Patent Publication Number: US-2017361324-A1

Title: Viewer device and methods for making the same

Description:
PRIOR APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/352,128, filed on Jun. 20, 2016, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/361,748, filed on Jul. 13, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/426,909, filed on Nov. 28, 2016, the entire teachings of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present application relates generally to methods and apparatus for observing and recording images, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for observing and recording images of biological and chemical materials. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Describing and recording observations and visual outcomes of experiments (e.g., chemical and biological experiments) is an essential part of conducting such experiments. One of the major advantages of these acts is allowing individuals, including those other than the operators, to re-visit these experiments and derive theories and conclusions without needing to be present at the time when the experiments are performed. 
     Experiments are often recorded in writing and, in some cases, using hand or software-drawn schemes. Photos obtained using cameras or other optical instruments can also be used to record experiments and their outcome. In fact, since portable cameras (e.g., portal digital cameras) are now widely available, particularly as part of portable electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, laptops, tablets, and wearable computer devices), photos obtained using such devices have become one of more frequently used means of recording observations during and/or at the conclusion of experiments. 
     However, images generated by many of such portable devices often lack the quality and/or reliability that is often needed for reproducing an experiment. These issues can also become more pronounced in cases where pictures are or may be an essential part of the experiment. For example, in cases in which comparison of images of a sample obtained at various stages of an experiment is required, factors such as inconsistent distances between the camera lens and the recorded items, inconsistent and/or poor lighting, inconsistent and/or poor focus, and variations in the background can cause difficulties in reproducing the experiment. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a viewer device according to the embodiments described herein can enable visual observation and recording of images related to materials, including but not limited to biologicals and chemicals, while controlling the image-taking process, the setting of the imaged item, and the background signals that could influence this process. As used herein, the term “image” is intended to include a still image or a video image. 
     In one aspect, a viewer device is disclosed, which includes a housing that provides a chamber for receiving a sample holder. The housing includes a viewing window for observing a sample contained in the sample holder when the sample holder is disposed in the chamber and a port through which the sample holder can be introduced into, and removed from, the chamber. The chamber can be configured for simultaneously receiving a plurality of sample holders. 
     In a related aspect, a system for analyzing a sample is disclosed, which includes a sample holder having at least one fluidic channel for receiving a sample, an input port for introducing the sample to said fluidic channel, and a viewer device. The viewer device comprises a housing that provides a chamber for receiving the sample holder. The housing comprises a viewing window for observing at least a portion of the sample flowing through the fluidic channel, a port through which the sample holder can be introduced into, and removed from, said chamber; and a coupling mechanism for removably and replaceably coupling said housing to an observational device such that the observational device can generate data via said viewing window about a sample flowing through said at least one fluidic channel. 
     In another related aspect, a viewer device having a housing that provides a chamber for receiving a sample holder is disclosed. The housing can include a viewing window for observing a sample contained in the sample holder when the sample holder is disposed in the chamber; a port through which the sample holder can be introduced into, and removed from, the chamber; and an observational device configured to generate data about the sample via the viewing window. 
     In other examples, any of the aspects above, or any system, method, apparatus described herein can include one or more of the following features. 
     The viewer device can further include a coupling mechanism for removably and replaceably coupling the housing to an observational device such that the observational device can generate data, e.g., image data, about the sample via the viewing window. The observational device can be a portable device. By way of example, the observational device can comprise a camera-equipped device for obtaining any of a picture and/or video of the sample. The observational device can comprise an analysis module for analyzing the data (e.g., image data) to generate information about the sample. By way of example, in some embodiments, the information can indicate a level of aggregation of at least one constituent of the sample. In some embodiments, the information can indicate color of at least a portion of said sample. 
     The camera-equipped device can be configured for acquiring visible images of a sample. Alternatively and/or additionally, the camera-equipped device can be configured for acquiring infrared and/or ultraviolet images of a sample. Further, the camera-equipped device can comprise any of a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer, a portable computer, or any device having an image acquisition mechanism included therein. 
     The coupling mechanism can comprise any of a clip, a railing, one or more clamps, or magnetic attachments, or vacuum cups and pads. The coupling mechanism can be configured to allow aligning a camera of the camera-equipped device with the viewing window of the viewer device. Further, the coupling mechanism can comprise at least one clip for removably and replaceably attaching the housing of the viewer device to an observational device, a railing to which the clip is movably coupled for adjusting the position of the viewer device relative to the observational device, and a knob coupled to the clip and the railing for securing the viewer device at a desired position along the railing. In some embodiment, the viewing window can comprise a camera and/or a lens, e.g., a magnifying lens that allows obtaining magnified images of a sample under observation. 
     The viewer device can include a light source coupled to the housing for illuminating the sample holder when disposed in the chamber. The light source can be, for example, a visible light source. At least a portion of the sample holder is substantially transparent to visible radiation to allow the light from the light source to illuminate at least a portion of a sample contained within the sample holder. Additionally or alternatively, the viewer device can comprise a light diffuser and/or a light filter that is optically coupled to the light source for diffusing and/or filtering the light emitted by the light source such that the diffused and/or filtered light illuminates the sample. The light source can comprise any of a light emitting diode (LED), a halogen lamp, a fluorescent, and a compact fluorescent light bulb. The light source can also include a color filter optically coupled to the light source for selecting a desired color for illuminating the sample. 
