JP2011045300A - Microorganism detection device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a microorganism detection device enabling the grasp of a detection area. <P>SOLUTION: The microorganism detection device 1 exhibits the detection area by emitting visible light prior to its detecting operation. The microorganism detection device 1 has a UV-shielding cover on an emission face provided with a light-emitting element, and ultraviolet rays are radiated to the detection area exhibited by the visible light by pressing the detection device against the detection area in a manner to cover the detection area and a UV-emitting element with the UV-shielding cover. The microorganism detection device 1 detects the microorganism in the detection area by detecting fluorescent light and displays the detection result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a microorganism detection apparatus, and more particularly to a portable microorganism detection apparatus.

  As a method for detecting microorganisms in the atmosphere, there is a method for measuring the number of microorganisms in the air by irradiating them with ultraviolet light, detecting fluorescence emitted from the microorganisms. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-38163 discloses an apparatus for detecting microorganisms in the air in real time, which employs this method.

JP 2003-38163 A

  However, microorganisms may not only float in the atmosphere but also adhere to solid surfaces such as floors and walls, and the detection apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 detects microorganisms other than those in the atmosphere. There was a problem that could not. In addition, there is a problem that a detection person who detects microorganisms using the detection apparatus cannot know where the detection target is.

  Furthermore, the detection device disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires an introduction mechanism such as a suction pump for introducing the air to be detected into the detection device at a predetermined flow rate, so that the detection device can be carried. There was a problem that it was difficult to make the size and weight.

  In addition, when sterilizing by spraying sterilization ions or sterilization sprays on the floor or wall surface, even if only normal sterilization sprays are used or the detection device of Patent Document 1 is used, microorganisms such as mold are preliminarily present in the corresponding places. There was a problem that it was impossible to sterilize after confirming whether it existed.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a problem, Comprising: It aims at providing the microorganisms detection apparatus which can grasp | ascertain a detection area. Another object of the present invention is to provide a microorganism detection apparatus that can detect microorganisms at the sterilization site.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a microorganism detection apparatus includes a microorganism detection means for detecting microorganisms attached to the first area, and a presentation means for presenting the first area. And a presentation control means for controlling the presentation means to present the first area prior to detection by the microorganism detection means.

Preferably, the presenting unit includes a light emitting element for irradiating visible light to the first area.
Preferably, the microorganism detecting means includes a light emitting element for irradiating the excitation light, and the microorganism detecting device surrounds the light emitting element for irradiating the excitation light and extends in a direction along the irradiation direction of the excitation light. Is provided.

  More preferably, the microorganism detection apparatus further includes contact detection means for detecting contact with the first area at the end opposite to the light emitting element of the cover, and the presentation control means includes the first at the cover end. The first area is presented before the contact with the first area, and the microorganism detection apparatus starts irradiation of the excitation light from the light emitting element after the cover end has contacted the first area. A detection control means for controlling the microorganism detection means is further provided.

  More preferably, the microorganism detection apparatus detects sterilization means for performing a sterilization operation toward the first area, and contact with the first area at the end of the cover after detection by the microorganism detection means. When the operation is not performed, the apparatus further includes sterilization control means for controlling the sterilization means to perform the sterilization operation.

  Preferably, the microorganism detection apparatus further includes an input unit for inputting a change in the range of the first area, and the presentation control unit controls the presentation unit to present the first area whose range has been changed. .

  Preferably, the microorganism detection apparatus further includes a display unit for displaying a detection result of the microorganism detection unit.

  Preferably, the microorganism detection apparatus further includes a sterilization means for performing a sterilization operation toward the first area.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a microorganism detection apparatus includes a microorganism detection unit for detecting a microorganism from a first area, a sterilization unit for performing a sterilization operation toward the first area, and a microorganism. And sterilization control means for controlling the sterilization means so that the sterilization operation is performed toward the first area after the detection by the detection means.

  Preferably, the microorganism detection apparatus further includes a member that contacts the first area at the time of detection by the microorganism detection means, and a contact detection means for detecting contact between the member and the first area, The control means controls to perform the sterilization operation when the contact of the member with the first area is not detected after the detection by the microorganism detecting means.

  More preferably, the microorganism detecting means includes a light emitting element for irradiating the excitation light, and the member surrounds the light emitting element for irradiating the excitation light and extends in a direction along the irradiation direction of the excitation light. The contact detection means detects contact of the end of the cover opposite to the light emitting element with the first area.

Preferably, the sterilization means includes a device for generating positive ions and negative ions.
Preferably, the microorganism detection apparatus includes a presentation unit for presenting the first area, and a presentation control unit for controlling the presentation unit to present the first area prior to detection by the microorganism detection unit. Is further provided.

