JP2011212013A - Bacteriological testing method by means of film-type culture medium, and image loading tool used for the bacteriological testing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new system wherein a user can obtain an accurate colony count measurement result without special equipment, knowledge and experience.SOLUTION: Original image data loaded by using a universal scanner 30 or a digital camera on a condition that a film-type culture medium 10 after incubating a test sample on a culture layer is placed on a tray 20, are received from a user, and corrected image data in which the tilt, position, and image quality of the original image data are corrected, are created. As a consequence, it is possible to perform an accurate colony count under unified standards by eliminating the individual differences which arise from the specifications of the equipment used for loading the original image data or the misalignment of the position when loading the same. A user can use the tray 20 which is displayed with position recognition markers 24a-24d that are consulted during tilt correction, a color chart 25 and a gray-scale chart 26 that are consulted during image quality correction, and the like, as the original image data loading tool.

Description

  The present invention relates to a microorganism inspection method using a film-type medium and an image capturing tool used in the microorganism inspection method.

  In recent years, the demand for food sanitation has been increasing, and in the global environment where food is imported and exported from various countries, food safety and security are becoming more common issues around the world. -It seems to be up.

  As a main means of food hygiene inspection, colony counting processing is widely performed in which the number of colonies in a specimen is counted after the specimen is cultured in a medium. As this medium, an agar medium filled in a chalet has been used for a long time, but in recent years, the use of a film or a sheet-shaped dry medium has gradually become widespread. The film-type medium comprises a base sheet, a frame formed on the base sheet, a culture layer provided in the frame, and a cover sheet covering the culture layer. It is known to be disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 4 listed below.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-15379 JP 7-501943 gazette JP-T 9-508279 JP-T-2004-515236

  By using such a film-type medium, the culture layer is inoculated with a specimen, covered with a cover sheet and incubated at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time. The number of colonies generated can be counted, and the number of general viable bacteria and coliform bacteria in the sample can be measured.

  However, even if a film-type medium is used, signal analysis for colony counting requires specialized equipment and the knowledge and experience of an operator.

  Therefore, instead of putting the incubated film-type medium into a dedicated expensive colony counting device and analyzing it by a skilled operator, the present inventors replaced a general-purpose inexpensive flatbed scanner or digital camera. Using this, anyone examined the microbe inspection easily and at low cost. With the spread of digital cameras, flat-bed scanners are now offering a wide variety of products from various companies at a very low price, and their operations are easy, so colonies can be counted just by using them on the user side. Once implemented, it can be easily introduced not only in large-scale laboratories but also in small-scale laboratories and emerging countries that do not have laboratories.

  Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is that the user side uses an inexpensive and highly versatile flatbed scanner or digital camera, and in the case of a scanner, an image data medium is placed on an incubated film type medium. In the case of a digital camera, it is necessary to construct a new system that can obtain accurate colony count measurement results simply by placing a film-type medium vertically on a tripod and taking a picture. .

  In addition, another problem to be solved by the present invention is preferably used when the film type culture medium which has been incubated in the above system is placed on a flatbed scanner or photographed with a digital camera to capture image data. To provide a tool for capturing image data.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention according to claim 1 provides an original image in which original image data of the film-type medium after the specimen is incubated in the culture layer of the film-type medium is acquired by data transmission from the user. The data acquisition step, the first correction step for correcting the inclination of the acquired original image data, the second correction step for correcting the image quality of the acquired original image data, and the first and second correction steps. And a measuring step of counting the number of colonies in the culture layer using the corrected image data.

  The present invention according to claim 2 is the microorganism testing method according to claim 1, wherein the first correction step is specified from position information included in the original image data. And the measurement step counts the number of colonies in the image area corresponding to the culture layer of the film-type medium in the rectangle after being corrected in the first correction step. It is characterized by doing.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the microorganism testing method using the film-type medium according to the first or second aspect, the second correction step includes a process of correcting the brightness of each pixel of the original image data, and the measurement The step is characterized in that it is determined that the pixel indicates the presence of a colony when the corrected lightness is greater than a threshold value.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the microorganism testing method using the film-type medium according to the third aspect, the second correction step further includes a process of correcting the hue of each pixel of the original image data, and the measuring step Is characterized by determining the bacterial species of a colony based on the corrected hue, and counting the number of colonies for each bacterial species based on the corrected lightness.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the microorganism testing method using the film-type medium according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the original image data is obtained from a tray on which one or a plurality of the incubated film-type mediums are mounted. The image data to be drawn, the position information used for the correction process in the first correction step and the color chart and the gray scale chart used for the correction process in the second correction step are both displayed in advance on the tray. It is characterized by being.

  The present invention according to claim 6 is the microorganism testing method using the film-type medium according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the original image data includes one or more of the incubated film-type medium, the film-type medium, Is image data drawn including a chart sheet prepared as a separate body, and positional information used for correction processing in the first correction step is displayed in advance on each film-type medium, and the second The color chart and the gray scale chart used for the correction process in the correction step are preliminarily displayed on the chart sheet.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the microorganism testing method using the film-type medium according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the original image data is image data describing one or a plurality of the incubated film-type culture media. Yes, the position information used for the correction process in the first correction step and the color chart and the gray scale chart used for the correction process in the second correction step are both displayed in advance on each film type medium. Features.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the microorganism testing method using the film-type medium according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the original image data includes the one or more of the incubated film-type medium and the first correction. The first original image data describing the position information used for the correction process in the step, and the second original image data describing the color chart and the gray scale chart used for the correction process in the second correction step. The original image data acquisition step includes a first original image data acquisition step for acquiring the first original image data and a second original image data acquisition step for acquiring the second original image data. The first correction step is performed each time the first original image data is acquired in the first original image data acquisition step. First correction image data is created for each of the first original image data, and the second correction step is performed based on the second original image data acquired in the second original image data acquisition step. The second correction image data is created by applying the processing result to each of the first correction image data in a unified manner.

  The present invention according to claim 9 is an image capturing tool used when a user captures the original image data in the microorganism testing method using the film-type medium according to claim 5, wherein the image capturing tool is the tray. The tray is provided with a plurality of culture medium storage portions to which the incubated film type culture medium can be mounted, and the position information, the color chart and the gray scale chart are displayed in advance.

  The present invention according to claim 10 is an image capture tool used when a user captures the original image data in the microorganism testing method using the film-type medium according to claim 6, wherein the image capture tool is An image capturing tool comprising: the position information displayed in advance on a film-type medium; and the chart sheet prepared separately from the film-type medium.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image capturing tool according to the tenth aspect, position information used for correction processing in the first correction step is also displayed in advance on the chart sheet. .

  The present invention according to claim 12 is an image capture tool used when a user captures the original image data in the microorganism testing method using the film-type medium according to claim 7, wherein the image capture tool An image capturing tool comprising the position information displayed on the film-type medium itself, the color chart and the gray scale chart.

