CA3204705A1 - Adapter for dynamic imaging - Google Patents

Abstract

An adaptor can be provided to position an imaging device over an eyepiece of microscope. The adapter may include a first element that includes a first planar surface and an adjustable bracket affixed proximate to a first end of the first element. A portion of the bracket may be configured to removably affix an imaging device to the first planar surface. The adapter may also include an elongated element affixed to the first element, the elongated element including a first feature extending perpendicular from a surface of the elongated element. A first surface of the first feature may be concave so as to be configured to contact a surface of an eyepiece of a microscope. The elongated element may include an aperture positioned on the elongated element to allow light to pass through the elongated element.

Description

ADAPTOR FOR DYNAMIC IMAGING TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to an adapter for dynamic imaging; and more specifically to an adapter configured to connect a camera to an eyepiece of a microscope to facilitate dynamic imaging of samples. BACKGROUND

[0002] Accurate measurement of cell fitness is essential for understanding cell growth patterns in experimental biology and medical research. Current processes for measuring characteristics of cell growth patterns use reagents or specialized equipment for live cell imaging (e.g., such as specially designed microscopes, imaging devices, etc.) that may be expensive to acquire, take time to acquire, and/or, difficult to operate (e.g., prone to introducing error, etc.) SUMMARY

[0003] An adaptor for dynamic imaging is disclosed herein. The adaptor may comprise: a first element comprising a first planar surface; an adjustable bracket affixed proximate to a first end of the first element, wherein a portion of the bracket is configured to removably affix an imaging device to the first planar surface; and an elongated element affixed to the first element, the elongated element comprising: a first feature extending perpendicular from a surface of the elongated element, wherein a first surface of the first feature is concave and configured to contact a surface of an eyepiece of a microscope; and an aperture positioned between on the elongated element between the first feature and an end of the elongated element, the aperture allowing light to pass through the elongated element,

[0004] An alternatively implementation of the adapter may comprise a first element comprising a first planar surface and a second planar surface opposing the first planar surface, wherein the first element comprises: a first feature extending perpendicular from the first planar surface; a second feature extending perpendicular from the first planar surface and parallel to the first feature, wherein a position of the second feature relative to the first feature is adjustable to affix an imaging device to the first planar surface; a third feature extending perpendicular from the second planar surface, wherein an inner surface of the third feature is concave and 1 Date Regue/Date Received 2023-06-23configured to receive an eyepiece of a microscope; and an aperture positioned proximate to the third feature and configured to allow light to pass through the first element from the first planar surface and perpendicular from the first feature or the second feature.

[0005] These illustrative examples are mentioned not to limit or define the disclosure, but to aid understanding thereof Additional embodiments are discussed in the Detailed Description, and further description is provided there. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Features, embodiments, and advantages of the present disclosure are better understood when the following Detailed Description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of an upper view of an example adapter configured to affix an imaging device to a microscope for imaging of live cells according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of an alternative upper view of the example adapter without an imaging device or eyepiece according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of a lower view of an example adapter configured to affix an imaging device to a microscope for imaging of live cells according to aspects of the present disclosure

[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of an example adjustable lens element according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates example positions of an adjustable lens element according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of an example holding element configured to hold an imaging device according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates example positions of a holding element relative an adjustable lens element according to aspects of the present disclosure. 2 Date Regue/Date Received 2023-06-23[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates a diagram of an example adapter with an attached imaging device according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Some microscopic samples may be monitored continuously to identify characteristics of a sample over time. For instance, live cells may be monitored over the course of several days or weeks to identify cell growth patterns such cell confluence, cell counts, cell migration, mutagenic properties, etc. The devices described herein include adapters configured to enable accurate cell imaging of microscopic samples using off the shelf imaging devices (e.g., such as digital cameras, mobile devices such smartphones, etc.) and microscopes. Using the adapter, no additional specialty equipment is necessary to enable continuous imaging of samples. The adapter may affix an imaging device to an eyepiece of a microscope. The adapter may be adjustable to accept different sized imaging devices and different sized eyepieces of microscopes. The adapter may also adjust the position of a lens of the imaging device relative to the eyepiece of the microscope to enable capturing clear images regardless of the dimensions of the imaging device or eyepiece.

