Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of and priority to, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/042,683, filed Aug. 27, 2014, entitled IMAGE COLLECTION THROUGH A MICROSCOPE, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all that they teach and for all purposes. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention concerns image collection through a microscope. In particular, this invention concerns image collection using a mobile device that is coupled to a microscope via an adaptor. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    Taking images of samples, as viewed through an eyepiece of a microscope, can provide useful images for a researcher. For example, images of different samples taken at different labs can be compared with one another to determine variations in the samples. As another example, images taken at different times of the same sample can be compared with one another to determine the evolution of the sample. Additionally, when taking images of samples, positioning the lens of the camera in the same position can be useful for the researcher. The embodiments provided herein offer an apparatus that can be useful in 
         [0004]    In Example 1, an adaptor for coupling a camera device to a microscope, the adaptor comprising: a platform for releasably receiving a camera device, wherein the platform comprises a hole that can align with a lens of the camera device and a barrel of the microscope; and a clasp portion for removably coupling the adaptor to the barrel of the microscope. 
         [0005]    In Example 2, the adaptor according to Example 1, wherein the adaptor further comprises an attachment structure that can releasably attach the camera device to the platform. 
         [0006]    In Example 3, the adaptor according to Example 2, wherein the attachment structure is at least one of the following: a clasp, a clamp and an elastic band. 
         [0007]    In Example 4, the adaptor according to any of Examples 1-3, further comprising an adjustment mechanism operable to move the camera device relative to the hole and to a position where a camera lens of the camera device is aligned with the hole of the platform. 
         [0008]    In Example 5, the adaptor according to Example 4, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises: a first adjustment mechanism that can slide along a first axis relative to the hole and engage a first side of the camera device to position the camera device at a position along the first axis; and a second adjustment mechanism that can slide along a second axis relative to the hole and engage a second side of the camera device to position the camera device at a position along the second axis, the second axis being substantially perpendicular to the first axis. 
         [0009]    In Example 6, the adaptor according to Example 5, wherein the first adjustment mechanism comprises a first structure that can secure the first adjustment mechanism at a position along the first axis and the second adjustment mechanism comprises a second structure that can secure the second adjustment mechanism at a position along the second axis. 
         [0010]    In Example 7, the adaptor according to Example 6, wherein the first structure and the second structure are at least one of the following: a knob and a clamp. 
         [0011]    In Example 8, the adaptor according to any one of Examples 1-7, wherein the clasp portion comprises: a first right arm and a first left arm that clasp onto the barrel of the microscope. 
         [0012]    In Example 9, the adaptor according to Example 8, wherein the first right arm comprises a rubber material at a point of contact between the first right arm and the barrel of the microscope and wherein the first left arm comprises a rubber material at a point of contact between the first left arm and the barrel of the microscope. 
         [0013]    In Example 10, the adaptor according to any one of Examples 8 or 9, further comprising a biasing structure coupled to the first right arm and the first left arm that provides a force that biases the first right arm and the first left arm toward each other. 
         [0014]    In Example 11, the adaptor according to Example 10, wherein the biasing structure is a spring. 
         [0015]    In Example 12, the adaptor according to any one of Examples 8-11, wherein the clasp portion further comprises: a second right arm, a second left arm and a spring mechanism located between the second right arm to the second left arm, the spring mechanism providing a force that biases the second right and the second left arm away from each other, which biases the first right arm and the first left arm toward each other. 
         [0016]    In Example 13, the adaptor according to any one of Examples 1-12, further comprising: a coupling structure, wherein the coupling structure couples the platform to the clasp, wherein the platform can rotate about the coupling structure to align the hole with the barrel of the microscope. 
         [0017]    In Example 14, the adaptor according to Example 13, wherein the coupling structure is an adjustment knob. 
         [0018]    In Example 15, the adaptor according to any one of Examples 1-14, wherein the platform is generally planar. 
         [0019]    In Example 16, the adaptor according to any one of Examples 1-15, further comprising a flange projecting from a bottomside of the platform for aligning the hole of the platform with the barrel of the microscope. 
