BioScope – Mini Microscope
BioScope – Mini Microscope
UCCS Senior Design Team 2019
Joshua Abeyta – Member
Matthew Delaney – Spokesperson
Mary Moorhouse – Team Lead
Nicolas Nava – Member
Table of Contents
BioScope – Mini Microscope 1
Executive Summary 2
Introduction 4
Phase Contrast Microscopy Basics 4
Problem Description 6
Conceptual Designs 9
Chosen Design Overview 11
Testing Summary 14
Final Design Summary 17
Project & Team Reflections 17
References and Appendices 20
Appendix A 23
Appendix B 29
Appendix C 30
Appendix D 33
Appendix E 33
Appendix F 38
Appendix G 40
Appendix H 41
Appendix I 43
Introduction
BioFrontiers is a collaboration between the BioFrontiers Institute and the University of Colorado (CU) system. The innovative relationship optimizes university and institute resources for revolutionizing the bio-science field with real-world applications. BioFrontiers employs CU faculty across 10 departments providing multiple perspectives to their research. Further, the University of Colorado BioFrontiers Institute is currently focused on the relationship between physics and biology with the intention to advance biotechnology [1]. Also, this benefits the education of CU students through hands-on experience with company research and projects such as the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering senior design projects. Over the course of the last 15 years, the research and work of the BioFrontiers Institute is responsible for more than 400 patents and 65 inventions [2].
BioFrontiers senior design concept was a miniaturized microscope that video records live cell samples inside of a laboratory incubator. Operating at 100% humidity and at 37°C, a laboratory incubator is an enclosed apparatus that provides a controlled environment for the live organisms to survive. Typically, live cell samples are observed for 2-3 hours in 15-minute increments to limit the immediate damage caused by the environment changes [3]. After 2-3 hours, the damage accrues with every increment until the cells deteriorate and can no longer be used for data. Allowing the cell samples to remain in the incubator during observation eliminates the cell decay, thus increasing the observable period up to the cell’s natural lifespan. The BioScope design team was responsible for creating a solution to meet these requirements.
Phase Contrast Microscopy Basics
Common microscopy utilizes micro-optical technology to observe very small objects or organisms with varying detail. Typical function requires the use of an objective, or magnifying lens, to point at a specimen to radically increase viewing size. A light source is used to illuminate specimens under observation and to create a detailed figure or outline of the shape. Binoculars or computer screens are used to replicate the image produced by the objective, to facilitate human observation and analysis.
Figure 1: Nikon Diaphot 200 Microscope Render
The Phase Contrast Microscopy approach focuses on using a contrast-enhancing optical technique that produces images of transparent specimens with high fidelity. It is commonly used to observe living cells in culture, microorganisms, thin tissue slices, subcellular particles, and others. This system requires the basic microscope components, a specimen stage, an objective, a light source, a condenser, and a viewing source, with the addition of a light collector lens (phase plate) and a condenser annulus, used to focus an intensified light beam into the specimen under observation [4].
The condenser annulus is a plate with a transparent annular ring, placed in the front focal plane of the condenser to enhance specimen illumination by constantly changing focus of light-waves that it itself produces. It is constructed as an opaque flat-black finish. The collector lens or phase plate works in coalition with the condenser annulus, as a thin plate of glass with an etched ring in it of smaller thickness that allows light-waves to travel through it, advancing or pushing wave phases by a quarter-wavelength – crucial to the process. It is constructed using an absorbing metallic film that reduces light amplitude almost entirely [5].
The performance of modern-age phase contrast microscopy is highly refined, as it uses variations in light refractions to be shifted in phase by the specimen in question, producing amplitude differences that are observable in either the original eyepiece or connected camera equipment. Figure 2 is referenced below to illustrate the functionality of this microscopy technique. Note how the illustration shows how the provided light enters through the optical systems, and is almostimmediately forced into the phase plate, which collects light and directs it through the objective. This light is then focused and aligned using the condenser annulus, so that it can pass through the transparent specimen and deliver a contrasting image to the camera sensor. Beyond the specimen, the different light waves can be seen in the spectral power distribution (SPD) detailed in red, green, and blue sinusoidal curves. The difference in amplitude between curves demonstrates the phase shift of light occurring as it enters the image plane or the camera sensor. The detail in specimen observation is appreciated further using this technique as the camera sensor receives multiple inputs of data of the specimen’s image [6].