     The viewer device can also include a locking mechanism that is coupled to the housing for engaging with at least a portion of the sample holder so as to inhibit movement of said sample holder in said chamber. By way of example, the locking mechanism can comprise a lip disposed proximate to the port, through which a sample holder can be introduced into the viewer device&#39;s chamber, for engaging with a proximal end of a sample holder disposed in the chamber so as to inhibit at least one of up-down movement and rotation of the sample holder. 
     The viewer device can also comprise a mechanism coupled to the housing for manipulating the sample holder disposed in the chamber. The mechanism for manipulating the sample holder can be configured to cause any of physical shaking, rotation, spinning, vortexing, and reversing the orientation of the sample holder disposed in the chamber. By way of example, the mechanism for manipulating the sample holder to re-suspend the sample therein can comprise at least one spring disposed in said chamber for mechanical coupling to said sample holder such that pulling up the sample holder at least partially from the chamber and releasing it can cause agitation of a sample disposed in the sample holder. Alternatively or additionally, the sample can be manipulated by applying a magnetic field arranged to attract magnetic particles of the sample to a one or more directions, partially or totally isolating these magnetic particles from the rest of the sample. 
     In some embodiments, the chamber of the viewer device can be configured for simultaneously receiving a plurality of sample holders. 
     In some embodiments, the viewer device can further comprise a heater coupled to the housing for heating a sample contained in the sample holder. Alternatively or additionally, a cooler can be coupled to the housing for cooling a sample contained in the sample holder. The sample holder can comprise any of a test tube, a filter, or a slide, a cuvette, a fluidic channel, a line of continuously flowing fluid or any holder composed of any material that allows light to traverse through the sample and/or reach the sample. Alternatively or additionally, the sample holder can comprise at least one fluidic channel for receiving a sample. In some such embodiments, the viewer device allows obtaining an image, e.g., a video image, of a sample as it flows through the fluidic channel. Further, embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the use of a sample holder. The sample can be disposed in the viewing field of the viewer device via any suitable technique known in the art. For example, the sample can be placed directly into the viewer device for observation and recording. In some embodiments, the sample can be any object suitable for observation with the viewer device, for example, an insect, a coin, a gem, a pearl, a stamp, a plant, a section of a plant, a mineral, or a hair, which is directly placed within the viewing field of the viewer device (e.g., in the viewer device) for observation. 
     In a related aspect, a viewer device is disclosed, which includes a housing providing a chamber for receiving a sample holder, where the housing comprises a viewing window for observing a sample contained in said sample holder when the sample holder is disposed in said chamber, and a port through which the sample holder can be introduced into, and removed from, said chamber. A camera is coupled to the housing and is configured to obtain images of said sample via said viewing window. In some embodiments, the camera can be integrated within the housing of the viewer device. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention can become apparent from the following drawings and description, all of which illustrate the principles of the invention, by way of example only. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Features and advantages of the invention described herein, together with further advantages, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead is generally placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an example of a viewer device according to some embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates another example of a viewer device according to some embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an example of components that can be included in a viewer device according to some embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates an example of a viewer device, according to some embodiments disclosed herein, which includes a mechanism for enabling attachment to camera-equipped devices. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates an example of some of the components that can be included in a viewer device according to some embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 3C  is an illustrative example of a viewer device having components such as those shown in  FIG. 3B . 
         FIG. 3D  illustrates a snapping mechanism that can be used with a viewer device according to certain embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 3E  illustrates an example agitation mechanism that can be used with a viewer device according to certain embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIGS. 3F-3G  are illustrative examples of a viewer device, according to the embodiments disclosed herein, in which the viewer device includes a locking mechanism for securing the sample container. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are illustrative examples of some of the application of the viewer device disclosed herein. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are illustrative examples of some of the other application of the viewer device disclosed herein. 
         FIGS. 6A-6F  illustrate images of an example material that can be observed by a viewer device in accordance with some embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates an example of an attachment mechanism that can be used with a viewer device in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates another example of an attachment mechanism that can be used with a viewer device in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 7C  illustrates yet another example of an attachment mechanism that can be used with a viewer device in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 7D  illustrates another example of an attachment mechanism that can be used with a viewer device in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 7E  illustrates yet another example of an attachment mechanism that can be used with a viewer device in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 7F  illustrates another example of a viewer device according to some embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates another example of the viewer device in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 8B  is an example of a fluidic chip that can be used with the embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 9A  illustrates a viewer device according to some embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates an example of the viewer device of  FIG. 9A  with a rack that includes one or more observation samples. 
         FIG. 9C  illustrates an example of the rack shown in  FIG. 9B . 
         FIG. 9D  illustrates another example of a viewer device according to some embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 9E  illustrates yet another example of a viewer device according to some embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 9F  illustrates another example of a viewer device according to certain embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 9G  illustrates yet another example of a viewer device according to certain embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIGS. 10A-10C  illustrate an example embodiment of the viewer device that can be used for observing and/or recording dynamic samples. 
         FIG. 11  is an illustrative embodiment of a viewer device according to the embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 12  is a high-level block diagram of a system for observing and recording experiments according to some embodiments disclosed herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A viewer device according to the embodiments disclosed herein can be used for visual observation and recording of experiments. For example, the viewer device can be used to obtain images from the materials (e.g., biologicals and chemicals) used or obtained in various experiments. The viewer device can be configured to control the image-taking process by, for example, controlling the arrangement and setting of the items being imaged and/or controlling the background signals that can influence the image taking process. Furthermore, the viewer device can be configured to manipulate the items being imaged, for example by physical shaking, rotation, spinning, vortexing, reversing orientation of the sample holder, or application of a magnetic field. 
