Microorganism Imaging Inspection for Rapid Indoor Mold Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for inspecting environmental microorganisms, such as mold, in air conditioners require time-consuming culture processes to provide inspection results.
Innovation Solution
An inspection system that captures samples directly using an imaging unit and analyzes them through image data with an output unit, utilizing machine learning models like YOLO and DML to identify and quantify microorganisms without culture, allowing on-site inspection results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If culture method is used to inspect microorganisms, then inspection accuracy is improved, but inspection time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of microorganisms using imaging devices instead of requiring physical culture processes. The imaging unit captures images of microorganisms directly from samples, and these images are then analyzed by deep learning models to identify and classify the microorganisms, replacing the time-consuming culture method with a rapid imaging and analysis approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the biological culture process with an optical and computational system. Instead of using culture media and incubation processes (mechanical/biological system), the invention uses imaging devices to capture optical information and deep learning algorithms to analyze the images, substituting the entire culture-based detection mechanism with a non-contact optical measurement system.
2Reliability
If culture method is used to inspect microorganisms, then reliable identification is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates digital copies of microorganisms through imaging, allowing multiple analyses to be performed on the same sample simultaneously. The imaging unit captures images that can be processed by deep learning models to identify various microorganism types, enabling rapid and reliable identification without the time constraints of culture methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary imaging and analysis actions directly on the sample without waiting for culture growth. By capturing images of microorganisms in their natural state and using deep learning for immediate identification, the system eliminates the need to wait for culture colonies to develop, thereby maintaining identification reliability while dramatically improving inspection throughput.
3Loss of time
If direct imaging is used to capture samples, then inspection time is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical culture-based detection with optical imaging and computational analysis. The imaging unit captures high-resolution images of microorganisms directly from samples, and deep learning models analyze these images to achieve accurate identification. This substitution maintains detection accuracy by using advanced image processing algorithms that can distinguish microorganism features without requiring culture amplification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters from requiring biological amplification (culture) to direct optical detection. By adjusting imaging parameters such as lighting conditions, magnification, and image processing algorithms, the system achieves sufficient detection accuracy for direct imaging without the need for culture processes, thereby reducing inspection time while maintaining precision.
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 system significantly reduces the time required for inspection, enabling immediate identification and proposal of actions based on accurate microorganism detection, eliminating the need for culture methods and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the imaging unit captures the imaging target through a lens under visible light or ultraviolet light
Data Source
AI summary
An sure, an inspection system and an inspection method that reduce the time required to inspect environmental microorganisms, are provided. The inspection system inspection system is for inspecting a microorganism or mold that is generated in an indoor environment or a device, and the inspection system includes an imaging unit configured to directly capture a sample collected from the indoor environment or the device; and an output unit configured to inspect the microorganism or the mold in image data captured by the imaging unit, and output an inspection result.