Micro-organism Detection Device Using High-Resolution CCD Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting microorganisms on growth media are time-consuming, require expensive reagents and equipment, and are not well-suited for large-scale or automated detection, often leading to false positives and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A device with a high-resolution CCD or CMOS sensor and optical system for imaging colonies on a large, flat detection surface, allowing for early detection without fluorescence measurement, and incorporating a heating system for maintaining optimal growth conditions, enabling simultaneous analysis of multiple samples and reducing detection time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional agar plate incubation method is used, then microorganism colonies can be detected, but the detection time is long (several days)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing deposition of microorganisms onto the detection membrane before incubation, and by using pre-coated membranes with selective agents. The system prepares the detection medium in advance with specific properties (selectivity, sensitivity) so that when incubation occurs, colony formation and detection can proceed more rapidly. The membrane is pre-treated with substances that will enhance contrast or facilitate early detection of colonies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional visual inspection method (mechanical/optical observation by human eye) with an automated detection system using a scanner or imaging device coupled with image analysis software. This substitution enables objective, rapid detection of colonies without requiring manual examination of each plate, significantly reducing detection time while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If fluorescent markers are used to enhance contrast, then early detection is possible, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable detection membranes that are pre-coated with selective agents or contrast-enhancing substances. These single-use membranes eliminate the need for complex, expensive, and reusable fluorescent marker systems. Each membrane is discarded after one use, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high detection sensitivity. This approach trades the cost of consumables for the elimination of complex instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection membrane is designed to be self-sufficient, incorporating all necessary reagents, selective agents, and contrast-enhancing properties directly into the membrane structure. This eliminates the need for separate reagent addition steps, complex marking operations, or specialized equipment. The membrane performs multiple functions (support, selection, contrast enhancement) autonomously, reducing system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If high optical magnification systems are used, then early colonies can be detected, but the detection area is limited and scanning is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function across multiple identical detection membranes that can be processed simultaneously. Instead of using a single membrane with limited area, the system can handle multiple membranes (e.g., 10-20 plates) at once through parallel processing. This segmentation approach maintains high detection precision for each individual membrane while dramatically increasing the total detection area and throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from detecting colonies on a two-dimensional surface of a single plate to a three-dimensional arrangement of multiple plates stacked or arranged vertically/horizontally. This dimensional change allows the detection system to process many more samples simultaneously, effectively increasing the total detection area without requiring a proportionally larger scanning area for each individual plate.
4Measurement precision
If reagents are added to mark microorganisms, then detection sensitivity improves, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating the detection membrane with selective agents and contrast-enhancing substances during manufacturing, before the actual detection process. This eliminates the need to add reagents during sample processing, thereby preventing contamination. The membrane arrives at the laboratory already prepared with all necessary chemical agents, so no additional reagent handling is required during the sensitive detection phase.
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 and automated detection of microorganisms, including those invisible to the naked eye, with high sensitivity and accuracy, reducing contamination risks and detection time compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system comprised of at least one lighting and at least one optical means, such as a lens
Implementation Method 2
optical system comprised of at least one lighting and at least one optical means, such as a lens
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a heating system for maintaining optimal growth conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The device permitting an early detection, without measurement of the fluorescence, of colonies resulting from the multiplication of micro-organisms present in a sample to be tested, includes a substantially flat and horizontal detection surface, on which at least one support for growing the micro-organisms in the form of colonies is arranged immobile. The support is of the type membrane or agar medium. There is a detection system, such as a linear scanner, mounted movable and flat for scanning the whole or part of the surface, including at least one CCD sensor associated with an optical system comprised of at least one lighting and at least one optical device, such as a lens. The CCD sensor has a resolution higher than or equal to 2400 dpi. The detection system images colonies having a diameter smaller than 50 [mu]m through a useful magnification higher than or equal to 60.