Optical Sampling Tool Contact Detection for Contamination-Free Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling the movement of sampling tools towards or from reference surfaces are not universal and fail to effectively avoid contamination, particularly when sampling biological materials like bacterial colonies, as they often require electrically conductive tools or are not suitable for various surface types and consistencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that use image processing to control the movement of sampling tools by illuminating the reference surface, acquiring images, and subtracting background elements to isolate the tool's image, allowing precise positioning and contact detection, regardless of the tool type or surface nature, using techniques like binarization and shadow or reflection imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capacitive detection methods are used to control sampling tool movement, then contact detection capability is improved, but the method requires electrically conductive tools which limits adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces capacitive detection (electrical field-based) with optical detection using a camera to capture images of the sampling tool and reference surface. This substitution allows detection of contact without requiring electrically conductive tools, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining measurement precision through image processing techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (camera imaging system) between the sampling tool and the detection mechanism. Instead of directly detecting electrical properties of the tool, the system uses light reflection and image processing to infer contact status, enabling universal compatibility across different tool materials
2Productivity
If sampling tool penetrates deep into culture medium to obtain biological material, then sampling efficiency is improved, but contamination with foreign substances like agar increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback through continuous image capture and processing during sampling tool movement. The system monitors the distance between the tool and reference surface, and provides feedback to stop the tool exactly when contact is detected, preventing excessive penetration into the culture medium and subsequent contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by stopping the sampling tool movement precisely at the point of contact with the reference surface, rather than allowing full penetration. This controlled partial insertion ensures sufficient sampling capability while avoiding contamination from deep culture medium penetration
3Adaptability or versatility
If image processing is used to detect contact position, then adaptability to various tools and surfaces is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal contact detection system using standard imaging components (camera, light source) that can detect contact for any sampling tool and reference surface combination. The image processing algorithm universally handles different geometries and materials through edge detection and distance calculation, making the system adaptable without requiring tool-specific modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying by capturing an image of the sampling tool and reference surface relationship. Instead of direct physical or electrical measurement, the system creates a visual copy (image) and processes it to determine contact status, simplifying the detection mechanism while maintaining universality across different tool types
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 accurate and contamination-free sampling by ensuring the sampling tool contacts only the biological material of interest, avoiding foreign substances like agar, and is applicable to various sampling tools and surfaces, improving both quantitative and qualitative analysis accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the projected image of the sampling tool on the reference surface being a shadow
Implementation Method 2
the projected image of the sampling tool on the reference surface being a reflection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for collecting a sample of a biological material from a reference surface, such as the surface of a agar medium, using a sampling tool, said method enabling the control of the movement of the sampling tool toward the reference surface, from a first position to a second position, and/or of the movement from the reference surface toward the sampling tool, from a first position to a second position, said second position being a contact position in which the sampling tool and the reference surface are in contact, said method including the following steps: a) illuminating the sampling tool in said first position so as to make the sampling tool visible and project an image of the sampling tool onto the reference surface; b) acquiring an image of the entire sampling tool and of the image thereof that is being projected onto the reference surface; c) processing the image obtained in step b) so as to determine if, on the processed image, the distance between the sampling tool and the projected image thereof is equal to zero; and d) if the distance between the sampling tool and the projected image thereof is not equal to zero.