detector

Abstract

To provide a detector that can identify colors highly accurately.SOLUTION: A detector comprises: a light-emitting part 10 in which a plurality of kinds of light sources which emit light SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4 of different colors are provided; and a light receiving part 20 in which a plurality of optical sensors are two-dimensionally arranged, wherein detection processing of turning on the plurality of kinds of light sources at different timing and being detected each time by the plurality of optical sensors is performed, light sources turned on in the detection processing are changeably provided corresponding to a culture medium CM irradiated with light from the light-emitting part 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a detection device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART There is known a detection device that detects colonies of bacteria or the like that have developed in a culture medium based on a color change that occurs in the culture medium using a chromogenic enzyme substrate (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-252093 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To detect the color of a culture medium, white light is irradiated onto the medium, and the light reflected from the medium is separated into three colors using RGB optical filters, which are then detected and integrated to obtain the RGB color components. In this method using RGB optical filters, the bottoms and peaks of the detection intensities of the red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color components tend to appear in separate wavelength bands, but intermediate detection intensities between the bottoms and peaks may overlap for multiple colors. In wavelength bands where such intermediate detection intensities overlap, it is difficult to distinguish between the detection intensities due to the peaks of light of colors corresponding to specific wavelengths occurring within the wavelength band and the detection intensities due to the overlap of intermediate detection intensities of multiple colors, making it difficult to improve the accuracy of color identification.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a detection device that can distinguish colors with higher accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A detection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a light-emitting unit having multiple types of light sources that each emit light of a different color, and a light-receiving unit having multiple optical sensors arranged two-dimensionally, wherein a detection process is performed in which the multiple types of light sources are each turned on at different times and detected by the multiple optical sensors each time, and the light sources that are turned on in the detection process are configured to be changeable depending on the object to be detected that is irradiated with light from the light-emitting unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the detection device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic flow of a detection process of a culture medium performed using a detection device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of the change in light absorption rate depending on the presence or absence of colonies in a medium. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a table showing an example of the contents of the culture medium type-light source correspondence data. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of the contents of the colony detection characteristic data. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a time chart showing the flow of the detection process. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the detection process. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the detection process. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration of a detection device in which light that reflects the influence of the object to be detected is light that has passed through the object to be detected. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The disclosure is merely an example, and appropriate modifications that a person skilled in the art can easily conceive while maintaining the gist of the invention are naturally included within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, to clarify the explanation, the drawings may show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part schematically compared to the actual embodiment, but these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in this specification and each drawing, elements similar to those described above with reference to the previous drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a detection device 1. The detection device 1 includes a light-emitting unit 10, a light-receiving unit 20, and an information processing unit 30.

[0010] The light-emitting unit 10 is provided with multiple types of light sources that each emit light of a different color. As a result, the light-emitting unit 10 is configured to be able to emit light of a number of colors corresponding to the types of light sources. In FIG. 1, a first light source 11, a second light source 12, a third light source 13, ..., an nth light source 1n are illustrated as examples of such multiple types of light sources. n indicates the number of types of light sources. Hereinafter, when the term "types of light sources" is used, it is synonymous with the number of colors of light that can be emitted from the light-emitting unit 10. For example, if there are four types of light sources, the number of colors of light that can be emitted from the light-emitting unit 10 is four. n is a natural number greater than or equal to four.

[0011] The first light source 11, the second light source 12, the third light source 13, ..., the nth light source 1n are light-emitting elements each having a different emission spectrum. Specifically, the first light source 11, the second light source 12, the third light source 13, ..., the nth light source 1n are, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs). When the first light source 11, the second light source 12, the third light source 13, ..., the nth light source 1n are LEDs, they are manufactured using different forbidden band materials or the like so as to have different emission spectra.

[0012] The light receiving unit 20 detects the light emitted from the light emitting unit 10. Specifically, the light receiving unit 20 is a planar light sensor panel in which a plurality of light sensors such as photodiodes are arranged two-dimensionally. Each of the light sensors generates an output corresponding to the illuminance and the duration of light irradiation in the area in which it is arranged. The light receiving unit 20 is configured to be able to output two-dimensional data indicating the degree of light detection.

[0013] The information processing unit 30 performs various processes related to the operation of the detection device 1. The information processing unit 30 includes a control unit 31, a timer unit 32, and a storage unit .

[0014] The control unit 31 performs arithmetic processing related to the operation of the detection device 1. Specifically, the control unit 31 includes an arithmetic circuit that functions as, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and reads and executes data stored in the storage unit 40 and software programs (hereinafter, "programs") (not shown). The timing unit 32 is a timer circuit that is capable of measuring the passage of time. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, "processing performed by the information processing unit 30" refers to processing realized by the processing performed by the control unit 31. For example, processing for controlling the operation of each unit of the detection device 1 performed by the information processing unit 30 is realized by the control unit 31 executing programs corresponding to such operation control, and therefore corresponds to processing performed by the information processing unit 30 that is realized by the processing performed by the control unit 31.

[0015] The information processing unit 30 of the embodiment may be provided as a system on a chip (SoC) such as an application processor, or may be realized by combining a plurality of circuits.

