Colony counting device and colony counting method

The colony counting device and method address the challenge of varying colony growth by distinguishing between normal and spread colonies through pixel-based image analysis, ensuring accurate and efficient counting.

JP7880155B2Active Publication Date: 2026-06-25YAMATO SCI CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
YAMATO SCI CO LTD
Filing Date
2024-09-13
Publication Date
2026-06-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The culture method using a Petri dish is prone to variations in colony growth rates due to microorganism type and dew condensation, leading to spread colonies that obscure slower-growing ones, making accurate counting difficult and reliant on tester experience.

Method used

A colony counting device and method that utilize an imaging unit to capture and binarize sample images, distinguishing between normal and spread colonies based on pixel thresholds, and calculating an area ratio to validate count accuracy.

Benefits of technology

Enables accurate and efficient counting of colonies even in samples with spread colonies, eliminating reliance on operator experience and improving test efficiency by setting clear criteria for validity.

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Abstract

The aim is to provide a colony counting device and method that enable more accurate judgment regarding the validity of counting results and can efficiently count colonies even in samples where spread colonies have occurred. [Solution] A colony counter 10 for counting colonies, which are aggregates of microorganisms, comprises: a camera 13 for capturing a sample image from a petri dish 1 in which microorganisms are cultured; and a control unit 17 that detects spread colony ICs from the sample image based on the number of pixels obtained by binarizing the sample image captured by the camera 13, and determines the validity of the count result from the ratio of the total pixel value of the detected spread colony ICs to the area of ​​the petri dish 1.
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