JP7393836B1 - Bacterial body observation device - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a microbial cell observation device that can easily and accurately switch between dark field and bright field. [Solution] A light control plate 6 having a mounting area 8 on which a container 3 containing bacterial cells 5 and a culture medium 4 is placed, and a light irradiation mechanism 10 that irradiates light to the container 3 via the light control plate 6. and an imaging mechanism 20 that captures the light emitted from the light irradiation mechanism 10 and diffused by the light control plate 6 or the bacterial cells 5. and the imaging mechanism 20 are arranged at a position where the light control plate 6 overlaps with the light control plate 6, and the light control plate 6 can be switched between a transparent state and a diffused state depending on the voltage application state. The mounting area 8 emits light to the imaging mechanism 20 in a direction that provides a dark field. [Selection diagram] Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to a microbial cell observation device that can place a container containing microbial cells and a culture medium, and that irradiates the container with light to take an image.

As a bacterial cell observation device, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-345750) discloses a device that counts the number of colonies of bacteria, microorganisms, etc. cultured in a culture medium in a petri dish. As shown in FIG. 2 of Patent Document 1, this device includes a pedestal, a support plate provided on the top of the pedestal, a diffusion plate fixed to the support plate, and a structure arranged below the support plate and the diffusion plate in parallel. It includes an illumination device that irradiates light onto a petri dish placed above a diffuser plate through a plate, and a CCD camera placed above the support plate and capable of photographing light from the bottom of the petri dish. Furthermore, this apparatus includes a data processing device that processes image data taken from a CCD camera and counts the number of colonies in the culture medium.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-345750

Here, by changing the state of the light irradiated to the bacteria and the medium and the state of the light received by the imaging mechanism depending on the type of the bacteria and the medium, it is possible to obtain captured images that make it easier to observe the colonies of bacteria. A bacterial cell observation device that can perform this is considered.
A microbial cell observation device having such a configuration includes: a mounting section on which a container containing a culture medium for microbial cells can be placed; a light irradiation mechanism that irradiates the container with light through an opening of the mounting section; and an imaging mechanism that captures an image of light transmitted through the container placed on the mounting section, and is arranged at a position where the container, the opening, and the imaging mechanism overlap in plan view, and the light irradiation mechanism The container is configured to be irradiated with light from a direction oblique to a direction perpendicular to a mounting surface on which the container is mounted. More specifically, the configuration is such that the non-diffused light emitted from the light irradiation mechanism and transmitted through the container or the placement area of the container does not directly enter the imaging mechanism.

In such a bacterial cell observation device, when nothing is placed in the opening of the mounting section, or when glass or resin, etc. with relatively high transmittance and relatively low white turbidity is placed, Most of the light that travels along the inclined direction and enters the opening passes through the container without changing significantly from the angle of incidence, and therefore does not enter the imaging mechanism located above the container. . However, the light that hits the bacterial colonies in the medium when passing through the container is diffused (in this disclosure, this includes scattering and reflection), especially on the sides of the colonies, and the light that hits the bacterial colonies in the culture medium is scattered (in this disclosure, this includes scattering and reflection), and The light diffused in the direction enters the imaging mechanism. Therefore, the image captured by the imaging mechanism becomes a dark-field image in which the entire image becomes blackish and the outline of the bacterial colony appears white.
This dark field image can be used when transparent or white bacterial colonies are visible in a translucent medium.

On the other hand, if glass or the like with a relatively high degree of white turbidity is placed in the opening of the mounting section, the light that travels along the inclined direction and enters the opening will be diffused and then transmitted through the container. . Of this light, the light that is diffused in the direction of the imaging mechanism located above the container enters the imaging mechanism. However, since the light absorption rate of the bacterial colony is higher than that of other parts, the light that passes through the colony and enters the imaging mechanism is reduced. Therefore, the image captured by the imaging mechanism becomes a bright field image in which the entire image becomes bright and the bacterial colonies appear relatively dark.
This bright field image can be used when dark bacterial colonies are visible in a translucent medium.

In this manner, when switching between dark field and bright field in the microbial cell observation device, it is necessary to change the state of the opening of the mounting section. For example, it is necessary to change the glass provided in the opening of the mounting section to dark field glass or bright field glass.
However, such work is time-consuming and there is a risk that the glass or the like may be damaged during the switching work. Furthermore, if the work is not done carefully, there is a risk of accidentally switching to a glass or the like that is different from the desired field of view.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a microbial cell observation device that can easily and accurately switch between dark field and bright field.

A bacterial cell observation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a light control plate having a placement area for placing a container containing bacterial cells and a culture medium, and a light control plate that illuminates the container through the light control plate. A microbial cell observation device comprising: a light irradiation mechanism that irradiates the light; and an imaging mechanism that captures the light emitted from the light irradiation mechanism and diffused by the light control plate or the microbial cells, in a plan view, The placement area and the imaging mechanism are arranged at a position where they overlap, the light control plate is switchable between a transparent state and a diffused state depending on a voltage application state, and the light irradiation mechanism is arranged in a transparent state and a diffused state. The mounting area of the light control plate emits light in a direction that provides a dark field to the imaging mechanism.

According to the above configuration, the light irradiated from the light irradiation mechanism is directed to the container placed on the light control plate which has a placement area for placing the container containing the bacterial cells and the culture medium. Irradiation can be performed via the placement area from a direction oblique to a direction perpendicular to the placement surface of the placement area on which the container is placed. In other words, the light irradiation mechanism transmits light emitted from the light irradiation mechanism to the container and placement area placed in the placement area of the light control plate when the placement area of the light control plate in the transparent state is directed to the imaging mechanism. On the other hand, it can be emitted in a direction that creates a dark field. Since the light control plate can be switched between the transparent state and the diffused state depending on the voltage application state, the transparent state and the diffused state can be easily and accurately switched by simply changing the voltage application state. can. That is, a dark field image can be captured by switching the light control plate to a transparent state, and a bright field image can be captured by switching to a diffused state.
Therefore, simply by changing the voltage application state, it is possible to easily and accurately switch between dark field and bright field.

Still another configuration of the bacterial cell observation device according to the present disclosure further includes a shade having an opening disposed at a position overlapping with the placement area in plan view, and the light irradiation mechanism is configured to A light source is provided at a position outside the opening so as not to overlap with the opening.

