Backscatter Diffractogram Microorganism Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying microorganisms, particularly bacteria, are limited by their requirement for transparent samples and are not applicable to opaque or diffusing culture media, which are commonly used in clinical diagnosis, leading to inefficiencies and incompatibility with common diagnostic samples.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a backscatter configuration with a screen that collects and processes backscattered radiation to form a diffractogram, allowing for the observation and characterization of microorganisms in opaque or transparent samples, including those in their culture medium, without the need for sampling or destructive analysis, using a laser light source and adjustable beam optics to accommodate varying sample morphologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a transmission configuration is used to observe microorganisms, then the identification method is simple and uses basic equipment, but the method becomes inapplicable when the culture medium is opaque, colored or diffusing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the observation configuration from transmission mode to backscatter mode. Instead of placing the detector behind the sample to capture transmitted light, the detector is positioned to capture light scattered back from the sample. This inversion allows observation through opaque and colored media that would block transmitted light, while maintaining relative simplicity of the identification method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a diffusing screen as an intermediary element between the sample and the detector. This screen converts the scattered light into a visible diffractogram pattern that can be captured by the detector. The screen acts as a mediator that makes the backscattered radiation observable and analyzable, enabling identification of microorganisms in opaque media without requiring complex instrumentation.
2Measurement precision
If costly spectrometric equipment is used for bacterial identification, then identification accuracy is high, but the equipment is reserved for qualified operators and reduces accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the microorganism's scattering properties in the form of a diffractogram on a screen. Instead of using complex spectrometric equipment to directly analyze the sample, the system projects a visual pattern that replicates the scattering characteristics, which can then be analyzed by simple imaging detectors. This copying approach maintains identification accuracy while eliminating the need for costly specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex spectrometric instruments with simple, inexpensive components: a light source, a diffusing screen, and a basic image detector. These inexpensive components can be easily manufactured and disposed of, providing high-accuracy identification capability without the burden of maintaining costly equipment or requiring specialized operator training.
3Device complexity
If colorimetric methods are used for bacterial identification, then equipment simplicity is improved, but the identification process becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic or pulsed illumination with a light source to illuminate the sample and generate backscattered radiation patterns. By using controlled illumination pulses rather than continuous lighting, the system achieves rapid data acquisition while maintaining equipment simplicity. This periodic action enables fast identification without requiring complex continuous monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or chemical identification processes with optical detection. Instead of using slow colorimetric chemical reactions or manual morphological analysis, the system uses optical backscatter detection to rapidly capture diffractogram patterns. This substitution of optical detection for mechanical/chemical methods maintains equipment simplicity while dramatically increasing identification speed to match clinical productivity requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid, non-destructive characterization of microorganisms at different stages of development, suitable for both transparent and opaque samples, improving diagnostic efficiency and compatibility with common clinical media, and does not require costly instrumentation.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (10), capable of emitting a light beam (12)
Implementation Method 2
the backscattered radiation (14) is formed by multiple interactions of the light beam (102) with the colony (3)
Implementation Method 3
The backscattered radiation (14) is focused, by collection optics (25), onto an image sensor (30)
Implementation Method 4
Under the effect of illumination by the laser beam, an image is acquired on which diffraction figures appear, the latter constituting a signature of the observed microorganism
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~2G
AI summary
A device and method for observing the radiation backscattered by an object (3), in particular a biological object. The device comprises a light source (10) suitable for illuminating a sample (2), and a screen (20) extending between the light source (10) and the object (3). The screen (20) has an opening (23) through which the illumination beam (12) produced by the light source (10), and directed towards the screen (20), propagates. Under the effect of the illumination, the object (3) emits a backscattered radiation (14) propagating up to the screen (20), the surface area of which is preferably greater than 100 cm. The projection of the backscattered radiation (14) on the screen (20) forms an image representative of the backscattered radiation (14), designated by the term diffractogram. An image sensor (30) is used to acquire an image representative of the diffractogram formed on the screen (20) .