Cultivation device

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a culture device that can monitor various environmental changes by imaging and output the results. The present invention for solving the above problems includes a culture unit 13 composed of a culture tube for culturing microorganisms by photosynthesis, a circulation tank 11 for accommodating a culture solution L containing the microorganisms to be cultured therein, a first connecting tube 12 of a flow path through which the culture solution L in the circulation tank 11 flows into the culture unit 13, and a second connecting tube 14 serving as a flow path through which the culture solution in the culture unit flows out to the circulation tank 11. The culture device is a circulation type culture device, and includes a gas supply unit 2 for supplying gas to the culture solution L in the form of bubbles, an imaging unit 3 for acquiring image data P of the culture solution L, a determination unit 4 for determining the state of the culture solution L based on the image data P, and an output unit 5 for outputting a control signal S based on the determination result by the determination unit 4.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a culture device for culturing microorganisms and the like in a culture solution.

Background Art

[0002] In order to culture microorganisms (especially microalgae) in a culture solution, continuous and constant monitoring based on certain criteria regarding environmental changes in the culture solution is essential. Patent Document 1 describes a device that detects the growth status of microorganisms and signs of sudden environmental changes by imaging and monitoring the color of the culture solution.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The technology according to Patent Document 1 focuses on imaging and monitoring the color of the culture solution. However, the monitoring of the culture solution should not be limited to color information, and it is preferable to focus on various environmental factors. For example, regarding the supply of dissolved gases related to the respiration and photosynthesis of microorganisms, since malfunctions can be fatal, the significance of monitoring based on certain criteria is great. On the other hand, it is difficult to judge the supply state only based on color information.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a culture device that can monitor various environmental changes by imaging and output the results.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention for solving the above problems is a circulation type culturing apparatus having a culturing section composed of a transparent tube for culturing microorganisms by photosynthesis, a circulation tank for accommodating a culture solution containing the microorganisms to be cultured therein, a first connecting tube for the flow path through which the culture solution in the circulation tank flows into the culturing section, and a second connecting tube for the flow path through which the culture solution in the culturing section flows out into the circulation tank, the culturing apparatus further comprising a gas supply unit for supplying gas to the culture solution in the form of bubbles, an imaging unit for acquiring image data of the culture solution, a determination unit for determining the state of the culture solution based on the image data, and an output unit for outputting a control signal based on the determination result by the determination unit. With such a configuration, it is possible to provide a culturing apparatus capable of monitoring various environmental changes by imaging and outputting the results.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] The present invention for solving the above problems can provide a culturing apparatus capable of monitoring various environmental changes by imaging and outputting the results.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the culture apparatus X according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described. The description will detail the configuration of the embodiment, the method of implementation, and other examples in this order. Note that the embodiments described below are examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, the "approximate" in the application documents means that chamfering or rounding is performed on the subsequent shape, and that the elements constituting the shape are deformed or the length is changed within a range that does not impede the purpose of the configuration.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the culture device X of the embodiment is a closed photo-bioreactor for culturing microorganisms, and includes a culture tube through which a culture solution L flows, and a gas supply unit 2 that supplies a gas G to the culture solution L as bubbles A. The culture device X is also controlled by a control unit D, and includes an imaging unit 3 that acquires image data P of the culture solution L in the culture tube, a determination unit 4 that determines the state of the culture solution based on the image data P, and an output unit 5 that outputs a control signal S based on the determination result by the determination unit 4. In FIG. 1, the solid-line connection between elements represents physical connection, and the broken-line connection represents electrical connection. For details of the configuration, refer to FIG. 5 A which will be described later.

[0011] In this specification, a microorganism is an organism that grows in a culture solution L having a maximum diameter of 1 mm or less, and is preferably microalgae. For example, Chlorella, Chlorococcum, Haematococcus, Spirulina, etc. can be mentioned, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0012] The culture device X includes a culture tube for circulating the culture solution L inside for culturing, and includes those formed by connecting a plurality of pipe materials. The culture device X has a circulation tank 11 that temporarily stores the culture solution L, a first connection pipe 12 that is a pipe material connecting the lower end of the circulation tank 11 and transferring the culture solution L to the culture unit 13, a culture unit 13 that cultures microorganisms, and a second connection pipe 14 that is a pipe material transferring the culture solution L from the culture unit 13 to the circulation tank 11.

[0013] In addition, the culture apparatus X is provided with an environmental control unit E that controls the environment of the culture solution L surrounding the microorganisms. The details of the configuration of the environmental control unit E will be shown in FIG. 11 described later.

[0014] In addition, in the present embodiment, the circulation tank 11, the first connection pipe 12, the culture unit 13, and the second connection pipe 14 are connected as follows, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The circulation tank 11 and the first connection pipe 12 are connected such that the lower end portion 11b of the circulation tank 11 and the tip end portion 12a of the first connection pipe 12 are connected. Further, the first connection pipe 12 and the culture unit 13 are connected such that the rear end portion 12b of the first connection pipe 12 and the tip end portion 13a of the culture unit 13 are connected. Further, the culture unit 13 and the second connection pipe 14 are connected such that the rear end portion 13b of the culture unit 13 and the tip end portion 14a of the second connection pipe 14 are connected. Further, the second connection pipe 14 and the circulation tank 11 are connected such that the rear end portion 14b of the second connection pipe 14 and the side wall portion 11a of the circulation tank 11 are connected.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the environmental control unit E includes a temperature adjustment unit E1 that adjusts the temperature of the culture solution L, a pH adjustment unit E2 that adjusts the pH, and a nutrient adjustment unit E3 that supplies nutrients. It also includes a liquid volume adjustment unit E4 that adjusts the liquid volume of the culture solution L flowing in the culture tube. In addition, as a part of the environmental control unit E, an oxygen supply unit that is an air pump for supplying oxygen separately from the gas supply unit 2 may be provided. These elements of the environmental control unit E may be arranged at one location in the middle of the culture apparatus X, or may be dispersed and arranged at a plurality of locations in the culture apparatus X.

[0016] The circulation tank 11 is installed above the ground by a structure such as a tank frame 11A and stores a predetermined amount of the culture solution L.

[0017] In addition, the circulation tank 11 is provided with a first measuring instrument J1 capable of measuring the components and fluidity of the culture solution L, and further provided with a temperature adjusting unit E1, a pH adjusting unit E2, a nutrient adjusting unit E3, and a liquid volume adjusting unit E4. By providing the above components in the circulation tank 11, the culture solution L can be flowed to the culture unit 13 to such an extent that a rapid change in the components and temperature of the culture solution L does not occur locally in the circulation tank 11, and the occurrence of local adverse conditions in the culture unit 13 is suppressed.