  The microorganism detection apparatus according to the present invention has a portable size and weight, and can detect a detection area. In addition, microorganisms at the sterilization site can be detected.

It is a figure which shows the specific example of the external appearance and structure of the microorganisms detection apparatus concerning embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a structure of the detection apparatus contained in a microorganisms detection apparatus. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a structure of the disinfection apparatus contained in a microorganisms detection apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the positional relationship of the light emitting element in the irradiation surface of a microorganisms detection apparatus. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a structure of the control apparatus contained in a microorganisms detection apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st specific example of the flow of control in a microorganisms detection apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating how to use the microorganisms detection apparatus at the time of performing microorganisms detection operation | movement. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd specific example of the flow of control in a microorganisms detection apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating how to use the microorganisms detection apparatus at the time of performing disinfection operation | movement.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a microorganism detection apparatus 1 according to an embodiment includes a first housing 10, a second housing 20 joined to the first housing 10, and a first housing 10. The cylindrical cover 30 joined to the main structure.

  The first housing 10 includes a control device 11, a detection device 13, and a sterilization device 15. The first housing 10 includes a communication unit 17. The communication unit 17 may be a USB terminal for outputting data to another device using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, or may perform other wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). It may be a mechanism for outputting data to the apparatus, or may be a mechanism for mounting a recording medium such as an SD card and writing data to the recording medium.

  The control device 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 18 and a memory 19. The CPU 18 reads out and executes a program stored in the memory 19, thereby controlling the detection device 13 and the sterilization device 15. The detection device 13 and the sterilization device 15 are electrically connected to the control device 11 and operate according to a control signal from the control device 11. The communication unit 17 is electrically connected to the control device 11, and transmits a detection result to another device or writes it on a recording medium in accordance with a control signal from the control device 11.

  The second housing 20 includes a start button 21 for receiving an instruction to start a detection operation, a sterilization button 22 for receiving an instruction to start a sterilization operation, a range button 23 for receiving an instruction for a detection range, A memory button 24 for accepting an instruction to display the previous detection result and a display unit 25 for displaying the detection result are arranged. These are all electrically connected to the control device 11 included in the first housing 10.

The display unit 25 displays predetermined information according to a control signal from the control device 11.
Each of the buttons 21 to 24 outputs an operation signal indicating that the button has been pressed to the control device 11. Each of the buttons 21 to 24 may also be used as a power button for receiving a power-on instruction, or may be provided with a power button (not shown) separately from these buttons. Instead of the button operation, an operation signal may be input from another device connected to the communication unit 17.

  Preferably, the second housing 20 has a size that can be held by one person or both hands. More preferably, the second housing 20 is sized so that a person can hold it with one hand, and allows a button operation with the other hand.

  The cover 30 has a cylindrical shape or a substantially cylindrical shape in which one end is joined to a surface of the first housing 10 on which a light emitting element or the like to be described later is disposed and extends in a direction along the irradiation direction. In the following description, a surface to which the cover 30 is bonded and a surface on which a light emitting element or the like described later is disposed is referred to as an “irradiation surface” of the first housing 10. The material of the cover 30 is not limited to a specific material, but is a material that does not transmit at least ultraviolet rays.

  A switch 31 is disposed at the end of the cover 30 opposite to the end joined to the first housing 10. The switch 31 is electrically connected to the control device 11 included in the first housing 10. The switch 31 outputs a signal indicating that the switch 31 has been pressed to the control device 11. The switch 31 is an example of a configuration for detecting a state in which the end of the cover 30 is in contact with a solid surface such as a wall surface. A state in which the end of the cover 30 is in contact with a solid surface such as a wall surface may be detected by a method other than using the switch 31.

  The detection device 13 has a configuration for detecting microorganisms in real time from a detection area that is a target area for detecting microorganisms on a solid surface such as a floor or a wall. As a first method for detecting microorganisms in real time, for example, by applying the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-38163, the detection area is irradiated with ultraviolet light as excitation light. And a method of counting the detected fluorescence emission as emission from a microorganism. The detection device 13 has a mechanism that employs the first method as a configuration for detecting microorganisms in real time from a detection area. As a second method for detecting microorganisms in real time, the detection area is irradiated with infrared rays, and the scattered light having a predetermined angle and the intensity is equal to or less than a threshold value is counted as scattered light from the microorganisms. A method is mentioned. In the first method, there is a possibility that chemical fiber scraps and the like that emit fluorescence when irradiated with ultraviolet light are also detected as microorganisms. Therefore, the detection device 13 preferably has a mechanism that adopts the second method in addition to the first method as a configuration for detecting microorganisms from the detection area in real time. It should be noted that other methods for detecting microorganisms in real time can also be employed. Further, only the first method or only the second method may be employed.

