Automated Bacterial Growth Detection in Cellulose Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting bacterial growth in pulp and cellulose-based board products are inefficient and inaccurate, particularly due to ergonomic issues and the challenge of distinguishing bacterial growth from other contaminants, and are not suitable for real-time monitoring during the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing digital camera technology and image processing to capture and compare images of cellulose-based board samples over time, allowing for the detection of bacterial growth by analyzing changes in colony numbers and sizes, with samples being prepared using standard ISO methods and analyzed in a controlled environment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual visual counting method is used for detecting bacterial growth, then the method is simple to implement, but it results in ergonomic problems and is time-consuming with insufficient accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical visual counting method with an automated optical imaging system combined with image processing algorithms. The system uses a camera to capture images of agar plates and automatically analyzes bacterial colonies through software, eliminating the need for manual observation and counting while significantly improving accuracy and reducing time requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies (images) of the agar plates with bacterial colonies. Instead of directly observing and counting colonies manually, the system captures optical copies through a camera and processes these digital images automatically. This copying approach enables automated analysis while maintaining the simplicity of the overall process.
2Device complexity
If manual visual counting method is used for detecting bacterial growth, then the method requires minimal equipment, but it is not suitable for real-time monitoring during manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operations with an automated imaging and image processing system. The camera captures images automatically, and the processing unit analyzes them without human intervention, enabling the system to handle multiple samples sequentially and provide results much faster than manual methods, thus supporting real-time monitoring needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to operate autonomously once set up. The camera automatically captures images, the processing unit independently analyzes the images to count and characterize colonies, and the system generates results without requiring continuous human involvement. This self-service capability enables real-time monitoring during manufacturing processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If samples are analyzed using conventional methods, then the analysis can be performed outside the production line, but it cannot provide on-line quality control at predetermined points in the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated imaging system that can be integrated into the production line at predetermined points. The system replaces manual sampling and analysis methods with automated image capture and processing, enabling on-line quality control while maintaining ease of operation. The system can quickly analyze samples without removing them from the production flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is configured to analyze samples at predetermined points in the manufacturing process before final product completion. By performing bacterial detection early in the process, the system enables preventive quality control measures to be taken before contaminated products are finalized, improving overall product reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (400), a control unit and a system for detection of bacterial growth in a sample of a) pulp or b) cellulose-based board. The method (400) comprises placing (402) the sample of pulp or cellulose-based board in the chamber (6); capturing (403) a first image of the pulp or cellulose-based board sample; capturing (405) a final image of the sample of pulp or cellulose-based board, when a predetermined time period has elapsed since the first image was captured (403); comparing (406) the captured (405) final image with the captured (403) first image; and determining (407) a rate of bacterial growth, based on the made comparison (406).