[0018] The first measuring instrument J1 preferably includes a DO (Dissolved Oxygen) meter for measuring the dissolved oxygen concentration of the culture solution L, a CO2 measuring instrument for measuring the dissolved CO2 concentration of the culture solution L, an absorbance meter or turbidity meter for measuring the cell density, a thermometer for measuring the water temperature, and a pH meter for measuring the hydrogen ion concentration. Note that the measurement items of the first measuring instrument J1 are only examples and may be changed as appropriate.

[0019] Here, the temperature adjusting unit E1 may be a method of supplying a warm or cold liquid to the inside of the circulation tank 11 or a jacket installed on the outer surface of the circulation tank 11 compared with the culture solution L, or a method of directly controlling the liquid temperature with a heater, a cooler, or the like. The pH adjusting unit E2 is a tank capable of supplying a liquid containing an acid or base for pH adjustment, and the nutrient adjusting unit E3 is a tank capable of supplying a liquid containing nutrients, and each is connected to the circulation tank 11 via a valve. The liquid volume adjusting unit E4 controls the flow rate of the liquid supplied from a replenishment tank (not shown) in which a liquid having substantially the same properties as the culture solution L flowing in the culture tube is stored. The replenishment tank is connected to the circulation tank 11 or the first connecting pipe 12 via a valve adjusted by the flow rate adjusting unit E4.

[0020] The first connecting pipe 12 is connected to the lower end portion 11b of the circulation tank 11 and the tip portion 13a (the upstream end portion) of the culture unit 13. In addition, a plurality of pumps 121 for pumping the culture solution L in the direction of the culture unit 13 and valves 122 for stopping and discharging the culture solution L are provided in the middle of the first connecting pipe 12.

[0021] The culture section 13 is a pipe material formed of a light-transmitting material and is installed at a position where it can receive a light source from the outside to culture microalgae. The culture section 13 is supported by a vertically standing culture frame 13A, and is provided such that horizontally extending pipe materials are folded back at the ends and stacked, so that the light-receiving area can be increased while reducing the installation area. Note that the light source may be natural light or artificial light.

[0022] For the culture section 13 that efficiently propagates microalgae, a light-shielding member 131 or the like may be installed as necessary. For example, when the culture device X is installed in a house, a light-shielding member 131 that covers the culture section 13 may be installed on the roof side of the house, or the light-shielding member 131 may be installed so as to surround the side surface of the house.

[0023] The light-shielding member 131 can adjust the temperature of the culture solution L by absorbing or reflecting part of the light directed toward the culture section 13, and also prevents poor growth of microorganisms due to light inhibition. The light-shielding member 131 can change the degree of light shielding based on the control signal S.

[0024] Also, above the culture section 13, a watering mechanism (not shown) that waters the culture section 13 is installed as one of the temperature adjustment parts E1. The watering mechanism sprays a liquid such as water onto the surface of the culture section 13 and cools the culture section 13 by the heat of vaporization. Preferably, this liquid is clean water such as tap water, which flushes away the dirt attached to the surface of the culture section 13 and improves the light transmission efficiency into the interior. Note that the watering mechanism can adjust the start and stop of watering and the amount of watering based on the control signal S.

[0025] In the middle of the second connection pipe 14, a second measuring instrument J2 for grasping the state of the culture solution L after passing through the culture section 13 is provided. This second measuring instrument J2 includes a DO meter for measuring the dissolved oxygen concentration of the culture solution L, a dissolved CO2 meter for measuring the dissolved CO2 concentration, an absorbance meter or a turbidimeter for measuring the cell density, a pH meter for measuring the hydrogen ion concentration capable of measuring the liquid temperature and pH of the culture solution L, and a water temperature meter for measuring the water temperature.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the gas dissolution pipe 15 is composed of a downflow dissolution pipe 151 on the circulation tank 11 side that connects to the second connection pipe 14 and an upflow dissolution pipe 152 on the culture unit 13 side that connects to the second connection pipe 14.

[0027] The downflow dissolution pipe 151 and the upflow dissolution pipe 152 each extend vertically up and down. The upper end is connected to the second connection pipe 14, and the lower end is bent and connected to each other to form a U-shaped flow path.

[0028] In the gas dissolution pipe 15, a bubble release part 23 is provided on the lower side of the upflow dissolution pipe 152 to release carbon dioxide gas (CO2) into the culture solution L. On the other hand, the downflow dissolution pipe 151 can be set as the culture unit 13 side and the upflow dissolution pipe 152 can be set as the circulation tank 11 side.

[0029] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, in the gas dissolution pipe 15, an imaging unit 3 for imaging the flow state of the culture solution L is provided downstream of the liquid flow of the culture solution L in the bubble release part 23. In other words, the imaging unit 3 is provided above the bubble release part 23.

[0030] The gas supply unit 2 is a part that supplies the gas G containing at least carbon dioxide as bubbles A to the culture solution L and dissolves it, and promotes the photosynthesis of microorganisms, which are microalgae. The gas supply unit 2 includes a gas supply part 21 that supplies the gas G, a gas supply pipe 22 that connects to the inside of the gas dissolution pipe 15 and is connected to supply the gas G of the gas supply part 21 into the culture pipe, and a bubble release part 23 that releases the gas G as bubbles A.

[0031] Note that since carbon dioxide dissolves in the culture solution L dissolve and the pH decreases, the gas supply unit 2 also acts as a pH adjustment part E2. That is, the gas supply unit 2 can adjust the increased pH by increasing the supply amount of carbon dioxide.

[0032] The gas supply unit 21 includes a pump that compresses the gas G, a pressure tank filled with compressed gas, and its control equipment. In the embodiment, the gas supply unit 21 is a pressure tank pressurized by compression filling of exhaust gas containing carbon dioxide, and is connected to the gas supply pipe 22 through a pipe through which the gas G passes. Also, the gas supply unit 21 can adjust the gas supply amount and the composition of the supplied gas by opening and closing the valve manually or according to the control signal S.

[0033] The bubble discharge unit 23 is connected to the gas supply pipe 22 and is a member that discharges the supplied gas G as bubbles A. FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c) show explanatory diagrams of the bubble discharge unit 23.

[0034] In one embodiment, the bubble discharge unit 23 is a spherical member as shown in FIG. 3(a), and is provided by penetrating from the side wall of the upflow dissolution pipe 152. The bubble discharge unit 23 is provided on the central axis of the upflow dissolution pipe 152, and since the entire surface is the ventilation filter 231, the bubbles A can be discharged uniformly.

[0035] In one embodiment, the bubble discharge unit 23 is a prismatic member having a long side in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 3(b), penetrates from the side wall of the upflow dissolution pipe 152, and its bottom surface is connected to the gas supply pipe 22. Since the entire surface of the bubble discharge unit 23 is the ventilation filter 231, a large amount of bubbles A can be supplied to the gas dissolution pipe 15 from the side surface.

