Polychromatic LED Lighting for Microbial Colony Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual counting of microorganisms on petri dishes is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to inaccuracies, especially for novice technicians, and often requires skilled labor, with 80% of petri-dishes showing no colony growth, leading to fatigue and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for automatic image capture of organic samples using polychromatic LED lights, light reflectors, and diffusers to provide diffused illumination, with a closed photo compartment and AI-controlled digital camera for accurate and standardized imaging, capable of capturing images of microorganisms on petri dishes of varying sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual counting of bacteria colonies is performed by lab technicians, then the counting process can be completed, but it is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical counting process with an automated imaging and image processing system. A digital camera captures images of the petri dish, and software algorithms automatically identify and count colonies, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection and counting by technicians.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy (image) of the petri dish contents, allowing the counting process to be performed on the digital representation rather than the physical sample. This enables automated analysis while preserving the original sample for further use.
2Reliability
If all petri-dishes are analyzed in an analog system, then complete data collection is achieved, but it results in fatigue to the lab technician and high labor costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual analog analysis process with an automated digital imaging system. The camera and image processing software automatically analyze all petri dishes without human intervention, eliminating technician fatigue while maintaining complete data collection across all samples.
3Manufacturing precision
If polychromatic LED lights, light reflectors, and diffusers are used, then optimal color reproduction and diffused illumination are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light diffusers as intermediary elements between the LED light sources and the petri dish. These diffusers scatter and soften the light, creating uniform diffused illumination that eliminates harsh shadows and hot spots, thereby improving image quality without requiring complex lighting arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system uses different colored LED lights (red, green, blue) positioned at different locations to illuminate specific areas of the petri dish. This localized approach allows optimization of color reproduction for different regions while maintaining overall system simplicity.
4Measurement precision
If a closed photo compartment is provided to eliminate ambient light, then image quality and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a controlled optical environment by enclosing the imaging area in a closed photo compartment. This compartment acts as an inert environment that excludes ambient light interference, ensuring that only the controlled LED illumination reaches the sample and camera, thereby improving image accuracy and reliability.
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 efficient, accurate, and reliable colony counting by eliminating ambient light, improving contrast, and reducing image noise, allowing for automated processing and precise detection of microbiological colonies, reducing labor costs and improving technician efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first light diffuser and a second light diffuser, each adapted to diffuse the illumination emitted by the plurality of lights
Implementation Method 2
a stationary light reflector adapted to reflect the illumination of the lights to facilitate uniform distribution of illumination
Data Source
AI summary
Micro-biological colony counters and more particularly, to a device and a method for lighting, conditioning and capturing image(s) of organic sample(s) such as but not limited to micro-organisms. The device (700) captures accurate image(s) of organic sample(s) and has a fixed focus imaging for repeatability in quality of images. The device (700) can capture images of organic sample in different lighting and color conditions thereby improving detection of microbiological colonies by increasing the contrast from the background medium. The color calibrated imaging device (700) provides diffused illumination by using polychromatic LED lights, light reflectors and light diffusers for optimal color reproduction of micro-biological colonies contained in organic sample(s). The device (700) is adapted for automatic capturing of images of organic sample(s) cultivated on petri dishes of different sizes.