A system for analyzing a pollen sample

Abstract

The application relates to a running system for analyzing a pollen sample, belongs to the pollen identification field, and comprises a rack, a camera one, a camera two, a lifting seat in vertical sliding connection with the rack, an agar block containing pollen, a placing table for placing the agar block, a sliding plate in horizontal sliding connection on the lifting seat, a cutter installed at the lower end of the sliding plate, and the cutter being horizontally arranged; the camera one is located outside the side wall direction of the agar block and horizontally faces the agar block, and the camera two is located above the agar block and faces the agar block. The application takes agar as a carrier of the pollen, the pollen is not easy to be stacked on the same plane, the pollen is in a three-dimensional suspended state in the agar block, the flattening and deformation of the pollen are avoided, and identification is facilitated; the obtained image in each shooting does not contain the pollen in the lower layer of the agar block, the pollen in the shot image is not easy to be stacked, the stacking condition of the pollen is greatly reduced, and the identification rate is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of pollen identification, and in particular to a system for analyzing pollen samples. Background Technology

[0002] Pollen identification is a method for studying pollen morphology and used to identify plant species and groups. This method primarily identifies plant species and groups by observing the morphological characteristics of pollen, such as shape, size, surface structure, and number of pollen grains. The process involves testing, analyzing, and classifying pollen samples. The general procedure is to place a glass slide containing pollen into an analyzer, whose internal mechanism moves the slide to a microscope for magnified observation, and then perform identification and analysis based on the images.

[0003] For example, patent application CN112465753A discloses a pollen grain detection method, apparatus, and electronic device. This method acquires an image containing pollen grains; uses the median RGB values ​​of all pixels in the image as an image feature to classify the pixels, obtaining an image to be identified; inputs the image to be identified into a target detection model, outputting pollen grain detection results; wherein the target detection model is obtained through supervised training based on sample images of pollen grain samples and corresponding identification labels, and the identification labels are predetermined based on the pollen grain samples and correspond one-to-one with the sample images. By classifying the pixels in the image containing pollen grains, the image background and pollen grains are effectively distinguished.

[0004] Regarding the aforementioned technologies, existing image recognition-based technologies can basically meet the needs of pollen identification and analysis. However, pollen is unevenly distributed on the glass slide and is prone to layering, resulting in low identification rates or inability to identify certain pollen types. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a transport system for analyzing pollen samples, which uses agar as a pollen carrier, significantly reducing pollen layering and improving the recognition rate.

[0006] This application provides a transport system for analyzing pollen samples, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An operating system for analyzing pollen samples includes a frame, a first camera, a second camera, a lifting base vertically slidably connected to the frame, an agar block containing pollen, and a placement platform for placing the agar block. A sliding plate is horizontally slidably connected to the lifting base, and a cutter is installed at the lower end of the sliding plate. The cutter is horizontally positioned. The first camera is located outside the side wall of the agar block and horizontally facing the agar block. The second camera is located above the agar block and vertically facing the agar block. The frame is fixed with a first motor and a first lead screw driven by the first motor to rotate. The first motor is a servo motor. The first lead screw is vertically positioned and threadedly connected to the lifting base.

[0008] By employing the above technical solution, using agar as a pollen carrier, camera one captures an image of the pollen distribution within the agar block. This image, processed by image recognition software in the control system (typically a PC), determines the positions of multiple horizontal cuts, ensuring these cuts avoid the pollen. Based on the height of the horizontal cuts, the control system adjusts the height of the lifting seat by controlling motor one, thus adjusting the cutter to the corresponding cutting position. The cutter then moves horizontally to cut the upper layer of the agar block. After cutting, the process pauses; at this point, the upper agar block is positioned on the cutter, and the cutter's separation prevents camera two from capturing the lower layer of pollen. The image captured by camera two is input into the control system, where image recognition software identifies, classifies, and statistically analyzes the pollen.

[0009] Optionally, the frame is fixed with a side light, which is located on the side of the agar block away from the camera and is horizontally oriented towards the agar block.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, with the side lamp and the camera positioned on the backlight side of the agar block, the camera can clearly capture an image of the pollen distribution within the agar block.

[0011] Optionally, the lifting seat is equipped with a second motor and a second lead screw driven by the second motor. The second motor is a servo motor, the second lead screw is horizontally arranged, and the second lead screw is threadedly connected to the slide plate.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the operation of motor two drives lead screw two to rotate, and lead screw two drives slide plate horizontally through threaded connection.