[0016] The storage unit 40 stores various types of data referenced in the processing performed by the control unit 31. Specifically, the storage unit 40 stores medium type-light source correspondence data 41 and colony detection characteristic data 42. Details of the medium type-light source correspondence data 41 and the colony detection characteristic data 42 will be described later.

[0017] Hereinafter, observation of a culture medium using the detection device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the flow of a culture medium detection process performed using the detection device 1. Hereinafter, the term "detection process" refers to a culture medium detection process performed using the detection device 1. The detection process includes multiple steps. In each of the multiple steps included in the detection process, one of the four or more types of light sources possessed by the light-emitting unit 10 is turned on, and the other types of light sources are not turned on. Furthermore, the type of light source turned on in each of the multiple steps included in the detection process is different.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows an example in which the detection process includes four steps. The four steps are a first step, a second step, a third step, and a fourth step. In FIG. 2, light emitted from the light-emitting unit 10 toward the Petri dish SUB1 in the first step is shown as light SP1. Furthermore, light emitted from the light-emitting unit 10 toward the Petri dish SUB1 in the second step is shown as light SP2. Furthermore, light emitted from the light-emitting unit 10 toward the Petri dish SUB1 in the third step is shown as light SP3. Furthermore, light emitted from the light-emitting unit 10 toward the Petri dish SUB1 in the fourth step is shown as light SP4. Light SP1, light SP2, light SP3, and light SP4 are each emitted from a different light source.

[0020] The Petri dish SUB1 is made of a light-transmitting material and has a culture medium CM on its upper surface. The culture medium CM is a medium on which colonies can be cultured. Here, the term "colony" refers to a colony of biological tissue or microorganisms cultured in a culture medium CM in a configuration such as the Petri dish SUB1 that can accommodate the culture medium CM. More specifically, the Petri dish SUB1 is, for example, a glass Petri dish, but is not limited to this and may have other configurations that function similarly.

[0021] The multiple steps included in the detection process have in common that a Petri dish SUB1 on which a culture medium CM is placed is irradiated with light from a light-emitting unit 10, and light that reflects the influence of the Petri dish SUB1 on the light generated by the Petri dish SUB1 is detected by a light-receiving unit 20. The light that reflects the influence of the Petri dish SUB1 on the light is light reflected from the Petri dish SUB1 on which the culture medium CM is placed or light that has passed through the Petri dish SUB1 on which the culture medium CM is placed. Figure 2 illustrates an example in which the light that reflects the influence of the light generated by the Petri dish SUB1 on which the culture medium CM is placed is reflected light.

[0022] 2, a lid SUB2 is placed on top of the Petri dish SUB1. The lid SUB2 is a light-transmitting lid placed to more stably maintain the culture environment in the Petri dish SUB1 in which the culture medium CM is placed. The lid SUB2 transmits light emitted from the light-emitting unit 10 toward the Petri dish SUB1 and light reflected from the Petri dish SUB1 in which the culture medium CM is placed.

[0023] In Figure 2, reflected light MSP1 is generated in the first step. Reflected light MSP2 is generated in the second step. Reflected light MSP3 is generated in the third step. Reflected light MSP4 is generated in the fourth step. Reflected light MSP1 is reflected light generated by the Petri dish SUB1 when irradiated with light SP1. Reflected light MSP2 is reflected light generated by the Petri dish SUB1 when irradiated with light SP2. Reflected light MSP3 is reflected light generated by the Petri dish SUB1 when irradiated with light SP3. Reflected light MSP4 is reflected light generated by the Petri dish SUB1 when irradiated with light SP4.

[0024] Colonies C1 and C2 have grown on the medium CM shown in FIG. 2. The medium CM and colonies C1 and C2 have different reflectances of light in a specific wavelength band. This specific wavelength band is, for example, a part of a reflectance spectrum that represents the overall tendency of light reflection. In FIG. 2, the relative lengths of the arrows indicating the degree of reflection indicate that the reflected light MSP3, which is the reflected light of light SP3, contains significantly weaker components of light reflected by colonies C1 and C2 than the components of light reflected by the medium CM. On the other hand, for reflected light MSP1, MSP2, and MSP4, there is no significant difference between the components of light reflected by the medium CM, such as reflected light MSP3, and the components of light reflected by colonies C1 and C2. For such reflected light MSP1, MSP2, and MSP4, the relationship between the components of light reflected by the medium CM, such as reflected light MSP3, and the components of light reflected by colonies C1 and C2 appears in the output of the light-receiving unit 20, which indicates the results of light detection.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of the change in light absorptance depending on the presence or absence of colonies in the culture medium CM. In the graph of FIG. 3, the horizontal axis represents the wavelength of light, and the vertical axis represents the absorptance of light by the object irradiated with light. A lower light absorptance means that light is more easily reflected, and that reflected light from the culture medium CM is more easily detected by the light receiving unit 20. To explain the relationship between light SP1, light SP2, light SP3, and light SP4 and the wavelengths of light described with reference to FIG. 2, in FIG. 3, light SP1 has a shorter wavelength than light SP2, light SP3, and light SP4. Light SP2 also has a shorter wavelength than light SP3 and light SP4. Light SP3 also has a shorter wavelength than light SP4.

