JPH0246281A - Automatically microorganism observing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable to simultaneously, precisely and clearly the images of many microorganisms by introducing a subject liquid containing the microorganisms in an observing chamber, automatically hanging a detachable observing window on an observing window-holder and allowing to stand. CONSTITUTION:A subject liquid containing microorganisms is introduced into an observing chamber 12 where a subject liquid-introducing tube 16, a cleansing liquid-introducing tube 15 and a liquid-discharging tube 17 are connected to each other to enable the automatic transfer of a liquid on a horizontal surface. A fixed observing window forming the lower surface of the observing chamber and a detachable observing window 8 forming the upper surface of the observing window 12 are disposed in the observing chamber 12 and the detachable observing window 8 is automatically hung on an observing window-holder 9 and allowed to stand to fix the subject liquid between both the observing windows in the observing chamber 12. Further, the fixed subjected liquid is optically enlarged by means 2-4 and photographed with a TV camera 5, followed by discharging the subject liquid is the observing chamber 12 from a discharging tube 17 and subsequently cleansing the inside of the observing chamber with a cleanser from the cleanser-introducing tube 15.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention provides a method for automatically observing the state of microorganisms in a microorganism storage container in equipment that uses microorganisms for fermentation or wastewater treatment. This article relates to an automatic microorganism observation device that can be used.

[Conventional technology]

Technology that uses microorganisms to produce useful substances and decompose and remove pollutants in industrial wastewater is widely used in fields such as the fermentation industry, sewage and industrial wastewater treatment, but the technology to date is It is difficult to efficiently control the functions of the microorganisms used, and it cannot be said that a sufficient control method has been established yet.

However, although accurate understanding of the status of microorganisms in the treatment process, which changes from moment to moment, is extremely useful information for determining the progress of treatment using microorganisms, there has been no conventional method for this purpose. Since there was no effective method, we sampled the microbial mixture in the treatment process, measured its dry weight, prepared a slide, and observed it under a microscope to obtain information. Methods such as estimating the state have been used.

However, these methods take a long time to obtain information! ! Furthermore, it is difficult to perform it frequently because it requires specialized knowledge and skills, and it is difficult to conduct it frequently to accurately determine the internal state in real time. It was extremely inadequate.

For this reason, recently, the state of microorganisms inside the treatment process has been directly captured as an optical image, and this optical information is converted into electrical signals and processed using image analysis processing equipment and computers. By doing so, we have come to see techniques for obtaining the necessary information.

The observation means necessary for these were already developed in 1983.
A number of such systems have begun to appear, including the 5280, but all of them have the following problems.

■ For water immersion type, the sample chamber has a fixed size, and the sample needs to be several degrees thick to facilitate the introduction and discharge of microorganisms into the sample chamber. However, it is difficult to focus and the resolution is low when observing using an optical device, and there are limits to obtaining detailed information on the state of microorganisms (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-6145). , Jikko 61
-35280, Utility Model No. 60-108594).

■ Since it does not have a mechanism for cleaning the microorganism observation surface, the image deteriorates in a short period of time due to the adhesion of slime from microorganisms and algae (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-6145).

■ Even if it has a cleaning mechanism, sufficient information cannot be obtained due to the reason (■) (Utility Model Publication No. 6l-35280).

■ In order to increase the magnification and obtain high-resolution information, we will collect the microbial mixture from inside the treatment process, and install a means for fixing and observing the test liquid in the middle of the liquid passage pipe. A system in which the liquid path can be cleaned with a cleaning liquid containing chemicals has also been published (%Kasho 6O
-244279), the structure is built into the middle of the pipeline, which imposes restrictions on installation, and the structure does not take into account parts replacement when the observation window becomes dirty, and there is a demand for increasing magnification. I haven't been able to respond to that.