  The present invention according to claim 13 is an image capturing tool used when a user captures the first original image data in the microorganism testing method using the film-type medium according to claim 8, wherein the image capturing tool is used. Is made of the tray, and the tray includes a plurality of culture medium storage portions to which the incubated film type culture medium can be mounted, and the position information is displayed in advance.

  According to the present invention, an inexpensive and versatile flatbed scanner or digital camera is used on the user side, and in the case of a scanner, image data is captured by placing an incubated film-type medium on the digital camera. In this case, the film-type culture medium is placed vertically on a tripod and photographed to acquire the original image data, and by sending this to an analysis center equipped with a processing server, an accurate colony count measurement result can be acquired. Can do. Therefore, microorganism testing can be easily performed not only in large-scale laboratories but also in small-scale laboratories and emerging countries that do not have laboratories, which is extremely convenient.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, an image capture tool is provided for facilitating the user's task of capturing image data using a scanner or digital camera. Therefore, the user can easily use the image capture tool. Image data can be acquired.

  The processing server receives image data captured from a large number of users using a variety of devices (scanners and digital cameras), and may include misalignment (tilt) when capturing the image data. However, through the first correction step for correcting the inclination of the acquired original image data and the second correction step for correcting the image quality of the acquired original image data, the analysis by the colony counting system and related software provided in the processing server is performed. Because it is converted into corrected image data suitable for the user, even if there are variations due to the model of the image capture device on the user side or the positional deviation at the time of image capture, this is eliminated and accurate colony count measurement is performed The result can be obtained. The user of the original image data transmission source can confirm this on the display of the PC and can save the data as necessary.

It is a perspective view which shows an example of the film type culture medium used by this invention. It is a top view which shows one Embodiment of the tray (The image capture tool used with the microbe test | inspection method by the film type culture medium of this invention) which can mount a predetermined number of incubated film type culture media. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA. It is a schematic block diagram of the microbe inspection system by the film type culture medium by this invention. It is a figure which shows the rough processing flow when performing colony count processing in this system. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a state in which an incubated film-type medium is placed and accommodated in each medium accommodating portion of the tray of FIG. It is a flowchart of the process performed with the process server of an analysis center in this system. It is explanatory drawing about the inclination correction process in this process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the original image data (a) used in this process, and the image data (b) after an inclination correction process. It is a top view of the chart sheet | seat used in another embodiment of the image capture tool used with the microbe inspection method by the film type culture medium of this invention. It is a top view which shows the film type culture medium used with the chart sheet | seat of FIG. 10 in this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the original image data which the user took in with the scanner or the digital camera in this embodiment. It is a top view which shows the film type culture medium used in another embodiment of the image capture tool used with the microbe inspection method by the film type culture medium of this invention. It is a flowchart of the process performed with the process server of an analysis center in the system by other embodiment. It is a top view which shows other embodiment of the tray (The image capture tool used with the microorganisms test | inspection method by the film type culture medium of this invention) which can mount a predetermined number of incubated film type culture media. It is a top view which shows the tray by the modification of the tray of FIG.

  First, an example of a film-type medium used in the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This film type culture medium 10 is provided with a base sheet 11, a frame 12 formed on the base sheet 11, and a frame 12, similarly to the known ones shown in Patent Documents 1 to 4. And a cover sheet 14 that covers the culture layer 13.

  The substrate sheet 11 is made of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The frame 12 is formed in a circular shape by, for example, a hot melt resin, and a culture layer 13 in which a gelling agent is blended with, for example, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is provided therein. For example, a transparent soft film such as OPP is used as the cover sheet 14. In this example, the cover sheet 14 is cut into substantially the same size as the base sheet 11 and used at the upper edge portion of the base sheet 11. -It is adhered by a glove.

  In the base sheet 11 of the film type culture medium 10 of this example, a dilution rate entry column 15 for entering the dilution rate of the sample incubated in the culture layer 13 by a mark formula, and optional sample information by a mark formula. Sample information entry column 16 to be specified, a serial number code that specifies each film type medium 10 (and therefore specifies a sample that has been incubated in the culture layer 13 of the film type medium 10). 17 is printed and displayed. The dilution rate may be included in the sample information entry column as one of the sample information. In this case, it is not necessary to provide the dilution rate display column 15. In addition, among the sample information, data that can be shared by a large number of samples, such as the medium type and expiration date, such as the culture medium type, is provided with a sample information bar code 18 and printed and displayed. Also good.

  Using this film-type medium 10, a predetermined amount (for example, 1 mL) of a specimen diluted at a predetermined dilution rate is injected into the culture layer 13, and then placed in an incubator for a predetermined temperature (for example, 36 ° C.) and a predetermined period (for example) (For example, 48 hours) Incubate and count the number of colonies after incubation. As an image capture tool used when a user captures original image data prior to performing this colony count process, It is preferable to use a tray 20 on which a predetermined number of the finished film type medium 10 can be placed. An example of the tray 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The tray 20 is configured to be able to place and receive six film-type culture media 10, 10,..., And is a base 21 formed into a predetermined size (A4 or the like) flat plate shape from a resin such as PET. Are formed with a predetermined number of medium accommodating portions 22, 22... Corresponding to the shape and size of the film-type medium 10 (the shape and size of the base sheet 11). In this example, as shown in the figure, a total of six medium accommodating portions 22, 22... Formed in 3 stages × 2 rows are provided.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, a rectangular accommodating portion 22 having a size slightly smaller than the outer size of the film-type medium 10 is recessed at a predetermined location of the base 21, and the lower portion of the outer peripheral edge is outward. The locking groove 23 having approximately the same thickness (depth) and approximately the same outer dimension (outer diameter) as the film type medium 10 is provided around the film type medium 10. In such a configuration, the film-type culture medium 10 can be placed and accommodated in the accommodation part 22 by fitting the film-type culture medium 10 into the accommodation part 22 and fitting the outer peripheral edge thereof into the locking groove 23. Further, since the film-type medium 10 once stored in the storage unit 22 in this way is held in the storage unit 22 without dropping even if the tray 20 is turned upside down after that, the film is taken in at the time of image capture. The operation of setting the tray 20 on which the mold medium 10 is placed and stored in the scanner in an inverted state can be easily performed.

  Note that the structure shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example of a structure that can be employed to hold the film-type medium 10 accommodated in the accommodating portion 22 without dropping even when the tray 20 is turned upside down. Of course, any other structure may be adopted as long as it satisfies the above. For example, a part of the accommodating portion 22, for example, an engaging claw protruding inward from the center of each side is protruded on the surface side of the tray 20, and the engaging claw is used as a drop-off preventing piece when the tray is turned over. be able to.