[0026] In Figure 3, graph L1 shows the light absorption rate of the medium CM placed on Petri dish SUB1 when no colonies C1, C2 have developed. Graph L2 shows the light absorption rate of the medium CM placed on Petri dish SUB1 when colonies C1, C2 have developed. Graphs L1 and L2 can be considered examples of a reflectance spectrum that indicates the overall tendency of light reflection.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the light absorptance shown by graph L1 is slightly lower at wavelengths of light SP3 and near light SP3 than at wavelengths of light from other light sources (light SP1, light SP2, and light SP4), but this is not particularly noteworthy and is generally the same across the entire wavelength range. On the other hand, the light absorptance shown by graph L2 is significantly higher at wavelengths of light SP3 and near light SP3 than at wavelengths of light from other light sources (light SP1, light SP2, and light SP4). In other words, colonies C1 and C2 reduce the reflectance of light SP3.

[0028] Thus, the presence or absence of colonies such as colonies C1 and C2 affects the reflectance of light in a specific wavelength band contained in the reflectance spectrum of the culture medium CM. This indicates that the presence or absence of colonies such as colonies C1 and C2 can be determined based on the strength of the detected intensity of light detected by the light receiving unit 20.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a table showing an example of the contents of the culture medium type-light source correspondence data 41. In the description with reference to FIG. 4 and subsequent figures, it is assumed that n=6, i.e., the number of light sources is six. Note that n is not limited to six and may be four or greater. In the description with reference to FIG. 4 and subsequent figures, six types of light sources are distinguished using the terms "first light source," "second light source," "third light source," "fourth light source," "fifth light source," and "sixth light source." To illustrate the correspondence between FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the "first light source" is the first light source 11. The "second light source" is the second light source 12. The "third light source" is the third light source 13. The "sixth light source" is the nth light source 1n to which n=6 is applied. The "fourth light source" and "fifth light source" are light sources that are omitted from the illustration between the third light source 13 and the nth light source 1n in FIG. 1.

[0030] In the embodiment, the "first light source" is a light source that emits red light when lit. The "second light source" is a light source that emits green light when lit. The "third light source" is a light source that emits blue light when lit. The "fourth light source" is a light source that emits cyan light when lit. The "fifth light source" is a light source that emits magenta light when lit. The "sixth light source" is a light source that emits yellow light when lit.

[0031] The culture medium type-light source correspondence data 41 is data in table format. Records (rows) of the culture medium type-light source correspondence data 41 are provided individually for each type of culture medium CM (target culture medium). Columns (columns) of the culture medium type-light source correspondence data 41 are provided individually for each type of light source. In the field where a certain record intersects with a certain column, a parameter is set that indicates whether the light source of the type indicated by that column is on (ON) or off (OFF).

[0032] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, "medium A," "medium B," and "medium C" are exemplified as types of medium CM. In the record for "medium A," the fields intersecting with the columns for "first light source," "third light source," "fourth light source," and "fifth light source" are "ON," and the fields intersecting with the columns for "second light source" and "sixth light source" are "OFF." Therefore, it can be read from the record for "medium A" that when medium A is adopted as medium CM, four types of light sources are used: "first light source," "third light source," "fourth light source," and "fifth light source." It can also be read from the record for "medium A" that when medium A is adopted as medium CM, two types of light sources, "second light source" and "sixth light source," are not used.

[0033] In the record for "Medium B," the fields that intersect with the columns "First Light Source," "Second Light Source," "Third Light Source," and "Sixth Light Source" are "ON," and the fields that intersect with the columns "Fourth Light Source" and "Fifth Light Source" are "OFF." In the record for "Medium C," the fields that intersect with the columns "First Light Source," "Second Light Source," "Third Light Source," and "Fourth Light Source" are "ON," and the fields that intersect with the columns "Fifth Light Source" and "Sixth Light Source" are "OFF." These records can be interpreted in the same way as the field parameters (ON or OFF) in the record for "Medium A" described above.

[0034] In this way, the culture medium type-light source correspondence data 41 functions as second data indicating the relationship between the object to be detected (the properties of the culture medium CM formed on the Petri dish SUB1) that is irradiated with light from the light-emitting unit 10 and the light source that is turned on among the multiple types of light sources provided in the light-emitting unit 10. By referring to the culture medium type-light source correspondence data 41, it is possible to identify the correspondence between the culture medium CM used in the detection process and the type of light source, as described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a table diagram showing an example of the contents of the colony detection characteristic data 42. The colony detection characteristic data 42 is data in table format. A record (row) of the medium type-light source correspondence data 41 is provided for each combination of the type of medium CM (target medium) and the type of culture target (detection target) that occurs in that type of medium CM. A column (column) of the colony detection characteristic data 42 is provided for each type of light source. In the field where a certain record intersects with a certain column, a parameter is set that indicates the light absorption rate from the light source type indicated by that column, that is, the light absorption rate when a detection target occurs in the target medium.

[0036] For example, a record for "Culture A" and "Bacteria T" has a parameter of "3.0" set in the field that intersects with the "First Light Source" column. This "3.0" indicates the light absorption rate due to the occurrence of colonies such as colonies C1 and C2.