  Referring to FIG. 2, a detection device 13 having a detection mechanism employing the first method and the second method includes an ultraviolet light emitting element 132 for irradiating ultraviolet light and an ultraviolet light emitting element 132 for driving. Drive circuit 131, CCD (Charge Coupled Device Image Sensor) 133, infrared light emitting element 135 for irradiating infrared light, drive circuit 134 for driving infrared light emitting element 135, light receiving element 136, and visible light A visible light emitting element 138 for irradiating and a driving circuit 137 for driving the visible light emitting element 138 are included. Preferably, a filter 139 for cutting light in the vicinity of the same wavelength as the ultraviolet rays is arranged in the imaging direction of the CCD 133. Thereby, the incident light of the reflected light from the ultraviolet detection area can be suppressed. Further, a condensing lens may be arranged in the light incident direction of the light receiving element 136.

  Visible light emitted from the visible light emitting element 138 is used to present a detection area. The ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet light emitting element 132 and the infrared rays emitted from the infrared light emitting element 135 are used to detect microorganisms from the detection area.

  Each of the ultraviolet light emitting element 132, the infrared light emitting element 135, and the visible light emitting element 138 corresponds to an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like. These emit light by being driven by the drive circuits 131, 134, and 137, respectively, and emit ultraviolet light, infrared light, and visible light. Further, these are all driven by the drive circuits 131, 134, and 137 so that the irradiation range is variable. Specifically, each of the ultraviolet light-emitting element 132, the infrared light-emitting element 135, and the visible light-emitting element 138 includes a plurality of elements, and is driven by the drive circuits 131, 134, and 137. The designated element emits light. Many elements emit light to widen the irradiation range, and few elements emit light to narrow the irradiation range. The irradiation range may be variable by other mechanisms. The drive circuits 131, 134, and 137 are electrically connected to the control device 11, respectively, and drive the light emitting elements according to control signals from the control device 11.

  The CCD 133 images the detection area irradiated by the ultraviolet light emitting element 132. The CCD 133 is electrically connected to the control device 11 and outputs imaging data to the control device 11. Instead of the CCD 133, a light receiving element for receiving fluorescent light emission may be provided.

  The light receiving element 136 receives the scattered light of the infrared ray irradiated from the infrared light emitting element 135 from the detection area. The light receiving element 136 is electrically connected to the control device 11 and outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of received light to the control device 11.

  The sterilization apparatus 15 has a mechanism for sterilizing the detection area. As a method of sterilizing the detection area, a method of releasing positive ions and negative ions (hereinafter collectively referred to as positive and negative ions) generated by corona discharge and having bactericidal action can be mentioned. The sterilization apparatus 15 has a mechanism that employs the above method as a mechanism for sterilizing the detection area. As another method of sterilizing the detection area, a method of spraying a liquid having a sterilizing action may be mentioned. The sterilization apparatus 15 may include a tank for storing the liquid as another mechanism for sterilizing the detection area, and may have a spray mechanism.

  Referring to FIG. 3, a sterilization apparatus 15 having a sterilization mechanism employing the above-described method of releasing positive and negative ions includes a transformer 152, a drive circuit 151 for driving the transformer 152, a positive side The high-voltage circuit 153, the negative-side high-voltage circuit 154, the discharge electrodes 155a and 155b having needle-like tips, plate-like counter electrodes 156a and 156b made of an integral metal plate, the fan 158, and the fan 158 are driven. And a drive circuit 157 for generating the same.

  The transformer 152 is driven by the drive circuit 151 to boost the voltage input to the primary side and output it to the secondary side. One of the secondary sides of the transformer 152 is electrically connected to the counter electrodes 156a and 156b. The other of the secondary sides is electrically connected to the discharge electrode 155a through the positive high voltage circuit 153, and is electrically connected to the counter electrode 156b through the negative high voltage circuit 154. The drive circuit 151 is electrically connected to the control device 11 and drives the transformer 152 in accordance with a control signal from the control device 11.

  The plate-like counter electrode 156a is disposed with a predetermined distance from the needle-shaped discharge electrode 155a, and the counter electrode 156b is disposed with a predetermined distance from the needle-shaped discharge electrode 155b. By applying a high voltage between the counter electrodes 156a and 156b and the discharge electrodes 155a and 155b by the transformer 152, a positive corona discharge is generated at the tip of the needle-like discharge electrode 155a, and positive ions are generated. At the tip of the needle-like discharge electrode 155b, a negative corona discharge is generated and negative ions are generated. The waveform applied by the transformer 152 is not limited to a specific waveform, and is a high voltage such as a direct current, an alternating current waveform biased positively or negatively, and a pulse waveform biased positively or negatively.

