Microbial contamination monitoring device, microbial contamination monitoring method, and microbial contamination monitoring program
The microbial contamination monitoring device addresses the challenge of late detection in air-conditioning equipment by measuring and analyzing water absorbance and fluorescence changes to identify early signs of microbial growth.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AZBIL CORP
- Filing Date
- 2023-01-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-27
AI Technical Summary
Conventional visual inspection of air-conditioning equipment fails to detect microbial contamination early, making it difficult to identify biofilm formation until contamination has progressed.
A microbial contamination monitoring device that measures absorbance and fluorescence of water, calculates the rate of change, and compares it with past rates to detect early signs of contamination by comparing the calculated rate of change with stored values.
Enables early detection of microbial contamination by monitoring absorbance and fluorescence changes, facilitating timely intervention.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
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[0001] The present invention relates to a microbial contamination monitoring device, a microbial contamination monitoring method, and a microbial contamination monitoring program.
Background Art
[0002] The Building Hygiene Law obliges air-conditioning equipment such as humidifiers, cooling water towers, and cooling pipes to be inspected more than once a month for the purpose of removing microbial contamination. And generally, since a device for monitoring microbial contamination is not attached to air-conditioning equipment, the inspection of air-conditioning equipment is performed visually.
[0003] Also, according to the prior art, it is known that microorganisms grow using dissolved organic matter in water as a nutrient source, biofilms are formed by the grown microorganisms, and the light absorption and fluorescence of water change according to the dissolved organic matter in water.
Prior Art Documents
Non-Patent Documents
[0004]
Non-Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] However, the prior art has a problem that microbial contamination may not be detected early. For example, in the conventional visual inspection of air-conditioning equipment, there is a problem that it is difficult to detect microbial contamination unless the microbial contamination has progressed and a biofilm has been formed.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] <0000To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the present invention provides a microbial contamination monitoring device that, in monitoring microorganisms in water, comprises a measuring unit that periodically measures the absorbance of a target, a calculation unit that calculates the rate of change of the absorbance measured by the measuring unit, and a storage unit that stores the absorbance measured by the measuring unit and the rate of change calculated by the calculation unit. The calculation unit compares the calculated rate of change with past rate of change stored in the storage unit, and determines that if the calculated rate of change is smaller than the past rate of change stored in the storage unit, it indicates that microbial contamination is spreading. [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] According to the present invention, the effect of detecting microbial contamination at an early stage is achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an overview of a microbial contamination monitoring method, including a microbial contamination monitoring device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a microbial contamination monitoring device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a specific example of the absorbance spectrum of humidified water obtained by the absorbance measurement process according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the relationship between the absorbance spectrum of humidified water and the number of microorganisms in the humidified water obtained by the absorbance measurement process according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a specific example of the fluorescence spectrum of humidified water obtained by the fluorescence intensity measurement process according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the relationship between the fluorescence intensity of humidified water at a certain excitation-fluorescence wavelength and the number of microorganisms in the humidified water, obtained by the fluorescence intensity measurement process according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a hardware configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0009] Embodiments of the microbial contamination monitoring device, microbial contamination monitoring method, and microbial contamination monitoring program according to the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the microbial contamination monitoring device, microbial contamination monitoring method, and microbial contamination monitoring program according to the present application.
[0010] [1. Overview of Microbial Contamination Monitoring Methods] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a microbial contamination monitoring method including a microbial contamination monitoring device according to this embodiment. In the example in Figure 1, an example of a humidifier configuration including a microbial contamination monitoring device 10 according to this embodiment is shown. The microbial contamination monitoring device 10 measures the absorbance of the humidified water 23 in the humidifier, transmits signs of microbial contamination to an external receiving unit 20, and a display unit 21 connected to the receiving unit 20 displays information regarding the signs of microbial contamination.
[0011] Furthermore, the humidifier transforms the humidifying water 23 into a fine mist using the spray nozzle 24, and sends the mist-like water particles into the room to be humidified by the airflow sent through the air duct 22, thereby increasing the humidity in the room.
[0012] The microbial contamination monitoring device 10 periodically measures the absorbance of the object to be measured and calculates the percentage change in the measured absorbance. After storing the measured absorbance and the calculated percentage change, it compares the calculated percentage change with the stored percentage change from the past. If the calculated percentage change is smaller than the stored percentage change from the past, it determines that this is a sign of microbial contamination spreading.