According to the above configuration, in plan view, the opening of the shade that blocks light overlaps with the placement area of the container, and the light source of the light irradiation mechanism is arranged outside the opening, so that the light irradiation mechanism The light irradiated onto the container from the light source through the opening and the mounting area can be irradiated from a direction oblique to a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface of the mounting area on which the container is placed. In other words, the light emitted from the light source of the light irradiation mechanism to the container and placement area through the opening is emitted in a direction where the placement area of the light control plate in a transparent state is in a dark field with respect to the imaging mechanism. I can do it.

In still another configuration of the bacterial cell observation device according to the present disclosure, the light irradiation mechanism includes a light source disposed at a position overlapping the light control plate in plan view, and a space between the light source and the light control plate. The light source includes a shade arranged thereon, and a mirror arranged outside the light source and the shade in a plan view to reflect light from the light source toward the light control plate.

According to the above configuration, the light source of the light irradiation mechanism is arranged at a position overlapping the light control plate in a plan view, and the light irradiated linearly from the light source of the light emission mechanism toward the light control plate is The light does not reach the light control plate because it is blocked by a shade placed between the light source of the mechanism and the light control plate. On the other hand, since a mirror is provided on the outside of the light source and shade of the light irradiation mechanism in plan view, the light radiated outward from the light source of the light irradiation mechanism is reflected by the mirror and reaches the light control plate. I'll be heading there. This makes it possible to irradiate the container with light from the light source of the light irradiation mechanism via the light control plate from a direction that is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the mounting surface of the mounting area on which the container is mounted. can. In other words, the light emitted from the light source of the light irradiation mechanism to the container and the mounting area can be emitted in a direction where the mounting area of the light control plate in a transparent state is in a dark field with respect to the imaging mechanism.

In still another configuration of the bacterial cell observation device according to the present disclosure, the haze value of the light control plate is 70% or less in the transparent state and 80% or more in the diffused state.

According to the above configuration, by setting the haze value of the light control plate to 70% or less, it is possible to appropriately realize a dark field in a transparent state. Further, by setting the haze value of the light control plate to 80% or more, a bright field can be appropriately realized in a diffused state.

Here, the total light transmittance (Tt), parallel light transmittance (Pt), and haze value (Haze) of the light control plate have a relationship expressed by the following formula (1).
Haze (%) = (Tt-Pt)/Tt×100...Formula (1)

In still another configuration of the bacterial cell observation device according to the present disclosure, the light control plate includes one or more glass substrates or transparent resin substrates, and one or more light control films, and the light control plate includes one or more light control films. Each of the one or more light control films is arranged on the surface of one or more of the glass substrates or the transparent resin substrates.

According to the above configuration, the light control plate has a structure in which each of the one or more light control films is arranged on the surface of one or more of the glass substrates or the transparent resin substrates. While the container is supported by a glass substrate or a transparent resin substrate, it is possible to switch between a transparent state and a diffused state using a light control film.

Still another configuration of the bacterial cell observation device according to the present disclosure is that the image pickup mechanism is provided on the side where the container is arranged, which is opposite to the light irradiation mechanism in side view with respect to the placement area. A second light irradiation mechanism that can irradiate light onto the container without going through the light control plate is provided at a position outside of the light control plate.

According to the above configuration, the second light irradiation mechanism, which is different from the light irradiation mechanism, is arranged on the side where the container is arranged, which is opposite to the light irradiation mechanism with respect to the placement area in side view, and the imaging mechanism in plan view. Since the second light irradiation mechanism is disposed at a position outside of the second light irradiation mechanism, the light emitted from the second light irradiation mechanism can be irradiated onto the container without going through the light control plate.
As a result, when the medium in the container is a medium that does not transmit light, when observing the color of bacterial colonies existing in the medium, or when observing the outline of bacterial colonies existing in the medium, the container Using the captured image captured by the imaging mechanism located above, bacterial colonies can be well observed.

A microbial cell observation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a phosphor plate including a transparent phosphor and having a mounting area on which a container containing microbial cells and a culture medium is placed; a light irradiation mechanism capable of switching between visible light irradiation to the container via the phosphor plate and excitation light irradiation to the phosphor plate; A microbial cell observation device including an imaging mechanism that captures images of visible light and fluorescent light from the phosphor plate, the device being arranged at a position where the placement area and the imaging mechanism overlap in plan view; The body plate emits the fluorescent light by receiving the excitation light, and the light irradiation mechanism emits the visible light in a direction where the placement area of the phosphor plate is in a dark field with respect to the imaging mechanism. Inject.

According to the above configuration, the visible light irradiated from the light irradiation mechanism is applied to the container placed on the phosphor plate which has a placement area for placing the container containing the bacterial cells and the culture medium. Irradiation can be performed via the mounting area from a direction oblique to a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface of the mounting area on which the container is placed. In other words, the light irradiation mechanism emits visible light from the light irradiation mechanism to the container placed in the phosphor plate placement area and to the placement area when the phosphor plate placement area is relative to the imaging mechanism. It can be emitted in the direction of dark field. The light irradiation mechanism can switch between visible light irradiation to the container via the phosphor plate and excitation light irradiation to the phosphor plate, so the angle of the visible light incident on the phosphor plate can be changed. It is possible to switch between a transparent state in which the light is transmitted without major changes and a fluorescent state in which fluorescent light is emitted in almost all directions by the incident excitation light. In other words, simply by selectively switching the light emitted from the light irradiation mechanism between visible light and excitation light, the transparent state and fluorescent state of the phosphor plate can be easily and accurately switched. That is, by switching the phosphor plate to a transparent state, a dark field image can be captured, and by switching the phosphor plate to a fluorescent state, a bright field image can be captured.
Therefore, simply by changing the light emitted from the light illumination mechanism, it is possible to easily and accurately switch between dark field and bright field.

Still another configuration of the microbial cell observation device according to the present disclosure is to control the light control plate or the light irradiation mechanism while the container is placed in the placement area without being replaced. When the light control plate is in the transparent state or when the visible light is emitted from the light emitting mechanism by switching the state of the light control plate or the emitted light of the light irradiation mechanism and controlling the imaging mechanism. Obtaining a captured image in a dark field and a captured image in a bright field when the light control plate is in the diffused state or when the excitation light is irradiated from the light irradiation mechanism,
The apparatus further includes a control unit that measures the bacterial cells based on a plurality of captured images including the dark field captured image and the bright field captured image.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to obtain a dark field image and a bright field image without repositioning the container placed in the mounting area, and to calculate the number of bacterial colonies based on both images. Measurements etc. can be performed.

FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a colony counter. 2 is a view taken along arrow II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a view taken along arrow III-III in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a dark field observation state. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a captured image inside a petri dish when observed in a dark field. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a bright field observation state. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a captured image inside a petri dish when observed in a bright field. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an observation state with upper illumination. It is a schematic diagram showing a captured image inside a Petri dish when observed with upper illumination. These are a captured image in a dark field and a measurement image when counting the number of colonies in the captured image. These are a captured image in a bright field and a measurement image when counting the number of colonies in the captured image. FIG. 3 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of another colony counter. 13 is a view taken along arrow XIII-XIII in FIG. 12. FIG.

A colony counter 100 as a microbial cell observation device according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a colony counter 100.
As shown in FIG. 1, the colony counter 100 includes a housing 1. The casing 1 includes a box-shaped lower casing 1A whose top surface functions as a support section 2 described later, a box-shaped upper casing 1B located above the lower casing 1A and whose bottom surface is open, and a lower casing. It includes a connection plate part 1C that connects the rear side wall part of the upper housing 1A and the rear side wall part of the upper housing 1B.

The colony counter 100 also includes a light control plate 6 having a placement area 8 for placing a container 3 containing bacterial cells and a culture medium 4, a support portion 2 for supporting the light control plate 6, and a light control plate 6. a light irradiation mechanism 10 that irradiates light onto the container 3 through the light irradiation mechanism 10; an imaging mechanism 20 that images the light emitted from the light irradiation mechanism 10 and diffused by the light control plate 6 or the bacterial cells; and an imaging mechanism 20 that processes the captured image. The storage unit 40 includes a storage unit 40 that stores the captured image captured by the imaging mechanism 20 and the number of bacterial colonies 5 measured by the measurement unit 30, and a control unit 50 that controls the operation of the colony counter 100. . The control unit 50 embodies the measurement unit 30 that measures bacterial cells. More specifically, the container 3 accommodates bacterial colonies 5 and a culture medium 4, and the measuring unit 30 measures the number of colonies 5. Further, the colony counter 100 includes a display device that displays an image of image data with measurement results in which captured images, results of counting the number of colonies 5, etc. are added. Note that the display device may be a display device such as a mobile terminal connected to the colony counter 100 via a communication line.

The lower housing 1A includes a light irradiation mechanism 10 in an internal space formed in a box shape. The upper surface of the lower housing 1A is configured as a flat top plate that functions as the support section 2, and has a rectangular opening 2A formed therethrough at approximately the center in a plan view. A stepped portion 2a on which the light control plate 6 can be placed is provided along the entire circumference at the inner edge of the opening 2A. The stepped portion 2a is formed such that a portion of the inner edge on the light irradiation mechanism 10 side in the thickness direction protrudes inside the opening portion 2A. The opening 2A and the placement area 8 of the light control plate 6 overlap in plan view.

A plate-shaped light control plate 6 is arranged in the opening 2A so as to be placed on the stepped portion 2a. The light control plate 6 is, for example, a piece of light control glass. When the light control plate 6 is placed on the stepped portion 2a, the upper surface of the light control plate 6 is configured to be substantially flush with the upper surface of the top plate. In this embodiment, since the container 3 is placed on the upper surface of the light control plate 6, the upper surface of the light control plate 6 becomes a mounting surface on which the container 3 is placed, and the mounting surface becomes a horizontal surface.

In this embodiment, a dish-shaped transparent petri dish is used as the container 3, and the petri dish has a circular bottom part 3a and a cylindrical peripheral wall part 3b. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper surface of the support section 2 is provided with a guide member 7 that guides the petri dish to the mounting area 8 on the upper surface of the light control plate 6. The guide member 7 is formed of a plate-shaped transparent member, is fixed to the outer peripheral side of the opening 2A of the support portion 2, and is arranged so that a portion thereof overlaps with the upper side of the light control plate 6. The part of the guide member 7 that overlaps with the light control plate 6 is cut out in a V-shape in plan view, and when the peripheral wall part 3b of the petri dish comes into contact with the end surface 7a of the V-shaped cutout, the light adjustment is performed. The petri dish placed on the light plate 6 is configured to be positioned in the horizontal direction.
Note that a transparent or translucent medium 4 is housed in the Petri dish, and as the medium 4, for example, an agar medium is used.

In this embodiment, a light source 11 as a light irradiation mechanism 10 is arranged below the light control plate 6 at a position overlapping the light control plate 6 in plan view. The wavelength of the light that the light source 11 can emit is not particularly limited, and it may be a light source that emits ultraviolet light or a light source that emits visible light, but a light source that can emit visible light is preferable. . For example, as the light source 11, an LED, a fluorescent lamp, an incandescent lamp, etc. can be used. Moreover, the light source 11 may be in the shape of a light bulb or may be formed in an annular shape. Furthermore, a plurality of light sources 11 may be arranged. However, the light source 11 is arranged at a position that does not protrude outside of a shade 12, which will be described later, in plan view.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the light irradiation mechanism 10 includes, in addition to the light source 11, a shade 12 and a mirror 13 as a reflection mechanism.

The shade 12 is fixed to the lower housing 1A so as to be disposed between the light source 11 and the light control plate 6, and is formed in a size that covers the placement area 8 and the light source 11 when viewed from the bottom. . Further, the upper surface of the shade 12 is painted black to reduce reflection of light. The shade 12 is, for example, a light shielding plate.

The mirror 13 functions as a reflector plate capable of reflecting light from the light source 11 because the four inner surfaces forming the side wall portion of the box-shaped lower housing 1A are formed of a member capable of reflecting light. . The mirror 13 is arranged outside the light source 11 and the shade 12 in plan view. The mirror 13 is configured to be able to reflect the light emitted from the light source 11 toward the light control plate 6 located above.