Figure 2: Phase Contrast Microscopy functionality diagram
This kind of microscopy can be further enhanced by using specific specimen container flasks, specific culture fluids, and high-grade light sources.
Problem Description
Dr. Guy Hagen from BioFrontiers specified the initial and most crucial requirements of the Mini Microscope. These conditions were then detailed in the Problem Specification Document found in Appendix A. The Problem Specification Document provides the reason for each requirement which would eventually become engineering parameters. The engineering parameters set specific and quantifiable outcomes to satisfy each requirement. BioScope also used a House of Quality and a tree diagram to align the engineering parameters and their priority ranks. These are in Appendix B and Appendix C, respectfully.
Requirements
R1. Camera must output high definition imaging to successfully provide clear and consistent imaging. Cell boundaries must be visible to monitor cell movement, growth, and/or reproduction.
Related Parameters:
• At least one movable component
• Stage and lens displacement are less than 0.5 mm in 48 hours
• Camera must output 1080p video
• Images must be fixed for at least 48 hours
The microscope includes a movable component that allows for the focus to be adjusted. Since every sample will focus differently, the adjustable focus is a necessity for constructing a functional microscope. However, this can be done in more than one way. Microscopes can include vertically adjustable objective mounts, condensers, stages, or a combination of the three. Further, the next parameter is due to the first. As adjustments of this component will bring the image into focus, any adjustment can also lose the focus. If the objective, stage or condenser shift 0.5 mm, the image will no longer be in focus and any further data is unusable. A camera resolution of 1920x1080p, also known as HD, will allow the observer to clearly see cell boundaries. The visible cell boundaries allow for analysis of cell movement, growth, and reproduction.
R2. The user must be able to adjust and fix the focus of the microscope objective as described above.
Related Parameters:
• At least one movable component
• Stage and lens displacement are less than 0.5 mm in 48 hours
• Images must be fixed for at least 48 hours
• Must record HD video for 48 hours
• Must have PC real-time image transmission
• Material does not corrode or deform
Requirement 2 is to explicitly account for the ability to adjust the focus via a movable component. The requirement includes several parameters as the focus of the image is dependent on many components. Moving the objective will allow for a user to bring the sample into focus; however, displacement, poor image quality, or mechanical deformations would result in an unfocused image.
R3. Cell boundaries are visible via imaging.
Related Parameters:
• At least one movable component
• Stage and lens displacement are less than 0.5 mm in 48 hours
• Camera must output 1080p video
• Images must be fixed for at least 48 hours
• Must record HD video for 48 hours
• Must have PC real-time image transmission
As stated in Requirement 1, visible cell lines are required to track cell movement, growth or reproduction. If the image quality, focus or light interfere with the visibility of cell boundaries, the microscope would be non-functional.
R4. Microscope must contain a quality light source.
Related Parameters:
• Light source must be white light
Dr. Hagen required a white light source to view the samples. The light would most likely be LED, though other options were also explored. The light source needed for phase contrast microscopy needed to be precise in placement and size.
R5. Microscope fits inside of an incubator.
Related Parameters:
• All assembled components fit in (60x60x45) cm incubator
The microscope must function inside the incubator with a closed door in order to keep the carbon dioxide, humidity, and temperature correct for cell health therefore the microscope was required to be smaller than the (60x60x45) cm incubator.
R6. The microscope system must have the ability to record for long periods of time.
Related Parameters:
• Stage and lens displacement are less than 0.5 mm in 48 hours
• Images must be fixed for at least 48 hours
• Must record HD video for 48 hours
• Must have PC real-time image transmission
Requirement 6 ensures that the data can be captured while the microscope is in the incubator for up to 48-hours at a time. Limiting the objective displacement to less than 0.5 mm and requiring fixed images makes the data from long recordings valuable to the user. Further, the PC real-time transmission allows the user to view the image and determine if the focus is correct before continuing the recording as well as check in throughout.
