminant identification, replacing the need for dedicated expensive microscopy infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If traditional microscope equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but weight increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the camera system of mobile devices to capture microscopic images instead of requiring physical transport of heavy microscope equipment. The digital copy of the microscopic view is transmitted and analyzed remotely, eliminating the weight burden of moving traditional microscope hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces heavy mechanical microscope equipment with lightweight mobile devices that have integrated cameras. The analysis function is substituted from physical optical instruments to digital image processing algorithms, dramatically reducing the weight of portable analysis equipment.
4Measurement precision
If specialized personnel training is required, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual expert analysis with automated image recognition algorithms that can be executed by non-experts through simple mobile device operations. The complex pattern recognition and contaminant identification functions are automated through software, eliminating the need for user training in microscopy techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service contaminant analysis where users can independently capture, transmit, and receive analysis results without requiring specialized training. The automated algorithms perform the complex identification work autonomously, making the technology accessible to anyone with a mobile device while maintaining scientific accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable variable focus microscope includes a housing having a lower section and an upper section secured together. A lens is removably disposed on at least one lens retention feature of the upper section. The scope further includes a slide platform and a height adjuster, where rotation of the height adjuster within the scope housing adjusts a relative distance between the slide platform and the lens to adjust a focus of the lens. The scope may be used in conjunction with a mobile data device to capture an image of a sample on a slide received in the scope. A program including a CNN algorithm may be employed to identify contaminants in the sample.