Therefore, the light source 11 of the light irradiation mechanism 10 is arranged at a position overlapping the light control plate 6 in plan view, and the light irradiated linearly from the light source 11 toward the light control plate 6 is connected to the light source 11 and the light control plate 6. The light does not reach the light control plate 6 because the light is blocked by the shade 12 arranged between the light control plate 6 and the light control plate 6. On the other hand, since a mirror 13 is provided outside the light source 11 and the shade 12 in plan view, the light emitted outward from the light source 11 is reflected by the mirror 13 and directed toward the light control plate 6. become. Thereby, the light irradiated from the light source 11 to the container 3 via the light control plate 6 can be irradiated from a direction inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface on which the container 3 is mounted. In other words, the light irradiation mechanism 10 is configured such that the non-diffuse light emitted from the light irradiation mechanism 10 and transmitted through the container 3 or the placement area 8 does not directly enter the camera 21 . That is, the light emitted from the light source 11 to the container 3 and the placement area 8 can be emitted in a direction where the placement area 8 of the light control plate 6 in a transparent state has a dark field of view with respect to the camera 21. Therefore, the placement area 8 of the transparent light control plate 6 becomes a dark field for the camera 21.
In addition, since the light emitted from the light source 11 is once reflected on the surface of the mirror 13 and reaches the container 3 on the light control plate 6, the light emitted from the light source 11 is reflected on the mirror 13 and then reflected on the mounting surface of the container 3. The light that travels in the direction of inclination and reaches the container 3 is more likely to be uniformly irradiated onto the container 3. Therefore, the entire culture medium 4 and bacterial colonies 5 in the container 3 are uniformly irradiated with light, and the background of the container 3 tends to have relatively uniform brightness. Therefore, during dark field, regardless of where the bacterial colony 5 is located in the container 3, the camera 21 can capture an image of light whose intensity corresponds to the actual size of the colony 5. .
Note that as the mirror 13, a reflecting plate having another shape that reflects light in a direction where the placement area 8 of the light control plate 6 in a transparent state becomes a dark field of view for the camera 21 can be used. For example, it may be arranged in a part of the inner surface of the lower housing 1A.

The upper housing 1B includes an imaging mechanism 20 in a box-shaped internal space. The imaging mechanism 20 is arranged so as to be located vertically above the mounting area 8 of the light control plate 6, and includes a camera 21 that images the container 3 placed on the mounting area 8 from the vertically upper side. It is equipped with The camera 21 can be a color CMOS camera or a CCD camera that can acquire captured images as image data. The image data of the captured image captured by the camera 21 is sent to the control section 50, which will be described later, and is also stored in the storage section 40.
Although not shown, a condenser lens may be provided between the camera 21 and the container 3 in the vertical direction, and the light from the container 3 may be passed through the condenser lens and then imaged by the camera 21. good.

The light control plate 6 has a configuration that can be switched between a transparent state and a diffused state (including a cloudy state in the present disclosure) depending on the voltage application state. For example, use light control glass that becomes transparent when a voltage of a predetermined value or more is applied between the front surface and the back surface, and becomes a diffused state when no voltage is applied or a voltage less than the predetermined value is applied. I can do it.
Note that a light control glass may be used that becomes a diffused state by applying a voltage of a predetermined value or more, and becomes a transparent state by applying no voltage or a voltage less than the predetermined value.

The total light transmittance of the light control plate 6 may be greater than 80% in a transparent state, and may be 40% or more and 80% or less in a diffused state. Further, the haze value of the light control plate 6 may be 70% or less, or may be 60% or less in a transparent state. By setting the haze value to 70% or less, a dark field can be appropriately achieved, and by setting the haze value to 60% or less, a dark field can be achieved more appropriately. Moreover, the haze value of the light control plate 6 may be 80% or more, or may be 90% or more in a diffused state. By setting the haze value to 80% or more, a bright field can be appropriately achieved, and by setting the haze value to 90% or less, a bright field can be achieved more appropriately.

Here, the total light transmittance (Tt), parallel light transmittance (Pt), and haze value (Haze) of the light control plate 6 have a relationship expressed by the following formula (1).
Haze (%) = (Tt-Pt)/Tt×100...Formula (1)
Note that the total light transmittance, parallel light transmittance, and haze value of the light control plate 6 can be measured based on JIS-K-7136 or ASTM D1003.

The storage unit 40 is composed of a known storage device, and stores information necessary for operating the colony counter 100. For example, image data of a captured image transmitted from the camera 21, image data with a measurement result obtained by adding a result of counting the number of colonies 5 by a measurement unit 30, which will be described later, to the image data, or image data of a measured colony 5 Memorize the number of etc.
The image data of the captured image transmitted from the camera 21 and stored in the storage unit 40 includes, for example, the intensity of light (gray scale, red, green, blue) and the hue of light for each pixel at a predetermined resolution. , the saturation of the light, the brightness or brightness of the light.

The control unit 50 includes a central processing unit and the like that realizes a function of controlling the operation of the colony counter 100. For example, the control unit 50 changes the voltage applied to the light control plate 6 by controlling a power source (not shown), and switches the light control plate 6 between a transparent state and a diffused state, and the measurement unit 30 By performing image processing on the image data of the captured image stored in the storage unit 40, the number of bacterial colonies 5 included in the image data can be counted, and the light source 11 and a second light source described later can be The light emitting state of 61 can be controlled.

The control unit 50 also includes a measurement unit 30, and causes the measurement unit 30 to perform image processing on the image data stored in the storage unit 40 based on instructions from a user or the like, thereby controlling bacteria contained in the image data. Count the number of colonies 5 on the body.
For example, when measuring the number of colonies 5 using gray scale image data, the measuring unit 30 measures the signal strength (for example, the intensity stored in 256 levels) for each pixel included in the image data of the captured image. ) determines whether the signal strength is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and determines that pixels with a signal intensity greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold are pixels constituting the colony 5, and determines that pixels with a signal intensity less than the predetermined threshold are pixels that constitute colony 5. It is determined that the medium is medium 4. Then, if the area of a region in which a plurality of pixels determined to constitute a colony 5 are present is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value, it is configured to be measured as one colony.
Note that the signal intensity threshold and the area threshold can be changed as appropriate. In addition, instead of grayscale image data, other signals such as light intensity (red, green, blue), light hue, light saturation, light brightness or brightness for each pixel in the image data can be used. The number of colonies 5 can be similarly measured using the signal.

Next, in the colony counter 100 configured as described above, the image captured by the camera 21 can be switched between dark field and bright field by switching the light control plate 6 between the transparent state and the diffused state. Explain what you can do.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the colony counter 100 of this embodiment, the light source 11, the shade 12, the light control plate 6, the container 3, and the camera 21 are arranged at overlapping positions in plan view. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the light emitted linearly from the light source 11 toward the light control plate 6 is blocked by the shade 12, and therefore does not reach the light control plate 6. On the other hand, the light emitted from the light source 11 toward the outside of the shade 12 is reflected by the mirror 13 and is emitted from a direction oblique to the direction perpendicular to the mounting surface on which the container 3 is mounted. That is, the colony counter 100 of this embodiment is equipped with transmitted illumination.