[0016] In some examples, the adapter may include a holding element and a lens adjusting element that can be adjustably affixed to the holding element. The holding element may include a first planar surface configured to receive a surface of an imaging device. The first planar surface may be t-shaped (e.g., including a first rectangular portion with a smaller rectangular portion extending from the first rectangular portion). The first rectangular portion may include a first feature extending perpendicular from the first planar surface along a first end of the first rectangular portion and a second feature extending perpendicular from a second end of the first rectangular portion. The second feature may extend perpendicular to both the first planar surface and the first feature. The holding element may include a first bracket (e.g., such as an 1-shaped bracket) configured to adjust a width of the holding element. The bracket may be secured to the holding element with a thumb screw (or other finger adjustable fastener) through an elongated aperture of the bracket. The thumb screw may pass through the elongated aperture into an aperture of a second planar surface of the holding element. The aperture may include a threaded brass insert that includes an inner threaded portion configured to engage the threads of the thumb screw. The threaded brass insert may 3 Date Regue/Date Received 2023-06-23be insert into the aperture and heat set into the material of the holding element to secure the thread brass insert into the holding element.

[0017] A surface of the bracket may be positioned opposing a surface of the second feature (e.g., approximately parallel to the second feature). The imaging device configured to be held by the second feature and the surface of the bracket up against the first planar surface. The width of the first planar surface may be approximately equal to the width of the imaging device. When the thumb screw is loosened, the bracket may be positioned relative to the holding element so as to increase or decrease the width of the holding element configured to accept the imaging device. The thumb screw may be tightened to prevent movement of the bracket relative to the holding element.

[0018] The imaging device may be affixed to the first planar surface by placing a surface of the imaging device comprising a lens against the first planar surface. The imaging device extend beyond the first planar surface such that the lens of the imaging device may not contact the first planar surface. The thumb screw of the bracket may be loosened, and the bracket may be adjusted by pushing the bracket up against the imaging device such that the imaging device is wedged between a surface of the second feature and the surface of the bracket. The second feature, and/or the surface of the bracket may include one or more friction pads configured to prevent the imaging device from moving relative to the holding element. The thumb screw of the bracket may be tightened to prevent the width of the first planar surface from expanding. The pressure caused by the position of the bracket relative to the second feature and the friction pads may be prevent the imaging device from shifting along a transverse axis of the first planar surface (e.g., the axis characterized by the surface of the bracket and the second feature). The imaging device may also contact the first feature (e.g., positioned at the first end, which may be an end along a longitudinal axis of the first planar surface) causing three sides of the imaging device to be secured. The first feature may also include one or more friction pads.

[0019] The holding element may include one or more additional apertures each with a corresponding threaded brass insert to allow the holding element to be affixed to the lens adjusting element with one or more fasteners (e.g., thumb screws, dowels, pins, nails, screws, etc.). 4 Date Regue/Date Received 2023-06-23[0020] The lens adjusting element may include elongated aperture extending along a longitudinal axis of the lens adjusting element. A thumb screw may be configured to affix the holding element to the lens adjusting element through the elongated aperture. The thumb screw may pass through the elongated aperture and engage the threads of a threaded brass insert of the holding element. When the thumb screw is loosened, a position of the holding element may be adjusted relative to the position of the lens adjusting element. The position of holding element may be adjusted to align a lens of the imaging device with a lens (or aperture) of the lens adjusting element) that allows light to pass from the eyepiece of a microscope to the lens of the imaging device.