[0013] The microbial contamination monitoring device 10 first periodically measures the absorbance of the measurement target. For example, the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 periodically measures the absorbance of the humidifying water 23, which is the measurement target, at a wavelength of 200 nm at a predetermined cycle such as once a day. Then, the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 calculates the rate of change of the measured absorbance. For example, the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 calculates, as the rate of change of the absorbance, a value obtained by dividing the difference between the absorbance measured this time and the absorbance measured last time by the difference between the time at the time of this measurement and the time at the time of the previous measurement.
[0014] Then, the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 stores the measured absorbance and the calculated rate of change. For example, the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 stores the measured absorbance and the calculated rate of change together with the wavelength used for the measurement, the time from the start of operation of the humidifier to the time of measurement, and the like.
[0015] After that, the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 compares the calculated rate of change with the stored past rate of change, and if the calculated rate of change is smaller than the stored past rate of change, it determines that there is a sign that the microbial contamination is spreading. For example, the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 compares the rate of change calculated for the current measured value with the rate of change calculated for the previous measured value, and if the rate of change calculated for the current measured value is smaller than the rate of change calculated for the previous measured value, it determines that there is a sign that the microbial contamination is spreading for the humidifying water 23.
[0016] Next, referring to FIG. 2, the configuration of the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the microbial contamination monitoring device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 according to the embodiment includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, and a storage unit 13.
[0017] The communication unit 11 is realized by, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like. The communication unit 11 is connected, by wire or wirelessly, to an external receiving unit 20 owned by a user or a manager of the air conditioning equipment that is the monitoring target of the microorganism contamination monitoring device 10, and transmits and receives information.
[0018] The storage unit 13 is realized by, for example, a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a hard disk, and stores data and programs necessary for various processes by the control unit 12. Further, the storage unit 13 stores the absorbance measured by the measurement unit 12a and the change rate calculated by the calculation unit 12b.
[0019] For example, the storage unit 13 stores the absorbance measured by the measurement unit 12a and the change rate calculated by the calculation unit 12b, together with information about the wavelength used for the measurement and information such as the time from the start of operation of the humidifier to the measurement time.
[0020] Further, the storage unit 13 may store the fluorescence intensity measured by the measurement unit 12a and the change rate calculated by the calculation unit 12b.
[0021] For example, the storage unit 13 stores the fluorescence intensity measured by the measurement unit 12a and the change rate calculated by the calculation unit 12b, together with information about the wavelength used for the measurement and information such as the time from the start of operation of the humidifier to the measurement time.
[0022] The control unit 12 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), etc., which executes various programs stored in the internal memory of the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 using RAM as the working area. Alternatively, the control unit 12 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 12 has a measurement unit 12a and a calculation unit 12b, and may also have a transmission unit 12c as needed.
[0023] The measurement unit 12a periodically measures the absorbance of the object being measured. The measurement unit 12a then stores the measured absorbance in the storage unit 13. For example, the measurement unit 12a periodically measures the absorbance of the humidified water in the humidifier, which is the object being measured, at an arbitrary wavelength, and stores the measured absorbance in the storage unit 13.
[0024] Here, "periodically" refers to the measurement cycle, which is determined in advance by the user or manager of the air conditioning equipment being monitored, and the measurement cycle shall be set based on the type of air conditioning equipment, the water quality of the equipment being measured, and the trend of water contamination.
[0025] Alternatively, the measurement unit 12a may measure the fluorescence intensity of the object being measured instead of the absorbance. For example, the measurement unit 12a measures the fluorescence intensity of the humidified water in the humidifier, which is the object being measured, at arbitrary excitation and fluorescence wavelengths, and stores the measured fluorescence intensity in the storage unit 13.
[0026] Furthermore, the measurement unit 12a may measure the absorbance for wavelengths between 200 nm and 400 nm. For example, the measurement unit 12a measures the absorbance of the humidified water in the humidifier being measured for any wavelength between 200 nm and 400 nm, and stores the measured absorbance in the storage unit 13.
[0027] Furthermore, the measurement unit 12a may measure the fluorescence intensity under conditions of excitation wavelength 200 nm to 450 nm and fluorescence wavelength 350 nm to 750 nm. For example, the measurement unit 12a measures the fluorescence intensity of the humidified water in the humidifier being measured under conditions of excitation wavelength 200 nm to 450 nm and fluorescence wavelength 350 nm to 750 nm, and stores the measured fluorescence intensity in the storage unit 13.
