Microorganism Detection via Multi-Angle Collimated Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting microorganisms, such as culture on Petri dishes, are time-consuming and require additional reagents, making them inefficient for rapid and cost-effective detection, especially in environments where early detection is crucial for ensuring product safety and clinical diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A method involving illumination with collimated light sources at specific angles and image acquisition using a light receiving element to detect microbiological objects on a support, such as membranes or solid growth media, without the need for labeling agents, allowing for early detection of microorganisms like bacteria, yeasts, and molds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If culture on Petri dish is used to detect microorganisms, then reliability of detection is improved, but time required for assay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing multiple image acquisitions at different illumination angles before final detection. The system captures images at various angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°) during the early growth stages, storing these preliminary data for later analysis. This allows the system to detect microcolonies at smaller sizes earlier in their development, reducing the total assay time while maintaining detection reliability through cumulative evidence from multiple angle observations.
2Measurement precision
If chromogenic substrates or fluorescent antibodies are used to detect microcolonies, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the natural light-reflecting properties of microcolonies themselves for detection. Instead of requiring external labeling agents or reagents to make microcolonies visible, the system captures and analyzes the intrinsic light reflection patterns of the microcolonies at different illumination angles. This self-service approach achieves high detection sensitivity without the complexity and cost associated with chromogenic substrates or fluorescent antibodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical/biological labeling systems (chromogenic substrates, fluorescent antibodies) with a physical optical detection system. By using multiple incident light sources at different angles and analyzing the reflected light patterns, the system substitutes complex chemical reagents with a purely physical optical measurement approach, thereby reducing device complexity and operational costs while maintaining or improving detection sensitivity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple image acquisitions at different angles are performed, then detection precision is improved, but use of energy and time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively acquiring images at specific illumination angles based on the detection needs and microcolony growth stage. Rather than continuously acquiring images at all possible angles, the system performs acquisitions at key angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°) at appropriate time points during incubation. This partial approach achieves sufficient detection precision while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption from redundant image acquisitions.
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, sensitive, and cost-effective detection of microorganisms at an early stage of growth, reducing the time required for assays and improving the reliability of microbiological testing in various industries.
Implementation Method 1
illuminating an area of the support with at least two incident collimated light sources forming an angle (α) of at least 10° with respect to the normal of the support
Implementation Method 2
acquiring an image of the area of the support illuminated by the at least two incident collimated light sources
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method, and related device, for observing, and where appropriate detecting and optionally enumerating, microbiological objects on a support, such as a membrane or a solid growth medium. In particular, said method comprises a) illuminating an area of a support with at least two incident collimated light sources forming an angle (α) of at least 10° with respect to the normal of the support, b) acquiring an image of said area of said support illuminated by said at least two incident collimated light sources by means of a light receiving element having its optical acquisition axis along the normal of the support, and c) detecting the presence or the absence of microbiological objects on said area of said support by discrimination, on said acquired image, of light reflected, scattered and/or diffused from the support and from microbiological objects on said support.