[0021] The lens adjusting element may include a first feature extending perpendicular from the longitudinal axis of the lens adjusting element. The first feature may include a concave curve configured to engage the convex curve of an eyepiece of a microscope. The first feature may be positioned between the elongated aperture and a first end of the lens adjusting element. A second feature may extend parallel to the first feature from the lens adjusting element at the first end of the lens adjusting element. The second feature may include a circular aperture with threads configured to engage a thumb screw or other fastener. The thumb screw can be twisted to push a threaded portion of the thumb closer to the concave surface of the first feature. When an eyepiece is positioned up against the concave surface, the thumb screw may push the eyepiece into the concave surface securing the eyepiece to the lens adjusting element.

[0022] In some instances, the lens adjusting element may include an aperture between the first feature and the second feature configured to allow light pass through the lens adjusting element. The lens of the imaging device may be positioned over the aperture to allow light from the microscope to pass through the eyepiece and reach the lens of the imaging device. A lens may be positioned over the aperture to control the transfer of light between the microscope and the imaging device. For example, the lens may be configured to contact the lens of the imaging device to prevent external light (e.g., light other than the light of the microscope) from entering the lens of the imaging device. Alternatively, the lens may be configured to provide additional focusing or amplification of the sample. The position of the lens may be moved (e.g., using teeth within an inner surface of the aperture and teeth 5 Date Regue/Date Received 2023-06-23along an outer surface of the lens). The lens may be twisted to cause the inner surface teeth to engage the outer surface teeth causing the lens to be selectable positioned within the aperture. In some instances, the lens may be a glass lens including one or more coatings to improve optical characteristics such as a dielectric anti-reflective (AR) coating. For example, the lens may be BK7 glass or the like. The lens may be secured using a spring-loaded retaining ring (e.g., from any particular material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), etc.).

[0023] In some examples, the adapter may be an assembly of two or more components that can be adjusted relative to each other to provide various positional configurations (as previously described). The holding element, lens adjusting element and bracket may each be monolithic components manufactured from any material including, but not limited to, plastics, metals, composites, ceramics, etc. In some instances, the holding element, lens adjusting element, and/or bracket may be comprised of polylactic acid (PLLA). In other examples, the adapter may be a monolithic component comprised of any of the aforementioned materials including PLLA. The monolithic adapter may include a lens assembly comprising a glass lens secured within a lens holder (e.g., comprising ABS or the like) with a spring-loaded retaining ring.

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of an upper view of an example adapter configured to affix an imaging device to a microscope for imaging of live cells according to aspects of the present disclosure. Adapter 100, as shown, includes an imaging device (e.g., smartphone 104), and eyepiece 108 of a microscope. Holding element 112 may be configured to secure imaging device 108 to the adapter with the camera of imaging device 108 facing eyepiece 108. Holding element 112 may secure imaging device 104 using adjustable bracket 114 to push imaging device 104 into a feature of holding element 112. The bracket may be secured to prevent movement of imaging device 104 relative to holding element 112.

[0025] Holding element 112 may be secured to lens adjusting element 116 (e.g., with one or more thumb screws or other adjustable fasteners). Eyepiece 108 may be secured to lens adjusting element 116 via fastener 120 (e.g., a thumb screw or other adjustable fastener, etc.), which may create a pressure fitting by pushing eyepiece 108 up against the curved surface of feature 124. 6 Date Regue/Date Received 2023-06-23[0026] Lens 128 may be positioned proximate to an aperture within lens adjusting element 116. The position of lens 128 may be adjusted (e.g., by exerting a rotational force) so as to align lens 128 with eyepiece 108. The position of holding element 112 relative to lens adjusting element 116 may be adjusting using one or more fasteners (e.g., such as a same or different type of fastener from fastener 120) within an elongated aperture of lens adjusting element 116. The position of holding element 112 may be adjusted to align the camera of imaging device 104 with lens 128 and eyepiece 108. The fastener may be tightened to prevent holding element 112 from moving relative to lens adjusting element 116 so as to cause the camera of imaging device 104 to become out of alignment with lens 128 and eyepiece 108.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of an alternative upper view of the example adapter without an imaging device or eyepiece according to aspects of the present disclosure. Holding element 112 may include first planar surface 201 configured to receive a surface of imaging device 104. In some examples, the length of the planar surface (along a longitudinal axis characterized by aperture 208 and 212) may be shorter than the length of imaging device 104. First planar surface 201 surface may be t-shaped in some implementations (e.g., including first rectangular portion 202 and a smaller rectangular portion 206 extending from first rectangular portion 202). First rectangular portion 202 may include first feature 224 extending perpendicular from first planar surface 201 along a first end of first rectangular portion 201 and second feature 220 extending perpendicular from a second end of the first rectangular portion. Second feature 220 may extend perpendicular to both first planar surface 201 and first feature 224.

