Author: Joald

ABSTRACT

This study primarily aims to create an improvised microscope using a cellular phone camera and laser lens. The device is composed of three parts—magnifying, illuminating and support. The magnifying part is composed of convex lens from unused laser while the support part of the device is composed of the base which holds the two stages—specimen and cellular phone stages. Two versions of the prototype were created with varying light systems—ambient and built-in. Based from the quality ratings on the images, image produced from the specimen positioned 2.5 cm between the two stages is very clear. It was observed that as the distance of the specimen from the cellular phone stage increases, the quality of the image produced deteriorates.
The improvised cellular phone microscope is comparable to the usual compound light microscope used in biological observations. Test results from the prototype system showed that the improvised microscope was able to achieve the design requirements. It is capable of magnifying objects whether a prepared slide or an opaque specimen. The enclosed body and the installed light system facilitated the control of light that enters the specimen.
Students and teachers will be able to observe various minute specimens using this improvised microscope with ease and in maximized time. This project can provide a wider understanding of organisms that cannot be seen by the naked eye since simplicity and practicality of the equipment designed was considered for future replication and modification.

INTRODUCTION

METHODOLOGY

Microscope is a device used to magnify various microorganisms which can never be seen by the naked eye. Nowadays, cellular phone is part of daily livings. New models of cellular phones have been built containing features like camera applications. Cameras of these cellular phones work through the help of lens that magnifies image at a desired level. Qualities of the image vary according to the installed specifications of the cellular phone. With this increasing exploration of the features of cellular phones, cellular phone microscopy become an interest to some. In the field of health, single lens off-chip cellphone microscopy is already developed operated by a complex optical system (Arpa et al., 2012).
With this prior information, the researchers focused in developing a cheap and portable microscope operated by lens from old laser and cellular phones with built-in camera. This project targets to develop an improvised microscope, from the abovementioned material, that can display and capture image by taking advantage of other cellular phone features.
This study specifically aims to :
create an improvised microscope, with natural light system and with built-in light system, using a cellular phone camera and laser lens;
determine the quality of the image produced from the improvised cellular phone microscope;
compare the images produced in the improvised device, with natural light system and built-in light system, compound light microscope and opaque specimens; and
test the compatibility of the improvised device to different cellular phones and gadgets.

Figure 1. Assembly, testing, data gathering and analysis of the improvised microscope using smartphone.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Captured using
Smart-o-Scope with built-in light system

Captured using
Smart-o-Scope with
natural light system

Captured using a
compound light
microscope

Observation of leaf
venation pattern using
Smart-o-Scope

Observation of insect
external morphology using
Smart-o-Scope

Stem cross-section observed in Smart-o-Scope using different cellphones and gadgets

The created improvised microscope is composed of three parts—magnifying, illuminating and support parts. The magnifying part is composed of convex lens form unused laser light. To provide additional light source during the microscope observation, an LED torch light was installed at the base of the device. Lastly, the support part of the device is composed of the base which holds the two stages—specimen and cellular phone stages. Based from the visual quality ratings done, the distance between the specimen stage and cellular phone stage that produces the best quality of image is 2.5 cm. The image quality does not vary as the image is being magnified using the zoom feature of the cellular phone. Vividness of the image in the improvised device is also evident. This can be attributed to the auto-focus function of cellular phone cameras that makes the image clear. One of the advantages that can be obtained from the usage of the improvised device is the ease in observation. One of the problems encountered in microscope viewing is the high risk of experiencing eye. With the improvised device, viewing can be done at a farther distance and maximized number of viewers.

RECOMMEDATIONS

REFERENCES

The simplicity and practicality of the equipment designed was considered for future replication and modification.
It is suggested that further exploration of the lens usage be done to improve the quality of the image under observation. Also, adding other light source or experimenting on the position of the light source in the setup may increase the vividness and sharpness of the images.

Arpa, A. ; Wetzstein, G. ; Lanman, D. ; Raskar, R. 2012. Single Lens Off-Chip Cell Microscopy. Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition Workshops (CVPRW), 2012 IEEE Computer Society Conference
Fletcher D. 2008. Cellscope could offer Low-Cost Protable Options for Disease Diagnosis.Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure 1(1): 24-25
IFLScience. 2014. How to build a smartphone microscope stand for $10. <http:;//www.iflscience.com/technology/how-build-smartphone-microscope-stand-10> accessed July 15, 2014.