[0036] In one embodiment, the bubble discharge unit 23 is a disk-shaped member having a diameter substantially the same as that of the upflow dissolution pipe 152 as shown in FIG. 3(c), and since substantially the entire upper surface is the ventilation filter 231, the rising bubbles A can be efficiently supplied. Also, in the embodiment, the upflow dissolution pipe 152 has an extension pipe 154 that extends further below the portion where it is branched and connected to the downflow dissolution pipe 151, and the bubble discharge unit 23 is provided on the extension pipe 154. Thereby, the discharged bubbles A are accelerated by buoyancy, and a strong upflow can be generated in the upflow dissolution pipe 152.

[0037] The ventilation filter 231 is a member provided on the surface of the bubble discharge part 23 and is a filter member containing a large number of fine pores. By discharging the gas G from the pores, a large number of small-diameter bubbles A are generated. As a result, the surface area of the bubbles A in contact with the culture solution L increases, and the gas G is more likely to dissolve in the culture solution L. The ventilation filter 231 may be an air stone. The ventilation filter 231 is provided below the gas dissolution tube 15 to make it easier for the bubbles A to dissolve in the culture solution L and to cause a flow in the culture solution L by the bubbles A.

[0038] The imaging unit 3 is arranged downstream of the bubble discharge part 23 in the liquid flow of the culture solution L and acquires image data P of the culture solution L. As shown in FIG. 4, the imaging unit 3 is configured to be able to image the bubbles A supplied from the gas supply unit 21 from outside the gas dissolution tube 15. The imaging unit 3 includes an imaging unit main body 30 that images a predetermined region (hereinafter referred to as the imaging region IA) inside the gas dissolution tube 15 to acquire image data P, a light shielding cover 31 that covers the imaging region IA of the imaging unit main body 30 and shields external light, and an illumination device 32 that illuminates the imaging region IA inside the light shielding cover 31. Note that FIG. 4(a) is a cross-sectional view of the imaging unit 3 cut in the radial direction of the upflow dissolution tube 152, and FIG. 4(b) represents a cross-sectional view of the A-A cross-section of the imaging unit 3. In FIG. 4(a), a part of the circumferential direction of the side surface of the upflow dissolution tube 152 show the imaging state , for convenience The region in this direction is defined as the imaging region IA1. In FIG. 4(b), a part of the longitudinal direction of the side surface of the upflow dissolution tube 152 is imaged show the state, For convenience the area in this direction is imaging region IA2 be . Note that the imaging regions IA1 and IA2 are appropriately changed according to the imaging angle of view of the imaging unit main body 30 and are not limited. Hereinafter, when the imaging regions IA1 and IA2 are not particularly limited, they are referred to as the "imaging region IA".

[0039] The imaging unit body 30 is a camera, and at a predetermined position (hereinafter referred to as the imaging position) of the gas dissolution tube 15, a lens and an image sensor are fixed so as to face the culture solution L, and the culture solution L is imaged in the imaging area IA so that imaging can be performed.

[0040] The gas dissolution tube 15 is transparent at least in the imaging area IA, so that the internal bubbles A can be visually recognized. Further, by providing the imaging position and the imaging area IA above the bubble discharge part 23 in the vertical direction, the bubbles A rising by buoyancy can be imaged. Further, by providing the imaging position or the imaging area IA downstream of the bubble discharge part 23, the bubbles A flowing from the bubble discharge part 23 can be imaged. More specifically, the imaging position is set above the bubble discharge part 23 in the rising flow dissolution tube 152 where the bubble discharge part 23 is provided, thereby enhancing the capturing performance of the bubbles A.

[0041] The imaging area IA is set so that the entire radial direction of the gas dissolution tube 15 to be imaged is imaged, thereby enhancing the capturing performance of the bubbles A. Note that the gas dissolution tube 15 in the imaging area IA may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape, whereby a homogeneous image can be obtained.

[0042] The light-shielding cover 31 is a cover having light-shielding properties that covers at least the gas dissolution tube 15 included in the imaging area IA. In the embodiment, the light-shielding cover 31 is a box-shaped member that simultaneously covers the gas dissolution tube 15 at the imaging position and the imaging unit body 30, and is fixed at a predetermined position of the gas dissolution tube 15.

[0043] The inside of the light-shielding cover 31 is white, and by making the background of the imaging area IA white, homogeneous data can be imaged. Further, the outside of the light-shielding cover 31 may be white, preventing heat from being trapped inside and preventing the culture solution L and the imaging unit body 30 from being heated.

[0044] The lighting device 32 is an artificial light source such as an LED or a fluorescent lamp, and a plurality of them are provided in the vicinity of the imaging unit main body 30. By illuminating the imaging area IA inside the light-shielding cover 31 with a constant illuminance, it is possible to perform imaging even at night, prevent disturbance by external light, and enable the imaging unit 3 to obtain uniform image data P. Preferably, the lighting device 32 is installed such that the illumination direction of the lighting device 32 is the same as the imaging direction of the imaging unit main body 30. As a result, combined with the inside of the light-shielding cover 31 being white, the shadow of the bubble A is included in the imaging area IA. This increases the data related to the bubble A obtained by imaging and enables more accurate measurement. In the embodiment, the imaging unit main body 30 and the lighting device 32 are provided on the same surface of the light-shielding cover 31.

[0045] Furthermore, the lighting device 32 and the imaging unit main body 30 may be provided on different surfaces instead of on the same surface of the light-shielding cover 31. Also, in order to adjust the illuminance in the imaging area IA, a diffusion plate may be provided between the lighting device 32 and the upward flow melting tube 152. As the diffusion plate, for example, frosted glass or an opal diffusion plate can be used.

[0046] Figure 5 A shows a functional block diagram of the culture device X. The imaging unit 3 sends the captured video to the control unit D, and the control unit D converts it into image data P processed by the determination unit 4. Also, the control unit D is connected to the determination unit 4 and transmits the acquired image data P to the determination unit 4.

[0047] The determination unit 4 is composed of an arithmetic device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit). The determination unit 4 determines the state of the culture solution L based on the image data P acquired by the imaging unit 3.

[0048] The determination unit 4 includes a bubble determination unit 41 that determines whether the state of the bubbles A supplied from the bubble discharge unit 23 included in the culture solution L is normal. In the embodiment, it further includes a culture state determination unit 42 that determines the culture state of the microorganisms, and a cleaning state determination unit 43 for determining the cleaning result of the cleaning unit 232. Note that by determining whether the state of the bubbles A is normal, it is possible to indirectly determine whether the state of the bubble discharge unit 23 is normal.

[0049] Here, FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of the image data P of the culture solution L acquired by the imaging unit 3. The image data P is divided into grid-like image blocks PB, and the imaged bubbles A are included in the image data P. The determination unit 4 can extract the feature amounts included in the image data P acquired by the imaging unit 3 and determine the state of the culture solution L. Note that the image block PB is square, and the length of one side thereof is larger than the pixel or the microorganism.