  Further, a rectangular opening having substantially the same dimensions as the outer dimensions of the film-type culture medium 10 may be formed in the tray 20 to form the culture medium storage unit 22. In this configuration, when the image is captured by the scanner, the tray 20 is turned over and placed on the scanner platen, and then the incubated rectangular film-type medium 10 is turned upside down in the opening of each medium container 22. Use as if fitted. When it is used with a digital camera, it is not necessary to turn it over, and the rectangular film type culture medium 10 that has been incubated is inserted into the opening of each medium container 22 of the tray 20 placed face up on a desk or the like. .

  Further, the base 21 has position recognitions c24a to 24d displayed at the four corners of the blank portions of the medium accommodating portions 22, 22. One of these four position recognition markers, the lower left position recognition marker 24c in FIG. 3, is an inverted marker for top and bottom recognition, and the other three position recognition markers 24a, 24b, It is printed in a color different from 24d (for example, the reversal marker 24c is black with respect to the white position recognition markers 24a, 24b, and 24d), and the brightness is clearly different (details will be described later). .

  Further, on the base 21, a color chart 25 and a gray scale chart 26 are displayed by using a blank portion between the medium storage sections 22 and 22 at each stage. The color chart 25 is a so-called color sample array table, and is displayed as a color array including 12 basic colors excluding the gray scale. In this example, an 18 color chart 25 is employed. The gray scale chart 26 is a gradation display of light and dark achromatic colors from white to black. The color chart 25 and the gray scale chart 26 may be printed and displayed at the predetermined positions on the base 21 or may be pasted.

  Next, an outline of the colony count processing system performed using this tray will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this system, the user sets the tray 20 on which the incubated film-type medium 10 is placed on the glass platen of the flatbed scanner 30 (hereinafter simply referred to as “scanner”) with the tray 20 turned upside down. Then, scanning is performed according to the usage of the scanner 30. Then, the scanned image data is transmitted from the PC 40 connected to the scanner 30 via a parallel port or USB to the analysis center 50 through a network NET such as the Internet.

  In this figure, the user acquires the image data using the scanner 30, but as described above, the image data captured by the digital camera may be acquired. In this case, the tray 20 on which the incubated film-type medium 10 is placed and accommodated is photographed with a digital camera from the front using a tripod, a stand, or the like as necessary, and the image data is recorded on an SD card or USB. As above, the data is transmitted to the analysis center 50.

  Therefore, in the user, the film-type medium 10, the tray 20 for placing and storing the incubated film-type medium 10, and the scanner 30 or digital for taking in the image data of the tray 20 It is only necessary to provide a PC 40 that can be connected to the network NET environment for enabling the data transmission / reception between the camera and the scanner 30 or the digital camera and the analysis center 50. Here, most users already have and set up the PC 40 and network NET environment, and as described above, the acquisition of image data is a general-purpose that is easily available and is commercially available at a low price. Scanners and digital cameras can be used regardless of the model, and a system can be constructed with almost no new cost burden.

  The analysis center 50 receives data via the network NET and the web server 51 from the user PC 40 and the web server 51 which executes data transmission / reception with the user PC 40 via the network NET. A processing server 52 that counts colonies after correcting the scanned image data as described below, and a database 53 that stores colony count data after processing by the processing server 52 are provided. I have.

  Here, the user interface (UI) is an application that runs on a browser such as JAVA (registered trademark) applet or FLASH (registered trademark), and the user does not need to install special software. Predetermined software can be downloaded from the predetermined web site to the PC 40 in an environment where the web server 51 and the network NET are connected.

  Next, a schematic flow when the colony counting process is performed in the system configuration of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the user uses the film-type medium 10 shown in FIG. 1 and drops a predetermined amount (for example, 1 mL) of a specimen diluted at a predetermined dilution rate on the culture layer 13 with a sterile pipette or the like. The mold medium 10 is placed in an incubator and incubated at a predetermined temperature (for example, 36 ° C.) and for a predetermined period (for example, 48 hours) (FIG. 5: S1).

  Each film-type medium 10 is previously displayed with a serial number as a two-dimensional code 17, and data indicating the medium type, expiry date, and other specimen information of the culture layer 13 of the medium 10 is displayed in advance. It is displayed as a code 18 or displayed by a user writing in the sample information entry field 16. In addition, the dilution rate of the sample incubated in the culture layer 13 of each film type medium 10 is displayed in the dilution rate entry column 15 (or sample information entry column 16) as written by the user.

  Then, the incubated film type medium 10 is placed and accommodated in the medium accommodating portion 22 of the tray 20 (FIG. 5: S2). Since the tray 20 of the present example has six medium storage units 22, it is possible to place and store a maximum of six film-type mediums 10, thereby simultaneously incubating samples of a maximum of six film-type mediums 10 with each other. Can be analyzed.

  FIG. 6 shows a tray 20 in which the incubated film-type medium 10 is placed and accommodated in each of the six medium accommodating portions 22.

  Then, the tray 20 is turned upside down, that is, the film-type medium 10 placed and accommodated in the tray 20 is passed through the transparent cover sheet 14 and the glass original of the flat bed scanner 30 (hereinafter simply referred to as “scanner”). It is set in the scanner 30 so as to face the table (FIG. 5: S3).

  Then, scanning is performed according to the normal usage of the used scanner 30, and image data is acquired (FIG. 5: S4). The image data (original image data) acquired in this way is two-dimensional image data substantially similar to the tray plan view shown in FIG.

  Here, the original image data is acquired by using the scanner 30, but as described above, the tray 20 in which the incubated film-type medium 10 is placed and accommodated in each of the medium accommodating units 22 is a digital camera. Original image data may be acquired by photographing. In this case, it is preferable to use a tripod or the like to shoot with a digital camera arranged on a perpendicular line from the tray center to the tray 20.

  The acquired original image data is transmitted from the user PC 40 connected to the scanner 30 or the digital camera to the analysis center 50 via the network NET (FIG. 5: S5). The original image data may be temporarily stored in a recording medium such as an SD card and transmitted to the analysis center 50 from the user PC. The analysis center 50 corrects the received original image data by the processing server 52 and counts the colonies (FIG. 5: S6).

  The colony count data acquired as a result of the analysis by the processing server 52 is the analysis center 50 as measurement result data uniquely associated with a color image (an image in which colonies can be confirmed) displaying the culture medium to be examined. Is stored in the database 53 and is stored in the web server 51 and transmitted to the user PC 40 (FIG. 5: S7). As a result, the user can know in real time the analysis results such as the types of colonies and the number of bacteria present in the medium contained in the specimen after incubation in each film-type medium 10, and the database The data stored in 53 can be obtained at any time through the network NET.

  Such a system is preferably constructed as a so-called cloud computing in terms of convenience for the user (see FIG. 4). The user is not aware of the server group (including the database) provided with the service provided by the analysis center 50, and downloads the software for processing in advance. There is an advantage that it can be executed with the same feeling as if it is processed on its own PC 40 without having to perform the processing. The image processing provided by the analysis center 50 and the source of UI application can be maintained or upgraded at any time, so that the user can always receive the latest service.