  The fan 158 rotates by being driven by the drive circuit 157. With this rotation, the air is blown from the inside of the sterilizer 15 toward the outside. The drive circuit 157 is electrically connected to the control device 11 and drives the fan 158 according to a control signal from the control device 11.

  Each of the counter electrodes 156a and 156b has a through hole provided in the top plate portion corresponding to the discharge electrodes 155a and 155b. Further, the sterilization apparatus 15 has a discharge hole 159 for releasing ions in a wall portion facing the through holes of the counter electrodes 156a and 156b. The generated positive and negative ions are discharged from the sterilization apparatus 15 to the outside through the through holes and the discharge holes 159 of the counter electrodes 156a and 156b as the fan 158 blows air.

  The ultraviolet light emitting element 132, the CCD 133, the infrared light emitting element 135, the light receiving element 136, and the visible light emitting element 138 are disposed on the irradiation surface of the first housing 10. Therefore, when these elements emit light with the surface facing the detection area, the detection area is irradiated and light emitted from the detection area is received. The discharge hole 159 is also arranged on the irradiation surface of the first housing 10. Therefore, the detection area is sterilized by performing the sterilization operation with the surface facing the detection area. The positional relationship on the irradiation surface will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4A is a view of the irradiation surface of the first housing 10 as viewed from a position facing the surface, that is, from the A direction of FIG. Referring to FIG. 4A, the visible light emitting element 138 is disposed at the center or substantially the center of the irradiation surface. Accordingly, the visible light emitting element 138 emits light with the irradiation surface facing the detection area, so that the detection area is irradiated with visible light. The ultraviolet light emitting element 132, the CCD 133, the infrared light emitting element 135, the light receiving element 136, and the emission hole 159 are arranged at a position surrounding the visible light emitting element 138 that is the center or substantially the center of the irradiation surface. As an example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the ultraviolet light emitting element 132 and the CCD 133 are arranged in a straight line or a substantially straight line with the visible light emitting element 138 as the center or substantially the center thereof, and are orthogonal to the straight line and emit visible light. The infrared light emitting element 135 and the light receiving element 136 are arranged in a straight line or a substantially straight line with the element 138 at the center or substantially the center thereof. The emission hole 159 is disposed near the visible light emitting element 138. Note that the switch 31 includes, for example, two switches 31 a and 31 b, which are ends opposite to the joint side with the irradiation surface of the cover 30. As an example, the switch 31 is on the same line as the ultraviolet light emitting element 132 and the CCD 133. Arranged. In the following description, the end portion of the cover 30 where the switch 31 is disposed is referred to as the end portion of the cover 30.

  FIG. 4B shows an outline of a cross section of a straight line including the ultraviolet light emitting element 132 and the CCD 133, that is, the plane of the arrow B in FIG. Referring to FIG. 4B, the ultraviolet light emitting element 132 is irradiated from the visible light emitting element 138 at the intersection of the ultraviolet ray (beam) irradiated from the ultraviolet light emitting element 132 and the surface in contact with the end of the cover 30. The visible light (beam) is arranged at an angle and position that coincides with or substantially coincides with the intersection of the surface of the cover 30 that contacts the end portion. In the CCD 133, the position on the surface in contact with the end of the cover 30 captured by the CCD 133 coincides with or substantially coincides with the intersection of the visible light (beam) emitted from the visible light emitting element 138 and the surface in contact with the end of the cover 30. Arranged at matching angles and positions. With this arrangement, when the end of the cover 30 is made to face the wall including the detection area, the detection area, which is the range irradiated with the visible light emitting element 138, is irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet light emitting element 132. Then, the detection area is imaged by the CCD 133. When the end of the cover 30 is made to face the wall or the like, the switches 31a and 31b arranged on the end of the cover 30 are pressed by the wall or the like.

  FIG. 4C shows an outline of a cross section in a straight line including the infrared light emitting element 135 and the light receiving element 136, that is, in the plane of the arrow C in FIG. Referring to FIG. 4C, the infrared light emitting element 135 is irradiated from the visible light emitting element 138 at the intersection of the infrared ray (beam) irradiated from the infrared light emitting element 135 and the surface in contact with the end of the cover 30. The visible light (beam) is arranged at an angle and position that coincides with or substantially coincides with the intersection of the surface of the cover 30 that contacts the end portion. In the light receiving element 136, the light emission position on the surface in contact with the end of the cover 30 received by the light receiving element 136 is such that the visible light (beam) emitted from the visible light emitting element 138 and the surface in contact with the end of the cover 30 are in contact. It is arranged at an angle and position that coincides with or substantially coincides with the intersection. With this arrangement, when the end of the cover 30 is opposed to contact with a wall surface including the detection area, the infrared ray from the infrared light emitting element 135 is irradiated to the detection area that is the range irradiated with the visible light emitting element 138. Then, light emission in the detection area is received by the light receiving element 136.