[0028] The calculation unit 12b calculates the rate of change in absorbance measured by the measurement unit 12a. For example, the calculation unit 12b substitutes the measured absorbance and the operating time during measurement into equation (1) below and calculates the rate of change in absorbance, which is the slope of the straight line derived from the absorbance at the previous measurement and the absorbance at the current measurement.
[0029]
number
[0030] In equation (1) above, "t(n)" is the operating time of the air conditioning unit being measured during the nth measurement, "A(n)" is the absorbance at the operating time "t(n)", and "a(n)" is the rate of change (slope) of the absorbance between the operating times "t(n-1) to t(n)".
[0031] Furthermore, the calculation unit 12b compares the calculated rate of change with past rate of change stored in the storage unit 13, and determines that if the calculated rate of change is smaller than the past rate of change stored in the storage unit 13, it is an indication that microbial contamination is spreading.
[0032] For example, the calculation unit 12b substitutes the percentage change in absorbance "a(n)" from "t(n-1) to t(n)" during the current measurement, calculated by equation (1) above, and the percentage change in absorbance "a(n-1)" from "t(n-2) to t(n-1)" during the previous measurement, stored in the memory unit 13, into equation (2) below, and determines that if equation (2) below holds true, it is an indication that microbial contamination is spreading.
[0033]
number
[0034] In equation (2) above, "y" is a predetermined arbitrary value, and the optimal value should be considered based on the water quality and pollution trends of the water being measured, and set according to each measurement target.
[0035] Furthermore, the judgment formulas in (1) and (2) above are merely examples, and the optimal judgment formula and measurement interval should be considered for each site, taking into account differences in the water quality and pollution trends of the water being measured, the performance of the measuring instrument, and the method of calculating the values of the measuring instrument. In addition, information for consideration may be obtained from the trial run of the equipment, or water quality data for each area being measured may be obtained in advance.
[0036] Furthermore, the calculation unit 12b may calculate the rate of change in fluorescence intensity measured by the measurement unit 12a. For example, the calculation unit 12b substitutes the measured fluorescence intensity and the operating time during measurement into equation (1) above and calculates the rate of change in fluorescence intensity, which is the slope of the straight line derived from the fluorescence intensity at the previous measurement and the fluorescence intensity at the current measurement. In equation (1) above, "A(n)" represents the fluorescence intensity at operating time "t(n)", and "a(n)" represents the rate of change (slope) of fluorescence intensity between operating times "t(n-1) to t(n)".
[0037] The transmitting unit 12c transmits the determination result of the signs of microbial contamination spreading to an external device. For example, the transmitting unit 12c transmits the determination result of the signs of microbial contamination spreading, calculated by the aforementioned calculation unit 12b, to an external receiving unit 20 owned by the user or manager of the monitored air conditioning equipment.
[0038] Here, the recipient of the transmission from the transmission unit 12c may be, for example, the owner or user of the house or building where the monitored air conditioning equipment is installed, or the equipment company or management company of the monitored air conditioning equipment. In addition, the transmission unit 12c may transmit information such as changes in absorbance or fluorescence intensity, depending on the recipient, in addition to the result of determining signs of spreading microbial contamination.
[0039] [3. Examples] Here, referring to Figures 3 to 6, the results of demonstration tests in which signs of microbial contamination spreading were detected by absorbance measurement or fluorescence intensity measurement in this embodiment are shown. Figure 3 is a diagram showing a specific example of the absorbance spectrum of humidified water obtained by the absorbance measurement process according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the absorbance spectrum of humidified water obtained by the absorbance measurement process according to the embodiment and the number of microorganisms in the humidified water. Figure 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of the fluorescence spectrum of humidified water obtained by the fluorescence intensity measurement process according to the embodiment. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the fluorescence intensity at a certain excitation-fluorescence wavelength of humidified water obtained by the fluorescence intensity measurement process according to the embodiment and the number of microorganisms in the humidified water.
[0040] (3-1. Experimental Method) In the demonstration test, a humidifier was prepared that used a pump to spray water stored in a tank. Small amounts of the humidified water were sampled periodically, and the absorbance and fluorescence intensity were measured using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer and a fluorescence spectrophotometer, respectively. In addition, when measuring the absorbance or fluorescence intensity, small amounts of the humidified water were sampled, the sampled humidified water was filtered, and the filter was cultured on R2A agar medium at 25°C, and the number of colonies that grew was measured.