  More specifically, it is preferable to introduce a billing system according to the usage time of this service by the user. That is, a user who wishes to use this service registers in advance and obtains a customer ID, and then accesses the web server 51 of the analysis center 50 from the PC 40 through the network NET. Download and activate the software for using the service, and enter the customer ID on the required screen. As a result, the use of this service is started.

  Thereafter, according to the processing procedure displayed on the screen by the software, the tray 20 on which the incubated film-type medium 10 is placed and stored is set in the scanner 30 (FIG. 5: S3), and the original image data is acquired. (FIG. 5: S4), this is uploaded to the analysis center 40 (FIG. 5: S5), and an analysis process (FIG. 5: S7) by the processing server 52 of the analysis center 40 is awaited. The colony count data obtained by the analysis is stored on the web server 51 and displayed on the screen of the transmission source user PC 30 (FIG. 5: S7). Stop using the service.

  In the above, a service usage fee according to the time from the start of use of this service to the end of use is charged to the user.

  In addition, if the user wishes to perform additional processing such as analysis of the colony count data as the analysis result (pass / fail judgment) or report creation, download other software necessary for the processing. The user may be charged an additional service usage fee according to the usage time.

  Instead of using a billing system according to the time, or in conjunction with this, the contents of the service provided to the user (number of culture media for colony count processing, presence / absence of additional processing such as pass / fail judgment and report creation, etc.) ) May be adopted. In addition, it is possible to execute the charging system with various short-term and long-term contracts such as charging for each unit processing, monthly payment or annual lump sum payment.

  By the way, in the colony count process, the colonies on the image are recognized by comparing the brightness of each pixel. That is, the brightness is measured for each pixel in the processed image data, and it is determined that a pixel having a brightness greater than a predetermined threshold indicates the presence of a colony. However, in this system, the image data acquired by scanning the incubated film type medium 10 by the user's hand-held scanner 30 or the image data taken by the hand-held digital camera is directly analyzed as the original image data. It is sent to the center 50. In the processing server 52, the model and specification used by the user to acquire the original image data cannot be specified, and the original image data uploaded from various users using various devices has the resolution and Individual differences in image quality are extremely large. Therefore, in order to measure an accurate colony count, it is required to determine the brightness of pixels in the processed image data based on a uniform standard.

  Further, different culture media are used for the culture layer 13 of the film-type culture medium 10 depending on the bacterial species to be examined. For example, in the case of general living bacteria, TTC is added by adding TTC (triphenyltetrazolium chloride) to the culture medium. Reduced to give red TPF (triphenylformazan) and observed as a red colony. Staphylococcus aureus degrades the enzyme substrate X-Phos (5 bromo 4 chloro 3 indolyl phosphate) with acid phosphatase Generate an indigo of The coliform group reacts with the β-galactosidase of the coliform group as an enzyme substrate in the medium to produce X-Gal (5 bromo 4 chloro 3 indolyl β-galactosidase) or Magenta-Gal (5 bromo 6 chloro 3 indolyl β-galactosidase). Hydrolyzed to produce reddish purple or purple bromochloroindigo through oxidative polymerization, β-glucuronidase specifically possessed by E. coli is the enzyme substrate X-GLUC (5 bromo 4 chloro 3 indolyl β-glucuronidase) as described above. Decomposes to produce blue bromochloroindigo.

  Here, when measuring the number of colonies of a single bacterial species or when it is sufficient to know the total number of colonies without having to distinguish the bacterial species, color determination is not essential. In order to count the number of colonies for each bacterial species when both are incubated in the same medium, it is necessary to discriminate between the purple-purple to purple colonies of the coliform group and the blue colonies of E. coli. However, as described above, the original image data uploaded from the user to the processing server 52 in this system has an extremely large individual difference in image quality, and it is not possible to accurately grasp the hue threshold of these different bacterial species. Therefore, in order to accurately perform colony count measurement for each bacterial species, it is required to determine the hue of pixels in the processed image data based on a uniform standard. In addition, it is preferable to correct the hue in order to discriminate foreign matters such as residues contained in the culture layer 13 from the measurement target microorganism.

  Further, when the user sets the tray 20 in the scanner 30 in order to acquire the original image data (FIG. 5: S3), the tray 20 may not be set at the correct position or may be set in an inclined state. It is also necessary to consider the possibility that errors in position and tilt are included in.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the processing server 52 performs a process of correcting the inclination of the original image data by the position recognition markers 24a to 24d included in the acquired original image data, and further By referring to the color chart 25 and the gray scale chart 26 included in the corrected image data, a process for minimizing individual differences in hue and brightness of the original image data is performed. These processes are performed in FIG. 5: S6, and the details will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, original image data acquired by the user with the scanner 30 and uploaded to the web server 51 is acquired (FIG. 7: S61). As described above, the original image data includes individual differences such as brightness and hue associated with the model dependency of the scanner 30 used by the user, inclination when the tray 20 is set on the scanner 30, and the like. Inconsistent factors such as misalignment are included.

  Therefore, as an initial correction process, a process of correcting the inclination of the original image data acquired in FIG. 7: S61 is performed (FIG. 7: S62). This process is performed by detecting the positions in the original image data of the position recognition markers 24a to 24d printed in the four corner margins of the tray 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the position recognition markers 24a to 24d are composed of a circle and a crosshair displayed therein, the brightness of each pixel of the original image data is increased under a predetermined condition as it goes outward. It is determined whether or not it changes, and it is determined that a pixel satisfying this condition is located at the center position (coordinates) of the position recognition markers 24a to 24d.

  That is, each pixel of the original image data is converted from the RGB color system to luminance (Y) by a known conversion formula. Here, when the difference in luminance between the two pixels is smaller than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that they have the same luminance. Then, the following determination is performed for each pixel of the original image data. Here, the luminance value range is set to 0 to 255.

  First, the luminance is examined while moving from the vertical to a plurality of angular directions with the target pixel as the center. As the center moves, the center brightness once becomes a different value and then becomes the same as the center brightness again. If the distances (radius) in the four directions coincide with each other, a circle obtained from the center and the radius is assumed (FIG. 8 (a )).

  Furthermore, when adjacent pixels of the same luminance are connected one after another from the target pixel, the circle reaches the circumference in four directions at intervals of 90 degrees (FIG. 8B).

  When the above conditions are satisfied, it is determined that the pixel is the center of the position recognition markers 24a to 24d. In the tray 20 used in this embodiment, among the position recognition markers 24a to 24d, the inverted marker 24c for top and bottom recognition is displayed with the center being white, and the other position recognition markers 24a, 24b and 24d are displayed with the center being black. Therefore, among those determined as position recognition markers, those having the luminance of the central pixel equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold (for example, the intermediate value of the above range) are determined as white display top / bottom recognition reversal markers 24c.