(dark field)
As shown in FIG. 4, when the control unit 50 applies a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined value to the light control plate 6 to make the light control plate 6 transparent, the light control unit 50 advances along the inclined direction and adjusts the light. Most of the light incident on the light plate 6 passes through the container 3 and the culture medium 4 without changing significantly from the angle of incidence, and therefore does not enter the camera 21 located above the container 3. However, the light that hits the bacterial colony 5 in the culture medium 4 when passing through the container 3 is diffused (in this disclosure, this includes scattering and reflection) especially on the side of the colony, and is located above the container 3. The light diffused in the direction of the camera 21 will be incident on the camera 21. Note that since the upper surface of the shade 12 is black, reflected light from the shade 12 is suppressed from entering the camera 21. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the image captured by the camera 21 becomes a dark-field image in which the entire image becomes blackish and the outline of the bacterial colony 5 appears white.
This dark field image can be used when transparent or white bacterial colonies 5 are visible on the semitransparent medium 4.

(bright field)
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, when the control unit 50 stops applying voltage to the dimmer plate 6 and puts the dimmer plate 6 into a diffused state, the control unit 50 moves along the inclined direction and adjusts the light. The light incident on the light plate 6 is transmitted through the container 3 after being diffused. Of this light, light that is diffused in the direction of the camera 21 located above the container 3 enters the camera 21 . However, since the light absorption rate of the bacterial colony 5 is higher than that of other parts, the light that passes through the colony 5 and enters the imaging mechanism is reduced. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the image captured by the camera 21 becomes a bright-field image in which the entire image becomes bright and the bacterial colonies 5 appear relatively dark.
This bright field image can be used in cases where dark bacterial colonies 5 are visible on the translucent medium 4.

According to the colony counter 100 of this embodiment, since the light control plate 6 is arranged which can be switched between the transparent state and the diffused state depending on the voltage application state, the transparent state can be changed by simply changing the voltage application state. and diffusion state can be easily and accurately switched. That is, by switching the light control plate 6 to the transparent state, a dark field image can be captured, and by switching the light control plate 6 to the diffused state, a bright field image can be captured.
Therefore, simply by changing the voltage application state, it is possible to easily and accurately switch between dark field and bright field.
Furthermore, the measurement unit 30 can measure the number of bacterial colonies 5 by performing image processing on at least one of the captured image in the dark field and the captured image in the bright field.

In addition, according to the colony counter 100 of this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

For example, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 10, with the container 3 placed on the top surface of the light control plate 6, a predetermined voltage is applied to the light control plate 6, and a dark field image is used to detect bacteria. By observing the white or transparent bacterial colonies 5, you can simply change the applied voltage without moving the container 3, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 11. By switching to bright field, the bacterial colonies 5 can be observed using bright field images. In other words, since it is possible to switch between dark field and bright field without moving the container 3, observation of the colony 5 becomes easier and more accurate.
In addition, in the case of dark field, even if there are letters or marks written on container 3, the letters or marks will be assimilated into the darkened area, and colony 5 will generally glow white, so colony 5's Observations become more accurate.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, when a petri dish is used as the container 3, the annular edge portion L that is close to the peripheral wall 3b of the petri dish on the inner diameter side is such that the culture medium 4 is This is a place where light is likely to be reflected diffusely and noise is likely to occur due to the raised surface and the presence of an annular projection for placement on the back side of the bottom 3a of the petri dish. Therefore, in order to perform processing such as noise removal and correction, the ring-shaped edge portion L is developed into a straight line by polar coordinate expansion, noise removal etc. By doing so, the annular edge portion L after noise removal and the like is used for image processing. At this time, since noise in the annular edge portion L is smaller in the bright field than in the dark field, it is desirable to perform processing such as noise removal in the bright field to improve accuracy. Therefore, for the annular edge portion L of the petri dish, we prepared an image of the annular edge portion L after removing noise using a bright field image, and For areas other than the edge L, an improvement in accuracy can be expected if a dark field image is prepared and the number of colonies 5 is counted using a composite image obtained by combining both images.

To explain, for example, in FIG. 10, in the dark-field image, an image of the annular edge L after the above-mentioned noise removal etc. is prepared, and For the central part, that is, the parts other than the annular edge part L, an image was prepared without any processing such as noise removal, and the number of colonies 5 was counted using a composite image obtained by combining both images. Give an example. If it could be measured as colony 5, a mark was given by surrounding the colony 5 with a square with a white line, and if it could not be measured as colony 5, no mark was given to that colony 5. . As a result, in the dark field image, the colony 5 on the annular edge portion L was not counted as colony 5.
On the other hand, in FIG. 11, in the bright field image, an image of the annular edge L after the above-mentioned noise removal etc. is prepared is prepared, and the central part of the petri dish, i.e. , an example is shown in which an image is prepared in which no processing such as noise removal is performed for the portion other than the annular edge portion L, and the number of colonies 5 is counted using a composite image obtained by combining both images. If the colony 5 can be measured, a mark will be given by surrounding the colony 5 with a square with a black line; if it cannot be measured as the colony 5, no mark will be given to that colony 5. Ta. As a result, in the bright field image, all the colonies 5 on the annular edge portion L could be measured as colonies 5.
According to the colony counter 100 of the present embodiment, for the annular edge portion L of the petri dish, an image of the annular edge portion L is prepared after removing noise using a bright field image, For the central part of the petri dish, that is, the part other than the annular edge L, dark-field images can be easily prepared by simply switching the applied voltage, and both images can be combined. It is also possible to easily create a composite image. Furthermore, by performing image processing on a composite image obtained by combining both images, the accuracy of colony 5 measurement can be improved.

For example, when bubbles are generated in the medium 4, when observed in a dark field, the center of the bubbles and colonies 5 appear black, and the outlines of the bubbles and the colonies 5 appear white. It will be reflected. For this reason, it becomes difficult to distinguish between bubbles and colonies 5, and there is a possibility that bubbles may be mistakenly recognized as colonies 5 and measured. Even in such a case, by switching from dark field to bright field, the center and outline of the bubble will appear bright in the bright field, and the center and outline of colony 5 will appear black, so you can distinguish between the bubble and colony 5. can be clearly distinguished. That is, since it is possible to easily switch between dark field and bright field without moving the container 3, observation of the colony 5 becomes more accurate.

For example, even in the case of a colony 5 whose center part is more depressed than its outline, by switching from dark field to bright field, the outline and center part appear black, making it difficult to clearly distinguish between bubbles and colony 5. can. That is, since it is possible to easily switch between dark field and bright field without moving the container 3, observation of the colony 5 becomes more accurate.