     The term “image,” as used herein, is intended to include both still and video images. The term “about,” as used herein to modify a numerical value, is intended to indicate a variation of at most 5% around the numerical value. 
       FIG. 1A  is an example of a viewer device  10  according to some embodiments disclosed herein. The viewer device  10  can include a housing  12  having a chamber (e.g., chamber  229  shown in  FIG. 2 ) for receiving a sample (not shown, see e.g., sample  399  shown in  FIG. 3B ) of a material (e.g., chemical, biological, or other item), which hereinafter is generally referenced as “sample” or “observation sample.” The housing  12  can also include a viewing window  16 , through which the sample can be observed, e.g., viewed. The sample can be inserted or removed from the chamber and device  10  through a port  18 , which can be configured to receive one or more sample holders or samples. Generally, the port  18  can assume any shape or size suitable for an intended application. For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , the port  18  is configured to receive a cylindrical container that holds the sample (e.g., sample container  14  such as test tube, shown in  FIG. 2 , hereinafter “sample container”). 
     The chamber  229  and the viewing window  16  can have any size or shape suitable for an intended application. For example, the chamber  229  and the viewing window  16  can be arranged to have a variable/adjustable size and/or shape. Specifically, the chamber  229  and the viewing window  16  can be arranged such that the size and shape of the chamber  229  and/or viewing window  16  can be varied depending on the size of the item to be examined. Furthermore, these components can vary depending on the application in which the device is being used. For example, if the application requires simultaneous examination of two samples, side by side, chamber  229 , viewing window  16  can be configured to accommodate such setup. Furthermore, in implementations in which the window  16  houses one or more magnifying lenses, the strength of this magnification can imply the geometry and position of window  16  in relation to chamber  229  and components associated with this chamber. Further, for example, in embodiments that use a cylindrical sample holder, such as a test tube, the size and shape of the chamber  229  and/or viewing window  16  can be selected or adjusted, e.g., widened or narrowed, depending on the size and/or shape of the cylindrical sample holder (e.g., test tube) being used. The sample/experiment can be viewed, observed, and/or recorded via the viewing window  16  using any suitable technique known in the art. For example, the sample can be viewed, observed, and/or recorded by an observer (e.g., human observer, not shown) that observes and records the experiment. Alternatively or additionally, as described in further details below, the sample/experiment can be viewed, observed, and/or recorded via the viewing window  16  via an observational device (not shown), such as a camera. 
     In some embodiments, the port  18  can have a fixed size that is selected to allow the insertion of one or more sample holders into the chamber of the viewer device. Additionally or alternatively, the port  18  can have a variable/adjustable size and/or shape. Specifically, the port  18  can be arranged such that its shape and/or size can be selected or adjusted (e.g., widened or narrowed) to accommodate one or more sample holders being inserted into or removed from the chamber  229 . 
     As noted above, the port  18  can be configured to receive one or more sample holders. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the port  18  includes one receptacle  19  for receiving and/or removing a sample holder. However, the port  18  can be configured to accommodate simultaneous insertion and/or removal of more than one sample holder.  FIG. 1B  illustrates an embodiment of the viewer device  22  in which the port  18 ′ is configured to receive more than one sample holder. Specifically, in this example, the port  18 ′ includes two receptacles  19 - 1 ,  19 - 2 , through each of which a sample holder can be inserted or removed from the chamber of the viewer device. The port(s) can have any other suitable configuration. For example, as described in further details below, the ports can have various geometries and can be arranged to accommodate items and sample containers having conforming shapes and/or structures. For example, the port(s) can be configured to accommodate sample holders, such as test tubes, filters, slides, etc. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an example of components that can be included in a viewer device  10  according to some embodiments disclosed herein. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the viewer device  10  can include a housing  12  that surrounds a chamber  229  in which an observation sample, e.g., contained in a sample holder, can be placed. The housing  12  can also include a viewing window  16 . The size and/or shape of the viewing window  16  can be selected or adjusted to accommodate the size/shape of the observation sample and/or the sample container  14 . 
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 2 , in this embodiment, the viewing window  16  can accommodate a magnifying lens  224 . The magnifying lens can be any suitable magnifying lens available in the art. The size and magnifying power of the magnifying lens  224  can be varied depending on the observation sample and /or the application. 
     The viewer device  10  can also include a light source  226 , a light filter (not shown), and a light diffuser  228 . The light source  226 , light filter, and the light diffuser  228  can be any suitable light source, light filter, or light diffuser available in the art. For example, the light source  226  can comprise at least one of an LED light source, a halogen light source, a fluorescent light source, a compact fluorescent light source, or one or more colored light bulbs. 
