We are building a low cost IoT microscope based on the Raspberry Pi 3. Using easily changeable glass objectives. This microscope will provides various magnification. (40x, 100x, 400x). The microscope will scan the specimen on the x and y axis and stitch the images together to create a large and very detailed image that can be reviewed on a internet connected phone, tablet or computer. We will be making the design as low cost as possible so that anyone in the world has access to a very powerful digital microscope. Citizen scientists from around the world will soon have a new powerful tool to aid in future discoveries.
The Raspberry Pi 3 will provide the necessary I/O pins for control of the stepper drivers and Pi camera, and will also facilitate the connection to multiple devices via a WiFi connection. We are looking into software algorithms that will stitch the images together on the Pi as it scans the target. Since it also has a built -in full size HDMI port, you can also simply hook the microscope to a TV or computer screen to view the camera.
Wow! Very nice. Here's a couple of suggestions for features :
1. Autofocus like a phone or camera does (using servo adjustment)
1.5 Illumination adjustment including color filters, brightness,...
2. democratization of access and (separately) contribution to a public share of
a. slided pictures &
b. AI engine trained data
This would allow either a public OR private AI agent to assist with identifying objects, cell types, disease patterns, all the way up to spectrographic results. It would continuously improve the agents ability to assist the micrscope's operator with identification efforts. You might have to point it in the right direction first (this is a sample of blood, serum, plant leaf...), but then it could offer intelligent help.
Think about it!