Further, for example, in a state where the container 3 is placed in the placement area 8 without being replaced, the control unit 50 controls the light control plate 6 to switch the state of the light control plate 6, and the imaging mechanism 20 A captured image in the dark field when the light control plate 6 is in a transparent state and a captured image in the bright field when the light control plate 6 is in a diffused state are obtained by controlling the The number of bacterial colonies 5 may be counted based on a plurality of captured images including a captured image and a bright field captured image.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the colony counter 100 of this embodiment, in addition to the light irradiation mechanism 10 described above, a container 3 is arranged on the opposite side of the light irradiation mechanism 10 with respect to the light control plate 6 when viewed from the side. On the other side, a second light irradiation mechanism 60 that can irradiate light onto the container 3 without using the light control plate 6 is provided at a position outside the camera 21 in plan view. That is, the colony counter 100 of this embodiment is equipped with upper lighting.

The second light source 61 of the second light irradiation mechanism 60 is disposed within the upper housing 1B between the container 3 and the camera 21 when viewed from the side. Further, the second light source 61 is arranged at a position that does not overlap the container 3 and the camera 21 in plan view. The wavelength of the light emitted by the second light source 61 is not particularly limited, and may be a light source that emits ultraviolet light or a light source that emits visible light; however, a light source that can emit visible light may be used. is desirable. For example, as the second light source 61, an LED, a fluorescent lamp, an incandescent lamp, or the like can be used. Moreover, the second light source 61 may be in the shape of a light bulb or may be formed in an annular shape. Furthermore, a plurality of second light sources 61 may be arranged.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the second light irradiation mechanism 60 includes a second shade 62 and a second mirror 63 in addition to a second light source 61.

The second shade 62 is fixed to the upper housing 1B so as to be disposed below and inside the second light source 61 when viewed from the side, and is formed in a size that covers the second light source 61 when viewed from the bottom. ing. For example, when the second light source 61 is formed in an annular shape, the second shade 62 is also formed in an annular shape.

The second mirror 63 is formed in a cylindrical shape in plan view, and is fixed to the upper housing 1B so as to be disposed outside the second light source 61 and the second shade 62. The inner surface of the cylindrical second mirror 63 is formed of a member that can reflect light. In addition, the inner surface of the cylindrical second mirror 63 is arranged such that the inner surface of the cylindrical second mirror 63 becomes vertical toward the lower side in the vertical direction so that the light emitted from the second light source 61 can be reflected toward the light control plate 6 and the container 3 located on the lower side. It is inclined so as to be spaced apart toward the outer diameter side with respect to the direction. That is, the inner surface of the cylindrical second mirror 63 has a conical shape in which the diameter on the lower side is larger than the diameter on the upper side.

Therefore, the light linearly irradiated from the second light source 61 of the second light irradiation mechanism 60 toward the light control plate 6 is transmitted to the second shade 62 disposed between the second light source 61 and the light control plate 6. Since the light is blocked by the light, it does not reach the light control plate 6. On the other hand, since the second mirror 63 is provided outside the second light source 61 and the second shade 62 in plan view, the light emitted outward from the second light source 61 is reflected by the second mirror 63. Then, it heads toward the light control plate 6 and the container 3. Thereby, the light irradiated from the second light source 61 onto the container 3 without going through the light control plate 6 can be irradiated from a direction inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface on which the container 3 is mounted. . Note that while the second light source 61 is emitting light, the control unit 50 controls the light emitting mechanism 10 and the second light emitting mechanism 60 so that the light source 11 does not emit light, and controls the light emitting mechanism 10 and the second light emitting mechanism 60 so as not to emit light from the light source 11. During the irradiation, the light irradiation mechanism 10 and the second light irradiation mechanism 60 are controlled so that the second light source 61 does not irradiate the light.
Note that, instead of the conical second mirror 63, the second mirror 63 may have another shape that allows light to be irradiated from the second light source 61 from an inclined direction to the container 3 without going through the light control plate 6. A reflector can be used. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a pair of planar reflecting plates are disposed opposite to each other outside the second light source 61 in a plan view.

As a result, when the medium 4 in the container 3 is a medium 4 that does not transmit light, when observing the color of the bacterial colony 5 existing in the medium 4, the outline of the bacterial colony 5 existing in the medium 4 can be observed. In the case of observation, the bacterial colony 5 can be well observed using the captured image captured by the camera 21 located above the container 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, black colonies 5a and red colonies 5b can be clearly observed and the number of each colony 5 can be counted.

For example, even in the case of a colony 5 whose central part protrudes beyond the outline, by switching from the dark field to the upper illumination of the second light irradiation mechanism 60, the outline and central part can be colored. Because of this, bubbles and colonies 5 can be clearly distinguished. In other words, since it is possible to switch between dark field and upper illumination without moving the container 3, observation of the colony 5 becomes more accurate.

<Another embodiment>
<1> Although the above embodiment has been described using one piece of light control glass as a specific example of the light control plate 6, the configuration of the light control plate 6 can be changed as appropriate.
For example, as the light control plate 6, a plurality of light control glasses stacked together may be used. Thereby, the total light transmittance and haze value of the light control plate 6 can be adjusted.
Moreover, instead of the light control glass as the light control plate 6, a combination of one or more glass substrates or transparent resin substrates and one or more light control films may be used. In this case, each of the one or more light control films is arranged on the surface of one or more glass substrates or transparent resin substrates. The light control film can be switched between a transparent state and a diffused state depending on the voltage applied state. The light control film may be PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal). Thereby, the total light transmittance and haze value of the light control plate 6 can be adjusted.
For example, the light control film may be arranged on the surface of the transparent glass substrate arranged in the opening 2A of the support section 2 on the light irradiation mechanism 10 side.
Further, for example, the light control film may be arranged between adjacent two transparent glass substrates (not shown) arranged in the opening 2A of the support section 2.
According to these configurations, the glass substrate can be placed in the opening 2A of the support section 2, and the container 3 can be placed on the upper surface of the glass substrate. Further, since the light control film is disposed on the surface of the glass substrate on the light irradiation mechanism 10 side or between two adjacent glass substrates, the light control film can be protected.
In addition, as the glass substrate located on the container 3 side of the light control film, a non-reflective glass such as frosted glass that is cloudy to the extent that a transparent state (dark field) can be maintained is used to make it slightly cloudy. This can prevent foreign matter such as dust located below the light control film from being imaged by the camera 21.