[0041] (3-2. Experimental Results) First, please refer to Figure 3 to explain the measurement results of the absorbance spectrum of the humidified water. In the graph in Figure 3, the vertical axis represents absorbance (Abs.), and the horizontal axis represents the wavelength of light used for measurement (nm), with the absorbance for each wavelength at each measurement time represented by a curve. For example, the absorbance at a wavelength of "200nm" on "Day 17" (solid line) is "52," and the absorbance at a wavelength of "210nm" on "Day 17" is "42." Furthermore, the absorbance for "Day 17" shows that the absorbance decreases as the wavelength value increases.
[0042] The absorbance spectrum results in Figure 3 show that the absorbance graph for each measured time period is highest at a wavelength of "200 nm," and decreases as the wavelength increases. Therefore, in the graph showing the relationship between absorbance and the number of microorganisms, which will be discussed later in Figure 5, the absorbance at a wavelength of "200 nm" was used.
[0043] Next, referring to Figure 4, we will explain the relationship between the absorbance spectrum of humidified water and the number of microorganisms in the humidified water. Figure 4 shows a graph (dashed line) showing the relationship between the absorbance of humidified water at the measured wavelength "200 nm" and the measurement time, and a graph (solid line) showing the relationship between the number of microbial colonies (cfu / ml) in the humidified water and the measurement time.
[0044] Here, as an example, we will explain the calculation results when the absorbance values for "Day 12" are substituted into equations (1) and (2) mentioned above. In the graph in Figure 4, the absorbance values for "Day 12," "Day 10," and "Day 7" are "20.7," "21.2," and "10.9," respectively. Substituting these absorbance values into equation (1) mentioned above, the calculation result for the rate of change of "a(12)" is as shown in equation (3) below.
[0045]
number
[0046] Similarly, the calculation result for the rate of change of "a(10)" is as shown in equation (4) below.
[0047]
number
[0048] Substituting the calculated percentage change for "a(12)" and the percentage change for "a(10)" into equation (2) above, we obtain equation (5) below.
[0049]
number
[0050] From the calculation results of equation (5) above, it can be seen that the percentage change calculated on "Day 12" is smaller than the percentage change calculated on the previous "Day 10". On the other hand, the increase rate of the number of microbial colonies from "Day 10" to "Day 12" is relatively high.
[0051] Furthermore, for "Day 7," while the rate of change in absorbance decreases, the rate of increase in the number of microbial colonies remains relatively high. Therefore, by comparing the rate of change in absorbance during this measurement with past rate of change using the graph in Figure 4, if it is determined that the rate of change in absorbance during this measurement is smaller, it can be said that the number of microbial colonies is rapidly increasing, indicating signs of microbial contamination spreading.
[0052] Next, referring to Figure 5, the measurement results of the fluorescence spectrum of the humidified water will be explained. Figure 5 shows the 3D fluorescence spectrum analysis image of the humidified water measured at each time period, with excitation wavelengths (vertical axis) from 200 nm to 450 nm and fluorescence wavelengths (horizontal axis) from 350 nm to 750 nm. For example, the fluorescence intensity at excitation wavelength 280 nm - fluorescence wavelength 300 nm on "Day 10" is colored close to white, indicating a high measured fluorescence intensity.
[0053] Then, when PARAFAC analysis was performed on the fluorescence spectrum measurement results shown in Figure 5, the excitation wavelength "360 nm" - fluorescence wavelength "450 nm" was calculated as the first principal component. Therefore, in the graph showing the relationship between fluorescence intensity and the number of microorganisms, as described later in Figure 6, the fluorescence intensity at the excitation wavelength "360 nm" - fluorescence wavelength "450 nm" was adopted.
[0054] In this embodiment, PARAFAC analysis is performed on the measurement results of the 3D fluorescence spectrum, and the calculated peak of the fluorescence intensity of the first principal component is adopted. However, for example, a peak for a specific excitation wavelength-fluorescence wavelength may be visually identified from the image of the measurement results of the 3D fluorescence spectrum in Figure 5, and the peak of the fluorescence intensity for that excitation wavelength-fluorescence wavelength may be adopted.
[0055] Next, referring to Figure 6, we will explain the relationship between the fluorescence intensity of the humidified water at a certain excitation-fluorescence wavelength and the number of microorganisms in the humidified water. Figure 6 shows a graph (dotted line) showing the relationship between the fluorescence intensity of the humidified water at an excitation wavelength of "360 nm" and an fluorescence wavelength of "450 nm" and the measurement time, and a graph (solid line) showing the relationship between the number of microbial colonies (cfu / ml) in the humidified water and the measurement time.