  When one of the line segments extending at the same luminance is further extended from each position recognition marker, the four position recognition markers 24a to 24d are paired, and the center coordinates are set to (cx, cy). Since a rectangle is specified (FIG. 8 (c)), the coordinates (x1, y1), (x2, y2), (x3, y3), (x3, y2) of the center pixels of the position recognition markers 24a to 24d at this time ( The inclination θ of this rectangle R is obtained from x4, y4) (Equation 1). In the case of a problem of reading accuracy by a scanner or a digital camera photographed image, it is conceivable that the rectangle having the coordinates of the four position recognition markers 24a to 24d as a vertex does not become a correct rectangle but is distorted. Assume a rectangle R.

  It repeats to obtain the corrected coordinates obtained by rotating the inclination θ in the reverse direction for all the pixels in the original image data acquired from the user. Assuming that the correction coordinates of the coordinates (X1, Y1) of the original image data are (X2, Y2), the width of the rectangle R ′ whose inclination is corrected is WIDTH, and the height is HEIGHT, Expression 2 is obtained. The coordinates of the vertexes of the rectangle R ′ after the inclination correction are set with the upper left vertex as the origin, the upper right vertex (WIDTH-1, 0), the lower left vertex (0, HEIGHT-1), and the lower right vertex (WIDTH-1, HEIGHT-1). ), The coordinates (X1, Y1) before correction are obtained from the coordinates (X2, Y2) in the corrected rectangle R ′ by the following equation (2). The obtained values of X1 and Y1 are converted to integers by a known rounding process.

  The corrected image data A obtained by the above processing is a pixel obtained by converting the pixel coordinates (X1, Y1) in the rectangle R of the original image data into correction coordinates (X2, Y2) in the rectangle R ′ obtained by correcting the inclination. For example, even when the original image data acquired from the user is tilted as shown in FIG. 9A, the corrected image data corrected in tilt as shown in FIG. -A is obtained.

  The corrected image data A is trimmed into a rectangle having no inclination defined by the size (width and height) and the center coordinates (cx, cy), as is clear from Equation (2). The processing server 52 includes an area of the incubated film-type medium 10 in the tray 20 (that is, an area of the medium container 22), an area of the culture layer 13 included in each incubated film-type medium 10, a color chart 25, and a gray scale chart 26. And the relative position (logical coordinate) data in which each color display area in these charts is associated with the rectangle specified by the position recognition markers 24a to 24d in advance. Therefore, even when the user does not set the tray 20 at the correct position when capturing the original image data, or the accuracy of the model used at that time is low, each area can be accurately grasped. .

  In addition, when the user sets the tray 20 upside down and sets it on the scanner 30, the rectangle of the corrected image data obtained by correcting the tilt by the above processing is also upside down, but in this case, it becomes the vertex of the rectangle. Since it can be determined from the positional relationship (coordinates) of the reverse marker 24c among the four position recognition markers 24a to 24d that the top and bottom are reversed in the original image data, the obtained corrected image data is further rotated 180 degrees. The corrected image data A is obtained by correcting the top and bottom.

  In the tray 20, position recognition markers 24a to 24d are provided at the four corners, and the inclination correction processing is performed after specifying the rectangle R from the pixel coordinates of the position markers 24a to 24d in the original image data. The specific configuration of the position markers 24a to 24d is not limited as long as the coordinate position and the conscription system can be specified based on the change. For example, a black frame surrounding the outer edge of the tray 20, a quadrangle, an isosceles triangle displayed at the four corners, a “+” mark, or the like may be used for the position correction processing as position information (mark).

  Next, image quality correction processing is performed on the corrected image data A (FIG. 7: S63). As an example, the image data acquired by the scanner 30 is represented by the RGB color system in which each pixel data is represented once by hue (H), lightness (L), and saturation (S). It is possible to perform image quality correction processing by converting to the HLS color system, performing image quality correction by comparison with the table value and linear interpolation, and then converting again to the RGB color system.

  First, each color of the color chart 25 printed and displayed on the tray 20 is numbered from 1 in the order of hue, and a color comparison table is created by associating the reference value with the measurement value. It is stored in a memory provided in the server 52. An example of the color comparison table is shown in Table 1.

  Similarly, each color of the gray scale chart 26 printed and displayed on the tray 20 is numbered from 1 in order of lightness, and the gray scale comparison chart is associated with the reference value and the measured value. Are created and stored in a memory provided in the processing server 52. An example of a gray scale comparison table is shown in Table 2.

  Here, the reference value is obtained from the RGB color system by obtaining the data of each color of the color chart 25 and each color of the gray scale chart 26 with a specific scanner as a reference beforehand. This is a value converted to the HLS color system. The measured values are obtained from the RGB color system for each pixel of the color chart 25 included in the original image data uploaded from the user PC 40 and each pixel of the portion corresponding to each color (grayscale) of the grayscale chart. This is a value converted to the HLS color system.

  The data of each color is a value obtained by averaging RGB elements of a plurality of pixels included in the area.

  Thereafter, the hue and lightness of the values H, L, and S obtained by converting each pixel of the image data into the HLS color system are corrected as follows.

  For the hue H, the corrected hue value h can be obtained, for example, as follows by referring to the color comparison table described above. Here, the hue value range is set to 1 to 360.

When H ≧ H ′ _max ,
h ₀ = H _max
h ₁ = H ₁ +360
h ′ ₀ = H ′ _max
h ′ ₁ = H ′ ₁
Here, if h ′ ₀ > h ′ _1, then h ′ ₁ = h ′ ₁ +360.
When H <H ' ₁ ,
h ₀ = H _max −360
h ₁ = H ₁
h ′ ₀ = H ′ _max
h ′ ₁ = H ′ ₁
Here, if h ′ ₀ > h ′ _1, then h ′ ₀ = h ′ ₀ −360.

In cases other than the above, _n satisfying H ′ _n ≦ H <H ′ _{n + 1} is incremented from 1.
h ₀ = H _n
h ₁ = H _{n + 1}
h ′ ₀ = H ′ _n
h ′ ₁ = H ′ _{n + 1}

  Then, a corrected hue value h is obtained from the following formula.

  Here, if h <0, h = h + 360. If h> 360, set h = h−360.

  Regarding the brightness, the corrected brightness value l can be obtained in substantially the same manner as described above with reference to the above-described gray scale comparison table.

  The HLS color system values h, l, and s corrected in this way (here, l = L because saturation correction is not performed) are converted into RGB color system values.