  In addition, arrangement | positioning of the light emitting element etc. which were represented by FIG. 4 is an example, and is not limited to this arrangement | positioning. That is, in the ultraviolet light emitting element 132 and the infrared light emitting element 135 and the visible light emitting element 138, the intersection of the irradiated light from the light emitting elements 132 and 135 and the surface where the end of the cover 30 contacts is from the visible light emitting element 138. Any relationship that coincides or substantially coincides with the intersection of the irradiated light and the surface of the cover 30 that contacts the end of the cover 30 may be used. Further, the CCD 133 and the light receiving element 136 and the visible light emitting element 138 are such that the light receiving position of the CCD 133 and the light receiving element 136 on the surface where the end of the cover 30 is in contact with the irradiation light from the visible light emitting element 138 and the end of the cover 30. Any relationship that coincides with or substantially coincides with the intersection with the surface in contact with the portion.

  Further, in FIG. 4, as a form of the cover 30, an ultraviolet light emitting element 132, a CCD 133, an infrared light emitting element 135, a light receiving element 136, a visible light emitting element 138, and an emission arranged on the irradiation surface of the first housing 10. A form that surrounds all of the holes 159 and extends in a direction along the irradiation direction is shown. However, the cover 30 only needs to surround at least the ultraviolet light emitting element 132 and the CCD 133, and the others may not be surrounded by the cover 30. Even with this configuration, the cover 30 prevents at least ultraviolet rays from being irradiated to the detector.

  Referring to FIG. 5, control device 11 includes detection instruction input unit 111 for receiving an operation signal from start button 21, detection range input unit 112 for receiving an operation signal from range button 23, and switch 31. Switch input unit 113 for receiving a signal from the light source, detection determination unit 114, visible light control unit 115, detection light control unit 116, input of imaging data from the CCD 133 and the amount of light received from the light receiving element 136 From the light receiving input unit 117 for receiving the input of the received signal, the detecting unit 118 for detecting the microorganism, the output unit 119 for performing the process of outputting the detection result, and the input imaging data or the light receiving element 136 A storage unit 120 for storing the signals of the display, a display instruction input unit 121 for receiving an operation signal from the memory button 24, A bacterium determination unit 122, a sterilization instruction input unit 123 for receiving an operation signal from the sterilization button 22, a sterilization control unit 124, and a communication control unit 125 for controlling communication in the communication unit 17. Including. These are functions mainly formed in the CPU 18 when the CPU 18 reads and executes a program stored in the memory 19. Or at least one part may be implement | achieved by hardware, such as an electric circuit.

  The detection determination unit 114 determines the stage of the detection operation based on the press of the start button 21 and the press of the switch 31, and causes the visible light control unit 115 or the detection light control unit 116 to perform control according to the stage. The signal is output. Further, the detection determination unit 114 identifies the range of the detection area based on the designation of the range from the range button 23, and detects the microorganisms from the detection area in the range with respect to the visible light control unit 115 or the detection light control unit 116. A signal for performing the detecting operation is output.

  The visible light control unit 115 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 137 in accordance with a signal from the detection determination unit 114, thereby controlling light emission of the visible light emitting element 138 and stop of light emission. The detection light control unit 116 outputs a control signal to the drive circuits 131 and 134 according to the signal from the detection determination unit 114, thereby causing the ultraviolet light emitting element 132 to emit light and stopping the light emission, and the infrared light emitting element 135 to emit light and Controls the stop of light emission.

  By irradiating ultraviolet rays onto a solid surface such as a wall or a floor as a detection area, microorganisms and dust adhering to the detection area are excited and emit a long wavelength which is visible light. Among them, microorganisms emit blue and green fluorescence. The detection unit 118 can detect fluorescence emission from the imaging data by performing RGB decomposition processing on the imaging data from the CCD 133. As another method, the detection unit 118 can detect fluorescence emission from the imaging data by comparing the color value of each pixel of the imaging data from the CCD 133 with a predetermined threshold value. Furthermore, fluorescence emission may be detected by other methods such as using a filter.

