JP3777661B2 - Filtration disorder microorganism monitoring device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a filtration failure microorganism monitoring apparatus that recognizes microorganisms that cause filtration blockage by using image processing and counts the number of appearance in a water purification process.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There have been many reports of diatoms that have propagated in reservoirs and lakes being taken into water treatment plants and causing filtration clogging. When the number of diatoms in the inflowing water is increased, the filtration duration is usually reduced to about 5 to 6 hours when the filtration duration time is more than 50 hours. Synedra acus is the most frequently reported diatom causing damage. This diatom has a needle-like shape with a length of 100 to 300 μm, a width of 4.5 to 6 μm and a slightly swollen center. In addition, leafy ones with a swollen center and cylindrical diatoms are well known as causative organisms. For this reason, measuring the number of diatoms in the influent is an important management task in the water purification process.
[0003]
At the water purification plant, the type and number of microorganisms in the water source water are examined using a microscope at a frequency of once a month or more. In general, the frequency of microscopic examination is increased when the number of microorganisms is increased. However, since it is complicated and requires specialized knowledge, there is a limit to increasing the number of operations. In addition, when the increase in microorganisms overlaps with a holiday where the operator is absent, the response is delayed and the damage becomes even more serious. From such a situation, automation of filtration disorder microorganisms is desired.
[0004]
An image processing method is used to automatically measure microorganisms based on a microscope image (Japanese Patent Application No. 7-10238).
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, because diatoms that cause filtration blockage are subject to needles, cylinders, or swelled shapes, etc., and are susceptible to changes in measurement conditions such as brightness of the input image, As an image processing technique, it is difficult to apply a binarization technique that has been generally used. In addition, pattern matching techniques are difficult to recognize when the length and shape are different in addition to being affected by changes in the background.
[0006]
Microorganism microscopic image data is collected by taking a certain amount of test water on a slide glass with a boundary line, covering it with a cover glass, and microscopically examining it at 100 to 200 times. The slide glass with a boundary line is formed by engraving parallel lines or bases at intervals of 1 mm or 0.5 mm on a glass plate having a length of 76 to 80 mm, a width of 40 mm, and a thickness of 3 mm. The name and number of organisms in the cover glass are examined while moving the field of view along this boundary line. For example, when 0.05 ml is sampled and covered with an 18 × 18 mm cover glass and examined at intervals of 1 mm, the total number of the visual fields is 324. Assuming that 100 target organisms appear per 1 ml (normally this level appears, and if it causes damage, it is about 10 times higher than this), and an average of 5 is detected in 324 fields of view. It will be. Therefore, in general, the sample water is concentrated by using a plankton net, centrifugal separation, etc., and the appearance frequency is increased to perform a speculum.
[0007]
On the other hand, when a handy type microscope equipped with a light source is used, it is possible to observe microorganisms in the water tank directly from the outside of the transparent glass water tank. However, it is difficult to identify needles such as diatoms, cylinders, and shapes that have a bulging center because they are circular or elliptical in the viewing direction. It is necessary to perform operations such as sandwiching the sample water with two preparations in the water tank or sandwiching one preparation between the glass walls. In this way, an image of diatom can be obtained, but in the above example, such an operation is performed 324 times and only five images are detected on average. Therefore, a method of obtaining images of many fields of view by moving the preparation in one preparation of the preparation can be considered. In this case, it is practically difficult to produce a device that accurately moves the preparation at predetermined intervals in the water tank.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a filtration hindrance microorganism monitoring apparatus capable of automatically measuring the number of diatoms that are filtration hindrance microorganisms in water purification treatment. Is to provide.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The filtration hindrance microorganism monitoring apparatus of the present invention includes a microscope for observing a sample of water sample in a water purification plant, an ITV camera for taking an image of the microscope, and a diatom that is a filtration hindrance microorganism receiving an image signal from the ITV camera. An filtration recognition microorganism monitoring apparatus comprising: an image recognition apparatus that employs a model-based matching method for identifying and counting; and a means for automatically changing the field-of-view image of the microscope,
The image recognition apparatus extracts a set (edge) of points from which the luminance changes greatly from an image signal from the ITV camera, extracts a linear component and an arc component from the extracted edge image, and uses the set of these components as an edge image. The feature data is collated with the feature model (internal model) of the microorganism species registered in advance, the microorganism species photographed in the input image is identified, and the number of appearances is counted . Thus, it is possible to automatically count the number of emergence of diatoms, which are microorganisms hindering filtration in water purification treatment.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a semi-automatic filtration disorder microorganism monitoring apparatus using a general microscope.