<2> In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the voltage applied to the light control plate 6 is changed to switch between the transparent state and the diffused state has been explained using a specific example. It is also possible to change the voltage applied in the diffused state.
When changing the voltage applied to the light control plate 6 in the transparent state, the voltage is changed within a range that can maintain the transparent state (dark field), and the light control plate 6 is slightly diffused. It is possible to prevent foreign matter such as dust located below 6 from being imaged by the camera 21.
In addition, when changing the voltage applied to the light control plate 6 in a diffused state, the voltage is changed within a range that can maintain the diffused state (bright field), and the brightness of the image captured by the camera 21 is adjusted. Can be adjusted. This makes it possible to easily change the brightness of the image data used to measure the number of colonies 5 in the measurement unit 30 and the image data used when the user visually observes the colonies 5, thereby increasing convenience. will improve.

<3> In the above embodiment, the light source 11 of the light irradiation mechanism 10 is arranged at a position overlapping the light control plate 6 in plan view, and the shade 12 of the light emission mechanism 10 is arranged between the light source 11 and the light control plate 6. The mirror 13 is placed outside the light source 11 and the shade 12 in plan view, but the placement area 8 of the transparent light control plate 6 emits light in a direction that provides a dark field to the camera 21. It is possible to change to other configurations as appropriate.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the support part 2 is used as a shade that blocks non-diffuse light directed toward the camera 21, and instead of the light source 11, the support part 2 is used as a shade to block non-diffuse light directed toward the camera 21, and the opening is set so as not to overlap the opening 2A in plan view. A light source 31 disposed outside the portion 2A may also be used. The placement area 8 and the opening 2A overlap in plan view. The light source 31 shown in FIG. 13 is configured such that a plurality of light sources are disposed on an annular frame member when viewed from above, and is configured to be able to emit light upwardly, and the annular frame member has an opening in the center. As a result, out of the light emitted from the light source 31, non-diffuse light directed toward the camera 21 is blocked by the support portion 2 serving as a shade. In addition, when the light control plate 6 is in a transparent state, among the light emitted from the light source 31, light that passes through the opening 2A and the light control plate 6 and is diffused in the direction of the camera 21 in the container 3 enters the camera 21. . As a result, the placement area 8 of the light control plate 6 in a transparent state becomes a dark field for the camera 21. In this case, it is also possible to omit the shade 12 and mirror 13. Note that when the shade 12 is omitted, it is desirable that the bottom surface of the lower housing 1A be painted or otherwise painted black in order to ensure dark field.
In addition, if the light control plate 6 is wide and the support part 2 is narrow and the support part 2 does not play the role of a shade that blocks non-diffuse light directed toward the camera 21, a separate A shade may also be provided. This shade has an opening provided at a position overlapping the placement area 8 in plan view, and blocks non-diffuse light directed toward the camera 21. Alternatively, the surface of the light control plate 6 on the side on which the container 3 is placed may be used as a shade that has an opening provided at a position overlapping the placement area 8 in a plan view and blocks non-diffuse light directed toward the camera 21. Alternatively, a light-shielding film may be attached to the periphery of the opposite surface. In this case, it is also possible to omit the shade 12 and mirror 13. Note that when the shade 12 is omitted, it is desirable that the bottom surface of the lower housing 1A be painted or otherwise painted black in order to ensure dark field.

<4> In the above embodiment, the second light irradiation mechanism 60 is provided, but the second light irradiation mechanism 60 may be omitted.

<5> In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a Petri dish was used as the container 3 to accommodate an agar medium, but other configurations may also be adopted. For example, a well plate can be used as the container 3, and a sheet medium or the like can also be used instead of an agar medium.

<6> In the above embodiment, the mirror 13 of the light irradiation mechanism 10 is provided on the inner surface of the side wall portion of the box-shaped lower casing 1A. Other configurations may be used in which the region 8 reflects light in a direction that provides a dark field to the camera 21.
For example, the mirror 13 may have a cylindrical shape in plan view, and may be fixed to the lower housing 1A so as to be disposed outside the light source 11 and the shade 12. In this case, the inner surface of the cylindrical mirror 13 is formed of a member capable of reflecting light. In addition, the inner surface of the cylindrical mirror 13 is arranged such that the inner surface of the cylindrical mirror 13 is arranged so that the light emitted from the light source 11 can be reflected toward the placement area 8 of the light control plate 6 located on the upper side. In contrast, it is inclined so as to be spaced apart toward the outer diameter side. That is, the inner surface of the cylindrical mirror 13 has a conical shape in which the diameter on the lower side is larger than the diameter on the upper side.
Note that, as the mirror 13, instead of the conical mirror 13, a reflecting plate having another shape may be used. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a pair of planar reflection plates are disposed opposite to each other outside the light source 11 in a plan view.

<7> In the above embodiment, instead of the light control plate 6, a phosphor plate containing a transparent phosphor and a binder and having a mounting area 8 on which the container 3 containing the bacterial cells and the culture medium 4 is placed is used. In place of the light irradiation mechanism 10, a light irradiation mechanism that can selectively switch between irradiation of visible light onto the container 3 via the phosphor plate and irradiation of excitation light onto the phosphor plate may be used.
The phosphor plate emits fluorescent light by receiving excitation light. This light irradiation mechanism emits visible light in a direction where the placement area 8 of the phosphor plate becomes a dark field of view for the camera 21. This light irradiation mechanism includes, for example, a light source that emits visible light, a light source that emits excitation light such as ultraviolet light, and a switching circuit that switches these light sources. The control unit 50 controls this switching circuit to switch between visible light irradiation and excitation light irradiation.
While the container 3 is placed in the placement area 8 without being replaced, the control unit 50 controls the switching circuit to switch the light emitted from the light irradiation mechanism, controls the imaging mechanism 20, and controls the light output from the light irradiation mechanism. A captured image in the dark field when visible light is emitted from the irradiation mechanism and a captured image in the bright field when the excitation light is irradiated from the light irradiation mechanism are acquired, and the captured image in the dark field and the captured image in the bright field are obtained. The number of bacterial colonies 5 may be counted based on a plurality of captured images including the captured image at.
With this configuration, the light irradiation mechanism can switch between visible light irradiation to the container 3 via the phosphor plate and excitation light irradiation to the phosphor plate. It is possible to switch between a transparent state in which incident visible light is transmitted without greatly changing the angle, and a fluorescent state in which fluorescent light is emitted in almost all directions by the incident excitation light. In other words, simply by selectively switching the light emitted from the light irradiation mechanism between visible light and excitation light, the transparent state and fluorescent state of the phosphor plate can be easily and accurately switched. That is, by switching the phosphor plate to a transparent state, a dark field image can be captured, and by switching the phosphor plate to a fluorescent state, a bright field image can be captured.