  By detecting the microorganisms from the detection area by such a method in the microorganism detection apparatus 1, it is possible to detect the microorganisms attached to the detection area which is a solid surface such as a floor or a wall. Therefore, for example, a suction pump for introducing the atmosphere into the detection device at a predetermined flow rate, which is necessary for a device for detecting microorganisms in the atmosphere, such as the detection device disclosed in JP-A-2003-38163. The introduction mechanism such as can be eliminated. As a result, the microorganism detection apparatus 1 can be reduced in size and weight as compared with a detection apparatus that requires the introduction mechanism, and can be held by one person as described above.

  The detection unit 118 may output the counting result of fluorescence emission to the output unit 119 as a detection result, or by comparing the threshold value stored in advance with the counting result of fluorescence emission, The level (many, small, etc.) may be output to the output unit 119. In the simplest case, the detection unit 118 may output the input imaging data itself as a detection result to the output unit 119 without performing the above detection process. The detection result of the detection unit 118 may be stored in the storage unit 120.

  The output unit 119 performs processing for displaying the detection result from the detection unit 118 on the display unit 25 and controls display on the display unit 25. Alternatively, when the detection result is transmitted from the communication unit 17 to an external device (or written to a recording medium), the detection result from the detection unit 118 is subjected to processing for transmission or writing, and transmission or writing is controlled. To the communication control unit 125.

  The storage unit 120 stores at least previous imaging data or detection results. When storing only previous data, the storage unit 120 overwrites the stored data every time imaging data or a detection result is input. When storing a predetermined number of data, the storage unit 120 stores the data in association with information specifying the input order or the input time. The output unit 119 performs processing for reading and displaying at least the previous imaging data or detection result from the storage unit 120 based on pressing of the memory button 24.

  The sterilization determination unit 122 determines the stage of the sterilization operation based on the press of the sterilization button 22 and the press of the switch 31, and outputs a signal for causing the sterilization control unit 124 to perform control according to the stage. Output. The sterilization control unit 124 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 151 and the drive circuit 157 in accordance with the signal from the sterilization determination unit 122, whereby the high voltage between the counter electrodes 156a and 156b and the discharge electrodes 155a and 155b. Application and stop of application, and rotation and stop of rotation of the fan 158 are controlled.

  A first specific example of the flow of control in the control device 11 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. The control shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is a control that is started when the start button 21 is pressed, and is a control for causing the microorganism detection apparatus 1 to detect a microorganism from the detection area. This control is realized by the CPU 18 of the control device 11 reading out a program stored in the memory 19 and exhibiting the functions shown in FIG. Moreover, how to use the microorganism detection apparatus 1 when detecting microorganisms from the detection area using the microorganism detection apparatus 1 will also be described with reference to FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 6, when start button 21 is pressed, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 101, detection determination unit 114 determines that it is a stage of irradiating visible light, and visible light emitting element 138 emits visible light. Control for irradiating is performed. Thus, when the start button 21 is pressed, visible light is emitted.

  Referring to FIG. 7A, preferably, when starting the detection operation, the detector makes the microorganism detection device 1 face a detection area (for example, a wall surface), and the tip of the cover 30 is about 5 cm from the wall surface. Set it apart. When the detector presses the start button 21 in this state, visible light is emitted from the visible light emitting element 138 in S101, and the position corresponding to the irradiation direction of the visible light emitting element 138 on the wall surface is detected by visible light. Presented as an area. Thereby, the detector can recognize the irradiated position as a detection area.

  At this stage, the detector can designate (change) the range of the detection area by operating the range button 23. The range button 23 corresponds to a rotary knob or a slide bar. Preferably, the range button 23 is a button configured to hold the microorganism detection device 1 with one hand while maintaining the state facing the wall surface as shown in FIG. 7A and to be operated only with the other hand. To do. As a result, it is possible to change the range of the detection area while recognizing the detection area by irradiation with visible light, as shown in FIG.

  When the control device 11 receives an instruction to change the detection range by the range button 23 (YES in S103), the detection determination unit 114 performs control for changing the irradiation range of visible light from the visible light emitting element 138 in S105. Done. As a specific example of this control, when the visible light emitting element 138 is composed of a plurality of light emitting elements as described above, control for changing the number of light emitting elements to emit light corresponds. Thereby, the detector can change easily the range made into a detection area by changing the irradiation range of visible light.

  If pressing of the switch 31 is detected in a state where visible light is irradiated (YES in S107), the detection determination unit 114 ends the irradiation of visible light in S109 and causes the microorganism detection operation to be executed. That is, the detector 30 recognizes the detection area as shown in FIG. 7A, and as shown in FIG. 7B, the cover 30 confirms that the detection area is irradiated with visible light. Is pressed against the wall surface, the irradiation of visible light is terminated, and the microorganism detection operation in S109 is started.