[0037] In Figure 3, an example of the absorbance quantified is shown on the right side of the graph. The above-mentioned "3.0" is set assuming that if colonies of "bacteria T" appear during the detection process of "medium A," the output of light-receiving unit 20 obtained in response to the lighting of the "first light source" will exhibit a light absorbance corresponding to "3.0" on the graph. Such parameters are set after being identified in advance through experiments, etc., in which light from light-emitting unit 10 is irradiated onto an actual combination of the target medium and the culture target, and the light is detected by light-receiving unit 20.

[0038] Furthermore, in the record for "Medium A" and "Bacteria T," in addition to the parameter "3.0" for the "First Light Source" described above, a parameter of "1.0" is set in three fields that intersect with the three columns for "Third Light Source," "Fourth Light Source," and "Fifth Light Source." This is set on the assumption that if colonies of "Bacteria T" occur in the detection process for "Medium A," the output of the light receiving unit 20 obtained in response to the lighting of the "Third Light Source," the output of the light receiving unit 20 obtained in response to the lighting of the "Fourth Light Source," and the output of the light receiving unit 20 obtained in response to the lighting of the "Fifth Light Source" will exhibit a light absorptance corresponding to "1.0" on the graph.

[0039] That is, in the detection process for "medium A," the "first light source," "third light source," "fourth light source," and "fifth light source" are each turned on in separate steps, as explained with reference to Figures 2 and 4. When colonies of "bacteria T" appear on "medium A," an output from the light receiving unit 20 is obtained that corresponds to a combination of light absorptance, where the light absorptance of the "first light source" is "3.0," and the light absorptance of the "third light source," "fourth light source," and "fifth light source" is "1.0."

[0040] The same concept applies to the other records shown in Figure 5. For example, in the record for "Culture A" and "Bacteria U," the "fourth light source" is "4.8," the "fifth light source" is "1.2," and the "first light source" and "third light source" are "1.0." This indicates that when a colony of "Bacteria U" grows on "Culture A," the light absorptance of the "fourth light source" is "4.8," the light absorptance of the "first light source" is "1.2," and the light absorptance of the "first light source" and "third light source" is "1.0," and an output from the light receiving unit 20 corresponding to this combination of light absorptance can be obtained.

[0041] The detection of light by the light receiving unit 20 is performed individually by each of a plurality of optical sensors provided in the light receiving unit 20. In the embodiment, for example, when a predetermined number or more of optical sensors show an output corresponding to a combination of light absorptance corresponding to a record such as that shown in Fig. 5, it is determined that a colony has been formed by the "culture target" of that record. The predetermined number may be any natural number equal to or greater than 1, and may be any number within that range.

[0042] The relationship between the level of the output of the light receiving unit 20 and the magnitude of the light absorption rate value has been determined in advance through prior experiments, etc., and the control unit 31 is configured to be able to calculate the light absorption rate value by calculating the output of the light receiving unit 20.

[0043] Note that for each target culture medium, the columns in which the absorbance parameters are set in each record in Figure 5 are limited to the columns of light source types for which "ON" is set in the record in Figure 4. For example, for "Culture Medium A," the fields intersecting with the columns for "First Light Source," "Third Light Source," "Fourth Light Source," and "Fifth Light Source" in the record in Figure 4 are "ON," and the fields intersecting with the columns for "Second Light Source" and "Sixth Light Source" are "OFF." Therefore, for "Culture Medium A," the columns for "First Light Source," "Third Light Source," "Fourth Light Source," and "Fifth Light Source" in the record in Figure 5 have parameters indicating the absorbance of light set, and the columns for "Second Light Source" and "Sixth Light Source" have a hyphen (-) set.

[0044] In this way, the colony detection characteristic data 42 functions as first data corresponding to the detection result of light by the optical sensor when colonies appear on a Petri dish SUB1 provided with a culture medium such as the medium CM. By referring to the colony detection characteristic data 42, it is possible to identify the spectral characteristics when colonies of a specific culture target (detection target) appear on a specific culture medium CM (target culture medium), as described with reference to Fig. 3. In other words, the record of the colony detection characteristic data 42 can be said to correspond to the spectral characteristics when colonies appear, as shown in graph L2 described with reference to Fig. 3.