[0028] Holding element 112 may include bracket 114 (e.g., such as an 1-shaped bracket or other bracket shape) configured to adjust a distance between a surface of bracket 114 and second feature 220. The bracket may be secured to the holding element with a fastener (e.g., a thumb screw or other finger adjustable fastener) through an elongated aperture of the bracket. The fastener may pass through the elongated aperture into aperture 204 of a second planar surface 101 of the holding element 112 (e.g., an opposing surface of holding element 112 from first planar surface). The aperture may include a threaded brass insert that includes an inner threaded portion configured to engage the threads of the fastener. The threaded brass insert may be insert into the aperture and heat set into the material of the holding element to 7 Date Regue/Date Received 2023-06-23secure the thread brass insert into the holding element. The fastener may be positioned through bracket 114 and the elongated aperture to engage the threads of the threaded brass insert and secure bracket 114 to holding element 112. In some configurations, bracket 114 and holding element 112 may be a single monolithic component. In those configurations, the aperture a threaded insert may be omitted.

[0029] Bracket 114 may include surface 210 that is positioned parallel to and across the width of holding element 112. Imaging device 104 may be configured to be held by using pressure by bracket 114 and second feature 220. Alternatively, surface 210 and/or a surface of second feature 220 may include a decreasing slope that decreases from an edge of surface 210 and the surface of second feature 220 to the portion of surface 210 and/or the surface of second feature 220 that is closer to planar surface 201. The deceasing slope may cause the portion of surface 210 and/or the surface of second feature 220 to be wider closest to planar surface 201 than edge of surface 210 and the surface of second feature 220. If the bracket 114 is secured with imaging device 104 fitting within the portion of surface 210 and the surface of second feature 220 closer to planar surface 201 than the edge, then imaging device 104 may be secured to planar surface 201.

[0030] Holding element 112 may include aperture 208 and aperture 212 configured to secure holding element 112 to lens adjusting element 116. Aperture 208 may be configured to receive a dowel or pin configured to connect holding element 112 to lens adjusting element 116 while allowing rotational movement. The dowel or pin may be positioned through aperture 208 and elongated aperture 216 to lens adjusting element 116. In some configurations aperture 208 may be omitted and no dowel or pin may be implemented. Aperture 212 may include inner threads (e.g., such as from a threaded brass insert or the like) configured to engage the threads of a fastener such as a fastener. The fastener may be positioned through elongated aperture 216. When the fastener is loosened, holding element 112 may be adjustable relative to lens adjusting element 116 along the longitudinal axis characterized by aperture 208 and aperture 212.

[0031] In some configurations, one or more friction pads may be positioned on a surface of holding element 112 or lens adjusting element 116 where holding element 112 may contact 8 Date Regue/Date Received 2023-06-23a surface of lens adjusting element 116. The friction pads may limit or prevent holding element 112 from moving or sliding relative to lens adjusting element 116.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of a lower view of an example adapter configured to affix an imaging device to a microscope for imaging of live cells according to aspects of the present disclosure. Holding element 112 may include second planar surface 304. Depression 308 within second planar surface 304 may be configured to receive a portion of bracket 114 such that a surface of bracket 114 may be flush with second planar surface 304. Bracket 114 may include elongated aperture 312 that allows bracket to be positioned relative to holding element 112. Fastener 316 (e.g., such as a same or different type of fastener as fastener 120) may be positioned through elongated aperture 312 to engage the threads of aperture 204. Fastener 316 may be tightened to prevent bracket 114 from further movement relative to holding element 112.