R7. Microscope materials must be able to withstand 100% humidity for up to 48 hours.
Related Parameters:
• Microscope does not corrode or deform
• Must record HD video for 48 hours
• Must have PC real-time image transmission
The incubator maintains 100% humidity to preserve the cells. Since the microscope needs to function within the incubator, the microscope will also be subjected to 100% humidity. To meet this requirement, the microscope must fit in the incubator entirely and the material cannot corrode or deform to provide a clear image.
R8. All components of the microscope must continue to function at 37°C (98.6°F) Related Parameters:
• Microscope does not corrode or deform
• Must record HD video for 48 hours
• Must have PC real-time image transmission
Similar to Requirement 7, the incubator is kept at 37°C. Therefore, the incubator must function and maintain focus while warm. Real-time image transmission allows the user to monitor the focus until the microscope and the incubator reach equilibrium temperatures. Once the microscope is warmed to 37°C, the focus must be maintained. Consequently, the material cannot deform when warm.
R9. Microscope components and assembly are within budget.
Related Parameters:
• Project budget is $2500.00
The budget set by BioFrontiers was $2500.00 to include all components of a functional microscope. BioFrontiers also contributed a Tucsen USB2.0 H series camera which met all parameters for the microscopes recording method. The team was responsible for purchasing: light source, stage, objective, objective mount, condenser, condenser turret, iris, diffuser, camera mount, and body materials.
Conceptual Designs
Introduction
The BioScope team created several conceptual designs based on the various components needed for a functioning microscope. The mini microscope design needed to include the following: Materials for the body and base, camera, objective, condenser, light source, stage, iris and diffuser. For nearly every component, the decision would be to buy a new or used part since several components could not be machined within the 8-month time frame of the project. Design concepts are broken down by components with the exception of one concept: purchasing a used microscope for parts. The used microscope concept is explained as a whole since it includes all components. The team detailed all available options and was able to numerically deduce the best choices using a decision matrix attached in Appendix D.
Materials – Base/Body
The microscope tower and base are the largest physical components of a microscope. The choice for these components was to construct pieces entirely or buy specific components such as the “AmScope Microscope Table Stand with 9 Inch Pillar & Focusing Rack” [1]. This stand or a similar one would provide an adjustable component and the needed vertical alignment. This specific stand is only 9 in or 22.7 cm tall while the height restriction given by the incubator is 60 cm. Further, the team found the difference between buying this stand and making one, to be less than $12 savings, plus the added time and resources needed to machine a stand with a movable component. As an added bonus, many of the stands available include a warranty for designated amounts of time, though typically the warranty lasts a year. BioScope also considered 3-D printing; however, the standardized components are built to attach to other standardized components. 3-D printing would need to be extremely precise in connections and alignments as well as costly as the parts would likely be re-printed through trial and error also. Due to these reasons, 3-D printing was not ideal for the major components.
Light Source
Originally the team had 4 light source concepts: Halogen, LED, LED true color, and LED Thorlabs. Halogen was ruled out as LED causes less heat changes and lasts longer, making LED better suited for long-term incubation. After the decision matrix process, BioScope also considered constructing an LED light and potentiometer as opposed to purchasing one. Problems arose as the lifespan of the built light would be indeterminable, and the light would not be fixable without either extensive research by the BioFrontiers or the assistance of the BioScope team. Soon after, a NanoDyne LED light was also proposed which was more expensive than any of the others but would last longer and perform better with a warranty for protection.
Stage
A microscope stage can be either stationary or adjustable, and it has to withstand the weight of the sample which is typically under 1 pound. An adjustable stage would need to remain fixed for 48hours with less than 0.5mm of displacement or the image would lose focus. BioScope looked into an “attachable mechanical X-Y microscope movable stage caliper scale high precision” and a “Nikon Microscope Stainless Steel Stage.” The first stage cost $500 while the latter was only $90. The two options differed vastly in features; however, the added features were not as necessary so the team decided to wait until the main componentry was purchased before choosing which stage. If the remaining budget had room for the additional cost, then the team would take advantage of the upgraded stage.