  As described above, it is possible to obtain the corrected image data B in which the corrected image data A subjected to the inclination correction is further subjected to image quality correction processing to eliminate individual image quality differences depending on the model. By performing tilt correction, the culture layer to be inspected can be obtained by grasping the relative coordinates in the corrected image data A, even if the user has a positional deviation at the time of capturing the original image data or an accuracy error of the device used. 13 and charts 25, 26 and other areas requiring analysis can be accurately specified. In addition, by performing image quality correction processing, even when both coliforms and coliforms are incubated in the same medium, the dependence on the purple-purple to purple colonies of coliforms and the A blue colony can be discriminated by the threshold of hue, and the number of colonies can be measured for each bacterial species, and further, it can be distinguished from foreign matters such as residues contained in the culture layer 13.

  The processing server 52 performs colony count processing on the corrected image data B (FIG. 7: S64). Specifically, the number of colonies included in each culture layer image region is determined for each bacterial species as necessary while moving the culture layer 13 specified by relative coordinates in the rectangle of the corrected image data B in a predetermined order. ) To measure. This colony counting process can be carried out using a colony counting system “Isac / iSac” (registered trademark) provided by Elmex Co., Ltd., the applicant of the present invention. The detailed explanation is omitted.

  In the above description, as the correction process of the original image data, first, the corrected image data A is obtained by correcting the inclination (FIG. 7: S62), and then the corrected image is corrected based on the corrected image data A. Data B (final corrected image data) is obtained (FIG. 7: S63). However, the order of this correction processing is not limited, and the obtained original image data is first subjected to image quality correction processing and then the next. Alternatively, the tilt correction process may be performed. However, since the image quality correction process may be performed for the area corresponding to the culture layer 13 and the areas corresponding to the color scale 25 and the gray scale 26 in the original image data, as described above, the inclination correction process is first performed to perform these corrections. It is preferable to perform image quality correction processing after accurately specifying the region.

  In the above description, the plurality of incubated film-type culture media 10 are placed and accommodated on the tray 20 to acquire the original image data. However, only one or a few film-type culture media are often inspected. In this case, the waste on the original image data to be processed increases, and the convenience of using the tray 20 is reduced. An embodiment of the present invention suitable for such a case will be described in detail below.

  In this embodiment, the tray 20 capable of mounting and accommodating the plurality of film-type culture media 10 used in Example 1 is not used, but is used for performing tilt correction in the processing server 52 (FIG. 7: S62). The position recognition markers 24a to 24d and the color chart 25 and the gray scale chart 26 used for image quality correction (S63: S63) must be included in the original image data acquired by the processing server.

  For this reason, first, a chart sheet 27 (FIG. 10) on which the color chart 25 and the gray scale chart 26 are displayed is used as an image quality correction tool. The color chart 25 and the gray scale chart 26 may be the same as those displayed on the tray 20 in the first embodiment. On the chart sheet 27, position recognition markers 28a to 28d are displayed in advance at the four corners of the peripheral margin, and one of them 28c is an inverted marker for top and bottom recognition.

  Further, as the film-type medium 10A, in addition to the structure of the film-type medium 10 used in Example 1 described above, position recognition markers 19a to 19d are displayed in advance at the four corners of the peripheral margin, and one of them 19c Is an inverted marker for top and bottom recognition (FIG. 11). The position recognition markers 19a to 19d and 28a to 28d may be substantially the same as the position recognition markers 24a to 24d displayed on the tray 20 in the first embodiment.

  That is, as an image capturing tool used when the user captures original image data, the tray 20 in which the position recognition markers 24a to 24d, the color chart 25, and the gray scale chart 26 are displayed in advance in the first embodiment described above. Although used, in this embodiment, the position recognition markers 19a to 19d displayed in advance on the film type medium 10A and the position recognition markers displayed in advance on the chart sheet 27 prepared separately from the film type medium 10A. The image capturing tool including the 28a to 28d, the color chart 25, and the gray scale chart 26 is used.

  The colony counting process according to this embodiment can also be performed in the same manner as in Example 1 described above. That is, the film-type culture medium 10A with position recognition markers 19a to 19d is incubated under predetermined conditions (FIG. 5: S1), and this one or a few incubated film-type culture media 10A are provided with position recognition markers 28a to 28d. Along with the chart sheet 27, the sheet is turned upside down and set on the glass platen of the scanner 30 (FIG. 5: S3). Thereafter, the processing of FIG. 5: S4 to S7 is executed in the same manner. In order to sequentially process different incubated film-type culture media 10A, the chart sheet 27 may be left on the scanner 30, and the incubated film-type culture media 10A may be replaced and scanned. The original image data may be obtained by photographing with a digital camera instead of the scanner 30 as in the case of the first embodiment.

  Also in this case, the original image data transmitted from the user PC 40 to the processing server 52 via the web server 51 is displayed on the position recognition markers 19a to 19d and the chart sheet 27 displayed at the four corners of the film type medium 10A. Since the color chart 25 and the gray scale chart 26 are included, the inclination correction processing (FIG. 7: S62) and the image quality correction processing (FIG. 7: S63) are performed using these, and the original image data is not dependent on the model. Individual differences can be minimized. Since these correction processes can be performed in the same manner as described above with reference to FIG.

  As described in detail in the first embodiment, the positions of the incubated film-type medium 10A and the chart sheet 27 and the respective regions (the culture layer 13 and the colors in the chart) are determined by the position recognition markers 19a to 19d. , 28a to 28d are automatically recognized at the relative positions in the rectangular image data, and the arrangement of the film type medium 10A and the chart sheet 27 in the original image data is arbitrary. For example, when the incubated film-type medium 10A and the chart sheet 27 are set in the scanner 30, even if these are roughly arranged and acquired as original image data as illustrated in FIG. Based on the position recognition markers 19a to 19d and 28a to 28d provided on each part, the processing server 52 can perform the inclination correction process (FIG. 7: S62) and the image quality correction process (FIG. 7: S63).

  In FIG. 10, the chart sheet 27 displays both the color chart 25 and the grayscale chart 26, but separate chart sheets may be created and used for the color chart 25 and the grayscale chart 26. good. When using separate chart sheets, it is necessary to display a position recognition marker on each chart sheet.

  This embodiment is a modification of Example 2 described above, and uses a film-type medium 10B (FIG. 13) that displays a color chart 25 and a grayscale chart 26 in addition to the position recognition markers 19a to 19d. It can be said that this film-type medium 10B includes the function of the tray 20 in Example 1 described above in the film-type medium itself. That is, in this embodiment, the position recognition markers 19a to 19d constituting the image capturing tool used when the user captures the original image data, the color chart 25, and the gray scale chart 26 are all film-type medium 10B itself. Is displayed in advance.

  The processing when this film-type medium 10B is used is the same as in Example 2 described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In the above-described embodiment, in addition to the images of the incubated film-type culture media 10, 10A, and 10B, the original image data acquired from the user by the processing server 52 is used to perform an inclination correction process (FIG. 7: S62). Position information (that is, position recognition markers 24a to 24d or a predetermined rectangle) and image quality information (color chart 25, gray scale chart 26) for performing image quality correction processing (FIG. 7: S63) are included. Therefore, each time the original image data is acquired from the user, the processing server 52 performs the inclination correction based on the original image data and performs the image quality correction process.