[0033] Holding element 112 may be adjustably affixed to lens adjusting element 116 using fastener 320 (e.g., such as a same or different type of fastener as fastener 120) through elongated aperture 216. Elongated aperture 216 may allow holding element 112 to move relative to lens adjusting element 116 until fastener 320 is tightened. Fastener 320 may be positioned through elongated aperture 216 to engage the threads of aperture 212. Fastener 320 may be tightened to prevent holding element 112 from further movement relative to lens adjusting element 116.

[0034] The eyepiece of the microscope may be positioned against the concave surface of feature 124. A parallel feature (e.g., feature 324) may be positioned across from the concave surface and include aperture configured to receive fastener 120 (e.g., such as a thumb screw or an any adjustable fastener) that may define distance 328 between the curved surface and fastener 120. The distance may be reduced or increased through rotation the fastener. By adjusting the distance, adapter 100 may be affixed to varying sized eyepieces. In some instances, adapter may be configured to receive eyepieces that are between 28 mm and 50 mm. Lens adjusting element 116 may be manufactured with a position-adjustable feature 124 or in configuration with feature 124 positioned closer to or further from feature 324 and with a same or different curvature so as to accept eyepieces larger than or smaller than 28 mm to 50 mm. 9 Date Regue/Date Received 2023-06-23[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of an example adjustable lens element according to aspects of the present disclosure. Lens adjusting element 116 may include aperture 402 positioned between feature 124 and feature 324. Aperture 402 may be configured to allow light from the eyepiece to pass through lens adjusting element 116. In some configurations aperture 402 may be an elongated to accommodate varying sized eyepieces. Lens 416 may be positioned over (as shown), under, or within aperture 402 to provide additional focusing or manipulation of light emitted from a sample of the microscope through the eyepiece. For example, lens 128 may be configured to contact the lens of the imaging device to prevent external light (e.g., light other than the light from the microscope) from entering the lens of the imaging device. Alternatively, lens 128 may be configured to provide additional focusing or amplification of the sample.

[0036] Aperture 408 may include teeth 408 configured to engage teeth 416 of lens 128. The position of lens 128 may be adjusted by rotating lens 128 causing the respective teeth to engage. In some alternative implementations, other mechanisms to allow for the movement of lens 124 relative to lens adjusting element 116 may be included such as a sliding pressure fitting where an o-ring or friction pad may be used to secure lens 128 with a position of aperture 402. A sufficiently applied force may cause movement to a desired position. When the force is removed, position of lens 128 may be secured.

[0037] In some instances, lens 128 may be a glass lens including one or more coatings to improve optical characteristics such as, but not limited to, a dielectric anti-reflective (AR) coating. In some examples, lens 128 may include an optical portion such as, but not limited to BK7 glass or the like. The optical portion of lens 128 may be secured using a spring-loaded retaining ring (e.g., manufactured from any particular material such as, but not limited to, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), etc.).

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates example positions of an adjustable lens element according to aspects of the present disclosure. Two positions of lens 128 within aperture 402 are show. At position A, lens 128 may be positioned at a first end of aperture 402. In some instances, fastener 120 may be connected to lens 124 such that when fastener 120 is unscrewed (e.g., partially or completely removed from lens adjusting element 116), lens 124 may be pulled towards feature 132 within aperture 402. In other instances, lens 128 may be moved 10 Date Regue/Date Received 2023-06-23independently from fastener 120. At position B, lens 128 may be positioned at a second end of aperture 402. Lens 128 may be positioned at any position within aperture 402 between position A and position B.