Iris Diaphragm and Diffuser
A microscope can function properly without an iris diaphragm (iris) and a diffuser. A true iris would be difficult to build as the circular movement based on a horizontal lever is surprisingly complex. To avoid purchasing an iris, the team would need to precisely measure the exact size hole to allow only a ring of light onto the objective. Since the size of the light would never change on the objective, one precise cover to limit the light so it shines no larger or smaller than the objective would suffice. Though, an iris ranges in price starting near $50 which is only 2% of the budget. The diffuser is essentially a lens that spreads the light over a larger area making it less concentrated. A new diffuser is available for roughly $30. Both the iris and diffuser would be purchased near the end to ensure the shapes and sizes would match the rest of the microscope.
Objective and Condenser
The objective and condenser were paired together because they must match each other for the microscope to work. Even the brand of the two components needs to be the same, which the team and Dr. Hagen decided would be Nikon. Within the Nikon brand, BioScope investigated used parts compared to new, as well as a condenser turret compared to an inverted condenser turret. While the inverted condenser turret scored highest, the team did not opt for an inverted design due to other components so a normal condenser turret was chosen instead.
Buy a Used Microscope
After the decision matrix process was completed, BioScope noticed a trend in the critical components that raised a red flag: too many individual components cost $500 or more. The $2500 budget was not going to suffice if the objective, condenser, stage, and light cost $500 each. After these choices were considered, BioScope found eBay’s market of used microscopes. The used microscope included the body, tower and base pieces as well as the individual components such as the objective, condenser, etc. The idea was to take the entire microscope apart, rebuild a smaller compact version of the body and tower, and use the individual components it came with. It was found that the team could find a used microscope similar to the current BioFrontiers’ microscope for a fraction of the cost of building one. The used microscope design was chosen mostly due to the budget and time constraints; however, after the modifications, the design met or exceeded every requirement.
Chosen Design Overview
The BioScope analyzed several design concepts that encompassed all project factors, including feasibility of manufacturing, total costs, quality, and efficiency in project development. The concluded direction, which benefited the BioFrontiers Institute, was the “Buy a Used Microscope” option described in the above section. This route allowed the BioScope team to successfully meet all requirements as listed prior in the Problem Description section, and reduced research and development time, which was used instead to further perfect the approach taken. To achieve the project’s objective of building a miniaturized, incubator-compatible microscope, the BioScope team purchased a used Nikon Diaphot 200 Inverted Phase Contrast Microscope.
This option was prioritized and chosen against other alternatives because it achieved the following criteria: reduced total project costs by approximately $3500 (see Appendix G), guaranteed microscope component quality, guaranteed microscope component availability and compatibility, and provided the BioFrontiers Institute with a system of familiar functionality and usability.
The Nikon microscope was completely reconstructed with a new alignment to the Mini Microscope BioScope design. The original device had to be fully disassembled for parts to be inspected, refurbished, and painted. This allowed the team to recycle and utilize high-grade laboratory components in their design for a significantly reduced price. Nikon components are deemed of highest quality and regard in the microscopy industry, having provided quality instruments to researchers for decades. Using components of such fidelity provided with a product of ensured usability and long-term functional expectancy. Recycling components also guaranteed the compatibility of their interconnectivity and grouped functionality, when re-assembled as a microscope. The BioFrontiers Institute owns a similar model of the Nikon microscope, which aided in ensuring that the targeted product users would understand the systems and how to employ them.
To satisfy the size and weight requirements of the incubator to be used, the BioScope team eliminated unneeded materials, including a base comprised of solid aluminum and steel sections, a binocular eyepiece that was no longer needed, and miscellaneous parts that accompanied unwanted microscope functions. This process of reducing total parts resulted in uncovered sections of the microscope, which were addressed by building custom-designed parts with 3D modeling and additive manufacturing. Precise measurements were taken of the microscope’s dimensions and SolidWorks software used to design replacement parts. These parts were 3-D printed with Polylactic acid (PLA) polymer to ensure durability and packaging practicality. See Figure 3 below for reference and find CAD 2D drawings attached in Appendix I.
