Imaging apparatus with selectable optical filters

Abstract

An imaging box assembly is provided for capturing an image of a sample. The imaging box assembly includes a body having an interior cavity for receiving the sample, and having a front portion defining an opening into the cavity. The body further includes a view hole enabling viewing of the sample contained in the interior cavity. A door is mounted to the body that is movable between an opened condition, enabling access to the interior cavity through the cavity opening, and a closed condition, positioning a door rear portion substantially adjacent the body front portion to prevent access through the cavity opening. The box assembly further includes an optical filter select device to selectively position one of a plurality of optical filters between the sample and the view hole to intersect light from the sample.

1 . An imaging system for capturing an image of a sample, the imaging system comprising: 
 an imaging box including: 
 a body including an interior cavity for receiving the sample, and having a front portion defining an opening into said cavity, said body further including a view hole enabling viewing of the sample; and  
 a door having a rear portion, said door movable between an opened condition, enabling access to the interior cavity through the cavity opening, and a closed condition, positioning said rear portion substantially adjacent the body front portion to prevent access through the cavity opening; and  
   an optical filter select device configured to selectively position one of a plurality of optical filters between the sample and the view hole to intersect light from the sample.    
   
   
       2 . The imaging system of  claim 1 , wherein 
 the plurality of optical filters includes at least one of a neutral density filter, a wavelength cutoff filter, and a fluorescent filter.    
   
   
       3 . The imaging system of  claim 1 , wherein 
 the optical filter select device is configured to rotate the plurality of optical filters to selectively provide one of the plurality of optical filters to intersect light from the sample.    
   
   
       4 . The imaging system of  claim 3 , wherein 
 the optical filter select device further includes a first wheel adapted to position a first set of optical filters included in the plurality of optical filters, said first wheel being rotatably coupled to the imaging box.    
   
   
       5 . The imaging system of  claim 4 , wherein 
 the filter select device further includes a second wheel adapted to position a second set of optical filters included in the plurality of optical filters, said second wheel being rotatably coupled to the imaging box.    
   
   
       6 . The imaging system of  claim 1 , further including: 
 a light source emitting light into the interior cavity.    
   
   
       7 . The imaging system of  claim 6 , wherein 
 the light source comprises a fiber optic cable having a first end located in the interior cavity and a second end located outside the box.    
   
   
       8 . The imaging system of  claim 6 , wherein 
 the light source comprises a ring of lights positioned around said optical filter select device.    
   
   
       9 . An imaging system for capturing an image of a sample, the imaging system comprising: 
 an imaging box having: 
 a body including an interior cavity for receiving the sample, and having a front wall defining an opening into said cavity; and  
 a door having a rear wall and an exterior face, said door movable between an opened condition, enabling access to the interior cavity through the cavity opening, and a closed condition, positioning said rear wall substantially adjacent the body front wall to prevent access through the cavity opening; and  
   an optical filter select device adapted to carry a plurality of optical filters, the filter select device capable of selectively positioning one of the plurality of optical filters to intersect light from the sample.    
   
   
       10 . The imaging system of  claim 9 , further including: 
 a processor in electrical communication with the optical filter select device, said processor configured to provide output for controlling the position of said optical filter select device.    
   
   
       11 . The imaging system of  claim 9 , wherein 
 the plurality of optical filters includes one of a neutral density filter, a wavelength cutoff filter, and a fluorescent filter.    
   
   
       12 . The imaging system of  claim 9 , wherein 
 the optical filter select device rotates the plurality of optical filters to selectively provide one of the plurality of optical filters to intersect light emitted from the sample.    
   
   
       13 . The imaging system of  claim 12 , wherein 
 the optical filter select device further includes a first wheel adapted to position a first set of optical filters included in the plurality of optical filters, said first wheel being rotatably coupled to the imaging box.    
   
   
       14 . The imaging system of  claim 13 , wherein 
 the filter select device further includes a second wheel adapted to position a second set of optical filters included in the plurality of optical filters, said second wheel being rotatably coupled to the imaging box.    
   
   
       15 . The imaging system of  claim 9 , further including: 
 a light source in the interior cavity.    
   
   
       16 . The imaging system of  claim 15 , wherein 
 the light source comprises a fiber optic cable having a first end located in the interior cavity and a second end located outside the box.    
   
   
       17 . The imaging system of  claim 16 , wherein 
 said imaging box includes a hole that allows said fiber optic cable to pass therethrough.    
   
   
       18 . The imaging system of  claim 15 , wherein 
 the light source comprises a ring of lights positioned around said optical filter select device.    
   
   
       19 . The imaging system of  claim 18 , wherein 
 the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.