     The light source  226 , the light filter, and the light diffuser  228  can be adjustable. For example, the power and type of the light source can also be adjustable depending on the observation sample and/or the application at hand. Further, the light source  226  can be configured to emit light at various wavelengths, e.g., at visible, such as wavelengths in a range of about 400 nm to about 700 nm, and infrared wavelengths, such as in a range of about 750 to 1200 nm. The wavelength of the light source  226  can be selected and or be adjustable depending on the observation sample, the application, and the required range of wavelengths for that application. Similarly, the type and light filtering or diffusing characteristics of the light filter or light diffuser  228  can be adjustable depending various factors, such as the required light output. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates an example of a viewer device  300 , according to some embodiments disclosed herein, which includes a mechanism  332  (hereinafter “attachment mechanism”) for enabling attachment of the viewer device to one or more camera-equipped devices. The attachment mechanism  332  can be any suitable attachment mechanism. For example, the attachment mechanism  332  can be at least one of a clip, a railing, one or more clamps, or a combination thereof. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 3A , the attachment mechanism  332  comprises a clip  332  that can be configured to removably and replaceably attach the viewer device  300  to another device (not shown). The other device can be any suitable device known in the art. For example, the other device can be a camera equipped device (not shown), such as a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, or a wearable computer device. 
     The viewer device  300  can also comprise one or more button(s) or switch(es)  334 , which can be configured to control one or more functions of the viewer device  300 , upon activation or deactivation. The button(s) or switch(es)  334  can control various functions within the device. For example, the button(s) or switch(es)  334  can be configured for use in activating or deactivating the light source (e.g., by turning on and off the light source  226 , shown in  FIG. 2 ), activating or deactivating one or more components that can cause a physical shaking motion of a sample holder disposed in the chamber of the viewer device, activating or deactivating one or more components that can cause the rotation of a sample holder disposed in the viewer device, and/or controlling various other actions and movements of the observation sample and its sample container. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates an example of some of the components that can be included in a viewer device  300  according to some embodiments disclosed herein. As noted above, the viewer device  300  can include a light source  326  and a light diffuser  328 . The light source  326  and the light diffuser  328  can be any suitable light source or light diffuser available in the art. Further, the light source  326  and the light diffuser  328  can be adjustable such that their functions and outputs can be adjusted based on various factors, including the features of the observation sample  399  and the observation container  314 . The viewer device  300  can also include one or more switches  334  for controlling various functions of the viewer device  300 . 
     The light source  326  and one or more switches  334  (e.g., for controlling the light source  326 ) can be mounted on a circuit board  336 . Further, the viewer device  300  can include one or more (e.g., a pair) of springs  338 . The springs  338  can be configured to bias a sample holder  314  against the floor  398  of the viewer device&#39;s housing  312 , and facilitate the removal of the sample holder from the chamber, when desired. The springs  338  can further be configured such that they can be controlled by one or more switches similar to switch  334 . For example, the springs  338  can be configured such that they are engaged, for example in response to the insertion of the sample container  314  into the port  319  of the viewer device  300 . Once engaged, the springs  338  can facilitate maintaining the sample container  314  in place, while the sample  399  is being observed and recorded. As described later, with reference to  FIG. 3D , the springs  338  can further be configured such that they can be deactivated to release (e.g., by pushing up, away from the floor  398  of the housing  312 ) the sample container  314 . The activation and deactivation of the springs  338  can be performed using any suitable technique known in the art, for example using a switch  334 , or by exerting a mechanical force (e.g., by pushing down the sample container  314 ), or a combination thereof. 
     It should be noted that the pulling up and release actions on the sample container  314  can cause agitation of a sample  399  or sample holder  319 , e.g., a solution containing chemicals and biologicals, disposed in the container  314 . Such agitation can, for example, result in re-suspending deposited materials at the bottom of the observation sample  399 . Further, the agitation of the sample  399  can be used for mixing multiple phases of materials contained in the sample holder. 
       FIG. 3C  is an illustrative example of a viewer device having components such as those shown in  FIG. 3B . As shown, the spring  338  can be used to secure the sample container  314  for the duration of observation and recording. As noted, one or more switches  334  can be coupled to various components of the viewer device  300  and used to control the functions of the viewer device  300 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3C , the switch  334  can be coupled to the light source  326  and be used to control the light source  326 , for example by turning on or off the light source  326 . The light source  326 , upon activation, can emit light (generally shown by arrows  380 ) onto the sample  399  included in the container. The springs  338  and the switch  334  can further activate or deactivate functions that result in focusing the emitted light  380  onto the sample  399  in the sample container  314 . For example, the switch  334  can activate a motor (not shown) that moves the light source  326  away or towards the sample container  314 . Alternatively or additionally, the switch  334  can be used to manually (e.g., by using a switch as a lever or handle) move the light source  326  (or the circuit board  336  upon which the light source  326  can be mounted) towards or away from the sample container  314 . It should be noted that although described as moving the light source  314  towards and away from the sample source, in some embodiments the light source  314  can move in any direction or orientation in the three dimensions, for example by being moved up or down and/or by being titled in various directions and orientations. 
     As noted above, in certain embodiments, the viewer device can include one or more features, such as a snapping mechanism, configured to cause agitation of the sample container  314 .  FIG. 3D  is an illustrative example of a snapping action mechanism  379  that can be used with a viewer device  300 , e.g., the viewer device illustrated later in  FIG. 3F  or  FIG. 3G . according to certain embodiments disclosed herein. As shown in  FIG. 3D , the snapping action mechanism  379  can include an indexed snap toothed wheel  380  and a button  382  configured to perform a vertical tube-snapping action. Further, the structure  379  can include a shaft  386  in which a sample holder can be lodged. As shown, the shaft  386  can be connected to the port  319  through which a sample holder can be introduced into the lumen of the shaft  386 . 
     The structure  379  can also include an elbow  388  that is firmly attached to the shaft  386  or is part of the structure of shaft  386 . The shaft  386  can be firmly connected to one end of a spring  392  via a connection  390 . The other end of the spring  392  can be connected to a fixed surface via the connection  394 . 