Figure 3: 3D printed replacement plate
To employ full phase contrast microscope functionality, the original Nikon microscope body, tower, condenser, condenser mount, objective, objective carousel mount, iris diaphragm, and diffuser were repurposed after maintenance into the new design. Overused and outdated components from the original Nikon microscope were disregarded and replaced when needed. Namely, a new specimen stage was designed and manufactured to meet project requirements, microscope usability, and aesthetic features; a professional-grade light was purchased and added into the BioScope design; the binocular eyepiece was replaced with a camera mount, where the provided Tucsen USB 2.0 H camera was paired on. The replacement stage was hand-built using T-6 aluminum and with use of a mill and lathe. The camera mount was also hand-built using T-6 aluminum and with the use of a mill and lathe. See Figures 4 and 5 for reference below. The replacement light came with a potentiometer dimmer, which was attached to the microscope for ease of use. A PLA enclosure was designed and manufactured using additive manufacturing. See Figure 6 below.
Figure 4: Aluminum custom made replacement stage
Figure 5: Aluminum custom made replacement camera count
Figure 6: PLA 3D printed dimmer housing and knob
The light mount was compromised during shipping and resulted in detachment from the angled mirror attached to the iris diaphragm enclosure; a new slip ring was designed and manufactured to re-weld needed components together. Figures 7 and 8 show the original damaged parts and the rebuilt parts, respectively.
Figure 7: Original broken light mount
Figure 8: Modified and working light mount
The packaging of all components into a single system was achieved by designing and manufacturing a new high-density polymer and aluminum base and tower mount, providing a light but solid structure. The base and tower mount were conceptualized and designed using SolidWorks. The final product was machined using a mill and lathe for both the polymer and the aluminum and assembled by hand. The final customized design feature was a new paint coat to all microscope components, detailing the new design in a matte piano black livery, including a BioScope designed logo.
Testing Summary
Introduction
To ensure the Mini Microscope works in the incubation environment and for the duration that it will need to perform for, testing was essential to deliver a fully functional product. There are nine areas of testing that need to be addressed to deliver all the necessary functions of the microscope. To test the overall function of the Mini Microscope, a 24-hour test of the microscope with all its components operating inside incubator was performed to test clarity of images for the full time period. 
Figure 9: Finalized product inside incubator during 24-hour testing
Methodology
Before beginning the testing for the overall performance of the microscope, all basic functions of the microscope must be operating successfully. Once this was completed the following steps were taken to perform the 24-hour test of the microscope. These steps include, removing the cover of the microscope, placing the microscope in the incubator with the objective facing the door, connect the light source to light and an A/C outlet, connect the USB cable to the computer, set up the computer, set the specimen on the stage, adjust the light with the potentiometer, adjust iris to focus light on the specimen, focus the microscope on the specimen using the focusing knobs, close the door on the incubator, set a timer to 30 min to let the microscope acclimate to the incubator environment, after 30 readjust the focus and begin recording for 24 hours. After 24 hours stop the recording, place the specimen in the other incubator, remove microscope from the incubator, inspect the microscope for any problems, and finally cover the microscope.
Results and Analysis
Prior to conducting the first test the microscope needed to be realigned. This included realigning the condenser with the objective. When the condenser and the objective are not aligned properly the light coming from the diffuser is out of sync with the specimen. To remedy the situation an adjustment was made to the tower, moving the tower back from the objective 4mm. This allowed for the part to align properly.
After having all the parts aligned, an initial 24-hour test was conducted. Within the first 30 minutes, the image came out of focus and image output resulted in blurry pictures as the test progressed. This problem was determined to be a result of the objective adjustment knobs not being tightened enough. The focusing knobs were tightened and the 24-hour test was conducted again.
The second test showed the initial problems with the first test was resolved by tightening the knobs for the objective; however, there was a horizontal shift in the image. This was determined to be from the incubator vibrating on the elevated platform inside the incubator.