  In the microorganism detection operation of S109, specifically, the detection determination unit 114 irradiates ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet light emitting element 132 as the first-stage detection. At this time, the detection light control unit 116 controls to irradiate ultraviolet rays in a range similar to the visible light irradiation range changed in S105. Thereby, microorganisms are detected from the detection area presented as shown in FIG. Further, by irradiating the ultraviolet rays after the depression of the switch 31 is detected in S107, it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet rays from leaking from the cover 30 and being irradiated to the detector.

  In the first-stage detection of the microorganism detection operation in S109, the detection unit 118 of the control device 11 performs RGB decomposition processing on the image data from the CCD 133 and detects fluorescence emission from the image data, thereby detecting microorganisms. The The detection result is displayed on the display unit 25 as shown in FIG.

  In the microorganism detection operation of S109, as a second-stage detection, the control device 11 may irradiate infrared rays from the infrared light emitting element 135 and perform microorganism detection using infrared scattering intensity. The detection in the second stage may be automatically performed after the detection in the first stage. After the detection in the first stage, the switch 31 is kept pressed, that is, the cover 30 is pressed against the wall surface. It may be performed when an operation such as pressing the start button 21 again is performed in the state where it is in the state.

  In the second stage detection of the microorganism detection operation in S109, the detection unit 118 of the control device 11 compares the intensity obtained from the detection signal from the light receiving element 136 with a threshold value, and determines that the light is scattered light from the microorganism. Microorganisms are detected by detecting scattered light. In S111, the detection result is displayed on the display unit 25 as shown in FIG.

  When the detection result is displayed in S111, a series of control ends. Preferably, the detection determination unit 114 stops the detection operation when the depression of the switch 31 is not detected during the microorganism detection operation in S109 in order to prevent the ultraviolet ray from being irradiated to the detector. Thereby, when the cover 30 moves away from the wall surface during the detection operation, the irradiation of ultraviolet rays is stopped, so that it is possible to prevent the ultraviolet rays from being irradiated to the detector.

  By performing the above-described control, the detector can detect the microorganism at the position by pressing the cover 30 against the wall surface with the position recognized by visible light. Therefore, the detector can release the positive and negative ions toward the detection area by pressing the sterilization button 22 to sterilize.

  A second specific example of the flow of control in the control device 11 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. The control shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is a control that is started when the sterilization button 22 is pressed. The microorganism detection apparatus 1 detects microorganisms from the detection area and then sterilizes the detection area. This is a control for operating. This control is also realized by the CPU 18 of the control device 11 reading out a program stored in the memory 19 and exhibiting the functions shown in FIG. Further, how to use the microorganism detection apparatus 1 in this case will also be described with reference to FIGS.

  Referring to FIG. 8, when the sterilization button 22 is pressed, the same control of S201 to S211 as S101 to S111 of FIG. 6 is performed. Thus, as in the first specific example, after the detection area is presented by visible light, the cover 30 is pressed against the wall surface, so that the detection area is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and microorganisms are detected from the detection area. . Furthermore, infrared rays are irradiated to the detection area as necessary, and microorganisms are detected from the detection area.

  When the switch 31 remains pressed until the detection result is displayed in S211, that is, the cover 30 remains pressed against the wall surface, and the pressing of the switch 31 is not detected after the display (YES in S213) ), The sterilization determination unit 122 executes a sterilization operation. That is, when the tip of the cover 30 moves away from the wall surface as shown in FIG. 9 from the state in which the cover 30 is pressed against the wall surface in FIG. Bacteria operation starts. The sterilization operation may be started when pressing of the switch 31 is not detected within a predetermined time after the detection result is displayed. Furthermore, a mechanism (a lamp, an alarm, a vibration, etc.) for notifying that the sterilization operation is started when the cover 30 is separated from the wall surface is detected, and pressing of the switch 31 is detected during the notification after the detection result is displayed. When the operation is no longer performed, the sterilization operation may be started.

  In the sterilization operation of S215, the sterilization determination unit 122 generates positive and negative ions by applying a high voltage between the counter electrodes 156a and 156b and the discharge electrodes 155a and 155b, and is generated by rotating the fan 158. Positive and negative ions are emitted toward the detection area. Thereby, the detection area is sterilized. In addition, by releasing positive and negative ions after the pressing of the switch 31 is not detected in S213, an increase in pressure due to air blowing between the cover 30 and the wall surface can be suppressed.

  By performing the above-described control, a detector who intends to sterilize can detect a microorganism using the sterilized part as a detection area and then sterilize the part. That is, the detector can sterilize after grasping the amount of microorganisms at the sterilization site in advance.

