Telescoping Light Shield for Dermal Camera Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera systems for acquiring dermal images are inconsistent due to varying conditions and limitations in capturing both near and far field images, with bulky attachments obstructing the camera and lacking programmable lighting and intelligent software tools.
Innovation Solution
A dermal camera attachment for mobile devices that includes a telescoping light shield for controlled near field imaging and a design allowing far field imaging without obstruction, combined with a dermal camera application for image acquisition, analysis, and diagnosis, using LED illumination and a user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bulky attachment is used to capture dermal images, then imaging control and consistency are improved, but the attachment obstructs the camera and prevents far field imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment incorporates a telescoping light shield that can dynamically change its extension state. When extended, it provides controlled lighting for near field dermal imaging. When retracted, it allows the camera to capture far field images without obstruction. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between imaging control and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment is designed with separable functional components: a light shield for controlled lighting, a camera module for image capture, and a mounting system for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables the attachment to switch between near field and far field imaging modes by adjusting the light shield position.
2Device complexity
If a fixed light source is used, then the device structure is simplified, but the light source is not programmable and lacks intelligent control
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is designed as a multi-functional component that can operate in multiple modes: as a fixed light source for simple imaging, as a programmable light source with adjustable intensity and color temperature for controlled dermal imaging, and as an illumination source that can be dynamically adjusted during imaging sessions. This universality resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and programmability.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional cameras are used, then the device is simple and inexpensive, but the images are inconsistent and lack comprehensive imaging information
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment acts as an intermediary between the conventional camera and the imaging subject. It provides a controlled lighting environment, a stable mounting position, and consistent optical alignment while using the existing camera sensor. This intermediary approach maintains the simplicity of using a conventional camera while achieving consistent and comprehensive imaging through the added control mechanisms.
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 consistent and controlled dermal imaging by allowing both near and far field image capture without obstructing the camera, providing a comprehensive tool suite for diagnosis and tracking skin conditions.
Implementation Method 1
combined with a dermal camera application for image acquisition, analysis, and diagnosis, using LED illumination
Data Source
AI summary
A camera attachment apparatus for attaching to a mobile computing device having an integrated camera includes a house, a slide plate, an aperture, and an illumination system. The housing has a shape to mount on the mobile computing device. The slide plate is disposed within the housing and has a stowed position and a deployed position. The aperture is disposed in the slide plate. The illumination system is disposed on the slide plate. The slide plate is configured to align the aperture over the integrated camera when moved to the deployed position and does not obstruct the integrated camera in the stowed position.