Transparent Optic Internal Reflection for Handheld Imaging Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld devices struggle with variations and accuracy in imaging objects due to limitations in optical systems, particularly in low-resource healthcare settings where precise imaging is crucial for early diagnosis and disease tracking.
Innovation Solution
An optical system for handheld devices that includes a transparent optic with a first main face for positioning objects, a light source, and optical devices for directing and reflecting light internally within the optic volume to enhance illumination and image capture, utilizing a diffuser, turning optics, and a backlight system to control light angles and increase contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a simple camera system is used in handheld devices, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but imaging accuracy and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent optic as an intermediary element between the light source and the object/camera. This transparent optic with its specific geometric structure (prisms or reflective surfaces) mediates the light paths, enabling controlled internal reflections that improve imaging consistency without requiring complex active optical components. The transparent optic acts as a passive mediator that shapes and directs light while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the optical parameters of the system by introducing a transparent optic with specific geometric features (prisms, reflective surfaces at defined angles). This changes the light propagation parameters (reflection angles, light paths) to achieve consistent internal reflections. By carefully designing the geometric parameters of the transparent optic, the system achieves improved imaging accuracy through controlled optical parameter changes rather than complex active control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If additional optical components are added to improve light control, then illumination consistency and image quality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple optical components into a single integrated transparent optic. Instead of using separate mirrors, lenses, and light guides, the transparent optic combines reflective surfaces, light directing paths, and structural support into one component. This merging approach maintains illumination consistency and imaging reliability while avoiding the complexity of assembling and aligning multiple discrete optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent optic serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a light guide, a reflective surface, a structural support, and an optical element for controlling light paths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby improving illumination consistency without proportionally increasing device complexity. The single transparent optic component performs what would otherwise require multiple specialized optical elements.
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 optical system reduces variations and increases accuracy in imaging, enabling efficient early diagnosis and disease tracking, particularly in low-resource settings, by providing consistent and high-contrast illumination for handheld device cameras.
Implementation Method 1
the transparent optic adapted to admit into the optical volume a light emitted by the light source for illuminating the object
Implementation Method 2
turn the light inside the optical volume such that the light is internally reflected within the optical volume and exit the optical volume to be incident onto the camera
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical system for imaging using a camera and a light source of a handheld device, wherein the optical system comprises a transparent optic defining an optical volume, the transparent optic comprising a first main face adapted for positioning an object to be imaged, the transparent optic adapted to admit into the optical volume a light emitted by the light source for illuminating the object and wherein the transparent optic is adapted to admit the light having interacted with the object into the optical volume and turn the light inside the optical volume such that the light is internally reflected within the optical volume and exit the optical volume to be incident onto the camera.