  Preferably, the microorganism detection apparatus 1 includes a button for instructing a sterilization level (positive and negative ion generation amount, sterilization operation time). And based on the instruction | indication by the said button after the detection result display of S211, the sterilization judgment part 122 controls the sterilization level in the sterilization operation | movement of S215. Thus, the detector can determine the sterilization level according to the amount of microorganisms detected from the sterilization site and perform sterilization.

  In addition, preferably, the microorganism detection apparatus 1 includes a button for instructing to stop the control after the series of controls in FIG. And based on the instruction | indication by the said button after the detection result display of S211, the sterilization judgment part 122 skips the sterilization operation | movement of S215. Thereby, the detector can determine the necessity of the sterilization operation according to the amount of microorganisms detected from the sterilization site.

  More preferably, in addition to the above control of sterilization, in S211, the previous detection result may be displayed together with the detection result in S209. Thereby, the detector can compare the amount of microorganisms detected from the sterilization site with the amount of microorganisms detected last time, and determine the sterilization level and necessity of sterilization operation based on the comparison. Can do.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Microbe detection apparatus, 10 1st housing | casing, 11 Control apparatus, 13 Detection apparatus, 15 Sterilization apparatus, 17 Communication part, 18 CPU, 19 Memory, 20 2nd housing | casing, 21 Start button, 22 Sterilization button , 23 Range button, 24 Memory button, 25 Display, 30 Cover, 31, 31a, 31b Switch, 131 Drive circuit, 132 UV light emitting element, 133 CCD, 134 Drive circuit, 135 Infrared light emitting element, 136 Light receiving element, 138 Visible Light emitting element, 137 drive circuit, 139 filter, 152 transformer, 151 drive circuit, 153, 154 high voltage circuit, 155a, 155b discharge electrode, 156a, 156b counter electrode, 158 fan, 157 drive circuit, 159 discharge hole, 111 detection Instruction input unit, 112 Detection range input unit, 113 switch Input unit, 114 detection determination unit, 115 visible light control unit, 116 detection light control unit, 117 light reception input unit, 118 detection unit, 119 output unit, 120 storage unit, 121 display instruction input unit, 122 sterilization determination unit, 123 A sterilization instruction input unit, 124 a sterilization control unit, and a 125 communication control unit.

Claims (13)

Microorganism detecting means for detecting microorganisms adhering to the first area;
Presenting means for presenting the first area;
A microorganism detection apparatus comprising: a presentation control means for controlling the presentation means to present the first area prior to detection by the microorganism detection means.   The microorganism detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the presenting unit includes a light emitting element for irradiating visible light to the first area. The microorganism detecting means includes a light emitting element for irradiating excitation light,
The microorganism detection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cylindrical cover that surrounds a light emitting element for irradiating the excitation light and extends in a direction along an irradiation direction of the excitation light. Contact detection means for detecting contact with the first area of the end of the cover opposite to the light emitting element;
The presentation control means causes the presentation to be performed before the contact of the cover end with the first area,
The detection control means for controlling the microorganism detection means to start the irradiation of the excitation light from the light emitting element after the cover end portion contacts the first area. Microbe detection device. Sterilization means for performing a sterilization operation toward the first area;
A sterilization control means for controlling the sterilization means to perform a sterilization operation when contact with the first area of the cover end is no longer detected after detection by the microorganism detection means; The microorganism detection apparatus according to claim 4, comprising: An input means for inputting a change in the range of the first area;
The microorganism detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the presentation control unit controls the presentation unit to present the first area in which the range is changed.   The microorganism detection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying a detection result of the microorganism detection means.   The microorganism detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a sterilization unit for performing a sterilization operation toward the first area. Microorganism detecting means for detecting microorganisms from the first area;
Sterilization means for performing a sterilization operation toward the first area;
A microbial detection apparatus comprising: sterilization control means for controlling the sterilization means so that the sterilization operation is performed toward the first area after detection by the microorganism detection means. A member that contacts the first area at the time of detection by the microorganism detection means;
Contact detection means for detecting contact between the member and the first area;
The sterilization control unit controls the sterilization operation to be performed when contact with the first area of the member is not detected after detection by the microorganism detection unit. Microbe detection device. The microorganism detecting means includes a light emitting element for irradiating excitation light,
The member is a cylindrical cover that surrounds a light emitting element for irradiating the excitation light and extends in a direction along the irradiation direction of the excitation light.
The microorganism detection apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the contact detection means detects contact of the end of the cover opposite to the light emitting element with the first area.   The microbe detection apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the sterilization means includes an apparatus for generating positive ions and negative ions. Presenting means for presenting the first area;
The microorganism detection apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising a presentation control means for controlling the presentation means to present the first area prior to detection by the microorganism detection means. .

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