  Regarding the tilt correction, not only the variation factor due to the model dependency inherent in the model of the scanner 30 or the like used when capturing the original image data but also when the user captures the original image data. Since a position shift or the like may occur when the incubated film type medium storage tray 20 or the incubated film type mediums 10A and 10B are set in the scanner 30, it is necessary to correct the inclination every time in order to perform an accurate colony counting process. Therefore, the original image data acquired from the user needs to always include position information for performing this inclination correction.

  On the other hand, for image quality correction, it is sufficient to consider fluctuation factors due to the model dependence of the device used by the user and changes in performance such as resolution of the device over time. Incubated film sent sequentially from the user It is considered that there is little need to perform image quality correction processing each time on the image data of the mold medium. Therefore, in a simpler system configuration, for example, as described above, a user who wants to receive service provision by cloud computing first transmits information necessary for image quality correction based on the model dependence of the device used, Thereafter, the image data of the incubated film type medium is sequentially transmitted together with information necessary for tilt correction. Or, conversely, after the image data of the incubated film-type medium is sequentially transmitted together with the information necessary for the inclination correction, the information necessary for the image quality correction based on the model dependence of the device used is transmitted.

  The colony counting process in the system configuration in this case is as shown in the flow of FIG. 5, but as a specific process performed in S6, FIG. 7: The original image data acquired in S61 is the incubation film type medium. It consists of first original image data including position information necessary for tilt correction together with imaging data, and second original image data including image quality information necessary for image quality correction. And when a user requests colony counting processing by the processing server 52 for a series of incubated film-type culture media, the second original data is sent only once before or after the first original image data is sequentially transmitted as much as necessary. What is necessary is just to transmit image data.

  When the system is configured as described above, the first original image data does not require image quality correction information (color chart 25, gray scale chart 26). Therefore, when sequentially taking in the first original image data, the film-type medium 10A (FIG. 10) used in Example 2 is used, and when taking in the second original image data (first or last one). The chart sheet 27 (FIG. 11) used in the above-described embodiment 2 can be used for “only once”. That is, in this case, as shown in FIG. 12, the film-type medium 10A and the chart sheet 27 are not set on the scanner 30 and the image is captured, but when the first original image data is sequentially captured, the culture is performed. An arbitrary number of film-type culture media 10A after incubation in the layer 13 are set in the scanner 30 to capture an image, and when the second original image data is captured once, only the chart sheet 27 is set and the image is captured. .

  Specific processing in this case will be described with reference to the flow of FIG. The processing server 52 sequentially acquires first original image data including positional information necessary for tilt correction together with imaging data of the incubated film-type medium (FIG. 14: S601), and the first original image data. Each of the tilt correction processes is performed to obtain corrected image data A that is tilt-corrected for each first original image data (FIG. 14: S602). Since the tilt correction process at this time can be performed in the same manner as described above, description thereof is omitted.

  After the acquisition of the first original image data, second original image data including information for image quality correction is acquired (FIG. 14: S603), and image quality correction processing is performed based on this (FIG. 14: S604). Since the image quality correction processing at this time can be performed in the same manner as described above, description thereof is omitted. This image quality correction processing result is applied to all corrected image data A in a unified manner to obtain corrected image data B (FIG. 14: S605). As a result, the image quality variation factor due to the model dependence of the user device is eliminated, so that accuracy in the subsequent colony counting process (FIG. 14: S606) is ensured.

  In the flow of FIG. 14, the first original image data is sequentially acquired and then the second original image data is acquired. However, the second original image data is first acquired and the image quality processing result is retained. In addition, it is possible to employ a processing flow in which the first original image data sequentially acquired thereafter is tilt-corrected and the image quality processing result is applied in a unified manner.

  As for the chart sheet 27 used in this case, both the color chart 25 and the gray scale chart 26 may be displayed on one chart sheet 27 as shown in FIG. The scale chart 26 may be created as a separate chart sheet. In any case, the configuration of the chart sheet 27 is arbitrary, and position information (marks such as position recognition markers 28a to 28d) for performing the above-described tilt correction processing (FIG. 14: S602) is obtained. It may have any configuration as long as it has an image quality correction process (FIG. 14: S605) described above.

  FIG. 15 shows a tray 60 that can be used in the fourth embodiment. The tray 60 is configured so that a predetermined number of film-type culture media 10 (FIG. 1) can be placed and accommodated, and a base formed into a predetermined size (A4, etc.) flat plate from a resin sheet such as PET or cardboard. 61 are provided with medium storage portions 62, 62... Having a shape and size corresponding to the shape and size of the film-type medium 10 in a predetermined position and arrangement. In this example, in order to be able to mount and store a maximum of eight film-type culture media 10, a total of eight culture media storage portions 62, 62.

  Slits 63a and 63b are formed at one diagonal position of each medium storage section 62, and the film type medium 10 is brought into a predetermined position by inserting the diagonal part of the incubated film type medium 10 into these slits 63a and 63b. I try to keep it. Since the diagonal portion is inserted and held in the slits 63a and 63b, it can be securely held without falling off even if it is turned over when set in the scanner 30. In the illustrated example, one of the slits 63a is cut out in an arc shape to facilitate the insertion of the corners of the film-type medium 10. However, the shapes of the slits 63a and 63b are arbitrary and are not particularly limited. Alternatively, such a slit may be omitted, and the incubated film-type medium 10 may be attached to the medium container 62 with a double-sided tape, an adhesive, or the like.

  The outer peripheral portion of the tray 60 is a black frame portion 64, and a black strip portion 65 is similarly formed at the center. The tray 20 of the first embodiment is provided with position recognition markers 24a to 24d (FIG. 2), and is used as position information when the processing server 52 corrects the inclination of the first original image data (FIG. 7: S62). However, in the tray 60 of this embodiment, the position recognition markers 24a to 24d are omitted, and instead, a frame portion 64 is provided and used as position information for tilt correction. In the case of this embodiment as well, as described in the first embodiment, the luminance change when each pixel included in the first original image data is moved in a predetermined direction is surrounded by the frame portion 64. The rectangle R to be identified can be specified, and even if the rectangle R in the first original image data is inclined or distorted by the same method as described above with reference to FIGS. Correct correction processing can be performed. It is also possible to perform the tilt correction process using the central strip 65 as position information.

  FIG. 16 shows a tray 70 according to a modification of the tray 60 of the fifth embodiment. Similar to the tray 60, the tray 70 is configured to be able to place and receive a predetermined number of film-type culture media 10 (FIG. 1). Are formed in a predetermined position and arrangement on a base 71 formed in a shape. In this example, in order to be able to place and store a maximum of six film-type culture media 10, a total of six culture media storage portions 72, 72.

