Optical Microorganism Detection Using Time-Separated Outline Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection devices for microorganisms lack accuracy in identifying and tracking the growth of objects over time, particularly due to interference from foreign matter and changes in object outlines.
Innovation Solution
A detection device equipped with an optical sensor having a planar configuration of photodetection elements, a light-transmitting container, and a control circuit that processes image data to extract and track outlines of objects using differential image analysis, calculating and labeling coordinates and identification information to improve detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional image acquisition methods are used to detect microorganism growth, then the detection process is simple, but the accuracy of detecting and tracking objects is insufficient due to interference from foreign matter and changes in object outlines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection process into multiple time periods (first period, second period, third period) and processes image data from each period separately. By segmenting the detection timeline and comparing outlines across different periods, the system can distinguish between foreign matter (which remains static) and actual microorganism growth (which changes over time), thereby improving detection accuracy without requiring overly complex hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary outline extraction and coordinate calculation from image data acquired in a first period before analyzing the second period data. This preliminary action establishes a baseline for comparison, allowing the system to identify new objects or changes in subsequent periods more accurately while maintaining a structured processing approach that balances complexity and effectiveness.
2Measurement precision
If image data is acquired at frequent intervals to improve tracking accuracy, then the precision of growth monitoring increases, but the time required for measurement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively processing only certain image data periods (first, second, and third periods) rather than continuously processing all available data. The control circuit focuses on extracting outlines and comparing coordinates at these specific intervals, which provides sufficient tracking precision for microorganism growth while reducing the overall measurement time compared to continuous frequent sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by systematically acquiring image data at regular intervals and continuously comparing outlines across periods. This continuous comparative analysis ensures that growth tracking remains precise throughout the measurement process while the structured interval-based approach prevents excessive time consumption that would result from more frequent, unstructured sampling.
3Measurement precision
If complex processing algorithms are applied to distinguish objects from foreign matter, then the detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by not trying to directly identify and filter foreign matter from image data. Instead, it extracts outlines and coordinates from multiple time periods and uses the temporal comparison to implicitly distinguish between static foreign matter and dynamic microorganism growth. This inverted approach improves object identification accuracy while keeping the control circuit complexity manageable by avoiding complex real-time filtering algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of outline and coordinate data from different time periods (first period outlines, second period outlines, third period outlines) and compares these copies to identify changes. This copying approach allows the system to achieve high object identification accuracy by comparing historical data with current data, while the control circuit complexity remains relatively low since the processing involves straightforward data replication and comparison rather than complex analytical algorithms.
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
Enhances the accuracy of detecting and tracking the growth of microorganisms by minimizing interference from foreign matter, allowing precise counting and identification of objects over time.
Implementation Method 1
an object placement member having a light-transmitting property, placed so as to overlap the optical sensor
Implementation Method 2
an optical sensor including a plurality of photodetection elements arranged in a planar configuration
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, a detection device includes: an optical sensor including photodetection elements; an object placement member having a light-transmitting property and configured such that objects to be detected are placed thereon; and a control circuit. The optical sensor is configured to acquire image data at intervals of a predetermined period. The control circuit is configured to: extract a first outline of at least one region from first image data, calculate first coordinates corresponding to the first outline, and label the first coordinates with first identification information; extract a second outline of at least one region from second image data, calculate second coordinates corresponding to the second outline not containing the first coordinates, and newly add second identification information corresponding to the second outline not containing the first coordinates; and calculate a total number of pieces of the first identification information and the second identification information.