[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of an example holding element configured to hold an imaging device according to aspects of the present disclosure. Holding element 112 may include second planar surface 304. Depression 308 within second planar surface 304 may be configured to receive a portion of bracket 114. The shape of depression 308 may be selected to create a maximum or minimum position of bracket 114 relative to holding element 112. Bracket 114 may be secured to holding element 112 using fastener 316 through aperture 204. In some instances, aperture 204 may pass through holding element 112 and be accessible on an opposing surface (e.g., first planar surface 201) as shown in FIG. 2. In other instances, aperture 204 may not passthrough holding element 112 such that there may not be a visible aperture on first planar surface 201. Aperture 204 may include a threaded inner surface configured to engage threads of fastener 316. The threads may be formed during manufacturing or using a threaded insert such a threaded brass insert. The threaded insert may be pushed into aperture 204. Heat may be applied to the threaded insert to cause the threaded insert to be affixed with aperture 204.

[0040] Holding element 112 may be adjustably affixed to lens adjusting element 116 using fastener 320 through elongated aperture 216. Elongated aperture 216 may allow holding element 112 to move relative to lens adjusting element 116 until the fastener 320 is tightened. Fastener 320 may be positioned through elongated aperture 216 to engage the threads of aperture 212 and/or aperture 208. The threads aperture 212 and/or aperture 208 may be formed during manufacturing or using a threaded insert such a threaded brass insert. The threaded insert may be pushed into aperture 212 and/or aperture 208. Heat may be applied to the threaded insert to cause the threaded insert to be affixed with aperture 212 and/or aperture 208. Fastener 320 may be tightened to prevent holding element 112 from further movement relative to lens adjusting element 116. In some configurations, holding element 112 may include aperture 208 or aperture 212, but not both apertures. In some configurations, holding element 112 may be affixed to lens adjusting element 116 using two fasteners, a first fastener may be affixed using aperture 208 and a second fastener affixed using aperture 212. 11 Date Regue/Date Received 2023-06-23[0041] Holding element 112 may be referred into with reference to one or more axes. The longitudinal axis may correspond to axis 304 and axis 308 may correspond to a transverse axis.

[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates example positions of a holding element relative an adjustable lens element according to aspects of the present disclosure. Holding element 112 may be positioned relative to lens adjusting element 116 longitudinal axis 604. For example, adapter may be expanded by adjusting holding element 112 away from lens adjusting element 116 along longitudinal axis 604 (e.g., thereby increasing a total longitudinal length of adapter or collapsed by pushing holding element 112 towards from lens adjusting element 116 along longitudinal axis 604 decreasing a total longitudinal length of adapter 100. In some examples, adapter may have a total length between 160 mm and 218 mm. For example, in position A, adapter 100 may be in an expanded state (e.g., with a total longitudinal length of approximately 218 mm). In position B, adapter 100 may be in a collapsed state (e.g., with a total longitudinal length of approximately 160 mm). Position A and position B are shown for illustrative purposes. The position of holding element 112 relative to lens adjusting element 116 may be selected such that the total longitudinal length may be within the range of 160 mm and 218 mm (inclusive).

[0043] In some configurations the longitudinal length of holding element 112 or lens adjusting element 116 may be increased or decreased to define the variation in total length. Alternatively, or additionally, a length of elongated aperture 216 (which extends along the longitudinal axis 604) may be increased or decreased to further define the variation in total length.

[0044] FIG. 8 illustrates a diagram of an example adapter with an attached imaging device according to aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, adapter 100 includes an attached imaging device 104 (the eyepiece is not attached in this view). Imaging device 104 may be positioned proximate to or contacting first planar surface 201. Imaging device 104 may be affixed by forces exerted by a surface of feature 220 and a surface of bracket 114. For example, bracket 114 may be pushed up against imaging device 104 so as to push imaging device against the surface of feature 220, which may prevent imaging device 104 form moving along transverse axis 608. Imaging device 104 may contact (or be proximate to) a 12 Date Regue/Date Received 2023-06-23surface of feature 224. Feature 224 may prevent imaging device 104 from in one direction of longitudinal axis 604.