     The structure  379  can be configured such that activation of the button  382  (e.g., when the button  382  is depressed), results in engaging and spinning the toothed wheel  380 . While wheel  380  is spinning, the elbow  388  travels up on one of the ramps  380 R of wheel  380 . As the elbow  388  is traveling up the ramp of the wheel  380 , the shaft  386  moves upward and results in stretching the spring  392  out of its original position. After the elbow  388  reaches the top of the ramp  380 R, it can drop down suddenly due to the return of the spring  392  to its original position, thereby causing the shaft  386  to move downward in a vertical snapping action. Such snapping action can cause agitation of the sample inside the sample holder. Upon release of button  382 , the button  382  can flex out of the way around a hinge  384  and return to its original position and ready to engage another tooth of the wheel. 
       FIG. 3E  is an illustrative example of an automated agitation mechanism  370  that can be used with the embodiments described herein. The agitation mechanism  370  can include a motor  371  and one or more arms  98  connected to the motor  371 . The agitation mechanism  370  can be disposed within the viewer device such that the one or more arms  98  of the agitation mechanism  370  are adjacent to the observation sample container  314  and can come in contact with the sample container  314 , as the arms  98  are oscillated back-and-forth by the motor. The motor  371  can be connected to one or more switches or knobs that activate the motor  371 . Generally, the motor  371  can be any suitable motor available in the art and can be activated via any suitable means known and available in the art. The motor  371 , upon activation, can cause the arms  98  to move (e.g., horizontally, in a back and forth motion or in circular motion) such that they come periodically in contact with observation sample container  314  and cause the observation sample container  314  to shake. The contact between the arms  98  and the sample container  314  can be, for example, in the form of a repeated slapping motion that causes agitation of the sample  399  in the sample container  314 . The motor  371  can be configured to allow for adjustment of the degree of the agitation of the sample holder, and consequently a sample contained in the sample holder, caused by the back-and-forth motion of the arms  98 . For example, the motor  371  can be configured to move the arms at a faster/slow or more/less powerful rate depending on the amount of agitation required. 
     Further, the viewer device  300  can also include one or more features for securely maintaining the observation container in the viewer device  300 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 3F-3G , the viewer device  300  can include a lip  378  that can be used to securely hold the sample container within the viewer device. In some embodiments, the lip  378  can be configured to lock the sample container in one or more specific positions within the viewer device (e.g., a position optimal for observing and/or recording the experiment). 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  are illustrative examples of some of the application of the viewer device disclosed herein. As shown in  FIG. 4A , aggregated materials at the bottom of a observation sample  499  (e.g., materials in a solution contained in the observation container  414 ) can be difficult to observe if the observation is recorded (e.g., by obtaining an image) under normal conditions (e.g., if the image of the sample is obtained while holding container  414  in front of a camera, as shown in  FIG. 4A ). However, as shown in  FIG. 4B , the presence of the aggregated materials  499 -A can be clearly observed at the bottom of the tube. An image obtained from the sample  499 ′ can clearly illustrate the presence of the aggregated materials  499 -A in the observation sample  499 ′. Therefore, inserting the container  414 , and consequently that of the sample  499  disposed in the container, into the device  300  and collecting an image using the device can improve the quality of the resulting image and allow for accurate analysis of the observed materials  499 -A. 
     The viewer device can further facilitate and improve the recordation and analysis of a sample by directing appropriate frequencies and intensities of light waves at the sample.  FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate an example of some of the other applications of the viewer device in which application of appropriate amount of diffused waves allows for observation and recordation of aggregated materials within a sample, which would otherwise not be easily observable under normal light conditions. 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 5A , aggregated materials included in the bottom of an observation sample  599  cannot be visually observed under normal lighting conditions. However, as shown in  FIG. 5B , upon application of diffused light (e.g., generated using light diffuser  228 , shown in  FIG. 2 ), the aggregated materials 599-Agg can readily be observed at the bottom of the solution container  514 . 
       FIGS. 6A-6F  illustrate images of an example of a material that can be observed by a viewer device in accordance with some embodiments described herein. Specifically,  FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrate an observation sample containing 0 cells/mL of  Escherishia coli,  while  FIGS. 6D-6F  illustrate an observation sample containing 10 7  cells/mL of  Escherishia coli.    FIGS. 6A and 6D  were obtained at 0 resuspension,  FIGS. 6B and 6E  were obtained at 1 resuspensions, and  FIGS. 6C and 6F  were obtained at 2 resuspensions. These examples are presented to demonstrate the potential benefits of agitation and/or resuspension of a sample (e.g., using an resuspension mechanism, such as that shown in  FIG. 3D ) prior to observing and recording images of a sample. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6A , at 0 resuspension mark, there is very little observable difference between the solution 499-A containing 0  Escherishia coli  cells/mL and a solution containing 10 7  cells/mL of  Escherishia coli  cells/mL. When the solution is re-suspended once (one resuspension, shown in  FIGS. 6B and 6E ), the aggregates 699-B-Agg in the solution containing 0  Escherishia coli  cells/mL ( FIG. 6B ) were re-suspended, while the aggregates in the solution containing 10 7    Escherishia coli  cells/mL were not re-suspended. Additional resuspension(s) can further illustrate the difference between the solutions. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 6C and 6F , after 2 resuspensions, the aggregates 699-C-Agg in the solution containing 0  Escherishia coli  cells/mL are re-suspended and are clearly visible in a photo obtained from the sample 699-C, while the aggregates in the solution containing 10 7    Escherishia coli  cells/mL ( FIG. 6F ) are not re-suspended. 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates an example of an attachment mechanism that can be used with a viewer device  700  in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein. In the example shown in  FIG. 7A , the viewer device  700  is attached to a camera-equipped device  740  (e.g., a digital camera or a mobile phone that includes a built-in digital camera) using a clip-shaped attachment mechanism  732 . As noted previously, with respect to  FIG. 3B , the attachment mechanism  732  can be any suitable attachment mechanism. For example, the attachment mechanism  732  can be a clamp or a clip, magnetic attachments, or vacuum cups and pads. 