[0050] The bubble determination unit 41 includes a bubble feature amount determination unit 411 that analyzes the feature amounts of the bubbles A by analyzing the image data P, and a bubble state determination unit 412 that determines whether the discharge state of the bubbles A is normal using a determination model based on machine learning based on the analyzed feature amounts of the bubbles. Note that the feature amounts of the bubbles A include at least one amount indicating the number, size, and shape of the bubbles A. The shadow of the bubbles may be used for the analysis of the feature amounts of the bubbles A.

[0051] The state of the bubbles A (bubble discharge state) is defined as a "normal state" when a large amount of fine bubbles are emitted, and other states are defined as "abnormal states". Among the "abnormal states", a state where no bubbles A are observed at all and the culture solution L is absent in the imaging region IA is defined as a "liquid absent state". Note that in order to make it easier to observe the "liquid absent state", the imaging unit 3 may be provided near the upper end of the upflow dissolution tube 152.

[0052] The culture state determination unit 42 includes a color distribution determination unit 421 that calculates color distribution data described later as a feature amount, and a microorganism determination unit 422 that determines the culture state of the microorganisms based on the color distribution data.

[0053] The culture state (growth state) of the microorganism is defined as follows: when the concentration of the microorganism in the culture solution L becomes sufficient for harvesting, it is the "sufficient growth state"; when the microorganism is growing continuously, it is the "normal growth state"; and other states are the "abnormal growth state". The "abnormal growth state" includes, for example, strong light inhibition, insufficient sunlight, high temperature, low temperature, nutrient deficiency, abnormal pH, and liquidless state.

[0054] The cleaning state determination unit 43 makes a determination when cleaning is to be performed in the "abnormal state" and has the same function and structure as the bubble determination unit 41. The cleaning state determination unit 43 may be a part of the bubble determination unit 41.

[0055] Also, FIG. 5 A The control unit D shown in stores a determination model used for the determination process of the image data P by the determination unit 4 and includes a storage unit DB. In addition, the storage unit DB stores a control signal table used for determining the control signal S output by the output unit 5. Further, the recording unit DB stores various data such as the image data P and a program including various instructions executed by the determination unit 4. This program may be stored in a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an SSD memory and installed.

[0056] The output unit 5 is connected to the determination unit 4 and outputs a control signal S based on the determination result of the determination unit 4. The output unit 5 may be connected to the control panel C, receive an operation input via the control panel C, and output the control signal S according to the operation input. Note that the output unit 5 may also perform a display process on the state of the culture solution L on the control panel C.

[0057] The bubble feature quantity determination unit 411 creates a data set of bubble feature quantities for the bubbles A included in the image data P. The data set of bubble feature quantities includes at least any one of the number of bubbles A, the distribution of the sizes of bubbles A, the distribution of the shape indexes of bubbles A, or their statistical values. Note that, as the index of the shape of bubble A, the radius of curvature of the circumscribed circle of bubble A, the ratio of the area (number of pixels) of bubble A to the perimeter (circularity), etc. are used. As the statistical values, representative values such as the average value, the mode value, and the median value are used.

[0058] The bubbles A included in the image data P are discriminated, for example, by setting the portion where the brightness is equal to or higher than the threshold value between adjacent pixels in the image data P as the boundary of the bubbles A. Note that, instead of the brightness, the hue or the saturation may be used, or these may be combined.

[0059] The color distribution determination unit 421 creates a data set of color distribution data, which is distribution data of the statistical values of the color data (RGB, CMYK) analyzed for each image block PB. As the statistical values, it is assumed that the average value, the mode value, the median value, etc. are used, but a pixel at a specific position (for example, the center point) may be treated as the representative value.

[0060] The determination unit 4 may use a plurality of image data P imaged in association with time by the imaging unit 3. In this case, the bubble feature quantity determination unit 411 creates a data set in which the change feature quantity is extracted from the data set of the bubble feature quantities, and causes the bubble state determination unit 412 to acquire it. Further, the color distribution determination unit 421 creates a data set in which the change feature quantity is extracted using the data set of the color distribution data, and causes the microorganism determination unit 422 to acquire it.

[0061] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a model generation device 7 that performs a generation process of a determination model used for the bubble state determination unit 412 and the microorganism determination unit 422. The model generation device 7 includes a dataset acquisition unit 71 that acquires a dataset, a model generation unit 72, a dataset storage unit 73, and a model storage unit 74. The dataset acquisition unit 71 is preferably configured to acquire, as a dataset, the bubble feature amount or the color distribution data generated by the bubble feature amount determination unit 411 or the color distribution determination unit 421 based on the image data P acquired by the imaging unit 3. Note that the dataset may be its change feature amount.

[0062] The model generation device 7 can use a general-purpose computer. The model generation device 7 includes, as hardware components, an arithmetic device such as a CPU, a main storage device such as a RAM, an auxiliary storage device, a communication device, an input / output device, and the like.

[0063] The determination unit 4 and the model generation device 7 are configured to be capable of data communication by wire or wirelessly. Further, it may be configured as a culture device including the determination unit 4 and the model generation device 7. Further, the determination unit 4 may be configured to include the functional components (71-74) of the model generation device 7.

[0064] In this embodiment, a neural network N can be adopted as the machine learning algorithm. As shown in FIG. 8, the neural network N includes an input layer N1, an intermediate layer N2, and an output layer N3. Each layer is composed of a plurality of neurons having activation functions. The input layer N1 receives the input of the input data of the data set. The input layer N1 is composed of a plurality of neurons corresponding to the input data, and outputs the calculation result for the input data to the intermediate layer N2. The intermediate layer N2 is composed of one or more layers, and each layer has a plurality of neurons. The intermediate layer N2 receives the input of the calculation result from the input layer N1, and further outputs the calculation result for the input to the adjacent layer or the output layer N3 within the intermediate layer N2. The output layer N3 outputs an estimated value according to the input from the intermediate layer N2. By adjusting the coefficients of each neuron so that the error between the estimated value of the output layer N3 and the output data of the data set is reduced, the determination accuracy of the output data for the input data can be improved.

[0065] Note that the machine learning algorithm is not limited to a neural network, and a regression analysis model, a support vector machine, a k-nearest neighbor method, a decision tree model, etc. may be adopted.

[0066] FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of a data set used for machine learning of the determination model.

[0067] In this embodiment, the data set is configured as shown in FIGS. 9(a) to 9(c). FIG. 9(a) is a data set about image data, bubble feature amounts, and the states of bubbles, FIG. 9(b) is a data set about image data, color distribution data, and culture states, and FIG. 9(c) is a data set about image data and control signals.

[0068] In the bubble determination unit 41, the bubble feature amount generated based on the image data P or the change feature amount of the bubble feature amount is used as input data, and the discharge state of the bubble A is used as output data.

[0069] In the culture state determination unit 42, it is configured with the color distribution data generated based on the image data P or the change feature amount of the color distribution data as input data and the culture state of the microorganism as output data.

[0070] As the input data of the culture state determination unit 42, a data set combined with information selected from any one or more of pH, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen concentration obtained from the first measuring instrument J1 to the second measuring instrument J2 provided in the apparatus X may also be used.

