Biological growth plate scanner with automated image processing profile selection

Abstract

A biological scanner provides automated selection of image processing profiles to scan different types of biological growth plates. The scanner automatically identifies the type of plate to be scanned by the scanner, and then selects one of the image processing profiles appropriate for the identified plate type. For example, the image processing profiles may apply different color, shape, size and proximity criteria in counting different types of bacterial colonies. The scanner may identify the plate type by reference to a variety of machine-readable indicators, such as optically or magnetically readable marks, carried on the plate. Accordingly, biological growth plates carrying particular indicators that permit plate type identification are also contemplated. The plates may be scanned in order to read or count different types of bacterial colonies, or the amount of a particular biological agent on the biological growth plate.

1 . A biological growth plate comprising: 
 a plate surface to support growth of a biological agent; and    a machine-readable plate type indicator that identifies a type of the biological growth plate.    
     
     
         2 . The biological growth plate of  claim 1 , wherein the plate type indicator includes an encoded pattern on the biological growth plate.  
     
     
         3 . The biological growth plate of  claim 1 , wherein the plate type indicator is printed on the biological growth plate.  
     
     
         4 . The biological growth plate of  claim 1 , wherein the plate type indicator is adhesively affixed to the biological growth plate.  
     
     
         5 . The biological growth plate of  claim 1 , wherein the plate type indicator includes a bar code.  
     
     
         6 . The biological growth plate of  claim 1 , wherein the plate type indicator includes a two-dimensional grid of cells modulated between black and white.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the plate type indicator includes a phosphorous ink.  
     
     
         8 . The biological growth plate of  claim 1 , wherein the plate type is associated with a biological agent selected from the group consisting of aerobic bacteria,  E. coli,  coliform, enterobacteriaceae, yeast, mold,  Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria,  and  Campylobacter.    
     
     
         9 . The biological growth plate of  claim 1 , wherein the plate type is associated with a type of biological agent grown on the plate surface.  
     
     
         10 . The biological growth plate of  claim 1 , wherein the plate type is associated with a thin film culture plate.