[0056] Here, for the graph in Figure 6, we substitute the measured fluorescence intensity values for absorbance into equations (1) and (2) mentioned above to calculate the rate of change and compare the calculated rate of change with the stored rate of change. As a result, similar to the absorbance graph in Figure 4, the calculated rate of change in fluorescence intensity decreases from "Day 5" to "Day 7" and from "Day 10" to "Day 12," while the rate of increase in the number of microbial colonies remains relatively high.
[0057] Therefore, as shown in the graph in Figure 6, if the rate of change in fluorescence intensity during the current measurement is smaller than the rate of change in the past, it can be said that the number of microbial colonies is rapidly increasing, indicating that microbial contamination is spreading.
[0058] [4. An example of treatment using a microbial contamination monitoring device] Next, the processing performed by the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart of the processing procedure according to the embodiment.
[0059] If the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 detects a target for measurement (Step S101; Yes), the measurement unit 12a periodically measures the absorbance or fluorescence intensity of the target (Step S102). On the other hand, if the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 does not detect a target for measurement (Step S101; No), the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 waits until it detects a target for measurement.
[0060] Subsequently, the calculation unit 12b calculates the percentage change of the measured absorbance or fluorescence intensity (step S103). Then, the storage unit 13 stores the measured absorbance or fluorescence intensity and the calculated percentage change (step S104). After that, it is determined whether the calculated percentage change is smaller than the previously stored percentage change (step S105).
[0061] If the calculated rate of change is smaller than the stored rate of change in the past (step S105; Yes), the transmission unit 12c transmits an indication of the spread of microbial contamination to the outside (step S106) and terminates the process. On the other hand, if the calculated rate of change is larger than the stored rate of change in the past (step S105; No), the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 returns to step S102 and continues processing.
[0062] [5. Effects of the Embodiment] As described above, the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 according to this embodiment includes a measuring unit 12a that periodically measures the absorbance of the target to be measured when monitoring microorganisms in water, a calculation unit 12b that calculates the rate of change of the absorbance measured by the measuring unit 12a, and a storage unit 13 that stores the absorbance measured by the measuring unit 12a and the rate of change calculated by the calculation unit 12b. The calculation unit 12b compares the calculated rate of change with past rate of change stored in the storage unit 13, and determines that if the calculated rate of change is smaller than the past rate of change stored in the storage unit 13, it is an indication that microbial contamination is spreading.
[0063] As a result, the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 periodically measures the absorbance of the target and compares the rate of change of the measured absorbance with the stored rate of change of the past, thereby enabling early detection of microbial contamination.
[0064] Furthermore, the measurement unit 12a of the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 measures the fluorescence intensity of the target object instead of the absorbance. This allows the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 to determine signs of microbial contamination spreading by measuring fluorescence intensity in addition to the absorbance of the target object, thus enabling early detection of microbial contamination.
[0065] Furthermore, the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 is further equipped with a transmitting unit 12c that transmits the results of the determination of signs of microbial contamination spreading to an external source. This allows the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 to remotely notify users or managers of the air conditioning equipment being measured of signs of microbial contamination spreading.
[0066] Furthermore, the measurement unit 12a of the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 measures the absorbance to light with a wavelength of 200 nm to 400 nm. As a result, the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 can more accurately determine signs of the spread of microbial contamination than when using the absorbance to light with wavelengths not included in the 200 nm to 400 nm wavelength range for the object being measured.
[0067] Furthermore, the measurement unit 12a of the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 measures the fluorescence intensity under the conditions of excitation wavelength 200 nm to 450 nm and fluorescence wavelength 350 nm to 750 nm. As a result, the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 can more accurately determine signs of spreading microbial contamination than when using fluorescence intensity for wavelengths not included in the conditions of excitation wavelength 200 nm to 450 nm and fluorescence wavelength 350 nm to 750 nm for the target of measurement.
[0068] [6. Hardware Configuration] The microbial contamination monitoring device 10 according to the embodiment described above is implemented by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration. The computer 1000 has a configuration in which a CPU 1100, RAM 1200, ROM 1300, auxiliary storage device 1400, communication interface 1500, and input / output interface 1600 are connected by a bus 1800.