[0071] Note that the data set may be configured with the image data P as the direct input data and the state of the bubbles or the culture state of the microorganism as the output data.

[0072] Note that the data set may use the image data P as the input data and the control signal S as the output data as shown in FIG. 9(c).

[0073] Also, at this time, the output data corresponds to the time series (time difference) of a data set of a plurality of bubble feature amounts and a plurality of color distribution data, and may be configured as at least one data selected from the state of the bubbles after a predetermined time has elapsed, the culture state of the microorganism, and the control signal S for the processing system. For example, when the data set uses the bubble feature amount every hour as the input data, and further uses the state of the bubble feature amount one hour later as the output data, the determination model can output the predicted value of the bubble feature amount as the determination result. By using the determination model as described above, the determination unit 4 can control the culture apparatus after correcting the time lag even when a time lag occurs from the acquisition of the image data P to the output of the determination result.

[0074] Also, the output data may be a numerical value based on how different it is from the normal culture state. At this time, a threshold value is pre-recorded in the storage device DB, and when the determination result exceeds the threshold value, the output unit 5 outputs a control signal S corresponding to the threshold value. On the other hand, the determination unit 4 may transmit the determination result corresponding to the threshold value recorded in the storage device DB to the output unit 5, and the output unit 5 may output the control signal S.

[0075] FIG. 10 shows a flowchart regarding the generation process of the determination model in the model generation device 7.

[0076] Step S01: The dataset acquisition unit 71 acquires a dataset and stores it in the dataset storage unit 73. The dataset acquisition unit 71 preferably sets the image data P acquired by the imaging unit 3 as the input data of the dataset. The dataset acquisition unit 71 receives an input from an operator regarding the output data corresponding to the image data P set as the input data. The dataset storage unit 73 stores in advance a list of data of the state of bubbles, the culture state of microorganisms, and control signals that can be selected as the output data of the dataset, and the dataset acquisition unit 71 may be configured to determine the dataset by receiving the selection of the output data corresponding to the image data P from among the list of data.

[0077] Step S02: The model generation unit 72 executes machine learning processing of the model using the dataset stored in the dataset storage unit 73. The number of datasets used for the machine learning processing is not particularly limited.

[0078] Step S03: The model generation unit 72 completes the machine learning processing in Step S02, generates a learned model, thereby generates a determination model, stores it in the model storage unit 74, and ends the processing.

[0079] The determination model stored in the model storage unit 74 is stored in the storage unit DB, so that the determination unit 4 can determine the state of the determination unit 4 based on the image data P using the determination model.

[0080] The determination model may be generated according to the bubble determination unit 41 and the culture state determination unit 42 provided in the determination unit 4, respectively. Further, the control panel C can receive an instruction input regarding the shape of the bubble discharge unit 23 (for example, the spherical shape, disk shape, etc. shown in FIG. 3) and the type of microorganism to be cultured, and determine the determination model used by the determination unit 4 from among a plurality of determination models stored in the storage unit DB.

[0081] The output unit 5 outputs a control signal S based on the determination result determined by the determination unit 4. Note that the control unit D can be changed by the control panel C to set the threshold value and whether to send the control signal S to each output destination.

[0082] The output unit 5 includes a data set that summarizes appropriate control signals S output by the output unit 5 based on the data of the state of the bubbles to be output and the data of the culture state. An example of this data set is shown in FIG. 11. By using this data set, the determination unit 4 can select an appropriate control signal S according to the state based on the output result of the state of the bubbles shown in FIG. 9(a) and the output result of the culture state shown in FIG. 9(b). Note that the control signal S is a signal output by the output unit 5 to the processing system 10, and indicates signals corresponding to the control of the environment control unit E, the pump 121, the light shielding member 131, the cleaning unit 232, and the notification unit 6, respectively.

[0083] For example, when it is determined that the culture state is "high temperature" among the "abnormal growth states", the output unit 5 issues a signal to cool the inside of the culture tube to the temperature adjustment unit E1 or a signal to shield the light to the light shielding member 131, thereby reducing the temperature of the culture solution L. Further, when it is determined that the culture state is a "sufficient growth state", the output unit 5 issues a signal to notify the notification unit 6 that the growth is sufficient and harvesting can be performed, thereby promoting harvesting.

[0084] Further, when it is determined that the bubble state is a state where there is no culture solution L (liquid-free state), the output unit 5 issues a signal to supply a predetermined amount of the culture solution L to the liquid volume adjustment unit E4. If the liquid-free state continues even after the supply is completed or if it is determined again to be in the liquid-free state before a predetermined time has elapsed after the supply is completed, it is highly likely that the culture solution L is leaking from the culture tube (liquid-free continuous state), and the output unit 5 issues a signal to stop the pump 121 to the pump 121. Further, the signal issued by the output unit 5 when in the liquid-free state may be configured to continue until the liquid-free state is released, and may be configured to be determined to be in the liquid-free continuous state if the liquid-free state continues even after a predetermined time has elapsed. of When it is determined again to be in the liquid-free state before a predetermined time has elapsed after the supply is completed, it is highly likely that the culture solution L is leaking from the culture tube (liquid-free continuous state), and the output unit 5 issues a signal to stop the pump 121 to the pump 121. Also, the signal emitted by the output unit 5 when in the liquid-free state is configured to continue until the liquid-free state is released, and may be configured to be determined to be in the liquid-free continuous state if the liquid-free state continues even after a predetermined time has elapsed. By doing so, when it is determined that the liquid state is absent by sampling the culture solution L, the liquid can be automatically supplied, and it is possible to distinguish from a true liquid leak, so that the performance can be further improved.

[0085] The notification unit 6 is a means for notifying the user of at least one of whether the state of the bubbles is normal or the state of microbial culture, and is selected from visual notification means such as a lamp, auditory notification means such as a siren, and electronic notification means such as email transmission. When the electronic notification means is selected, the notification unit 6 has a server and executes a protocol for transmitting a message corresponding to the control signal S to a predetermined user's communication terminal. Thereby, the abnormality of the culture apparatus X can be grasped remotely and dealt with when necessary. In this case, the control panel C can be used to change the transmission destination.

[0086] <Environmental adjustment measures> The control signal S output to the apparatus X operates the environmental control unit E to adjust the environment inside the apparatus X. That is, when the temperature adjustment unit E1 receives the control signal S output when the state of microbial culture is abnormal, it heats or cools the culture solution L. Note that the cooling of the culture solution L can be performed by operating the sprinkler device. Also, the pH adjustment unit E2 changes the amount of carbon dioxide supplied to the culture solution L via the gas supply unit 2 and the amount of the liquid containing an acid or a base supplied via the valve, and adjusts the pH. Further, the nutrient adjustment unit E3 adjusts the amount of the liquid containing the nutrient salt to be supplied via the valve.

