Multi-Camera Biological Sample Imaging Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for imaging biological samples, such as bacterial and viral colonies, often fail to accurately identify small colonies due to limitations in image quality, leading to false positives or negatives.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple cameras and optical radiation sources positioned at different angles and observation points, along with a rotating mechanism, to capture images of biological samples from various perspectives, enhancing accuracy in identifying small colonies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single camera is used to image biological samples, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of small colony detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple independent camera units (first camera, second camera, third camera) positioned at different observation points. Each camera captures images from its specific perspective, allowing the system to achieve high measurement precision for small colonies without requiring a single overly complex camera system. The segmentation enables distributed detection coverage while maintaining individual camera simplicity.
2Device complexity
If images are acquired from a single observation point, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of identifying small colonies deteriorates due to limited perspective coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from single-point imaging to multi-point imaging by adding the dimension of observation point diversity. Three cameras are positioned at different spatial locations (first, second, and third observation points) to capture images from multiple perspectives. This dimensional expansion in observation space improves reliability by providing comprehensive coverage of the sample area, enabling detection of small colonies regardless of their position, while each individual camera remains relatively simple.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras at different observation points are used, then the measurement precision and reliability of small colony detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging function into multiple independent camera segments, each responsible for capturing images from its specific observation point. This segmentation allows the complex task of high-precision detection to be distributed across simpler individual components. Each camera can be optimized for its specific viewing angle and focal requirements, reducing the complexity burden on any single camera while achieving overall high measurement precision through the combined data from all cameras.
4Reliability
If multiple cameras at different observation points are used, then the reliability of detecting small colonies is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple camera systems are merged into a unified imaging platform that processes images from all observation points through a single control and analysis system. This merging consolidates the operational complexity into a single integrated workflow, where the control unit coordinates all cameras and the processing unit analyzes combined images. Users interact with a single interface rather than managing multiple independent systems, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving high reliability through multi-point imaging.
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 solution improves the ability to accurately detect and count small bacterial and viral colonies by reducing false positives and negatives, providing higher-quality image capture.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first optical radiation source (10) configured for irradiating at least said predefined portion of the support (3) from a first irradiation direction, in such a way that, in use, at least a portion of the biological sample is irradiated through the optical radiation of the first optical radiation source (10)
Implementation Method 2
A sample is irradiated with a light beam, which impacts on the sample at an angle β with respect to the normal line of the culture medium. An optical receiver receives a reflected, scattered and/or diffused light beam with an angle a different with respect to the angle β.
Data Source
AI summary
Device (1) for observing and for acquiring images of biological samples comprising: a supporting element (2, 2a, 2b) configured for housing a support (3) for biological samples and at least a first camera (6) oriented toward the supporting element (2, 2a, 2b) and configured for framing at least a portion of the supporting element (2, 2a, 2b) and/or, in use, at least a predefined portion of the support (3) when housed on the supporting element (2, 2a, 2b), from a first observation point (P1). The device comprises at least a first source of optical radiation (10) configured for irradiating at least said portion of the support (3) from a first direction of radiation, in such a way that, in use, at least a predefined portion of the biological sample is irradiated by means of the optical radiation of the first source of optical radiation (10). The device comprises an actuator configured for rotating the supporting element (2, 2a, 2b) and the support (3) therein housed in use, around a rotation axis (Y), preferably centered on the supporting element (2, 2a, 2b) and/or on the support (3), and/or for rotating at least said first camera (6) with respect to said supporting element (2, 2a, 2b) and to said support (3) therein housed. The device (1) is configured for activating at least the first camera (6) and the actuator for generating, preferably during the actuation in rotation of the supporting element (2 2a, 2b) and of the support (3), and/or of the first camera (6) carried out by the actuator at least a first plurality or first set (Img(1,i), i=1 . . . N) of N images (Img(1, 1) . . . Img(1,N)) of N predefined portions of the support (3).