[0045] Lens 128 may be positioned over (as shown), within, or under aperture 402 of lens adjusting element 116. The position of lens 128 may be adjusted by applying a rotation force that causes teeth of lens 128 to engage teeth of an inner surface of aperture 402. The position of lens 128 may be adjusted so as to align lens 128 with an eyepiece. The position of holding element 112 relative to lens adjusting element 116 may then be adjusting using fastener 320 within elongated aperture 216 of lens adjusting element 116. The position of holding element 112 may be adjusted to align the camera of imaging device 104 (e.g., on an opposing surface of imaging device 104 than the surface shown) with lens 128 and the eyepiece. Fastener 320 may be tightened to prevent holding element 112 from moving relative to lens adjusting element 116 so as to cause the camera of imaging device 104 to become out of alignment with lens 128 and the eyepiece.

[0046] Once in position, the camera of imaging device 104 may be operated to capture images and/or video of a sample of the microscope. The weight of adapter 100 may be balanced or biased towards feature 124 to allow for the adapter (with imaging device 104 attached) to maintain a position, unaided, while affixed to an eyepiece. This may allow imaging device 104 to continually capture images and/or video without the aide of user direction or intervention.

[0047] FIG. 1-8 depict various aspects example aspects of adapter 100 for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the aspects shown in FIGs. 108 are not drawn to scale and therefore do not necessarily show exact sizes and/or shapes of the various components of adapter 100.

[0048] The above description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter to the precise forms disclosed. Persons skilled in the relevant art can appreciate that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. 13 Date Regue/Date Received 2023-06-23[0049] As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof when applying to modules of a system, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, or any combination of the items in the list.

[0050] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the disclosed subject matter may be embodied in other forms and manners not shown below. It is understood that the use of relational terms, if any, such as first, second, top and bottom, and the like are used solely for distinguishing one entity or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any such actual relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0051] While processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative implementations may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, substituted, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or sub combinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel or may be performed at different times. Further any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges.

[0052] The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various examples described above can be combined to provide further examples.

[0053] Any patents and applications and other references noted above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of 14 Date Regue/Date Received 2023-06-23the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further examples of the disclosure.

[0054] These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above Detailed Description. While the above description describes certain examples, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosure to the specific implementations disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed implementations, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

[0055] While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the disclosure in any number of claim forms. Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) will begin with the words “means for”. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the disclosure.

[0056] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed above, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using capitalization, italics, and/or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that same element can be described in more than one way. 15 Date Regue/Date Received 2023-06-23[0057] Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various examples given in this specification.

[0058] Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the examples of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control.

[0059] Some portions of this description describe examples in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on information. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are commonly used by those skilled in the data processing arts to convey the substance of their work effectively to others skilled in the art. These operations, while described functionally, computationally, or logically, are understood to be implemented by computer programs or equivalent electrical circuits, microcode, or the like. Furthermore, it has also proven convenient at times, to refer to these arrangements of operations as modules, without loss of generality. The described operations and their associated modules may be embodied in software, firmware, hardware, or any combinations thereof.

[0060] Any of the steps, operations, or processes described herein may be performed or implemented with one or more hardware or software modules, alone or in combination with other devices. In some examples, a software module is implemented with a computer program object comprising a computer-readable medium containing computer program code, which can be executed by a computer processor for performing any or all of the steps, operations, or processes described. 16 Date Regue/Date Received 2023-06-23[0061] Examples may also relate to an apparatus for performing the operations herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes, and/or it may comprise a general-purpose computing device selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a non-transitory, tangible computer readable storage medium, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions, which may be coupled to a computer system bus. Furthermore, any computing systems referred to in the specification may include a single processor or may be architectures employing multiple processor designs for increased computing capability.

[0062] The language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of this disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based hereon. Accordingly, the disclosure of the examples is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the subject matter, which is set forth in the following claims.