  The tray 70 is configured as a combined type capable of placing and accommodating three different types of film-type media. That is, slits 73a to 73e are formed in each medium storage portion 72, the slit 73c is provided at a diagonal position of the slit 73b, and the slit 73d and the slit 73e are provided at a diagonal position of the slit 73a. The first type film type medium 80A can be held using the slits 73a, 73b and 73c, and the second type film type medium 80B can be held using the slits 73a and 73d. The third type of film-type medium 80C can be held using the slits 73a and 73e. In FIG. 16, for convenience, each of the film-type culture media 80A, 80B, and 80C is held in the media storage units 72 in the middle row on the right row, the lower row on the right row, and the lower row on the left row using these slits. It is shown. Since any one of the film-type culture media 80A, 80B, 80C is inserted into the slit at least one diagonal portion, it is firmly held without dropping even when turned over when set in the scanner 30 like the tray 60 described above. be able to.

  In the illustrated example, the slits 73a and 73b on one side are formed in a straight line, and the slits 73c to 73e on the other side are formed in an arc shape to facilitate the insertion of the corners of the film-type medium 10, but each slit 73a The shape of -73e is arbitrary and not particularly limited. Alternatively, such a slit may be omitted, and the film-type culture mediums 80A, 80B, and 80C may be attached to the corresponding sections in the respective culture medium storage units 72 with double-sided tape or adhesive.

  The outer peripheral portion of the tray 70 is a black frame portion 74, and this is used as position information for tilt correction, which is the same as the tray 60 of the fifth embodiment, and the tilt correction processing at that time is also the same. Since there is, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Note that neither the tray 60 of the fifth embodiment nor the tray 70 of the sixth embodiment includes the top / bottom correction position information (the reverse marker 24c in the tray 10 of the first embodiment). When taking a picture with a digital camera, it is necessary to capture the image with care so as to obtain a specified top and bottom. Of course, it is also possible to provide top and bottom correction position information on these trays 60 and 70.

10, 10A, 10B Film type medium 11 Base sheet 12 Frame 13 Culture layer 14 Cover sheet 15 Dilution rate entry column 16 Sample information entry column 17 Serial number barcode 18 Specimen information barcode 19a-19d Position recognition marker 19c For top and bottom recognition Reversal marker 20 tray 21 base 22 film-type medium accommodating portion 23 locking groove 24a-24d position recognition marker 24c reversal marker for vertical recognition 25 color chart 26 gray scale chart 27 chart sheet 30 flat bed scanner 40 PC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 Analysis center 51 Web server 52 Processing server 53 Database 60 Tray 61 Base 62 Film-type culture medium accommodation part 63a, 63b Slit 64 Frame part 65 Strip | belt-shaped part 70 Tray 71 Base 72 Film-type culture medium accommodation part 73a-73e Slit 74 Frame part 80A, 80B, 80C Film type medium

Claims (13)

An original image data acquisition step for acquiring original image data of the film-type medium after incubating the specimen in the culture layer of the film-type medium by transmitting data from the user, and correcting the inclination of the acquired original image data One correction step, a second correction step for correcting the image quality of the acquired original image data, and the corrected image data obtained in the first and second correction steps are used to count the number of colonies in the culture layer. A microorganism testing method using a film-type medium, comprising a measurement step. The first correction step includes a process of correcting an inclination angle of a rectangle specified from position information included in the original image data, and the measurement step includes a rectangle after being corrected in the first correction step. The microorganism testing method using a film-type medium according to claim 1, wherein the number of colonies is counted within an image area corresponding to the culture layer of the film-type medium. The second correction step includes a process of correcting the brightness of each pixel of the original image data, and the measurement step determines that the pixel indicates the presence of a colony when the corrected brightness is greater than a threshold value. The microorganism testing method using a film-type medium according to claim 1 or 2. The second correction step further includes a process of correcting the hue of each pixel of the original image data, and the measuring step determines a colony species based on the corrected hue, and calculates the corrected brightness. 4. The microorganism testing method using a film-type medium according to claim 3, wherein the number of colonies for each bacterial species is counted based on the base. The original image data is image data depicting a tray on which one or a plurality of the incubated film-type media are mounted, and the positional information used in the correction process in the first correction step and the second correction step 5. The microorganism testing method using a film-type medium according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein both a color chart and a gray scale chart used for the correction processing in are displayed in advance on the tray. The original image data is image data that includes one or a plurality of the incubated film-type medium and a chart sheet prepared separately from the film-type medium, and is corrected in the first correction step. Position information used for processing is displayed in advance on each film-type medium, and a color chart and a grayscale chart used for correction processing in the second correction step are displayed in advance on the chart sheet. The microorganism testing method using the film-type medium according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The original image data is image data describing one or a plurality of the incubated film-type culture media, and is used for position information used for correction processing in the first correction step and correction processing in the second correction step. The method for testing microorganisms using a film-type medium according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the color chart and the gray scale chart is displayed in advance on each film-type medium. The original image data includes first original image data describing positional information used for correction processing in the first correction step together with one or a plurality of the incubated film-type culture media, and correction in the second correction step. Second original image data describing a color chart and a gray scale chart used for processing, and the original image data acquisition step includes a first original image data acquisition step of acquiring the first original image data; The second original image data acquisition step for acquiring the second original image data, and the first correction step each time the first original image data is acquired in the first original image data acquisition step. To generate first corrected image data for each of the first original image data, and in the second original image data acquisition step, The second correction image data is created by applying the processing result of the second correction step performed based on the obtained second original image data to each first correction image data in a unified manner. A microorganism testing method using the film-type medium according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. A microbe inspection method using a film-type medium according to claim 5, wherein a user takes in the original image data, the image taking tool comprising the tray, and the tray has been incubated. An image capturing tool, comprising: a plurality of medium storage units to which a film-type medium can be attached; and the position information, the color chart and the gray scale chart are displayed in advance. 7. The method for inspecting microorganisms using a film-type medium according to claim 6, wherein the image capturing tool is used when a user captures the original image data, wherein the image capturing tool is displayed in advance on the film-type medium. An image capturing tool comprising a predetermined rectangle and the chart sheet prepared separately from the film-type medium. The image capturing tool according to claim 10, wherein position information used for correction processing in the first correction step is also displayed in advance on the chart sheet. The image capturing tool used when the user captures the original image data in the microorganism testing method using the film-type medium according to claim 7, wherein the image capturing tool is displayed in advance on the film-type medium itself. An image capturing tool comprising the position information, the color chart, and a gray scale chart. 9. The method of microbiological examination using a film-type medium according to claim 8, wherein a user captures the first original image data, the image capture tool comprising the tray, An image capturing tool comprising a plurality of medium storage portions to which an incubated film-type medium can be mounted, and the position information is displayed in advance.

Images