Incubation Apparatus Image Analysis for Culture Scattering Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional incubation apparatuses lack the ability to detect abnormal states caused by changes in the environment surrounding the incubation container, such as scattering of culture or issues with the incubation apparatus, which can lead to deterioration of the sample over time.
Innovation Solution
An incubation apparatus equipped with a carrying apparatus, imaging section, and image analyzing section that photographs and analyzes the incubation container to detect positional displacement, dew condensation, culture amount, mold, and culture scattering, outputting error signals for abnormal conditions and automatically adjusting the incubation environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional incubation apparatus with basic temperature control is used, then the incubation environment can be maintained, but abnormal states such as culture scattering, dew condensation, and mold cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (positional detection, dew condensation detection, culture scattering detection, mold detection) into a single integrated image analysis system. The imaging section captures images of the incubation container, and the image analyzing section processes these images to detect multiple types of abnormalities simultaneously, resolving the contradiction by merging detection capabilities rather than adding separate complex systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image analyzing section as an intermediary between the imaging section and the control system. This intermediary component processes images to extract multiple types of information (position, dew condensation, culture scattering, mold) and converts visual data into actionable detection results, enabling reliable detection without requiring direct complex hardware for each detection type.
2Reliability
If manual monitoring of incubation samples is performed, then detection of abnormal states is possible, but labor intensity is high and early detection is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automatic monitoring through the image analyzing section, which continuously analyzes images of the incubation container to detect abnormal states. This continuous automated detection eliminates the time loss associated with manual monitoring intervals and provides immediate detection of abnormalities such as culture scattering, dew condensation, and mold without requiring human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring through automated image analysis, where the image analyzing section independently detects multiple abnormal states without human assistance. The system serves itself by automatically identifying positional displacement, dew condensation, culture scattering, and mold, eliminating the need for manual inspection while enabling early detection of issues.
3Reliability
If comprehensive monitoring of all incubation parameters is implemented, then all abnormal states can be detected, but the system becomes overly complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image analyzing section a universal detection tool that performs multiple monitoring functions using a single system. The same image analysis algorithms detect positional displacement, dew condensation, culture scattering, and mold by analyzing different features of the captured images, providing comprehensive environmental monitoring without requiring separate specialized sensors or systems for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent detects multiple abnormal states by analyzing changes in image parameters such as optical density, color information, and spatial distribution. The image analyzing section monitors changes in these parameters to identify dew condensation (through optical density changes), culture scattering (through spatial distribution changes), and mold (through color information changes), providing comprehensive monitoring through parameter analysis rather than multiple physical sensors.
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 early detection of abnormal states, reducing manual labor and maintaining optimal incubation conditions, while preventing accidents by automatically responding to detected issues.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging section photographs a whole of the incubation container inside the temperature-controlled room
Implementation Method 2
The image analyzing section analyzes one of an operation state of the incubation apparatus and an incubating environment state of the sample based on a total observing image
Data Source
AI summary
An incubation apparatus, including a temperature-controlled room adjusted to be a predetermined environment condition, and incubating a sample of an incubation container inside the temperature-controlled room, includes a carrying apparatus, an imaging section, and an image analyzing section. The carrying apparatus carries the incubation container in the temperature-controlled room. The imaging section photographs a whole of the incubation container inside the temperature-controlled room. The image analyzing section analyses an operation state of the incubation apparatus or an incubating environment state of the sample based on a total observing image of the incubation container photographed at the imaging section, and outputs an error signal notifying an abnormality of the operation state or the incubating environment state in accordance with the analysis result.