[0045] As an example of a medium CM whose reflectance spectrum changes significantly depending on the occurrence of colonies as explained with reference to Figure 3, chromogenic enzyme substrates such as X-Gluc and Magenta-Gal are known. 14 H 13 X-Gluc is a compound represented by the formula BrClNO7. X-Gluc reacts with β-glucuronidase, an enzyme produced by certain Escherichia coli bacteria, to produce a blue color. Magenta-Gal is an agar medium containing sodium lauryl sulfate as a selective agent. Magenta-Gal reacts with β-galactosidase, an enzyme produced by certain Escherichia coli bacteria, to produce a red color. Note that medium CM is not limited to X-Gluc or Magenta-Gal; any chromogenic enzyme substrate that reacts with an enzyme produced by a specific bacterium and exhibits a color change in response to the enzyme, similar to the relationship between X-Gluc and β-glucuronidase. Furthermore, medium CM may be a composite medium containing multiple chromogenic enzyme substrates, such as X-Gluc and Magenta-Gal, depending on the type of culture target. In such a composite medium, it is desirable to illuminate the light at a wavelength corresponding to the color change exhibited by each chromogenic enzyme substrate in response to the enzyme that produces the greatest color change. This allows for more reliable detection of color changes corresponding to the development of multiple types of colonies in a composite medium. For example, in a composite medium of X-Gluc and Magenta-Gal, it is desirable to include a blue light source, which simulates the color change exhibited by X-Gluc, and a red light source, which simulates the color change exhibited by Magenta-Gal, as light sources to be turned on. Furthermore, since the absorptivity of wavelengths around 500 nm tends to increase with the color change exhibited by Magenta-Gal, a light source corresponding to such wavelengths around 500 nm may also be turned on.

[0046] The object that can be cultured with the chromogenic enzyme substrate (the culture object) is not limited to bacteria, but may be other biological tissues or microorganisms that produce chemical substances that react with the chromogenic enzyme substrate. The medium type-light source correspondence data 41 described with reference to FIG. 4 and the colony detection characteristic data 42 described with reference to FIG. 5 correspond to the reaction of a specific culture object to an enzyme that is indicated by the properties of the chromogenic enzyme substrate. In other words, in the detection device 1, the light source that is turned on during the detection process is changeable depending on the type of chromogenic enzyme substrate that is provided in the Petri dish SUB1 and that is irradiated with light from the light-emitting unit 10.

[0047] Fig. 6 is a time chart showing the flow of the detection process. Fig. 6 shows, as an example, a case where the "medium A" described with reference to Fig. 4 is the target medium, and the "first light source," "third light source," "fourth light source," and "fifth light source" are used.

[0048] First, the "first light source" is turned on (step T1). After the start of step T1, light is detected by the light receiving unit 20 (step T2). The start timing of step T2 may be after the start of step T1. The end timing of step T2 may be before the end of step T1. In step T2, two-dimensional image data is generated and output by arranging the outputs of each of the multiple optical sensors provided in the light receiving unit 20 two-dimensionally according to the arrangement of the multiple optical sensors. In other words, the multiple optical sensors provided in the light receiving unit 20 function like so-called imaging pixels. The two-dimensional image data obtained by the processing of step T2 is stored in the memory unit 40 (step T3).

[0049] In addition, when detecting light by the light receiving unit 20 in step T2 and steps T5, T8, and T11 described below, the output level of the optical sensor is reset before the start of light detection in each step, and then light detection is started. In other words, each step is not affected by the output level resulting from light detection performed in the past.

[0050] Thereafter, in a similar flow to that from step T1 to step T3, two-dimensional image data is generated and saved in response to the lighting of a light source other than the "first light source" that is used in the detection process.

[0051] Specifically, light is detected by the light receiving unit 20 in response to the lighting of the "third light source" (step T4) (step T5), and the two-dimensional image data generated by the processing of step T5 is stored in the storage unit 40 (step T6). Furthermore, light is detected by the light receiving unit 20 in response to the lighting of the "fourth light source" (step T7) (step T8), and the two-dimensional image data generated by the processing of step T8 is stored in the storage unit 40 (step T9). Furthermore, light is detected by the light receiving unit 20 in response to the lighting of the "fifth light source" (step T10) (step T11), and the two-dimensional image data generated by the processing of step T8 is stored in the storage unit 40 (step T12).

[0052] After the processing of step T12, the two-dimensional image data stored in the storage unit 40 in the processing of steps T3, T6, T9, and T12 is read by the control unit 31 (step T13), and a spectral characteristic comparison is performed (step T14) as a colony detection determination based on reference to the record described with reference to Fig. 5. Specifically, as in the processing of step S7 described below, the spectral characteristic indicated by the read data is compared with the colony detection characteristic corresponding to the culture medium.

[0053] Specifically, the light absorption rate indicated by each of the plurality of pixel data included in the two-dimensional image data, i.e., the output of each of the plurality of optical sensors included in the light-receiving unit 20, is compared with the light absorption rate indicated by the record corresponding to the combination of the target culture medium and the culture target indicated by the record included in the colony detection characteristic data 42 described with reference to FIG. 5. Here, the records to be compared are limited to those corresponding to the target culture medium. In the description with reference to FIG. 6, since "Culture Medium A" is the target culture medium, the light absorption rate indicated by each of the plurality of pixel data included in the two-dimensional image data is compared with the light absorption rate indicated by the record included in the colony detection characteristic data 42 for which the target culture medium is "Culture Medium A." If the comparison results in a predetermined number or more of pixel data corresponding to the light absorption rate indicated by the record included in the colony detection characteristic data 42, it is determined that a colony has occurred. On the other hand, if the number of pixel data corresponding to the light absorption rate indicated by the record included in the colony detection characteristic data 42 is less than the predetermined number, it is determined that a colony has not occurred.

[0054] 6 are realized by the operation of each unit of the detection device 1 under the control of processing performed by, for example, the information processing unit 30. Note that processing related to saving two-dimensional image data, such as steps T3, T6, T9, and T12, may be performed primarily by a controller circuit included in the light receiving unit 20, for example.