[0011]
In FIG. 1, 1 (2 to 7) is a semi-automatic microbial image collection device, 3 is an XY stage on which a preparation (microscopic specimen) prepared from sampled sample water is placed, and 2 is a position of stage 3 in advance. A sequencer that automatically moves in a predetermined order, 6 is a microscope (biological microscope) that observes a preparation on the stage 3, and 7 is an ITV camera that captures an image of the microscope. Reference numerals 8 and 9 denote an image recording apparatus and an image recognition apparatus connected to the ITV camera 7.
[0012]
Next, the operation of this apparatus will be described. In this example, sampling of the water sample, preparation of the preparation from the sampled water sample, and setting of the preparation to the XY stage 3 are performed manually, and then the stage 3 is automatically moved by the sequencer 2 and the microscope 6 is moved. Then, the ITV camera 7 collects images with a predetermined number of fields of view, and outputs image signals to the image recording device 8 and the image recognition device 9. The image recognition device 9 identifies the target microorganism for each visual field image and outputs the number of appearances.
[0013]
A model-based matching method is used as an image processing method of the image recognition device 9. The processing flow of this method is shown in FIG.
[0014]
In the image input process (S1), a monochrome grayscale image from the ITV camera 6 is captured. In the edge detection process (S2), a set (edge) of points whose luminance changes greatly is extracted from the input image. As the edge extraction method, for example, a smoothed second-order differential method weighted with a Gaussian distribution function is used, and edge detection that is resistant to noise and unaffected by changes in luminance of the input image is possible. Next, in the edge image feature extraction process (S3), a linear component and an arc component are extracted from the extracted edge image, and a set of these components is used as feature data of the edge image.
[0015]
In the feature matching process (S4), the microorganisms captured in the input image are checked by matching (matching) the feature model (internal model) of the microorganism species registered in advance with the feature data extracted in the feature extraction process (S3). Identify species and recognize their number.
[0016]
In the model creation process (S5), processes (S1 to S3) are performed in advance for known microbial species, and the microbial species are created and registered as internal models that are a set of arc components.
[0017]
The identification of microorganism species by the model-based matching method consisting of the above processing is performed by collating feature data that is a set of straight lines and arcs with the internal model, and can be recognized even when there are deformations, etc. during movement of microorganism species. It becomes possible.
[0018]
FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show an original image of Syneda acus, which is a kind of diatom, and a photograph of a recognition example.
[0019]
Embodiment 2
FIG. 5 shows the configuration of a fully automatic filtration disorder microorganism monitoring apparatus using a handy type microscope equipped with a light source.
[0020]
In FIG. 5 , 1 is an automatic microorganism image collecting device, 4 is a sampling pump for automatically collecting sample water, 5 is a sampling water tank for preparing a sample from the collected water, and 6 is a handy type equipped with a light source for observing the sample in the water tank. , 7 is an ITV camera that captures an image of the microscope, and 8 and 9 are an image recording device and an image recognition device connected to the ITV camera 7.
[0021]
The configuration of the sampling water tank 5 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, 51 is a water tank (main body), 61 is a holder of the microscope 6, the tip (lower part) is in water, and the tip is made of transparent glass. Reference numeral 3 denotes a stage on which a specimen is placed. The stage 3 is provided at the bottom of the water tank 5 so as to face the front end surface of the holder 6, and has a ring-shaped or frame-shaped spacer 32 on the top surface. The stage drive device 31 can move up and down. 52 is a stirring device for stirring the test water in the water tank 51, and 53 is an ultrasonic cleaning device for cleaning the stage 3, the holder 61 and the like.