In addition, since the microbial image obtained by magnification usually covers only a small part of the test liquid, it is necessary to observe many parts of the test liquid in order to determine the overall condition. In this system, a sample must be introduced from the microorganism storage tank each time, which increases the labor and time required for operation, and does not allow automatic observation to be carried out sufficiently. It was something that could not be done.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

As described above, the present invention solves the problems of the prior art,
In other words, it solves problems such as low magnification, low resolution, slime adhesion, restrictions on installation location and method, inability to change magnification, and inability to obtain large numbers of microorganism images in one sampling, resulting in accurate and clear images. The object of the present invention is to provide an automatic microorganism observation device that can simultaneously obtain a large number of images of microorganisms and is easy to install, handle, maintain, inspect, and repair.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object of the present invention, the present inventors have made extensive studies and found that an automatic microorganism observation device that optically magnifies and observes a test liquid containing microorganisms is provided.
Connecting the test liquid introduction pipe, cleaning liquid introduction pipe and drain pipe,
A means for introducing a test solution containing microorganisms into an observation chamber that is automatically movable on a horizontal plane; a fixed observation window that forms the lower surface of the observation chamber; and a removable window that forms the upper surface of the observation chamber. A means for fixing the test liquid in the observation chamber between both observation windows by providing an observation chamber and automatically suspending the removable observation window via an observation window holder; An automatic microorganism observation device characterized by being equipped with a means for optically magnifying and imaging a sample liquid sampled, and a means for discharging a portion of the sample liquid in the observation chamber and cleaning the inside of the observation chamber. ,
It provides:

To explain the present invention more specifically, a test liquid is collected from a microorganism storage container, and a test liquid introduction pipe, a washing water introduction pipe, and a drain pipe are connected, and the observation is automatically movable on a horizontal plane. A removable observation window forming the upper surface of the observation chamber is inserted into the room through the observation window holder and a drive device that moves the holder up and down. A means for fixing the sample liquid in the observation chamber between the two observation windows by suspending the sample liquid toward the two observation windows, optically enlarging the fixed sample liquid with a microscope lens, It has a means for capturing an image with an industrial television camera and transmitting the image to a monitor television and/or an image processing device, a computer, etc., and after capturing the image, the removable observation window is connected to the holder from the other observation window. and a means for separating the observation chamber using a drive device, and then spraying cleaning water or a cleaning agent into the observation chamber to discharge the test liquid in the observation chamber and clean the inside of the observation chamber)
This automatic microorganism observation device is characterized in that all of these means are automatically controlled.

[Implementation row]

The present invention will be specifically explained with reference to examples and its effects.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the main parts of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 (4) is a diagram illustrating the operating principle of the test liquid fixing means related to the observation chamber.

The mechanism of action will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2.
The test liquid to be observed can be moved vertically and horizontally on a horizontal plane by a drive motor 18, 19, and there is an observation chamber in which a test liquid introduction pipe 16, a cleaning liquid introduction pipe 15, and a discharge pipe 17 are connected. 12 from a microorganism storage container (not shown) through a test liquid introduction pipe 16, either by gravity or via a pumping means such as a bonder. (FIG. 2A) When the test liquid is introduced, the removable observation window 8, which is held by the observation window holder 9 and forms the upper surface of the observation chamber, is attached to the observation window holder 9 via the electromagnet 21. By means of an arm 10 connected in a detachable manner and a drive motor (not shown) that moves the arm, it is suspended near another observation window forming the lower surface of the observation chamber. In this state, the electromagnet's electric current IWEf
When it is shut off, the holder 9 is separated from the arm 10, and the test liquid is fixed between both observation windows. (FIG. 2B) Both observation windows are made of a light-transmitting material such as glass, and transmit the light that has passed through the light source 6 and the condenser lens 7.

An optical microscope system consisting of an objective lens 2 for optically magnifying the sample liquid, a lens barrel 3, and an eyepiece/lens 4 is disposed below the bottom observation window, and the focus is set on a fixed sample. Matched to the test solution.

The objective lens 2 is replaceable and has a structure in which the focal position can be adjusted according to its magnification. In addition to the single objective lens type shown in Figure 1, this structure also includes multiple objective lenses mounted on a single rotary table, as is the case with general laboratory tabletop microscopes. Then, if necessary, it can be rotated, selected and fixed, or a polper type structure can be adopted as desired.

The image of the test liquid magnified by the optical microscope system is captured by an industrial television camera 5, sent to a monitor television, an image analysis processing device, a computer, etc., and subjected to necessary processing. After a portion of the fixed test liquid is imaged in an enlarged manner, the stages 15 and 14, which are movable on a horizontal plane,
It is moved horizontally in the vertical and horizontal directions by the drive motors 18 and 19 to take an enlarged image of another part of the microorganism suspension. By repeating this process, almost all parts of the fixed microbial suspension obtained by one water sampling can be observed and enlarged.

