Wednesday, October 9, 2013

$15 micro lens turns your smartphone into a microscope

The Micro Phone Lens, measuring just 1/4" in diameter, is designed to stick onto the lens of most cellphones (recommended 5 megapixel camera resolution), and easily capture images and videos ranging from 15X magnification up to 60X (using the phone's digital zoom feature). The design of the little lens is said to be a product of a "patent pending platinum catalyzed silicone technology" that yields an optical quality identical to that of glass, and yet is impervious to scratching and can be cleaned with soap and water. It self-adheres to the camera lens and can be installed or removed quickly and easily. Once the lens is on the phone, all you need to do is focus your image and click the shutter.

Imagine the possibilities when applied to skin imaging !


The Micro Phone Lens is currently in a crowdfunding phase on Kickstarter, and has gone well past its original goal of raising $5000. If you'd like to be one of the first to pick up one for your phone, a $15 pledge will secure your ability to soon take microscopic photos with your mobile.








Mobile Thermal Imaging is Coming

In our Industry Report published late August 2013, we discussed how mobile imaging was becoming more and more sophisticated. We discussed the emergence of iPad -based microscopes and also announced possible applications of IR-imaging iPads for Applied Skin Care.
The IR-Blue Thermal Imaging Smartphone affordable accessory is a good example of the technologies soon to be available.
The IR-Blue supports Bluetooth 2 and Bluetooth 4 BLE. It works with the iPhone 4S, 5, the New iPads and the 5th gen iPod Touch. It also works with Android 2.3 and newer devices with at least 480 x 800 resolution displays.

See KickStarter for a description of the venture.