Releasable Optical Attachment for Mobile Device Medical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld mobile devices, such as cellular phones and tablets, have primitive cameras and illumination sources, making them inadequate for specialized imaging tasks like medical examinations, and stand-alone medical imaging devices are often too expensive or specialized for consumer use.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enhances imaging on mobile devices using a releasable optical assembly with a housing and optical transmission elements, such as lenses and fiber optics, to improve image quality, combined with programming for image processing and analysis, allowing for real-time viewing and transmission of images for diagnosis or other applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a releasable optical assembly with lenses and fiber optics is added to a mobile device, then image quality and illumination are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into separate modules: a releasable optical assembly containing lenses and specula can be attached to or removed from the mobile device as needed. This segmentation allows the mobile device to function as both a standard camera and an enhanced medical imaging tool, resolving the contradiction by providing high measurement precision only when the optical assembly is attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The releasable optical assembly acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and the imaging target. It includes optical elements like lenses and fiber optic illuminators that enhance image quality without permanently modifying the mobile device. The assembly couples to the device's camera through an adapter, serving as a mediator that adds optical capabilities while maintaining the device's portability and simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If specialized optical components are integrated into mobile devices, then imaging capability for medical examinations is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The releasable optical assembly is designed to be universal and compatible with multiple mobile device models through standardized adapters. The same optical components can serve multiple medical imaging applications (dermatology, otoscopy, ophthalmoscopy) by simply changing the speculum attachment, rather than manufacturing different devices for each application. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining high imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The specula and certain optical components are designed as disposable or easily replaceable elements. Instead of manufacturing expensive, durable specialized medical devices, the system uses affordable mobile devices combined with replaceable optical attachments. This approach reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining imaging precision for medical examinations.
3Measurement precision
If a releasable optical assembly is attached to the mobile device, then image transmission and analysis capabilities are enhanced, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes automated image processing and analysis software that runs on the mobile device itself. The optical assembly captures enhanced images, and the device's processor automatically performs image enhancement, filtering, and preliminary analysis without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains ease of operation while providing advanced transmission and analysis capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback through the mobile device's display, showing captured images and analysis results immediately. The software can provide guidance on proper positioning, focus adjustment, and image quality assessment, making the operation intuitive despite the added complexity of the optical assembly. This feedback mechanism simplifies the user experience while maintaining high measurement precision.
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 mobile devices to perform as enhanced cameras and telemedicine tools, providing improved image quality and analysis capabilities, making them suitable for various medical and non-medical imaging applications, including skin analysis and product recommendations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transmission element. The optical transmission element is configured to enhance an image taken by the built-in camera
Implementation Method 2
The portable wireless device further comprises an illumination source. The housing configured to house the optical fiber in an alignment within the illumination path of the illumination source
Data Source
AI summary
An improved system and methods for enhancing the imaging of cameras included with wireless mobile devices, such as cellular phone or tablets. The imaging system includes a releasable optical attachment for imaging skin surfaces and cavities of the body. The releasable optical attachment comprises optical enhancement elements such as magnifying lenses, illumination diverting elements, and filters. Images can be viewed and analyzed on the mobile device, or transmitted to another location/device for analysis by a person or software. The results can be used to provide diagnosis, or for a variety of other applications including image comparison over time and product recommendations.