[0013] Optionally, the lifting seat is fixed with two L-shaped plates, which are located on both sides of the cutter, and the L-shaped plates slide in contact with the bottom surface of the cutter.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the cutter is supported by an L-shaped plate, and the sliding of the cutter is guided.

[0015] Optionally, the cutter is rotatably connected to the slide plate, and the cutter slides to the outside of the end of the L-shaped plate and then rotates downward by gravity.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the cutter slides to the outside of the end of the L-shaped plate and then rotates downward by gravity, which makes it easier to pour out the agar block temporarily stored on the cutter.

[0017] Optionally, the frame is fixed with a recycling bin, which is located below the outer end of the L-shaped plate.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the upper layer of agar blocks after being photographed is collected through the recycling bin, the slide pushes the cut agar blocks to the top of the recycling bin, and the cutter slides to the outside of the end of the L-shaped plate and then rotates downward by gravity, thereby automatically pouring the cut agar blocks into the recycling bin.

[0019] Optionally, the lifting seat is fixed with a baffle, which is vertically arranged to contact the side wall of the agar block, and the top position of the baffle corresponds to the bottom position of the cutter.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, when the cutter cuts the agar block, the baffle supports the right side of the agar block, ensuring that the cutter can cut the upper layer of the agar block while the lower layer of the agar block does not move. The height of the baffle rises and falls with the lifting seat, which can achieve the best blocking effect on the lower layer of the agar block.

[0021] Optionally, top lights are fixed on both sides of the camera, and the top lights are directed toward the agar block.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the top surface of the agar block is illuminated by a top light to supplement the light for the second camera, thereby improving the clarity of the captured image.

[0023] Optionally, the frame is fixed with several vertically arranged guide rods, which are slidably connected to the lifting seat; the lifting seat is fixed with horizontally arranged guide rods, which are slidably connected to the sliding plate.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the sliding stability of the lifting seat is improved by using the guide rod.

[0025] Optionally, the frame is equipped with a three-dimensional moving platform, and the second camera is fixed to the movable end of the three-dimensional moving platform.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, the three-dimensional moving platform can precisely adjust the position of the two cameras in space, which facilitates image capture.

[0027] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0028] 1. By using agar as a carrier for pollen, pollen is less likely to be layered on the same plane. The pollen is in a three-dimensional suspended state in the agar block, which avoids the flattening and deformation of the pollen and makes it easier to identify.

[0029] 2. Each captured image does not contain pollen from the lower layer of the agar block, and the pollen in the captured images is less likely to overlap, thus greatly reducing the occurrence of pollen overlap and improving the recognition rate;

[0030] 3. It can automatically perform layer-by-layer cutting of agar blocks, reducing manual labor. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a front view of a pollen sample analysis system according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a partial top view of an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a partial perspective view of an embodiment;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of an embodiment.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Camera 1; 2. Camera 2; 3. Lifting platform; 4. Agar block; 5. Placement platform; 21. Three-dimensional moving platform; 22. Top light; 51. Motor 1; 52. Lead screw 1; 53. Guide rod 1; 31. Slide plate; 32. Motor 2; 33. Lead screw 2; 34. Guide rod 2; 35. Cutter; 36. L-shaped plate; 6. Recycling bin; 37. Baffle; 11. Side light. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment discloses a system for analyzing pollen samples, including a frame (not fully shown in the figure), a first camera 1, a second camera 2, a lifting seat 3 vertically slidably connected to the frame, an agar block 4 containing pollen, and a placement platform 5 for placing the agar block 4. The second camera 2 is located above the agar block 4 and vertically faces it. A three-dimensional moving platform 21 is mounted on the frame, and the second camera 2 is fixed to the movable end of the three-dimensional moving platform 21. The three-dimensional moving platform 21 is an XYZ three-axis moving platform composed of three servo motor lead screw mechanisms, which can precisely adjust the spatial position of the second camera 2. A top light 22 is fixed next to the second camera 2, facing the agar block 4, illuminating the top surface of the agar block 4 and providing supplemental lighting for the second camera 2. The second camera 2 is used for image recognition, selecting a high-resolution camera or a microscope camera. The second camera 2 has a built-in filter to filter reflections.