[0022]
The operation of this microorganism monitoring apparatus will be described. The sampling pump 4 samples the test water in the water tank 51. The stirring device 52 always stirs the water in the water tank.
[0023]
First, in order to prepare a specimen, the stage driving device 31 operates to raise the stage 3 and bring the spacer 32 into contact with the lower surface of the holder 61. As a result, the test water is captured in the space surrounded by the stage 3, the spacer 32, and the holder 61, and a sample is obtained.
[0024]
Since this specimen is set on the stage 3, an image of the specimen is obtained by the microscope 6. This image is picked up by an ITV camera, and the image signal is output to the image recording device 8 and the image recognition device 9. The image recognition device 9 identifies the target microorganism by the flow of FIG. 2 and outputs the number of appearances.
[0025]
When the observation of the specimen is finished, the stage driving device 31 operates in the reverse direction to lower the stage 3 to the original position. When the stage 3 is lowered, the specimen that has been observed is passed through the agitated test water, and the holder 61, the stage 3 and the like are ultrasonically cleaned.
[0026]
The stage driving device 31 operates again to raise the stage 3 to capture the water sample between the stage 3, the spacer 32, and the holder 61, and perform image recognition as a new sample in the same manner as described above. In this way, image recognition of a predetermined number of field images is automatically performed by automatically changing the specimen.
[0027]
According to this embodiment, the required number of data can be obtained in a set state on the stage by moving the stage 3 up and down. Further, since the ultrasonic cleaning device is provided, the dirt on the glass portion of the holder 61 is automatically cleaned, and this enables continuous automatic use.
[0028]
Embodiment 3
When the sampling water tank of FIG. 6 is used, only one visual field image can be obtained from the microscope 6 by one movement of the stage 3. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, a microscope driving device 62 that can move the microscope 6 in the X-axis direction is provided, and the microscope 6 is moved in the X-axis direction at a fixed interval, so that the microscope 6 can be moved at a time. Field of view images can be obtained. In this case, since the microscope moves in one axis, the apparatus can be simplified.
[0029]
Embodiment 4
When the sampling water tank shown in FIG. 7 is used, if the number of fields of view by the microscope 6 is increased, the moving distance of the microscope increases, resulting in a slight difference in the distance between the microscope 6 and the stage 3. There is a possibility of being out of focus.
[0030]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, in addition to the driving device 62 that can be driven in the X-axis direction, the microscope 6 is provided with a microscope driving device 63 that can be driven in the Y-axis direction, and the microscope is moved in the biaxial direction. This makes it possible to obtain images with many fields of view by reducing the moving distance.
[0031]
Embodiment 5
6 to 8, the distal end portion of the microscope 6 is immersed in water through the holder 61, so that a waterproof measure is necessary, but a moisture measure in the holder 61 is also necessary.
[0032]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the microscope 6 is installed on the outer wall of the transparent glass water tank 51 toward the inside of the water tank, the stage 3 in the water tank is provided sideways toward the microscope 6, and the stage driving device 31. Was installed above the surface of the water tank.
[0033]
Then, the stage 3 is moved in the direction of the microscope 6 by the driving device 31 so that the spacer 32 is brought into contact with the inner surface of the water tank, and the water sample is captured in the space formed between the stage, the spacer, and the inner surface of the water tank. The microscope 6 observed the sample through the glass of the water tank 51.
[0034]
Also in this case, as in the third or fourth embodiment, the microscope driving device 62 or 62, 63 can be provided so that many field images can be obtained.
[0035]
Embodiment 6
As shown in FIG. 9, when the sample is prepared with the stage facing sideways, microorganisms with large specific gravity and sedimentation cannot be observed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the microscope 6 is installed on the outer bottom wall of the transparent water tank 51 so as to face the water tank, and the stage 3 in the water tank is provided upside down toward the microscope 6. 31 was installed above the surface of the water tank.