[0055] Thus, in the embodiment, the control unit 31 of the information processing unit 30 functions as a control unit that determines whether the output of the optical sensor indicates the occurrence of a colony, based on the colony detection characteristic data 42 that functions as the first data described above.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to the detection process. First, a culture medium is selected and set (step S1). Specifically, one of the culture media designated as the target culture medium in the record of the culture medium type-light source correspondence data 41 described with reference to FIG. 4 is selected, and settings according to the selection result are made to the detection device 1. More specifically, the detection device 1 has an information input unit (not shown) and receives setting input indicating the selection result by input from the information input unit. The information input unit may be, for example, an input device such as one or more of a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel provided in the detection device 1, or may be a communication device capable of receiving data transmitted from an external information processing device, or may take other forms.

[0057] After the processing of step S1, the information processing unit 30 sets the light-emitting unit 10 corresponding to the culture medium selected and set in the processing of step S1 (step S2). Specifically, the control unit 31 reads out a record of the culture medium type-light source correspondence data 41 that has the culture medium selected and set in the processing of step S1 as the target culture medium, and sets the light source corresponding to the column of the field set to "ON" in the read record as the light source to be turned on in the detection processing described below. In addition, a detection cycle is started (step S3). Specifically, the control unit 31 manages clock output corresponding to timekeeping by the timing unit 32, and starts processing to count a predetermined cycle time for managing the implementation cycle of the detection processing described below.

[0058] After the process of step S3, the information processing unit 30 determines whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed (step S4). Until it is determined in the process of step S4 that the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the detection device 1 remains in a standby state (step S4; No). If it is determined in the process of step S4 that the predetermined period of time has elapsed (step S4; Yes), the detection process is performed (step S5).

[0059] 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the detection process. First, the information processing unit 30 sets one of the light sources that has not yet been turned on in the process started from the start point of the latest detection process as the target for lighting (step S11). Then, the light receiving unit 20 is reset (step S12). Specifically, the potentials of the multiple optical sensors included in the light receiving unit 20 are reset.

[0060] After the processing of step S11 and step S12, the information processing unit 30 turns on the light source that was set as the target to be turned on in the latest processing of step S11 (step S13). After the processing of step S13, the information processing unit 30 acquires the output of the light receiving unit 20 (step S14). The chronological relationship between the processing of step S13 and the processing of step S14 is the same as the relationship between step T1 and step T2 described with reference to FIG. 6. After the processing of step S14, the information processing unit 30 turns off the light source that was set as the target to be turned on in the latest processing of step S11 (step S15). After the processing of step S15, the information processing unit 30 determines whether all light sources corresponding to the culture media set and selected in the processing of step S1 have been turned on since the start point described above (step S16). Specifically, it is determined whether all light sources set to "ON" in the records read in the processing of step S2 have been turned on through the processing of step S13. In the process of step S16, if it is determined that there is a light source that has not yet been turned on among the light sources corresponding to the culture medium after the above-mentioned starting point (step S16; No), the process proceeds to step S11. Therefore, the processes from step S11 to step S15 are performed for all light sources that are set to "ON" in the record read in the process of step S2.

[0061] For example, when a "first light source," a "third light source," a "fourth light source," and a "fifth light source" are used, a series of processes is performed in step S11 in which the "first light source" is the target to be turned on, a series of processes is performed in step S11 in which the "third light source" is the target to be turned on, a series of processes is performed in step S11 in which the "fourth light source" is the target to be turned on, and a series of processes is performed in step S11 in which the "fifth light source" is the target to be turned on. The repetition of this series of processes corresponds, for example, to the processes from step T1 to step T12 in FIG. 6. The detection process ends when it is determined in step S16 that all light sources have been turned on after the above-mentioned starting point (step S16; Yes). As shown in the relationship between the process of step S2 and the repetition of this series of processes, in this embodiment, the light source to be turned on in the detection process in accordance with the object to be detected irradiated with light from the light-emitting unit 10 is determined based on the culture medium type-light source correspondence data 41, which functions as second data.

[0062] After the detection process described with reference to FIG. 8, i.e., after the process of step S5 shown in FIG. 7, data obtained in the detection process is read out (step S6). The process of step S6 corresponds to the process of step T13 in FIG. 6. After the process of step S6, the spectral characteristics indicated by the read data are compared with the colony detection characteristics corresponding to the culture medium (step S7). Specifically, the data read out in the process of step S6, i.e., the light absorptance indicated by the pixel data included in the above-mentioned two-dimensional image data, is compared with the light absorptance indicated by the record of the colony detection characteristic data 42 described with reference to FIG. 5. In other words, the process of step S7 corresponds to the process of step T14 in FIG. 6.

