Device and method for automatic processing of culture plates for microbiological samples

An automatic processing device of culture plates for microbiological samples, wherein the processing device comprises:

• a support frame;
• a carrier provided with a seating configured for removably housing a culture plate for microbiological samples, the carrier being movably mounted on the support frame and configured to be selectively displaceable between a first loading position of the culture plate on the carrier, a plurality of image-acquiring positions, and a first unloading position of the culture plate from the carrier;
• a linear camera, provided with a telecentric optic and configured to acquire, at an image-acquiring zone, a multiplicity of linear images of corresponding linear portions of a surface of the culture plate housed on the carrier, during the displacing of the carrier, each linear image being acquired at a relative image acquiring position of the image acquiring zone, the automatic processing device being configured to assemble the linear images obtaining overall images of the culture plate;
• a movable support of the carrier configured to provide an advancing movement of the carrier in the image-acquiring zone;
• and
• an electronic controller, programmed to control at least the functioning of the camera and of the movable support, to acquire and assemble the multiplicity of linear images.