     The viewer device  700  can be attached to the camera-equipped device  740 , using the attachment mechanism  732 , in a manner that the lens of the camera (not shown, e.g., the built-in camera of the mobile phone) is aligned with the viewing window (not shown here, see e.g., viewing window  16 , shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the viewer device  700 . A sample holder (not shown here, see e.g.,  FIG. 3B ) containing a sample can be introduced into the chamber of the viewer device via the port  19 , and camera-equipped device  740  can then be used for obtaining photos/images of the sample. Light emitted by a light source and/or diffused by a light diffuser (not shown here, see e.g.,  FIG. 3B ) can be used to enhance and improve the quality of the images acquired by the mobile phone and allow for enhanced recordation of the sample. 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates another example of the viewer device in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein. In this example, a laptop computer is used as the camera-equipped device  740 ′ and a viewer device according to an embodiment is coupled to the laptop computer via a clip. As noted above, embodiments presented herein are not limited to the use of any specific camera-equipped device. Any portable or stationary camera-equipped device can be used. Further, as described below in more details, in some embodiments, the viewer device  700  can include a built-in camera that can be used for obtaining images of samples. In such embodiments, the use of a camera-equipped device is no longer required and the viewer device  700  can be used as a standalone device for obtaining images of experiments. 
       FIG. 7C  illustrates yet another example of a viewer device  700  in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein. As noted above, the attachment mechanism  732  can include a variety of different coupling mechanisms. In the example shown in  FIG. 7C , the attachment mechanism  732  can comprise a railing  745  that can allow the positioning of the viewer device  700  at various vertical positions with respect to the camera-equipped device  740 ″. The railing  745  can be adjustable and have one or more features that allow for coupling of the attachment mechanism  732  to the camera-equipped device  700 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 7C , the railing can be coupled to one or more end pieces  745 ,  746  that are configured to hold the camera-equipped instrument  740 ″ in place. The one or more end pieces  745 ,  746  can be any suitable structure and can assume any suitable size or form that allows the end pieces to facilitate attachment of the viewer device to the camera-equipped instrument. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 7D-7E , the attachment mechanism  732 ″ can comprise one or more side clamps  770 . The side clamps  770  can be adjustability controlled and secured by a knob  772 . The attachment mechanism  732 ″ can also comprise a railing  774  that can be used to position the viewer device. Further, a knob  776  can adjustability control and secure the viewer device to the railing  774 . In some embodiments, the knob  776  can be used to move the viewer device and/or the camera equipped device with respect to one another. In use, the viewer device can be moved up and down along the railing so as to align the viewing window of the viewer device with the camera of the camera-equipped device. Once a proper position is found, the knob  772  can be used to fix the position of the viewer device relative to the camera-equipped device. 
     The configuration and arrangement of the components included in the viewer device is not limited to the configurations and arrangements illustrated herein. For example, as shown in  FIG. 7F , the body  12  of the viewer device can be configured to allow for vertical positioning of the sample holder  214  above the lens of the camera-equipped device. Specifically, in this embodiment, the body  12  of the viewer device can include a notch  12 ′ into which a portion of the camera-equipped device (a mobile phone in this embodiment) can be inserted such that the camera lens will be positioned below the sample holder. The bottom of the sample holder can be transparent to visible radiation so as to allow the camera to obtain, via a viewing window positioned below the chamber into which a sample holder can be disposed, image(s) of a sample contained in the sample holder. Further, although the light source  226  is shown as being placed on the side of the sample container  214 , the light source  226  can be positioned at any position or orientation with respect to the sample container  214 . Furthermore, interchangeable positioning (not shown here) of container  214  within the same body  12  can allow vertical, horizontal, or any other positioning of the container  214  in relation to the light source  226  or the viewing window  16 . 
     Further, as noted above, the observation sample container can assume any suitable shape, size, or feature. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 8A-8B , in some embodiments, the viewer device  800  can receive a sample holder  814 , which is in the form of a fluidic (e.g., microfluidic) chip. The microfluidic chip  814  can include one or more slots  848  for receiving one or more observation samples (not shown). 
     Furthermore, as noted above, the port of the viewer device can also assume any suitable shape and size available in the art and can be adjustable to securely receive the observation sample. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8A , the port  818  of the viewer device  800  can be configured such that it can receive the fluidic (e.g., microfluidic) chip  814  containing the observation sample. 