[0063] After the process of step S7, it is determined whether the result of the comparison performed in the process of step S7 indicates the occurrence of a colony (step S8). Specifically, the information processing unit 30 determines whether there is a predetermined number or more of pixel data corresponding to the light absorption rate indicated by the record included in the colony detection characteristic data 42. If it is determined in the process of step S8 that the result of the comparison does not indicate the occurrence of a colony (step S8; No), that is, that there is less than a predetermined number of pixel data corresponding to the light absorption rate indicated by the record included in the colony detection characteristic data 42, the process proceeds to the process of step S4. That is, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the processes of steps S5 to S8 are performed again. Thus, in this embodiment, a detection process in which multiple types of light sources are turned on at different times and detected by multiple light sensors is performed multiple times at predetermined periodic times. Note that the predetermined period of time is, for example, 5 minutes, but is not limited to this and can be any time.

[0064] If the comparison result in step S8 indicates the occurrence of a colony (step S8; Yes), that is, if it is determined that the number of pixel data corresponding to the light absorption rate indicated by the record included in the colony detection characteristic data 42 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the information processing unit 30 outputs information indicating the occurrence of a colony (step S9). Such output may be performed by an output unit (not shown) provided in the detection device 1, or may be information transmitted to an external information processing device via the communication unit described above. Examples of such an output unit include a display device such as a display panel, an audio output device such as a speaker, and other output devices for reporting.

[0065] As described above, according to the embodiment, the detection device 1 includes a light-emitting unit (e.g., light-emitting unit 10) provided with multiple types of light sources (e.g., first light source 11, second light source 12, third light source 13, ..., nth light source 1n) that emit light of different colors, and a light-receiving unit (e.g., light-receiving unit 20) having a detection area in which multiple optical sensors are two-dimensionally arranged. The detection device 1 performs a detection process in which the multiple types of light sources are turned on at different times and detected by the multiple optical sensors. Furthermore, the detection device 1 is configured so that the light source turned on in the detection process can be changed depending on the detectable substance (e.g., the properties of the chromogenic enzyme substrate, which is medium CM provided in Petri dish SUB1) that is irradiated with light from the light-emitting unit. This allows multiple optical sensors to detect light of different colors corresponding to the detectable substance. Therefore, unlike when white light is decomposed using an optical filter, detection results corresponding to the color of the light from the light source can be reliably obtained. In other words, the difficulty in distinguishing colors due to overlapping of intermediate detection intensities of multiple colors, which can occur when white light is decomposed using an optical filter, does not occur in principle. Therefore, according to the embodiment, colors can be distinguished with higher accuracy.

[0066] Furthermore, by performing the detection process multiple times at predetermined intervals, it is possible to determine whether colonies have appeared in the culture medium at each interval.

[0067] Furthermore, by providing a memory unit (e.g., memory unit 40) that stores first data (e.g., colony detection characteristic data 42) corresponding to the light detection result by the optical sensor when a colony (e.g., colonies C1, C2) occurs on a detection object (e.g., Petri dish SUB1) on which a culture medium (e.g., culture medium CM) is provided, and a control unit (e.g., control unit 31) that determines whether the output of the optical sensor obtained in the detection process indicates the occurrence of a colony based on the first data, it is possible to automatically determine whether a colony has occurred on the culture medium based on the output of the optical sensor obtained in the detection process.

[0068] Furthermore, by including a light source that emits red light, a light source that emits green light, a light source that emits blue light, and one or more light sources that emit light of colors other than red, green, and blue as the multiple types of light sources provided in the light-emitting unit (e.g., light-emitting unit 10), it is possible to obtain detection results of specific spectral patterns corresponding to colors other than red, green, and blue in addition to the three primary colors of RGB. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately distinguish colors other than red, green, and blue.

[0069] Furthermore, if the multiple types of light sources provided in a light-emitting unit (e.g., light-emitting unit 10) include one or more of a light source that emits cyan light, a light source that emits magenta light, and a light source that emits yellow light, the colors emitted by the light sources included in the light-emitting unit can be identified with higher accuracy. In particular, if the colors are cyan, magenta, and yellow, the complementary colors of so-called RGB colors can be identified with higher accuracy.

[0070] Furthermore, in a configuration in which a memory unit (e.g., memory unit 40) stores second data (e.g., medium type-light source correspondence data 41) indicating the relationship between a detectable substance (e.g., the properties of a chromogenic enzyme substrate, which is medium CM provided in Petri dish SUB1) irradiated with light from a light-emitting unit (e.g., light-emitting unit 10) and a light source to be turned on among a plurality of types of light sources, the light source to be turned on in the detection process according to the detectable substance irradiated with light from the light-emitting unit is determined based on the second data, making it easier to use a light source according to the properties of the detectable substance in the detection process. In other words, a light source that emits light corresponding to the color to be identified can be turned on in the detection process.

[0071] The positional relationship between the light-emitting unit 10 and the light-receiving unit 20 is not limited to the relationship described with reference to Fig. 2. Furthermore, the light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 10, in which the effect on light generated by the detectable object is reflected, is not limited to the reflected light described above, but may be light that has passed through the detectable object. Below, an example of the configuration of the detection device in which the light that has reflected the effect on light generated by the detectable object is light that has passed through the detectable object will be described with reference to Fig. 9.