When the necessary imaging is completed, the electromagnet 21 is lowered by a drive motor (not shown), and a current shines, attracting the observation window holder 9, moving it upward, and releasing the fixed state. Next, a liquid containing a cleaning agent (not shown) is injected into the observation chamber 12 through a cleaning agent introduction pipe 15) and discharged through a discharge pipe 17, thereby discharging the suspension and cleaning the observation chamber 12. It will be done. The cleaning agent can be arbitrarily selected from fresh water, chlorinated water, ozone water, detergent liquid, or treated water from wastewater treatment equipment, taking into account installation conditions, management, cost, and the like. Further, the installation positions of the cleaning agent introduction pipe 15, the test liquid introduction pipe 16, and the discharge pipe 17 can be set as appropriate within the observation chamber.

By repeating the steps described above, it is possible to automatically observe the state of microorganisms in a microorganism storage container using a monitor, or to process them as a stain signal using an image processing device. Therefore, by repeating these operations at arbitrary intervals as necessary, changes in the state of microorganisms in the liquid can be tracked.

The obtained image information of microorganisms can be processed into various information depending on the purpose. In wastewater treatment equipment, it can be used to determine the density of activated sludge flocs, identify the type and amount of filamentous bacteria, and identify the type and amount of protozoa. This processed information can of course be recorded as management information for the target microbial process, and can also be sent to a process control device and used for automatic control of the microbial process.

〔Effect of the invention〕

The features and effects of the automatic microorganism observation device according to the present invention described above are as follows.

1) When the operation of the microbial process is stopped), the microorganism suspension in the storage container can be automatically collected without opening the microorganism storage container and performing sampling.

2) Microbial images magnified to the same extent as an optical microscope can be automatically obtained without the troublesome work of preparing slides.

3) When observing microorganisms, the microorganism suspension forms a thin layer and is fixed, making it possible to obtain clear microbial images with high resolution even at high magnification.

4) Because the observation chamber is structured to automatically move freely on a horizontal plane, a large number of microorganism images can be obtained in a short time with one sampling, and the overall state of microorganisms in a microbial process can be obtained. can be grasped.

5) All operations such as introduction of sample, discharge and cleaning of observation room and water conduit? This can be done automatically without human intervention.

6) The upper observation window of the observation room is removable, so it can be easily replaced in the event of damage.

7) Observation magnification can be easily changed according to the object and conditions, and information can be obtained arbitrarily according to the necessary degree.

8) Microbial microorganisms can be observed remotely and processed through image processing.

9) Automatic control of microbial processes based on the results obtained through image processing etc. can be useful for optimal operational management.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an overview diagram showing the main parts of one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
Figure )@) is a schematic diagram illustrating the operating principle of a means for fixing a test liquid in an observation chamber. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Apparatus main body, 2... Objective lens, 3... Lens barrel, 4... Eyepiece lens, 5... Television camera, 6...
・Lighting, 7... Condensing lens, 8... Observation window, 9...
・Observation window holder, 10...Arm, 11...Observation window glass, 12...Observation room, 13...X stage, 1
4...Y stage, 15...Cleaning agent introduction pipe, 16.
...Test liquid introduction pipe, 17...Discharge pipe, 18...X stage drive motor, 19-...Y stage drive motor,
20... Arm drive motor, 21... Electromagnet Applicant Ebara Infilgo Corporation Ebara Research Institute, Inc.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1) In an automatic microorganism observation device that optically magnifies and observes a test liquid containing microorganisms, the test liquid inlet pipe, cleaning liquid inlet pipe, and drain pipe are connected, and observation is possible automatically on a horizontal plane. A means for introducing a test solution containing microorganisms into the room, a fixed observation window forming a lower surface of the observation chamber and a removable observation window forming an upper surface of the observation chamber, the removable observation window means for fixing the sample liquid in the observation chamber between both observation windows by automatically lowering and leaving it stationary through an observation window holder; optically magnifying the fixed sample liquid;
a means for imaging, and discharging the test liquid in the observation chamber;
An automatic microorganism observation device characterized by comprising means for cleaning the inside of the observation chamber.