[0087] <Emergency stop> Also, the control signal S output to the apparatus X stops the pump 121 and stops the culture apparatus X. Thereby, it is possible to perform an emergency stop when an emergency occurs, such as when a hole is formed in the apparatus X.

[0088] <Light-shielding adjustment measures> Further, the control signal S output to the apparatus X operates the light-shielding member 131 to adjust the amount of light received within the apparatus X. That is, part or all of the light-shielding member 131 performs light shielding or release of light shielding based on the control signal S.

[0089] <Cleaning countermeasures> The control signal S output to the gas supply unit 2 operates the cleaning unit 232 described later. Although details will be described later, when the cleaning unit 232 receives the control signal S output when the state of the bubbles is abnormal, the gas control unit 233 temporarily increases the pressure of the gas G supplied to the gas supply unit 21. Thereby, the solids adhering to the ventilation filter 231 are dropped. Also, when receiving the same control signal S, the ventilation filter 231 or the blade unit 234 is rotated about the rotation axis R. Thereby, the solids adhering to the ventilation filter 231 are rubbed against the blade unit 234 and peeled off.

[0090] The control signal S output to the notification unit 6 operates the notification means. That is, when the notification unit 6 receives the control signal S output when the state of the bubbles or the state of microorganism culture is abnormal, it lights a predetermined lamp, sounds a siren, or executes a protocol for transmitting a message to the user's communication terminal. The content of the message may include that at least one of the state of the bubbles or the culture state is abnormal, as well as the image data P used for the determination, the bubble feature amount, and the color distribution data.

[0091] Figs. 12 to 14 show flowcharts regarding a series of determinations and outputs of the culture apparatus X. The imaging unit 3, the determination unit 4, and the output unit 5 receive inputs of basic settings such as the type of microorganism to be cultured, the imaging interval, and the processing end condition via the control panel C, and start the processing. Also, the flowchart is an example, and as long as the purpose of making a determination and controlling can be achieved, the order can be appropriately changed, or splitting and combining can be performed. Fig. 12 is a flowchart for determining the state of the culture apparatus X based only on the supply determination, Figures 13 and 14 are flowcharts for performing all of the supply determination process, the cleaning determination process, and the culture state determination process. However, as shown in FIG. 12, for example, only the culture state determination process may be performed.

[0092] <Pre - process> After filling the inside of apparatus X with the culture solution L, put the microorganism to be cultured and operate the pump 121 to circulate the culture solution L inside the apparatus X.

[0093] <Imaging process (S1)> imaging In process S1, the imaging unit 3 turns on the lighting fixture 32, acquires an image of the culture solution L in the imaging region IA, converts the acquired image into image data P, and causes the determination unit 4 to acquire it. Then, the lighting fixture 32 is turned off.

[0094] <Gas supply determination process (S2) > Gas supply determination process (S2) consists of "supply determination processing step S21", "notification processing step (S22)", and "cleaning processing step (S23)>".

[0095] Gas supply determination processing In process S21, As shown in Figure 5B, The bubble feature amount determination unit 411 analyzes the bubbles A included in the acquired image data P and creates a data set of the bubble feature amounts. Then, the bubble state determination unit 412 inputs the bubble feature amounts into the determination model, determines whether the discharge state of the bubbles A from the bubble discharge unit 23 is normal (Yes or No), and transmits the determination result to the output unit 5.

[0096] <Notification processing process (S22)> In the notification processing process S22, when the discharge state of the bubbles A from the bubble discharge unit 23 is not normal, As shown in Figure 5B, The output unit 5 outputs a control signal S 01 to the notification unit 6 to operate the notification unit 6. The notification unit 6 notifies the user that the bubbles discharged from the bubble discharge unit 23 are not normal.

[0097] <Cleaning process process (S23)> cleaning processingIn step S23, determine whether the state of the bubble discharge part 23 is normal, from the bubble discharge unit 23 the blowing out of the bubbles if the state is not normal i in the case, As shown in Figure 5B, the output unit 5 outputs a control signal S 02 to the cleaning unit 232. Then, the gas control unit 233 and / or the blade unit 234 are operated to clean the ventilation filter 231.

[0098] <Cleaning state determination step (S3) > In Figure 13, it shows that following the gas supply determination step (S2) in Figure 12, a cleaning state determination step (S3) is performed. This The cleaning state determination step (S3) consists of "cleaning determination processing step S31" and "notification processing step (S32)".

[0099] <Cleaning determination processing step (S31)> As shown in Figure 13, cleaning determination processing In step S31, cleaning processing after the completion of step S23, the cleaning state determination unit 43 acquires the image data P of the culture solution L in the imaging area IA again. Based on the newly acquired image data P, the bubble determination unit 41 determine the gas supply state performs the same operations as in step S2 for the gas supply determination and transmits the determination result of the cleaning state to the output unit 5.

[0100] Here, In the cleaning determination processing step S31, if the determination result of the cleaning state is that the state of the bubble discharge unit 23 is normal, it is considered that the cleaning has been performed normally determination and if not, it is considered that the cleaning has not been performed normally determination and As shown in Figure 5C, the cleaning state determination unit 43 transmits the determination result to the output unit 5.

[0101] notification processing In step S32, if it is determined that the cleaning state is not normal, the output unit 5 outputs a control signal S 03 to the notification unit 6 to operate the notification unit 6. The notification unit 6 notifies the user that the bubbles A discharged from the bubble discharge unit 23 are not normal even after cleaning and need to be replaced.

[0102] <Culture state determination step (S4) > Figure 14 shows that following the gas supply determination step (S2) and the "cleaning state determination step (S3)" in Figure 13, a "culture state determination step S4" is performed. This culture state determination step S4 consists of "culture determination processing step S41", "notification processing step (S42)", and "environment control processing step S43".

[0103] <Culture determination processing step S41> As shown in Figure 14, culture determination processing In step S41, the color distribution determination unit 421 creates a dataset of color distribution data by analyzing the color information included in the acquired image data P. Then, As shown in Figure 5D, The microorganism determination unit 422 inputs the acquired color distribution data into the determination model, determines the culture state of the microorganism, and transmits the determination result to the output unit 5.

[0104] <Notification processing step S42> notification processing In step S42, when the culture state of the microorganism is not determined to be a normal growth state but is determined to be a sufficient growth state or an abnormal growth state, As shown in Figure 5D, The output unit 5 outputs a control signal S 04 to the notification unit 6 to operate the notification unit 6. When the culture state of the microorganism is determined to be a sufficient growth state and the microorganism is sufficiently cultured, the output unit 5 outputs a control signal S 04 to the notification unit 6 to operate the notification unit 6. at this time The notification unit 6 notifies the user that it is the time to harvest the microorganism.