         [0020]    In Example 17, method for operating an adaptor for coupling a camera device to a microscope, the method comprising: placing a camera device on an adaptor, wherein the adaptor comprises a platform for releasably receiving the camera and a clasp portion, wherein the platform comprises a hole that can align with a lens of the camera device and a barrel of the microscope; and releasably mounting the adaptor to the barrel of the microscope such that the hole of the platform is substantially aligned with the barrel of the microscope. 
         [0021]    In Example 18, the method according to Example 17, wherein the adaptor further comprises an attaching structure for releasably attaching the camera device to the platform and wherein placing the camera device on the adaptor comprises attaching the camera device to the platform using the attaching structure. 
         [0022]    In Example 19, the method according to any one of Examples 17or 18, wherein the attaching structure is an elastic band that has a proximal end coupled to a first side of the platform and wherein attaching the camera device to the platform using the elastic band comprises stretching the elastic band over the camera device and coupling a distal end of the elastic band to a second side of the platform, the second side of the platform being opposite the first side of the platform. 
         [0023]    In Example 20, the method according to any one of Examples 17-19, wherein the adaptor further comprises an adjustment mechanism operable to move the camera device relative to the hole, the method further comprising: moving the adjustment mechanism to a position that engages the camera and a camera lens of the camera device is aligned with the hole of the platform. 
         [0024]    In Example 21, the method according to Example 20, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a first adjustment mechanism that can slide along a first axis relative to the clasp portion and engage a first side of the camera device and a second adjustment mechanism that can slide along a second axis relative to the clasp portion and engage a second side of the camera device, the second axis being substantially perpendicular to the first axis and wherein moving the adjustment mechanism comprises: sliding the first adjustment mechanism along the first axis such that the first adjustment mechanism engages the first side of the camera device at a first position, wherein a camera lens of the camera device is aligned with the hole along the first axis when the first side of the camera device is at the first position; and sliding the second adjustment mechanism along the second axis such that the second adjustment mechanism engages the second side of the camera device at a second position, wherein a camera lens of the camera device is aligned with the hole along the second axis when the second side of the camera device is at the second position. 
         [0025]    In Example 22, the method according to Example 21, wherein the first adjustment mechanism comprises a first structure that secures the first adjustment mechanism at a position along the first axis and the second adjustment mechanism comprises a second structure that secures the second adjustment mechanism at a position along the second axis, the method further comprising: securing the first adjustment mechanism, using the first structure, at the first position; and securing the second adjustment mechanism, using the second structure, at the second position. 
         [0026]    In Example 23, the method according to any one of Examples 17-22, wherein the adaptor further comprises a coupling structure that couples the platform to the clasp, wherein the platform can rotate about the coupling structure to align the hole with the barrel of the microscope and wherein releasably mounting the adaptor to the barrel of the microscope comprises: rotating the platform about the coupling structure to align the hole of the platform with the barrel of the microscope. 
         [0027]    In Example 24, the method according to any one of Examples 17-23, further comprising: taking a first image, using the camera device, of a section of a sample as viewed through the barrel of the microscope at a first time; and taking a second image, using the camera device, of the section of the sample as viewed through the barrel of the microscope at a second time. 
         [0028]    In Example 25, an adaptor for coupling a camera device to a microscope, the adaptor comprising: a platform comprising: a generally planar surface in an X-Y plane, a top side of the generally planar surface configured to receive the camera device, and an aperture in the generally planar surface, the aperture configured to allow light to pass through the aperture and be received by a camera lens of the camera; and a clasp portion coupled to a bottom side of the platform for removably coupling the adaptor to a barrel of the microscope. 
         [0029]    In Example 26, the adaptor according to Example 25, further comprising: a first adjustment mechanism configured to slide along an axis in the X direction and engage a first side of the camera device to position the camera device at a first position along the X axis; and a second adjustment mechanism configured to slide along an axis in the Y direction and engage a second side of the camera device to position the camera device at a second position along the Y axis. 