       FIG. 9A  is an example of a viewer device  900  according to certain embodiments disclosed herein that utilizes a port  918  configured to receive various sample containers. Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 9A , the housing  912  can be configured to include a port  918  that can accommodate a variety of interchangeable structures and observation sample containers.  FIGS. 9B-9C  illustrate some examples of the structures that can be used with the viewer device  900 . As shown in  FIG. 9B , the port  918  can be configured to receive a rack  946  having one or more openings  948  for receiving one or more sample containers. For example, the rack  946  can include one or more circular-shaped openings  948  configured to receive one or more cylindrical sample containers, such as one or more test tubes. In the example shown in  FIG. 9B , the rack  946  is shown after it has been inserted into the port  918  of the viewer device. The rack  946  can be movable within the port  918  and configured such that a desired sample container, from among the sample containers included in the rack  946 , can be selected for observation by moving the rack  918  within the port  918  and placing the desired container within the viewing range of the viewing window  916 . 
       FIG. 9C  illustrates an example of a rack  946  that can be used with the viewer device  900  according to an embodiment of the present teachings. As shown, the rack  946  can include one or more openings  948  for receiving one or more sample containers. For example, as shown in  FIG. 9D , the viewer device  900 , which is coupled to a camera-equipped device  740 , can include a rack  946  capable of holding three 2-milliliter observation sample containers  14 . In this example, the rack  946  is configured to hold three observation sample containers. The desired sample container  214  (the container holding the sample being observed and recorded) can be placed within the viewing range of the viewing window  916  such that an image of the sample can be obtained using the camera-equipped device  740  and the viewer device  900 . 
     Further, the rack  946  can be adjustable or configurable to accommodate sample containers having various shapes and sizes. For example, as shown in  FIG. 9E , the rack  946  can be capable of holding 10-milliliter tubes that contain the observation sample  399 . 
     Generally, racks  946  having any suitable shapes and sizes can be used. The size and shape of the rack  946  used for observation and recordation can depend on the size and shape of the sample container which contains the observation sample. For example, as shown in  FIG. 9F , a rack  946  capable of holding one or more filters  962  can be utilized. The filters  962  can be any suitable filter cartridge known in the art. For example, the filters  962  can be at least one of a syringe filter or a wheeler filter. Generally, the rack  946  can be configured to hold one or more filters. For example, such setup can be used to observe samples that have been filtered out of solutions. Specifically, the filtered samples deposit on the surfaces of filters  962 . Filters  962  can then be inserted into rack  946 , rack  946 ′ can then be attached to device  900 , which can allow observation and recording of the filtered samples. In some embodiments, a filter can be used to filter one or more particles (e.g., insoluble particles) of the sample. The filtered particles can remain on the filter or filter membrane (e.g., on the surface of the filter), and the viewer device can be used to view, observe, record, and/or analyze the filtered particles. 
     The rack  946  can also be adjustable to accommodate well-plates of different sizes and shapes. For example, as shown in  FIG. 9G , the rack  946  can be configured to hold objects, such as a multi-well plate  968 . The multi-well plate  968  can be any multi-well plate available in the art. The multi-well plate  968  can include one or more wells capable of receiving an observation sample. The rack  946  can be mounted onto a railing or stage  966  and configured such that it allows for the movement of the viewer device  900 ′, the rack  946 , or both. Specifically, the rack  946  can be configured to allow the viewer device  900  to be positioned at different locations in order to record images of each and all of the wells of the multi-well plate  968 . 
     As noted above, embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to obtaining still/static images of observation samples and/or observing static samples.  FIGS. 10A-10C  illustrate an example embodiment in which the viewer device  1000  can be utilized to observe and record a dynamic observation sample. Specifically, the viewer device  1000  can be configured to adapt to an in-line setup in order to observe dynamic samples where, for example, fluids are flowing through a channel  1006  of a sample holder  1006 ′. As shown in  FIG. 10B , viewing particles  1008  can be filtered out of a flowing fluid through a filter  1010 . Alternatively or additionally, as shown in  FIG. 10C , viewing particles  1008  can be held between two filters  1010 . The sample holder can be placed within a chamber of the viewer device such that the particles flowing through the channel  1006  can be observed and image(s) thereof can be obtained. The device  1000  can help with observation of fluids as they flow through channels  1006 . If the objective is to filter out and remove particles  1008  from the fluids passing through  1006 , the device  1000  can help visualize what and how much is being filtered, as depicted in  FIG. 10B . If the objective is to capture materials on resins in a chromatography-like setup, then device  1000  helps observe changes in the resins  1008  trapped between two filters  1010  in  FIG. 10C . 
     As noted previously, in addition to or in place of utilizing a camera equipped device for observing and/or recording images of samples, the viewer device can include a built-in camera.  FIG. 11  is an illustrative example of a viewer device  1100  that utilizes a built-in camera  1114 . The camera  1114  can be any suitable camera available in the art. For example, the camera  1114  can be a digital camera. Further, the device  1100  can include one or more features that allow for storage and/or transfer of images obtained using the camera  1114 . For example, the device  1100  can include one or more adaptors  1116  for wireless fidelity (wifi) and or short-range wireless interconnection of devices (Bluetooth). Generally, any suitable feature known in the art for obtaining and/or transferring images can be used with the embodiments presented herein. Further, the viewer device  1100  can be coupled with any suitable feature in the art that facilitates observing and recording of a sample. 
     For example, a viewer device having a built-in camera and/or the camera-equipped device (e.g., a smart phone or laptop) to which the viewer device is attached can include and/or be coupled to one or more application software configured to store and process images obtained using the viewer device. Examples of such processing can include interpreting recorded images by analyzing the colors, shapes, sizes, or responses of features in the recorded images to generate digital information. 