[0105] <Environment control processing step S43> environment control processing In step S43, when the culture state of the microorganism is determined to be an abnormal growth state, As shown in Figure 5D, The output unit 5 outputs a control signal S 05 to the environment control unit E. The environment control unit E performs heating and cooling of the culture solution L and adds a chemical solution for pH adjustment, carbon dioxide, and nutrient salts to the culture solution L according to the control signal S 05 . Here, as shown in FIG. 5D, the environment control unit E has a temperature adjustment unit E1, a pH adjustment unit E2, a nutrient adjustment unit E3, and a liquid volume adjustment unit E4.

[0106] environment control processing Step S43After the process is completed, if the end condition of the process (for example, the elapse of a predetermined time or the determination that the microorganisms have been sufficiently cultured) is satisfied, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the end condition of the process is not satisfied, the process proceeds to the imaging step S1 after waiting for the elapse of the preset imaging interval time.

[0107] Also, environment control processing The process S43 may include a step of determining the liquidless state. That is, when the bubble determination unit 41 determines the liquidless state, As shown in Figure 5D, The output unit 5 sends a control signal S 06 to the liquid amount adjustment unit E4 to add the culture solution L to the culture device X. Further, when the liquidless state continues or recur, and the determination unit 4 determines the liquidless continuous state, As shown in Figure 5D, The output unit 5 sends a control signal S 07 to the pump 121 to stop the culture device X. At the same time, the output unit 5 sends a control signal S 08 to the notification unit 6 to send a message to the user indicating an emergency stop.

[0108] The supply state determination step S2 and the culture state determination step S4 and may be executed either one, and the order may be reversed. Also, regarding operating the cleaning unit 232 in the supply state determination step S2, operating the environment control unit E in the culture state determination step S4, and executing the cleaning state determination step S3, it can be selected in advance via the control panel C.

[0109] Also, in the imaging step S1, a plurality of image data P associated with time-series data is obtained, and in the supply state determination step S2 and the culture state determination step S4, the change feature amounts of the bubble feature amount and the color distribution data may be input to the determination model for determination. Also, in the cleaning state determination step S3, the change feature amounts of the image data P before cleaning and the image data P' after cleaning may be input to the determination model to determine whether the cleaning has been properly performed, and the determination result may be output to the output unit 5.

[0110] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the cleaning unit 232 will be described in detail. The cleaning unit 232 includes a gas control unit 233 that controls the pressure of the gas G supplied from the gas supply unit 21, and a blade unit 234 that drops solids from the surface of the ventilation filter 231 facing the culture solution L as shown in FIG. 16.

[0111] When the cleaning unit 232 receives the control signal S, the gas control unit 233 and the blade unit 234 operate. When the gas control unit 233 receives the control signal S from the cleaning unit 232, it operates the gas supply unit 21 to change the supply condition (flow rate, gas component ratio) of the gas G. In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16(a), the supply amount of the gas G supplied from the gas supply unit 21 to the bubble discharge unit 23 is temporarily increased to drop the solids adhering to the ventilation filter 231 by air pressure.

[0112] Examples of the gas control unit 233 include an inverter that controls a pump for pressurizing the gas G provided in the middle of the gas supply unit 21 or the gas supply pipe 22, and a mass flow controller that controls the supply amount of the gas G from the gas supply unit 21. It may also be a valve that controls the amount of gas flowing from the gas supply unit 21 to the bubble discharge unit 23.

[0113] In addition, the gas supply unit 2 may have an air supply component that supplies air to the bubble discharge unit 23 separately from the gas supply unit 21. The air supply component is branched and connected to the gas supply pipe 22, and the gas control unit 233 may be a valve that controls the degree of flow in the branched portion. When this degree of flow is large, the gas G from the gas supply unit 21 and the air from the air supply component simultaneously flow into the bubble discharge unit 23, increasing the internal pressure. At this time, the flow rate of the air supplied by the air supply component is preferably larger than the flow rate of the gas G supplied from the gas supply unit 21.

[0114] When the ventilation filter 231 is spherical or ellipsoidal, as shown in FIGS. 16(b) and (c), the rigid blade portion 234 is arranged so as to always contact a part of the ventilation filter 231. Then, by changing the relative angle between the ventilation filter 231 and the blade portion 234, the relative position of the ventilation filter 231 in contact with the blade portion 234 changes, so that the solid matter adhering to the ventilation filter 231 by friction can be scraped off. Note that FIG. 16(c) represents a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 16(b).

[0115] In the embodiment, the ventilation filter 231 is spherical, and the blade portion 234 is a blade-like member including an arc portion corresponding to the circumferential surface of the ventilation filter 231. The arc portion is in contact with the ventilation filter 231, and when receiving the control signal S, the blade portion 234 rotates so that the solid matter on the surface falls off.

[0116] When the ventilation filter 231 is prismatic, as shown in FIG. 17(a), the blade portion 234 is a wiper-like member provided to reciprocate while contacting one surface of the prism. In the embodiment, when receiving the control signal S, the blade portion 234 rotates and reciprocates about a position away from the ventilation filter 231 so that the solid matter can be dropped. Note that the blade portion 234 may be provided on a plurality of surfaces of the prismatic ventilation filter 231.

[0117] When the surface of the ventilation filter 231 is a circular plane, as shown in FIG. 17(b), the blade portion 234 is a wiper-like member that contacts the ventilation filter 231 in the radial direction. When receiving the control signal S, the blade portion 234 rotates about the center point of the circular ventilation filter 231 so that the solid matter on the ventilation filter 231 can be scraped off.

[0118] Another embodiment of the gas dissolution tube 15 will be described. As shown in Fig. 18(a), the gas dissolution tube 15 is provided with an extension tube 154 that further extends downward from the lower end of the upward flow dissolution tube 152. A bubble discharge part 23 is provided inside the extension tube 154, and an extension valve 155 is also provided. Note that this extension tube 154 may be connected to a branch tube branched from the downward flow dissolution tube 151 to supply the culture solution L. By doing so, the bubble discharge part 23 will not block the flow path of the apparatus X, and the degree of freedom in the design of the bubble discharge part 23 is improved. Furthermore, since an extension valve 155 is provided between the confluence part 154a in the extension tube 154 and the bubble discharge part 23, by closing the extension valve 155, the bubble discharge part 23 can be replaced without discharging the culture solution L. This extension tube 154 may be connected to a branch tube branched from the downward flow dissolution tube 151 to supply the culture solution L.

[0119] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 16(b), the gas dissolution tube 15 may be provided with branch dissolution tubes 156A and 156B that further bifurcate at the lower end of the upward flow dissolution tube 152. The branch dissolution tubes 156A and 156B are respectively provided with extension valves 155A and 155B similar to the extension tube 154, and bubble discharge parts 23A and 23B are respectively provided below the extension valve 155. Thereby, when replacing either one of the bubble discharge parts 23A and 23B provided in the branch dissolution tubes 156A and 156B, the other one can be operated, so the maintainability is improved and it also becomes fail-safe.