         [0030]    While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a camera and an adaptor for coupling the camera device to a microscope, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a camera and of an adaptor for coupling the camera device to a microscope, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of a camera device and an adaptor for coupling the camera device to a microscope, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an adaptor for coupling a camera device to a microscope, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a system for coupling a camera device to a microscope, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
       [0036]    While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0037]      FIG. 1  illustrates an adapter  1 . A camera device  2  is mounted on a platform  3  of the adapter  1 . The platform  3  is generally planar. The platform  3  includes lateral notches  18 . An elastic band  25  is wound around the lateral notches  18  and over the topside of the platform  3  and over the top side of the camera device  2  to hold the camera device  2  against the platform  3 . Alternatively, holes can be provided in the platform  3  in the approximate location of the lateral notches  18 . 
         [0038]    The camera device  2  may be positioned on the platform  3  by a lateral adjustment mechanism  4  and a distal-proximal adjustment mechanism  7 . The lateral adjustment mechanism  4  comprises a lateral bracket  6 . Additionally, in embodiments, the lateral adjustment mechanism  4  comprises a tightening knob  5 . In embodiments, a clamp can be substituted for the tightening knob  5 . As shown, the lateral bracket  6  includes a slot in which a lower portion of the knob  5  can slide. The lateral bracket  6  slides laterally to engage the camera device  2  to position the camera device  2  along the lateral axis. The distal-proximal adjustment mechanism  7  comprises a distal-proximal bracket  9 . Additionally, in embodiments, the distal-proximal adjustment mechanism  7  comprises a tightening knob  8 . In embodiments, a clamp can be substituted for the tightening knob  8 . As shown, the distal-proximal bracket  9  includes a slot in which a lower portion of the knob  8  can slide. The distal-proximal bracket  9  slides in a distal direction as well as in a proximal direction to engage the camera device  2  to position the camera device  2  along the distal-proximal axis. 
         [0039]    In embodiments, a housing  14  is positioned on the adapter  1 . As shown, the housing  14  is located on the topside of the platform  3 . The housing  14  includes a top portion that is attached by a hinge to a lower portion of the housing  14 . The top portion of the housing  14  opens in a clamshell manner relative to the lower portion of the housing  14  to reveal any interior cavity. In embodiments, the housing  14  can be used to carry a calibration grid to quantify unique distortion characteristics of the lenses in use. In embodiments, slides can conveniently be housed within the housing  14 . 
         [0040]    In embodiments, the adapter  1  further includes a vertical adjustment knob  10 . The vertical adjustment knob  10  may, in part, couple the platform  3  of the adapter  1  to a lower clasp portion  15  of the adaptor  1 . The lower clasp portion  15  includes a left proximal arm  11 , a right proximal arm  12 , a right distal arm  16 , and a left distal arm  17 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The lower clasp portion  15  is kept in tension by the spring  13  which engages the left proximal arm  11  and the right proximal arm  12 . That is, the spring  13  engages the left proximal arm  11  and the right proximal arm  12  and biases the left proximal arm  11  in a direction away from the right proximal arm  12 , and vice-versa. Due to the spring  13  biasing the left proximal arm  11  in a direction away from the right proximal arm  12 , the right distal arm  16  is biased in a direction towards the left distal arm  17 , and vice-versa. The vertical adjustment knob  10  can be loosened or tightened to increase the frictional interference between the platform  3  and the lower clasp portion  15 . The vertical adjustment knob  10  can also be loosened to increase the distance a vertical between the platform  3  and the lower clasp portion  15 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the adapter  1 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the bottom side of the adapter  1 . As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , the platform  3  includes a hole  20 . The hole  20  goes through the platform  3 . As such, when the adaptor  1  is coupled to a barrel of a microscope, light passing through the eyepiece of the barrel of the microscope can pass through the hole  20  in the platform  1  and be received by a camera lens  30  of the camera device  2 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the adaptor  1  without the camera device  2 . The topside of the hole  20  in the platform  3  can now be seen. As mentioned previously, the lateral adjustment mechanism  4  and the distal-proximal adjustment mechanism  7  are used to adjust the position of the camera device  2 , and thereby the lens  30  of the camera device  2 , over the hole  20  and in line with the barrel or the eyepiece of the barrel of the microscope. 