[0063] Specific details were given in the preceding description to provide a thorough understanding of various implementations of systems and components for a contextual connection system. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the implementations described above may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[0064] It is also noted that individual implementations may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. 17 Date Regue/Date Received 2023-06-23[0065] The various examples discussed above may further be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks (e.g., a computer-program product) may be stored in a computer-readable or machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a medium for storing program code or code segments). A processor(s), implemented in an integrated circuit, may perform the necessary tasks.

[0066] The foregoing detailed description of the technology has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The described embodiments were chosen in order to best explain the principles of the technology, its practical application, and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the technology in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the technology be defined by the claim. 18 Date Regue/Date Received 2023-06-23

Claims (19)

1. Claims What is claimed is: 1. A device comprising: a first element comprising a first planar surface; an adjustable bracket affixed proximate to a first end of the first element, wherein a portion of the bracket is configured to removably affix an imaging device to the first planar surface; and an elongated element affixed to the first element, the elongated element comprising: a first feature extending perpendicular from a surface of the elongated element, wherein a first surface of the first feature is concave and configured to contact a surface of an eyepiece of a microscope; and an aperture positioned on the elongated element and configured to allow light to pass through the elongated element.
2. 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a thumb screw positioned opposite the first surface; wherein the thumb screw is configured to removably affix the eyepiece to the elongated element.
3. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first planar surface comprises: a second end; and a feature extending perpendicularly from the first planar surface, wherein a first portion of the feature is opposite a portion of the adjustable bracket.
4. 4. The device of claim 2, wherein a second portion of the feature is perpendicular to the first portion of the feature.
5. 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the bracket is affixed to the first element with a thumb screw.
6. 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the bracket includes an elongated aperture along a surface of the bracket that is parallel to the first planar surface, wherein the elongated aperture 19 Date Regue/Date Received 2023-06-23allows the bracket to be adjusted relative to the first planar surface to enable varying sized imaging devices to be removably affixed to the first planar surface.
7. 7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the elongated element is affixed tothe first planar surface with a thumb screw.
8. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the thumb screw is positioned through an elongated aperture of the elongated element, wherein a position of the thumb screw relative to the elongated aperture is adjustable to adjust a position of the first planar surface relative to the elongated element.
9. 9. The device of claim 1, wherein a position of the first planar surface relative to the elongated element is selected to position a lens of the imaging device over the aperture of the elongated element.
10. 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a fitting on a surface of the elongated element and positioned between a lens of the imaging device and the eyepiece, wherein the fitting is configured to reduce light interference from sources other than the eyepiece from reaching the lens of the imaging device.
11. 11. The device of claim 1 , wherein an opposing surface of the first element from the first planar surface contacts an opposing surface from the surface of the elongated element.
12. 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the imaging device is a smartphone.
13. 13. A device comprising: a first element comprising a first planar surface and a second planar surface opposing the first planar surface, wherein the first element comprises: a first feature extending perpendicular from the first planar surface; a second feature extending perpendicular from the first planar surface and parallel to the first feature, wherein a position of the second feature relative to the first feature is adjustable to affix an imaging device to the first planar surface; 20 Date Regue/Date Received 2023-06-23a third feature extending perpendicular from the second planar surface, wherein an inner surface of the third feature is concave and configured to receive an eyepiece of a microscope; and an aperture positioned proximate to the third feature and configured to allow light to pass through the first element.
14. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the imaging device is a smartphone.
15. 15. The device of claim 13, wherein the first element further comprises: a fourth feature opposing the inner surface of the third feature.
16. 16. The device of claim 15, wherein the fourth feature comprises a thumb screw configured to exert a force on the eyepiece towards the inner surface.
17. 17. The device of claim 13, wherein the first element is monolithic.
18. 18. The device of claim 13, wherein the first feature is adjusted using a thumb screw.
19. 19. The device of claim 13, wherein the first element further comprises: a fifth feature extending perpendicular from the first planar surface and perpendicular from the first feature or the second feature. 21 Date Regue/Date Received 2023-06-23