[0038] Reference Figure 3The frame is fixed with a motor 51 and a lead screw 52 driven by the motor 51. The motor 51 is a servo motor, and the lead screw 52 is vertically positioned and threadedly connected to the lifting seat 3. Several vertically positioned guide rods 53 are fixed to the frame and slidably connected to the lifting seat 3. The operation of the motor 51 drives the lead screw 52 to rotate, and the lead screw 52, ​​through its threaded connection, causes the lifting seat 3 to rise and fall. The guide rods 53 improve the sliding stability of the lifting seat 3. The control end of the motor 51 is electrically connected to the control system, allowing for precise control of its rotation angle.

[0039] A sliding plate 31 is horizontally slidably connected to the lifting base 3. The lifting base 3 is equipped with a second motor 32 and a second lead screw 33 driven by the second motor 32. The second lead screw 33 is horizontally positioned and threadedly connected to the sliding plate 31. A horizontally positioned guide rod 34 is fixed to the lifting base 3 and is slidably connected to the sliding plate 31. The operation of the second motor 32 drives the second lead screw 33 to rotate, and the threaded connection of the second lead screw 33 causes the sliding plate 31 to slide horizontally. The guide rod 34 improves the sliding stability of the sliding plate 31.

[0040] A cutter 35 is mounted on the lower end of the slide plate 31. The cutter 35 is horizontally positioned, with its blade located at the end furthest from the slide plate 31. Specifically, the cutter 35 is rotatably connected to the slide plate 31. The lifting base 3 is fixed with two L-shaped plates 36, which are located on either side of the cutter 35. The L-shaped plates 36 slide in contact with the bottom surface of the cutter 35. After sliding to the outside of the end of the L-shaped plates 36, the cutter 35 rotates downwards due to gravity. A recycling bin 6 is fixed to the frame and is located below the outside of the end of the L-shaped plates 36. A door panel is provided on one side of the recycling bin 6, which can be opened.

[0041] The cutter 35 is used to horizontally cut the agar block 4. The motor 32 is a servo motor. The cutter 35 has two strokes when cutting the agar block 4. In the first stroke, the cut agar block 4 is still on the cutter 35. In the second stroke, as the cutter 35 continues to move, the slide plate 31 pushes the cut agar block 4 above the recycling bin 6. After the cutter 35 slides to the outside of the end of the L-shaped plate 36, it rotates downward by gravity, thereby pouring the cut agar block 4 into the recycling bin 6.

[0042] The lifting platform 3 is fixed with a baffle 37, which is vertically positioned to contact the side wall of the agar block 4. The top of the baffle 37 corresponds to the bottom of the cutter 35 at the same height. When the cutter 35 cuts the agar block 4, the baffle 37 supports the right side of the agar block 4, ensuring that the cutter 35 can cut the upper layer of the agar block 4 while the lower layer of the agar block 4 remains stationary. The height of the baffle 37 rises and falls with the lifting platform 3, providing optimal blocking for the lower layer of the agar block 4.

[0043] Camera 1 is fixed to the frame and is used to capture images of pollen locations. A high-resolution camera is selected. Camera 1 is located outside the side wall of agar block 4 and horizontally facing agar block 4. A side lamp 11 is fixed to the frame and is located on the side of agar block 4 away from camera 1, horizontally facing agar block 4. Specifically, in this embodiment, camera 1 is located on the front side of agar block 4, and side lamp 11 is located on the rear side of agar block 4. Through the side lamp 11, camera 1 is located on the back side of agar block 4, and camera 1 can clearly capture images of pollen distribution within agar block 4.

[0044] The implementation principle of a pollen sample analysis system according to an embodiment of this application is as follows:

[0045] First, an agar block 4 containing pollen is made using a mold. The pollen originates from a glass slide, which is pre-captured from the air using petroleum jelly and agar. The pollen is then stained by the agar. When making agar block 4, a transparent agar material is used. While the agar is still liquid, the material on the top surface of the glass slide is poured into the mold and stirred, allowing the pollen to freely separate into layers within the agar. After the agar solidifies, agar block 4 is formed. By using agar as a carrier for the pollen, the pollen is less likely to layer on the same plane, and it maintains its original three-dimensional shape, making it easy to identify.

[0046] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 After placing the agar block 4 on the placement platform 5, make one side of the agar block 4 fit tightly against the baffle 37, and then turn on the side lamp 11 and camera 1. The camera 1 takes an image of the pollen distribution inside the agar block 4. This image is used by the image recognition software in the control system (usually a PC) to determine the position of multiple horizontal cuts, and the cut positions avoid the pollen.