[0036]
Then, the stage 3 is moved downward in the direction of the microscope 6 by the driving device 31 and the spacer 32 is brought into contact with the inner bottom surface of the water tank 51 to measure water in a space formed between the stage, the spacer, and the inner bottom surface of the water tank. Was captured as a specimen, and the specimen was observed through the glass of the water tank 51 with the microscope 6.
[0037]
Also in this case, many field images can be obtained by providing a microscope driving device as in the third or fourth embodiment.
[0038]
In the third to sixth embodiments, as in the case of the first embodiment, the image of the microscope 6 is changed to an image signal by the ITV camera 7, and the microbial species is identified by the image recognition device 9, and the number of the microorganisms is identified. Recognize
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
Since this invention is comprised as mentioned above, there exists an effect described below.
[0040]
(1) It is possible to automatically count the number of diatoms that are filtration hindered microorganisms in water purification treatment.
[0041]
(2) Since the number of measurements can be automatically increased, a sign of filtration failure can be detected in a timely manner.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration explanatory diagram of a filtration disorder microorganism monitoring apparatus according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a process flow diagram of a model-based matching method.
FIG. 3 is a photomicrograph showing the morphology of biological Cinedra Ax.
FIG. 4 is a halftone image obtained by processing a photomicrograph showing the form of biological Cinedra Ax and displaying it on a display.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a filtration disorder microorganism monitoring apparatus according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a sampling water tank according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a configuration explanatory diagram of a sample water tank according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a configuration explanatory diagram of a sample water tank according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a sample water tank according to a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a sample water tank according to a sixth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1. Microbial image collection device
2. Sequencer that automatically adjusts the stage position sequentially
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 ... The stage in which a sample is set 4 ... Sampling pump 5 ... Sampling water tank which performs preparation and setting of a sample simultaneously 6 ... Microscope 7 ... ITV camera 8 ... Image recording device 9 ... Image recognition device 31 ... Stage drive device 32 ... Spacer 51 ... Water tank (main body)
52 ... Stirring device 53 ... Ultrasonic cleaning device 61 ... Microscope holder 62, 63 ... Microscope drive device

Claims (4)

A microscope for observing specimens from water purification plants,
An ITV camera that takes images of the microscope,
An image recognition device that adopts a model-based matching method that receives and counts image signals from an ITV camera, identifies diatoms that are microorganisms that impede filtration, and performs counting;
A filtration failure microorganism monitoring device comprising: means for automatically changing the field of view of the microscope;
The image recognition apparatus extracts a set (edge) of points from which the luminance changes greatly from an image signal from the ITV camera, extracts a linear component and an arc component from the extracted edge image, and uses the set of these components as an edge image. The feature data is collated with a feature model (internal model) of the microorganism species registered in advance, the microorganism species photographed in the input image is identified, and the number of appearances is counted . Filtration disorder microorganism monitoring device characterized by. In claim 1,
Establish a water tank into which test water is introduced,
Provide the tip of the microscope in the water of the aquarium through a holder with a transparent tip,
A stage is provided in the water tank so as to face the tip of the holder and move in the direction of the holder,
A filtration failure microorganism monitoring apparatus characterized in that a sample is obtained by capturing water between the tip end surface of the holder and the upper surface of the stage. In claim 1,
Provide a transparent water tank in which sample water is introduced and stirred,
Install the microscope on the outer wall of the aquarium, facing the aquarium,
A stage is installed in the water tank so as to face the microscope and move in the direction of the microscope.
A filtration disorder microorganism monitoring apparatus, wherein the stage is moved in the direction of the microscope, and the sample is captured between the inner wall surface of the water tank and the upper surface of the stage to obtain a sample.   4. The filtration obstacle microorganism monitoring device according to claim 1, further comprising a microscope driving device that moves the microscope parallel to the stage surface.

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