Figure 10: Output image from finalized product 24-hour testing - live animal cell specimens
Final Design Summary
The Mini Microscope design BioScope chose was successfully built and proved to be functional inside an incubator. A Nikon microscope was purchased and disassembled, and some components were customized to meet the requirements described in the Problem Description section. The main body of the microscope, tower, iris, objective, diffuser, and mirrors were assembled from parts of the original microscope. A new base was made of high-density polyethylene plastic, as was the base for the tower. The body needed a face plate to cover an opening that exposed the inner mechanics of the microscope and a 3-D printed removable cover was designed and manufactured. This allows for flexibility and access for any maintenance or modifications. BioScope procured a replacement light from NanoDyne with an included dimmer (potentiometer). A 3-D printed enclosure and knob were designed and manufactured for the light dimmer. The stage was created from repurposed aluminum to minimize the size and weight of the microscope. All microscope components were painted in matte black, mechanical movements were re-greased, and optical parts were cleaned and aligned prior to final assembly. The final product was tested over multiple 24-hour periods, adjusting settings until results determined that the microscope output was consistent and reliable.
Possible improvements are still available to advance the Mini Microscope design. The camera in use could be upgraded along with its image processing software, which would increase image quality and optimize data processing. Additionally, an electro-mechanical system can be added to automate image focus or to allow user to focus remotely without altering the incubator environment. This system can also be designed to move specimens in two directions of the horizontal plane.
Further improvements and final microscope design could have been achieved by acquiring thirdparty components of better quality, opting to purchase new individual components instead of refurbishing old components. With additional time and provided expertise, the base and tower of the microscope could be refined by removing excess material. This was not pursued as the cost for benefit could not be justified when consulted with sponsor.
Project & Team Reflections
Team Interactions
To design and create the Mini Microscope, communications within the team was essential to successfully finish the product for the sponsor. The initial BioScope design team meeting consisted of appointing a team leader as well as team spokesperson and as well as determining a team name by which to be recognized. Team lead (Mary Moorhouse) was in charge of organizing weekly group meetings and assigning tasks. The team’s spokesperson (Matthew Delaney) was responsible for team and sponsor communications. The team determined that the most effective form of communication was to hold an in-person meeting. This was organized through comparison of individual team members schedules to set up weekly meetings with the sponsor. Furthermore, BioScope design team also met each week with Dr. Wilcox to help organize the weekly tasks. This was effective to assist each member of the team in knowing the individual tasks for the week. A weekly update assigned tasks to each individual team member. Even though the tasks were assigned individually each team member assisted other team members with their assigned tasks. However, the team member assigned the task was in charge of seeing through to completion.
Initial communication between team members was conducted using phone texts as well as UCCS emails. However, this did not prove to be a reliable form of communication for the team. This led to the use of the program Microsoft Teams. The program not only allowed chat between all team members via text, the program also allowed a common sharing source for all documents. Any team member was able to upload or edit work being done by others and would save and show who was working on each paper.
To ensure group commitment to the project for the second semester the group also signed a document stating that each member was dedicated to show up to two weekly meetings for the group, as well as a promise to communicate if one was to be late. This was done to ensure that we all showed up at the right time so that other group members knew where others were at as well as not wasting time of the group. These methods proved to be successful.
Sponsor interactions
While the senior design project involves a collaboration between students and an established company, every interaction between the students and the sponsor was expected to be professional with attention to detail. Fluid communication between the students and the project sponsor is necessary to convey the proper information and eliminate any misunderstandings. For this project the communications between the students and the sponsor were all positive. This included both verbal and written communication. The most effective communication came in the form of face to face meetings with an email follow up to subjects covered in the meetings. The sponsor remained responsive throughout the project.
Project Management
BioScope utilized several tools for project planning throughout the year. As team lead, Mary Moorhouse managed the project plan and weekly updates. The preliminary strategy was defined in the Project Plan (see Appendix E) which then created a Gantt chart (see Appendix F). The Project Plan was created in a word document table, but the Gantt chart was made in Microsoft Project. Since the app is not available to UCCS students, viewing the Gantt chart was initially challenging. Eventually a solution was created to efficiently distribute the Gantt chart among team members. The initial project plan was only a couple of pages with basic steps and concepts. Nevertheless, the plan was over 12 pages by the end. The project plan was constantly being updated as new tasks or issues arose and was modified even throughout April. The Gantt chart was also frequently updated and changing; however, the main tasks and assignments changed very little. While the Gantt chart did not have a clear critical path necessarily, there were tasks that would halt all progress if incomplete such as ordering parts preventing assembly.
