PAGE TITLE
Automated specimen mount for macro-photography
PAGE SUMMARY
When photographing small and fragile items, such as zoological specimens or forensic evidence, the standard practice is to secure the sample to a mount using clay or a semi-adhesive medium. Items must be repositioned as required to photograph different views, a time-consuming process that also risks damaging the item. Furthermore, residue may be left behind on the item's surface, which is especially undesirable for historic, valuable objects. A team of Drexel scientists and technicians has designed and constructed a specimen mount that securely holds items using a vacuum and rotates them in two perpendicular planes through 180 and 360 degrees. This device enables photography of multiple views and video of continuous motion. It is controlled either manually using dials or via a dedicated computer interface that allows single-screen remote control while monitoring the camera's live video feed. The mount can be integrated with z-stacking setups to allow infinite depth of field.
APPLICATIONS
TITLE: Applications
Macro-photography in natural history, engineering, medicine, and other fields
High-output video or sequential photography for 3D modeling
Photography of forensic evidence with zero risk of contamination
ADVANTAGES
TITLE:Advantages
Vacuum mounting eliminates strain on fragile objects
No adhesive residue on item surface
180/360 degree stepless rotation with computer control
Pre-programmed view sets automatically generated for high volume applications
IP STATUS
Intellectual Property and Development Status
Untied States Issued Patent 9,810,972
https://patents.google.com/patent/US9810972B2/en
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Contact Information
Ravi Raghani
Licensing Manager
Drexel University
rmr359@drexel.edu