<8> In the above embodiment, a hyperspectral camera capable of measuring a wavelength spectrum may be used as the camera 21.

<9> In the above embodiment, the light source 11 and/or the second light source 61 and/or the light source 31 may emit excitation light that causes the bacterial cells or the bacterial colony 5 to emit light, fluoresce, or autofluoresce.

<10> In the above embodiment, a micro shutter array may be used instead of the light control plate 6.

<11> In the above embodiment, a black film/board may be placed on the lower surface or below the light control plate 6, and the second light irradiation mechanism 60 may be used to obtain a dark field and a bright field. In this case, when the light control plate 6 is in a transparent state, the light from the second light irradiation mechanism 60 is absorbed by the black film/board, resulting in a dark field. Further, when the light control plate 6 is in the diffusion state, the light from the second light irradiation mechanism 60 is diffused by the light control plate 6, resulting in a bright field.

<12> In the above embodiment, the container 3 contains the bacterial colonies 5 and the culture medium 4, and the measuring unit 30 measures the number of colonies 5. However, instead of this, the container 3 may contain bacterial plaques and the culture medium 4, and the measurement unit 30 may measure the number of plaques. Alternatively, the container 3 accommodates the inhibition circle of bacterial cells and the culture medium 4, and the measurement unit 30 may measure the size of the inhibition circle.

The configuration disclosed in the above embodiment (including another embodiment, the same applies hereinafter) can be applied in combination with the configuration disclosed in other embodiments, unless a contradiction occurs, and the configuration disclosed in this specification can be applied in combination with the configuration disclosed in other embodiments. The embodiments are illustrative, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the purpose of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure can be used in a microbial cell observation device that can easily and accurately switch between dark field and bright field.

2 Support part 2A Opening part 3 Container 4 Culture medium 5 Colony of bacterial cells 6 Light control plate 8 Placement area 10 Light irradiation mechanism 11 Light source 12 Shade 13 Mirror 20 Imaging mechanism 30 Measurement part 31 Light source 50 Control part 60 Second light irradiation mechanism 100 Colony counter (bacterial body observation device)

Claims (9)

a light control plate having a placement area for placing a container containing bacterial cells and a culture medium;
a light irradiation mechanism that irradiates light onto the container via the light control plate;
A bacterial cell observation device comprising an imaging mechanism that images light emitted from the light irradiation mechanism and diffused by the light control plate or the bacterial cells,
arranged at a position where the placement area and the imaging mechanism overlap in plan view;
The light control plate can be switched between a transparent state and a diffused state depending on the state of voltage application, and when in the diffused state, diffused light from the light control plate passes through the container and the imaging is performed. It becomes a bright field incident on the mechanism,
The light irradiation mechanism is a bacterial cell observation device that emits light in a direction where the placement area of the light control plate in the transparent state becomes a dark field with respect to the imaging mechanism. Further comprising a shade having an opening disposed at a position overlapping with the placement area in plan view,
The light irradiation mechanism is
The microbial cell observation device according to claim 1, further comprising a light source disposed outside the opening so as not to overlap the opening in plan view. The light irradiation mechanism is
a light source arranged at a position overlapping the light control plate in plan view;
a shade disposed between the light source and the light control plate;
The microbial cell observation device according to claim 1, further comprising a mirror that is disposed outside the light source and the shade in plan view and reflects light from the light source toward the light control plate. The bacterial cell observation device according to claim 1, wherein the haze value of the light control plate is 70% or less in the transparent state and 80% or more in the diffused state. The light control plate is
one or more glass substrates or transparent resin substrates;
one or more light control films;
Equipped with
The microbial cell observation device according to claim 1, wherein each of the one or more light control films is arranged on the surface of one of the one or more glass substrates or the transparent resin substrate. On the side where the container is arranged, which is opposite to the light irradiation mechanism with respect to the placement area in side view, the light source is placed at a position outside the imaging mechanism in plan view, without using the light control plate. The microbial cell observation device according to claim 1, further comprising a second light irradiation mechanism capable of irradiating light onto the container. a light control plate having a placement area for placing a container containing bacterial cells and a culture medium;
a light irradiation mechanism that irradiates light onto the container via the light control plate;
A bacterial cell observation device comprising an imaging mechanism that images light emitted from the light irradiation mechanism and diffused by the light control plate or the bacterial cells,
arranged at a position where the placement area and the imaging mechanism overlap in plan view;
The light control plate can be switched between a transparent state and a diffused state depending on the voltage applied state,
The light irradiation mechanism is
a light source arranged at a position overlapping the light control plate in plan view;
a shade disposed between the light source and the light control plate;
a mirror that is disposed outside the light source and the shade in plan view and reflects light from the light source toward the light control plate;
A bacterial cell observation device, wherein the placement area of the light control plate in the transparent state emits light in a direction that provides a dark field to the imaging mechanism. a phosphor plate containing a transparent phosphor and having a placement area on which a container containing bacterial cells and a culture medium is placed;
a light irradiation mechanism capable of selectively switching between visible light irradiation to the container via the phosphor plate and excitation light irradiation to the phosphor plate;
A bacterial cell observation device comprising an imaging mechanism that images visible light emitted from the light irradiation mechanism and diffused by the bacterial cells and fluorescent light from the phosphor plate,
arranged at a position where the placement area and the imaging mechanism overlap in plan view;
The phosphor plate emits the fluorescent light by receiving the excitation light,
The light irradiation mechanism is a bacterial cell observation device that emits the visible light in a direction where the placement area of the phosphor plate becomes a dark field with respect to the imaging mechanism. Controlling the light control plate or the light irradiation mechanism to switch the state of the light control plate or the light emitted from the light emission mechanism while the container is placed in the placement area without being replaced. , controlling the imaging mechanism to capture an image captured in a dark field when the light control plate is in the transparent state or when the visible light is emitted from the light irradiation mechanism; and when the light control plate is in the diffused state. acquire a bright field image when the state is in the state or when the excitation light is irradiated from the light irradiation mechanism,
The bacterial cell according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , further comprising a control unit that measures the bacterial cell based on a plurality of captured images including the dark field captured image and the bright field captured image. Observation device.

Images