[0072] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a detection device in which light reflecting the effect of a detectable substance on light is light transmitted through the detectable substance. As shown in FIG. 9, in this detection device, a Petri dish SUB is placed between a light-emitting unit 10 and a light-receiving unit 20. The Petri dish SUB includes, for example, the Petri dish SUB1 and lid SUB2 described above. A culture medium such as medium CM (see FIG. 2) is formed in the Petri dish SUB, and colonies such as colonies C1 and C2 (see FIG. 2) may appear. The Petri dish SUB is placed on a mounting member SHA. The mounting member SHA functions as a member provided to mount the Petri dish SUB between the light-emitting unit 10 and the light-receiving unit 20. The mounting member SHA has a portion on which the Petri dish SUB is placed made of a light-transmitting material, and a portion located on the outer periphery of the mounting member SHA made of a light-blocking material. Specifically, the light-transmitting material is made of glass or a colorless resin, and the light-blocking material is made of a black resin.

[0073] 9 is a wiring section connecting the light-emitting section 10 and the information processing section 30. Furthermore, the wiring section 52 is a wiring section connecting the light-receiving section 20 and the information processing section 30. The circuit 22 is a controller circuit for the light-receiving section 20. Furthermore, in FIG. 9, the light sources 100 provided in the light-emitting section 10 each include a first light source 11, a second light source 12, a third light source 13, . . . , an n-th light source 1n. The substrate 101 is a substrate for the light-emitting section 10 on which multiple light sources 100 are arranged two-dimensionally. The substrate 21 is a substrate for the light-receiving section 20 on which multiple optical sensors are arranged two-dimensionally. Furthermore, as in the example described with reference to FIG. 9, when light that reflects the influence of the light generated by the Petri dish SUB is light that has passed through the Petri dish SUB, it is desirable that the medium CM provided in the Petri dish SUB not be completely light-blocking, but rather be light-transmitting to a degree that varies depending on the presence or absence of colonies and the thickness of the colonies.

[0074] Furthermore, in the description with reference to FIG. 5, the parameter representing the light absorptance is a fixed value, but is not limited to a fixed value. For example, the parameter may be a range of light absorptance that can occur depending on the combination of the target culture medium and the culture object. That is, if the output of the light receiving unit 20 obtained in a process corresponding to the combination of the target culture medium and the type of light source set in a certain record is within the range of light absorptance set in the field corresponding to that combination in the record, it may be determined that a colony has occurred in the culture object of that record. In this way, the first data (e.g., culture medium type-light source correspondence data 41) indicates the range of outputs that can occur when the output of the optical sensor obtained in the above-described detection process indicates the occurrence of a colony, and the control unit (e.g., control unit 31) determines that a colony has occurred when the output of the optical sensor obtained in the detection process is within that range, thereby enabling more accurate color identification under more flexible determination conditions.

[0075] In the explanation from FIG. 4 onwards, n=6 and the number of types of light sources turned on in the detection process is four, but these values are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate. Specifically, it is sufficient that the number of types of light sources turned on in the detection process is four or more. Furthermore, the light sources turned on in the detection step may be determined depending on the properties of the chromogenic enzyme substrate, but it is desirable that four or more light sources be turned on.

[0076] Furthermore, the color of light used in the detection device 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, and yellow, but may be other colors depending on the properties of the chromogenic enzyme substrate.

[0077] Furthermore, other effects and advantages brought about by the aspects described in this embodiment that are clear from the description in this specification or that can be appropriately thought of by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1. Detection device 10 Light-emitting part 20 Light receiving section 31 Control Unit 40 Storage section 41 Culture medium type-light source compatibility data 42 Colony detection characteristic data C1, C2 colonies CM medium SUB,SUB1 Petri dish

Claims

1. a light-emitting unit provided with a plurality of types of light sources that emit light of different colors; a light receiving section in which a plurality of optical sensors are arranged two-dimensionally; a detection process is performed in which the plurality of types of light sources are turned on at different timings and detected by the plurality of light sensors each time; The light source that is turned on in the detection process is provided so as to be changeable depending on the object to be detected that is irradiated with light from the light emitting unit. Detection device.

2. The detection process is performed multiple times at predetermined cycle times. The detection device according to claim 1 .

3. a storage unit that stores first data corresponding to a detection result of light by the optical sensor when a colony has developed in the detection object provided with a culture medium; a control unit that determines whether the output of the optical sensor obtained in the detection process indicates the occurrence of a colony based on the first data.

3. The detection device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The plurality of types of light sources include: a light source that emits red light; a light source that emits green light; a light source that emits blue light; one or more light sources that emit light of a color different from red, green, and blue; 3. The detection device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the one or more light sources include one or more of a light source emitting cyan light, a light source emitting magenta light, and a light source emitting yellow light; The detection device according to claim 4.

6. the storage unit stores second data indicating a relationship between a detection object irradiated with light from the light emitting unit and a light source to be turned on among the plurality of types of light sources; a light source to be turned on in the detection process in accordance with the object to be detected that is irradiated with light from the light-emitting unit is determined based on the second data; The detection device according to claim 3 .

7. the first data indicates a range of outputs that can occur when the output of the optical sensor obtained in the detection process indicates the occurrence of the colony; the control unit determines that the colony has occurred when the output of the optical sensor obtained in the detection process is within the range. The detection device according to claim 3 .

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