         [0044]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the adapter  1  mounted on the barrel  30  of a microscope. While the barrel  30  is shown, it will be understood that the adapter  1  can attach to various other parts of microscopes. 
         [0045]    To actuate the lower clasp portion  15 , a user squeezes the left proximal arm  11  and the right proximal arm  12  to compress the spring  13 , which widens the distance between the right distal arm  16  and the left distal arm  17 . As such, the right distal arm  16  and the left distal arm  17  can wrap around the barrel  30  of a microscope, as shown in  FIG. 5 . The adaptor  1  can be secured to the barrel  30  of the microscope by releasing the left proximal arm  11  and the right proximal arm  12  to allow the spring  13  to bias the right distal arm  15  towards the left distal arm  17 , which results in the barrel  30  being clamped between the right distal arm  16  and the left distal arm  17 . A flange  26 , projecting downward from the platform  3 , can help center the hole  20  over the barrel  30  or the eyepiece of the barrel  30  of the microscope. 
         [0046]    The inner surfaces of the right distal arm  16  and the left distal arm  17  can be comprised of or be encased in a high friction material, such as rubber, in order to provide a more secure frictional attachment of the right distal arm  16  and the left distal arm  17  to the barrel 30 . Likewise, the topside of the platform  3 can be comprised of or can be encased in a high friction material, such as rubber, to engage the camera device  2  and minimize the possibility of slippage between the camera device  2  and a platform  3 . 
         [0047]    The platform  3  can pivot about the vertical adjustment knob  10 , relative to the lower clasp portion  15 , to allow the lower clasp portion  15  to remain attached to the barrel  30  while a user looks through the barrel  30  of the microscope. The platform  3  can rotate about the vertical adjustment knob  10  to again align the hole  20  with the barrel  30  or the eyepiece of the barrel  30  of the microscope to continue taking images with the camera device  2 . 
         [0048]    The adapter  1  is a convenient universal mechanism to produce light artifact-minimized images using many cell phone cameras to light microscopes with oculars ranging from, for example, 20-50 mm in diameter. The adaptor is sized to fit in a white coat pocket. The adaptor  1  can be mounted and ready for use in seconds. 
         [0049]    When a user has acquainted their smart phone to an adapter  1 , an act that would require them to preset their lateral and distal-proximal settings, they can go from having the adapter  1  in their lab coat to attached to a microscope and taking stabilized, light-artifact free images in less than 3 seconds. The left proximal arm  11  and the right proximal arm  12  are used to squeeze the compression spring  13 , increasing the distance between the right distal arm  16  and the left distal arm  17  to match the diameter of the barrel  30  of the microscope. A camera device  2  may then strapped to the platform  1  by the elastic band  25 . In other embodiments, a camera device  2  may be strapped to the platform  1  by a clip or a clamp. Adjustments requiring an increase or decrease in height of the camera device  2  relative to the surface of the barrel  30  can be made using the vertical adjustment knob  20 . In embodiments, the distance between the camera device  2  relative to the surface of the barrel  30  or the eyepiece of the barrel  30  can be adjustable between 0.0 mm (i.e., the camera lens of the camera device  2  is resting on the surface of the eyepiece of the barrel  30 ) to a distance between the bottom side of the platform  1  and a camera lens of a camera device  2  that is secured to the top side of the platform  1 . In any of these distances, outside light will not be introduced into an image taken by the camera device  2 . In other embodiments, however, the maximum height may be greater than a distance between the bottom side of the platform  1  and a camera lens of a camera that is secured to the top side of the platform  1 . 
         [0050]    Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

Technology Category: 3