Automated Image Analysis for Quantifying Motile and Fluorescent Organisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for quantifying living organisms in liquid samples, such as ballast water, are time-consuming, expensive, and inaccurate, particularly when detecting motile and fluorescent organisms.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize image analysis to detect motile and fluorescent organisms separately, with a light filter to block violet-blue spectrum light for precise detection, and motion tracking to identify organisms, allowing for accurate counting and size determination, thereby improving quantification efficiency and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual detection under microscope is used, then accuracy of quantification is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical observation under microscope with automated image analysis using digital cameras and computer algorithms. The system captures images of the liquid sample and uses image processing to automatically detect, count, and analyze organisms, eliminating manual labor while maintaining measurement accuracy through systematic digital analysis methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies (images) of the liquid sample contents and analyzes these copies computationally rather than directly observing the original sample manually. Multiple images are captured and processed to generate quantitative data, allowing repeated analysis without additional time investment beyond the initial image capture.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If fluorescence detection is used, then detection capability for autotrophic organisms is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional system that performs both motility detection and fluorescence detection using shared hardware components. The same digital camera and image analysis system handles both types of detection, with fluorescence imaging activated only when needed. This eliminates the need for separate expensive specialized equipment while maintaining both detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (lighting conditions, camera settings, analysis algorithms) based on the detection mode required. For fluorescence detection, violet-blue light is used to excite chlorophyll, and specific image processing parameters are applied. These parameter changes are software-controlled and do not require permanent hardware modifications, reducing overall system cost.
3Measurement precision
If separate detection processes for motile and fluorescent organisms are used, then accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection of motile organisms and fluorescent organisms into a single integrated system. The same digital camera, lighting system, and image analysis software handle both detection tasks. The system can switch between detection modes and even perform both simultaneously, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining the accuracy benefits of separate detection protocols.
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
The method and device provide a cost-effective and accurate means to quantify living organisms by distinguishing between motile, fluorescent, and both motile and fluorescent organisms, reducing errors and increasing efficiency in analyzing liquid samples.
Implementation Method 1
Chlorophyll within organisms can be detected by the organism's fluorescence after illuminating the organism with light in the violet-blue spectrum
Implementation Method 2
The device includes a light filter arranged to block light in at least the part of the violet-blue spectrum
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method for quantifying living organisms (1, 4) in a liquid sample (2), the method comprising the steps of • guiding the liquid sample (2) into a chamber (3), • analysing pictures of the sample (2) inside the chamber (3) to detect the number of organisms (4) moving by themselves in the sample, • illuminating the sample (2) with light in at least a part of the violet-blue spectrum while detecting the number of organisms (1) that are fluorescent in the sample inside the chamber (3), and • analysing pictures of the sample (2) inside the chamber (3) while illuminating the sample (2) with light in at least a part of the violet-blue spectrum to detect the number of organisms (1, 4) that are both moving by themselves and fluorescent. A device (15) for quantifying living organisms (1, 4) and use of a device (15) is also disclosed.