[0120] The extension valve 155 may be configured to operate according to a control signal S. In this case, when an abnormal state of the bubble discharge part 23 is determined in step S23, the output part 5 preferably outputs a control signal S for operating the extension valve 155 so as to switch the gas supply from one bubble discharge part 23 to the other bubble discharge part 23. Note that this branch dissolution tubes 156A and 156B may be connected to a branch tube branched from the downward flow dissolution tube 151 to supply the culture solution L.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0121] X Culture Device 11 Circulation Tank 110 Circulation Tank Body 11A Tank Frame 12 First Connection Pipe 121 Pump 122 Valve 13 Culture Section 131 Light-Shielding Member 13A Culture Frame 14 Second Connection Pipe 15 Gas Dissolution Pipe 151 Downward Flow Dissolution Pipe 152 Upward Flow Dissolution Pipe 2 Gas Supply Unit 21 Gas Supply Section 22 Gas Supply Pipe 23 Bubble Release Section 231 Ventilation Filter 232 Cleaning Section 233 Gas Control Section 234 Blade Section R Rotation Axis 3 Imaging Section 30 Imaging Section Body 31 Light-Shielding Cover 32 Lighting Fixture 4 Judgment Section 41 Bubble Judgment Section 42 Culture State Judgment Section 5 Output Section 6 Notification Section C Control Panel D Control Section E Environment Control Section E1 Temperature Adjustment Section E2 pH Adjustment Section E3 Nutrient Adjustment Section E4 Liquid Volume Adjustment Section J1 First Measuring Instrument J2 Second Measuring Instrument L Culture Solution G Gas A Bubble P Image Data S Control Signal

Claims

1. A culture unit comprising a culture tube for culturing microorganisms by photosynthesis, A circulation tank for accommodating a culture solution containing the microorganisms to be cultured therein, A first connecting pipe of a flow path through which the culture solution in the circulation tank flows into the culture unit, A second connecting pipe serving as a flow path through which the culture solution in the culture unit flows out to the circulation tank, A circulation type culture apparatus having A gas supply unit which is a part for supplying a gas to the culture solution to form bubbles and supplying the bubbles, and includes a bubble discharge part for discharging the supplied gas as bubbles, An imaging unit for photographing the culture solution containing the bubbles to obtain image data, A determination unit for determining the state of the culture solution containing the bubbles based on the image data, An output unit for outputting a control signal based on the determination result by the determination unit, and a cleaning unit for cleaning the bubble discharge part, The gas supply unit includes the bubble discharge part and a gas supply part for supplying gas to the bubble discharge part, The determination of the culture solution by the determination unit is whether the state of the bubbles discharged from the bubble discharge part is normal or not, The output unit outputs a control signal for operating the cleaning unit, The cleaning unit is a culture apparatus that increases the pressure of the gas supplied by the gas supply part to the bubble discharge part when receiving a control signal output when the state of the bubbles is abnormal among the control signals.

2. The determination unit extracts a bubble feature amount related to at least one of the number, size, and shape of bubbles or the shadows of bubbles included in the image data, The culture apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply state of the gas by the gas supply unit is determined based on the bubble feature amount.

3. The culture apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit uses a determination model that is machine-learned with the bubble feature amount as input data and the bubble discharge state of the bubble discharge part as output data to determine the discharge state of the gas supply unit.

4. The state of the bubbles discharged from the bubble discharge part includes a normal state and an abnormal state, The culture apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the abnormal state includes a liquid-free state in which no bubbles are observed at all.

5. The output unit outputs an output signal for stopping a pump for pumping the culture solution in the liquid-free state according to claim 4.

6. The culture apparatus further includes a cleaning state determination unit for determining the cleaning state of the bubble discharge part, After the cleaning state determination unit outputs a control signal for operating the cleaning unit to the output unit, the imaging unit is caused to output a control signal for acquiring image data of the culture solution, and based on the image data, the cleaning state of the bubble discharge unit is determined. The culture apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs a control signal based on a determination result by the cleaning state determination unit.

7. Further comprising a notification unit for notifying the user of the state of the bubbles. The culture apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the output unit outputs a control signal to the notification unit when it is determined by the determination result of the cleaning state determination unit that the cleaning state is not normal.

8. The cleaning unit includes a blade portion that always contacts a part of the surface of the bubble discharge unit. The culture apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning unit changes the relative angle of the blade portion with respect to the bubble discharge unit when receiving the control signal.

9. It consists of a downflow dissolution tube for lowering the culture solution connected to the second connection tube and an upflow dissolution tube for raising the culture solution, and forms a U-shaped gas dissolution tube in which the lower end of the downflow dissolution tube and the lower end of the upflow dissolution tube are bent and connected to each other. The gas supply unit consists of a gas supply part, a gas supply pipe, and a bubble discharge part. The gas supply pipe connected to the gas supply part is connected to the upflow dissolution tube, and bubbles are discharged from the bubble discharge part into the upflow dissolution tube. The imaging position of the imaging unit is located downstream of the liquid flow of the culture solution in the bubble discharge unit in the culture apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The culture apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit has a light-shielding cover that covers the imaging area of the culture solution and shields external light.

11. The culture apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the imaging unit further has a lighting fixture for illuminating the imaging area imaged by the imaging unit.

12. The culture solution contains microorganisms to be cultured. Furthermore, it is provided with a culture state determination unit for determining the culture state of the microorganisms based on the image data. The culture apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the output unit further outputs a control signal based on a determination result by the culture state determination unit.

13. The imaging unit captures a plurality of image data in association with time. The determination unit extracts a change feature amount based on the plurality of image data. The culture apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the culture state of the microorganisms is determined based on the change feature amount.

14. The culture device according to claim 12 , wherein the culture state determination unit determines the culture state of the microorganisms based on color distribution data included in the image data.

15. The culture device according to claim 14, wherein the culture state of the microorganisms is determined using a machine-learned determination model that uses the color distribution data as input data and the culture state of the microorganisms as output data.

16. an environmental control unit that controls the environment surrounding the microorganism; the environmental control unit includes at least one of a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of the culture solution, a pH adjustment unit that adjusts the pH of the culture solution, a nutrient adjustment unit that supplies nutrients to the culture solution, and a liquid volume adjustment unit that adjusts the liquid volume of the culture solution in the culture unit; The culture device according to claim 12 , wherein the output unit outputs a control signal for operating the environment control unit based on the determination result by the culture state determination unit.

17. Using the culture device according to claim 1, a gas supply determination process for determining whether or not the state of the bubbles being released from the bubble release unit is normal; The method for evaluating a culture device includes a notification process step of issuing a notification when the state of the bubble release is not normal.

18. a cleaning process step of cleaning the ventilation filter of the air bubble discharge unit when the air bubble discharge is not normal; The method for determining a cleaning state of a culture device according to claim 17, further comprising a cleaning state determination step of determining a cleaning state after the cleaning treatment step.

19. The method for determining the culture device according to claim 17, further comprising a culture determination process step of determining the culture state of the microorganisms by analyzing color information included in the acquired image data.

Images