       FIG. 12  is a high-level block diagram of a system  1200  for observing and recording samples according to some embodiments disclosed herein, which can be implemented in viewer devices according to various embodiments. The system  1200  can be implemented using a camera-equipped device coupled to the viewer device and/or using a viewer device that includes a built-in camera. As described in further details below, the system  1200  can be coupled to a processor (e.g., processor included in the camera-equipped device, processor  1210  included in a viewer device having a built-in camera, processor coupled with a camera-equipped device or with a viewer device having a built-in camera, etc.) that carries out some of the functions described herein. Generally the functions disclosed herein can be carried out and implemented by any suitable computer system and/or in digital circuitry or computer hardware. 
     The processor  1210  can implement the various functions and methods described herein. For example, the processor  1210  can implement application software and procedures that obtain and record images of an observation sample using the viewer device  10 . The processor  1210  can be connected to the main memory  1220 . The processor  1210  and the main memory  1220  can be included in or supplemented by special purpose logic circuitry. 
     The processor  1210  can include a central processing unit (CPU, not shown) that includes processing circuitry configured to manipulate instructions received from the main memory  1220  and execute various instructions. For example, the processor  1210  can be a general and/or special purpose microprocessor and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, the processor  1210  can be configured to receive instructions and data from the main memory  1220  (e.g., a read-only memory or a random access memory or both) and execute the instructions. The instructions and other data can be stored in the main memory  1220 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the main memory  1220  can include an operating system  1224 . The main memory  1220  and the operating system  1224  can be configured to implement various operating system functions. For example, the operating system  1224  can be responsible for controlling access to various devices, memory management, and/or implementing various functions of the camera-equipped device and/or the viewer device (which can include a built in camera). The main memory  1220  can be any form of non-volatile memory included in machine-readable storage devices suitable for embodying data and computer program instructions. For example, the main memory  1220  can be magnetic disk (e.g., internal or removable disks), magneto-optical disks, one or more of a semiconductor memory device (e.g., EPROM or EEPROM), flash memory, CD-ROM, and/or DVD-ROM disks. 
     The main memory  1220  can also hold application software  1222 . For example, the main memory  1220  and application software  1222  can include various computer executable instructions, application software, and data structures such as computer executable instructions and data structures that implement various aspects of the embodiments described herein. For example, the application software  1222  can include various computer executable instructions, application software, and data structures such as computer executable instructions and data structures that can be used to observe and record experiments. 
     The main memory  1220  can also be connected to a cache unit (not shown) configured to store copies of the data from the most frequently used main memory  1220 . The program codes that can be used with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented and written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a component, module, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program can be configured to be executed on a computer, or on multiple computers, at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communications network, such as the Internet. 
     The functions performed by the camera-equipped device and the viewer device, such as observing and recording experiments (e.g., by taking still or dynamic images of the samples) can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry or in computer hardware that executes software, firmware, or combinations thereof. The implementation can be as a computer program product, for example a computer program tangibly embodied in a non-transitory machine-readable storage device, for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus, for example a computer, a programmable processor, or multiple computers. 
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the processor  1210  can also be connected to various interfaces via a system or an input/output (I/O) interface  1250  (e.g., USB connector, audio interface, FireWire, interface for connecting peripheral devices, etc.). The I/O interface  1250  can connect the processor to a camera  1270 , coupled to the viewer device  10 , that can be used for observing and recording samples using the viewer device  10 . The camera  1270  can obtain images of an observation sample (not shown here) using the viewer device  10  and forward the images to the processor for processing or presenting to a user (not shown) on the display  1230  of the system  1200 . Further, any data obtained from observing and recording experiments can be stored on a data storage  1240  of the system  1200 . 
     The display  1230  can be any suitable display available in the art, for example a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) display. The display can further be a touch screen display that can receive instructions from a user (e.g., instructions regarding observing and/or obtaining an image of an experiment). 
     The processor  1210  can also control the functions of the camera  1270  in response to instructions received from the main memory  1220  and the software application  1222 . The software application  1222  can further include software applications that can store and process images obtained by the camera  1270  through the viewer device  10 . Examples of such processing can include interpreting recorded images by analyzing the colors, shapes, sizes, or responses of features in the recorded images to generate digital information. The I/O interface  1250  can further be connected to other peripherals, such as one or more speakers for acoustic output, a microphone for acoustic input. 
     The processor  1210  can also be connected to a network interface  1260 . The communications interface  1260  can provide the viewer device  10  with a connection to a communications network, such as the Internet. Transmission and reception of data, information, and instructions can occur over the communications network. 
     Further, although not shown, the viewer device  10  can be attached to a detection or sensing device, which can detect or sense various phenomena including, such as, light, fluorescence, or magnetism, or some combination thereof. Such non-camera based detection or sensing device(s) can be attached to device  10  to observe samples or monitor changes other than image changes discussed thus far. A viewer device according to the present teachings can be fabricated using any suitable material and manufacturing technique. For example, in some embodiments, the body of the viewer device can be formed of a suitable plastic using e.g., molding. 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to form a part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. While some examples presented herein involve specific combinations of functions or structural elements, it should be understood that those functions and elements may be combined in other ways according to the present disclosure to accomplish the same or different objectives. In particular, acts, elements, and features discussed in connection with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from similar or other roles in other embodiments. Additionally, elements and components described herein may be further divided into additional components or joined together to form fewer components for performing the same functions.