[0047] Then, based on the height of the horizontal cut, the control system adjusts the height of the lifting seat 3 by controlling the operation of motor 51, thereby adjusting the cutter 35 to the corresponding cutting position. Then, motor 32 operates, and the cutter 35 moves horizontally to cut the upper layer of agar block 4. After cutting, the system pauses. At this time, the upper layer of agar block 4 is located on the cutter 35. Due to the separation by the cutter 35, camera 2 will not capture the pollen in the lower layer.

[0048] When camera 2 is a high-resolution camera, the image is directly captured and sent to the control system. When camera 2 is a microscope camera, it is moved by a three-dimensional moving platform 21. Camera 2 scans and captures images, which are then stitched together in the control system to form a complete image. The control system uses image recognition software to identify, classify, and count the pollen. Because each captured image does not contain pollen from the lower layer of agar block 4, and pollen is less likely to overlap in the captured image, pollen overlap is significantly reduced, improving the recognition rate. Furthermore, because the pollen is in a three-dimensional suspended state within agar block 4, pollen flattening and deformation are also avoided, further improving the recognition rate.

[0049] After the image capture is complete, the cutter 35 continues to move, and the slide plate 31 pushes the cut agar block 4 above the recycling bin 6. The cutter 35 slides to the end of the L-shaped plate 36 and loses the support of the L-shaped plate 36. The cutter 35 rotates downwards under gravity, thus pouring the cut agar block 4 into the recycling bin 6. Then the slide plate 31 moves back to its original position, and the lifting seat 3 moves downwards to cut the lower layer of agar block 4 and capture images, thereby completing the image capture and identification of all pollen.

[0050] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A transport system for analyzing pollen samples, characterized in that: The system includes a frame, a camera 1 (1), a camera 2 (2), a lifting seat (3) vertically slidably connected to the frame, an agar block (4) containing pollen, and a placement platform (5) for placing the agar block (4). A sliding plate (31) is horizontally slidably connected to the lifting seat (3), and a cutter (35) is installed at the lower end of the sliding plate (31). The cutter (35) is horizontally set. The camera 1 (1) is located outside the side wall of the agar block (4) and horizontally facing the agar block (4). The camera 2 (2) is located above the agar block (4) and vertically facing the agar block (4). The frame is fixed with a motor 1 (51) and a lead screw 1 (52) driven by the motor 1 (51). The motor 1 (51) is a servo motor. The lead screw 1 (52) is vertically set and threadedly connected to the lifting seat (3). The lifting seat (3) is fixed with two L-shaped plates (36), which are located on both sides of the cutter (35). The L-shaped plates (36) slide in contact with the bottom surface of the cutter (35). The cutter (35) is rotatably connected to the slide plate (31). After the cutter (35) slides to the outside of the end of the L-shaped plate (36), it rotates downward by gravity. The frame is fixed with a recycling box (6), which is located below the outside of the end of the L-shaped plate (36). The cutter (35) cuts the agar block (4) in two strokes. In the first stroke, the cut agar block (4) is still on the cutter (35). In the second stroke, as the cutter (35) continues to move, the slide plate (31) pushes the cut agar block (4) above the recycling bin (6).

2. The pollen sample analysis transport system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame is fixed with a side lamp (11), which is located on the side of the agar block (4) away from the camera (1) and is horizontally oriented towards the agar block (4).

3. The pollen sample handling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting seat (3) is equipped with a second motor (32) and a second lead screw (33) driven by the second motor (32) to rotate. The second motor (32) is a servo motor. The second lead screw (33) is set horizontally and is threadedly connected to the slide plate (31).

4. The pollen sample analysis transport system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting seat (3) is fixed with a baffle (37), which is vertically arranged to contact the side wall of the agar block (4). The top position of the baffle (37) corresponds to the bottom position of the cutter (35).

5. The transport system for analyzing pollen samples according to claim 1, characterized in that: A top light (22) is fixed next to the camera (2), and the top light (22) faces the agar block (4).

6. The transport system for analyzing pollen samples according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame is fixed with several vertically arranged guide rods (53), which are slidably connected to the lifting seat (3); the lifting seat (3) is fixed with horizontally arranged guide rods (34), which are slidably connected to the slide plate (31).

7. The transport system for analyzing pollen samples according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame is equipped with a three-dimensional moving platform (21), and the second camera (2) is fixed to the movable end of the three-dimensional moving platform (21).

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