Weekly updates were made based on the project plan and weekly feedback from Dr. Wilcox and Mary Weber. The weekly meeting ensured that the general path of the project was on track and that the team was making progress appropriately. According to the projected dates of the Project Plan, each team member would be assigned tasks to be drafted or completed within the week. Some weeks had uneven workloads due to team member strengths and weaknesses; however, the tasks generally evened out eventually, and the team benefitted from using each person’s strengths wisely. Many tasks on the project plan were quicker than expected. Conversely, many tasks took longer than expected and often times caused a ripple effect. Some items the team requested to order took a several days of processing by BioFrontiers followed by approximately a week for shipping. Inevitably, each small delay set the final product further back. Ultimately, the completed product was finished early and functioned as it should.
The team fortunately had access to many resources. One of the most useful resources was the BioFrontiers sponsor, Dr. Guy Hagen. By discussing new ideas or sudden issues with him as they occurred, the team was able to understand quickly and narrow their search for specific information or parts. Dr. Hagen also provided many websites for reliable information, as well as reliable sources to buy components from. After navigating the sites that microscopy professionals use for parts, the team had a better understanding of total cost, number of components, what the microscope would look like, etc. BioFrontiers also gave BioScope access to a similar but full-size microscope which enabled the team to compare testing data and observe the normal conditions of phase contrast microscopy. Another critical resource was the UCCS MAE Machine Shop. The team was able to machine all needed components in the shop, with access to mills, lathes, 3-D printers and more.
References and Appendices
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Appendix A
BioScope: Problem Specification
Analyzing the Competitors
Competing Product Requirements met by competitor Feature(s) of competitor that meet that/those requirement(s) Risks that can occur from the way the competitors fulfilled the requirements
Etaluma LS460 LS Microscope
• visualize and capture high resolution images comparable to those from traditional, high-cost microscopes.
• Compact design fits inside cell culture incubators
• Advanced optics provide excellent resolution with ambient lighting conditions
• Allows user to use own objectives
• Utilizes Brightfield (LED) transmitted light
• Optional Phase Contrast Accessory
• Uses high sensitivity CMOS sensor for HD imaging
• Provides USB connectivity for PC
• Provides PC software to operate microscope imaging
• Dimensions meet incubator requirements used by sponsor
• Meets environment temperature limitations of sponsor incubator • Does not have powerful lighting source if extra accessories are not used
• Objectives sold separately
Bioimager IncuScope IS500Ph
• Size of the microscope
• Recording ability
• image quality
• Fits inside hood or incubator
• 2.3 MP built-in camera (1600x1200 pixels)
• Has PC communication through USB 3.0
• Phase Contrast imaging with puller-type phase contrast condenser
• Has options for Brightfield (using LED) and Fluorescence lighting
• Provides lighting source
• Includes 10x objective (wanted by sponsor)
• Dimensions meet incubator requirements used by sponsor
• X-y-z course stage • Camera might not provide high enough quality
NanoEntek Capturing time-lapse images & video
• Automated quantitative cell confluence analysis.
• Real-time cell growth curve/ 10.1" color LCD touch screen
• Semi-auto focusing using LCD interface • Incubator-compatible
• Fully automated x-y-z stage
• Interchangeable objective lens
• Manual & auto focusing
• Data management with own product PC
• Light source is blue, green or UV LED (with adjustability)
• High quality monochrome camera (1936x1456 pixels)
• Meets environment temperature limitations of sponsor incubator • Might be too large to easily fit in incubator and provide user flexibility
Appendix B
House of Quality – Numerically ranks competitors against requirements and determines which requirements relate to each parameter.
Appendix C
Tree Diagram – Shows the steps and parameters needed to meet the requirements.
Appendix D
Decision Matrix
Appendix E
Project plan – Detailed each step needed to complete a successful product with dates and resources accounted for.
Appendix F
Appendix G
Bill of Materials
Appendix H
SolidWorks Render of chosen microscope design