[0069] The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or auxiliary storage device 1400, and controls various parts. The ROM 1300 stores boot programs executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, as well as programs that depend on the computer 1000's hardware.
[0070] The auxiliary storage device 1400 stores programs executed by the CPU 1100, and data used by such programs. The communication interface 1500 receives data from other devices via a predetermined communication network and sends it to the CPU 1100, and transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the predetermined communication network.
[0071] The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as displays and printers, and input / output devices 1700 such as keyboards and mice, via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from the input / output devices 1700 via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs the generated data to the input / output devices 1700 via the input / output interface 1600.
[0072] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the microbial contamination monitoring device 10 according to this embodiment, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 12 by executing a program loaded on the RAM 1200.
[0073] [7. Others] Of the processes described in the embodiments above, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be changed at will unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.
[0074] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those illustrated, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.
[0075] The aforementioned components include those that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially identical, and those that fall within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be appropriately combined as long as the processing content is not contradictory.
[0076] Furthermore, the terms "section," "module," and "unit" mentioned above can be replaced with "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, a control unit can be replaced with a control means or a control circuit.
[0077] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are illustrative examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0078] 10. Microbial contamination monitoring device 11 Communications Department 12 Control Unit 12a Measuring part 12b Arithmetic unit 12c Transmitter 13 Storage section 20 Receiver 21 Display section 22 Air supply duct 23 Humidifying water 24 watering nozzles
Claims
1. In monitoring microorganisms in water, A measuring unit that periodically measures the absorbance of the object being measured, A calculation unit that calculates the rate of change of absorbance measured by the measurement unit, A storage unit that stores the absorbance measured by the measurement unit and the rate of change calculated by the calculation unit, It has, The calculation unit compares the calculated rate of change at the current measurement point with the rate of change at the previous measurement point stored in the storage unit, and determines that if the calculated rate of change at the current measurement point is smaller than the rate of change at the previous measurement point stored in the storage unit, it indicates that microbial contamination is spreading. A microbial contamination monitoring device characterized by the following features.
2. In monitoring microorganisms in water, A measurement unit that periodically measures the fluorescence intensity of the object being measured, A calculation unit that calculates the percentage change in fluorescence intensity measured by the measurement unit, A storage unit that stores the fluorescence intensity measured by the measurement unit and the percentage change calculated by the calculation unit, It has, The calculation unit compares the calculated rate of change at the current measurement point with the rate of change at the previous measurement point stored in the storage unit, and determines that if the calculated rate of change at the current measurement point is smaller than the rate of change at the previous measurement point stored in the storage unit, it indicates that microbial contamination is spreading. A microbial contamination monitoring device characterized by the following features.
3. The system further includes a transmission unit that transmits to an external source the results of the determination of signs of the spread of the microbial contamination. The microbial contamination monitoring device according to feature 1.
4. The measurement unit measures the absorbance for wavelengths between 200 nm and 400 nm. The microbial contamination monitoring device according to feature 1.
5. The measurement unit measures the fluorescence intensity under the conditions of an excitation wavelength of 200 nm to 450 nm and an emission wavelength of 350 nm to 750 nm. The microbial contamination monitoring device according to claim 2.
6. A method for monitoring microbial contamination in water using a microbial contamination monitoring device, A measurement process in which the absorbance of the object to be measured is measured periodically, A calculation step for calculating the percentage change in absorbance measured in the measurement step, A storage step for storing the absorbance measured in the measurement step and the rate of change calculated in the calculation step, Includes, The calculation step compares the calculated rate of change at the current measurement point with the rate of change at the previous measurement point stored by the storage step. If the calculated rate of change at the current measurement point is smaller than the rate of change at the previous measurement point stored by the storage step, it is determined that this is an indication of the spread of microbial contamination. A method for monitoring microbial contamination, characterized by the features described above.
7. In monitoring microorganisms in water, A measurement procedure for periodically measuring the absorbance of the object to be measured, A calculation procedure for calculating the percentage change in absorbance measured in the above measurement procedure, A storage procedure for storing the absorbance measured in the measurement procedure and the rate of change calculated in the calculation procedure, Have the computer run it, The calculation procedure compares the calculated rate of change at the current measurement point with the rate of change at the previous measurement point stored by the storage procedure. If the calculated rate of change at the current measurement point is smaller than the rate of change at the previous measurement point stored by the storage procedure, it is determined to be an indication of the spread of microbial contamination. A microbial contamination monitoring program characterized by the following features.