Experiment support system and information acquisition method

Abstract

To provide an experiment support system and an information acquisition method that allow easy association of experiment data.SOLUTION: An experiment support system comprises: an experimental device that performs an experimental operation on a subject to be observed; and a control unit capable of acquiring experimental data in the experimental operation, wherein the control unit acquires an identifier for identifying experimental conditions including information on the subject to be observed; acquires the experimental data associated with the identifier, by associating the identifier and the experimental operation; associates the experimental conditions and the experimental data on the basis of the identifier; and creates a dataset DA including the experimental conditions and the experimental data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an experiment support system and an information acquisition method. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, research and development in the field of regenerative medicine requires the storage of a large amount of data. For example, in cell culture experiments, a large amount of data must be stored, such as the name of the cell strain being cultured, the type and environment of the culture medium, and the date and number of times the medium was changed. In addition to this data, a huge amount of microscopic images of the cells are also stored.

[0003] In conventional manual cell culture experiments, a lot of data, such as information about the cells being cultured and microscopic images, must be linked manually, which requires a great deal of effort to link and organize the data. Therefore, there is a demand for automation of data collection and organization. As an example of an experimental system that automatically collects data, there is a microscope system that automatically photographs cells and stores the photographed images in a computer memory (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] In addition to the above data and data before and after culturing such as microscopic images, data during culturing can also affect the results of culturing. Examples of data during culturing include information about vibrations applied to a well plate when the well plate containing cultured cells is moved from an incubator to another experimental device (e.g., a microscope) for medium replacement or microscopic observation, and data such as the time the well plate is outside the incubator.

[0005] In conventional manual cell culture experiments, it is difficult to obtain data during the culture process as described above. Therefore, the effect of data during the culture process on the culture results has not been verified. However, in reality, cell culture results often do not go well for some reason, and sometimes go well for some reason, and there is often no pattern. There is also the problem that it is not possible to explain the lack of pattern in the culture results, and this problem may be stagnating research activities in the field of regenerative medicine and slowing down technological development.

[0006] Therefore, by collecting parameters generated during culture, it is possible to collect parameters that were previously thought not to affect culture results, and obtain correlations between these parameters and culture results. Finding influential factors that affect culture results in the correlation between data during culture and culture results is expected to lead to improved reproducibility in cell culture experiments. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2005-514589 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, the robotic microscope inspection system described in Patent Document 1 does not link captured images with data other than images (for example, cell line names and types of culture media). Therefore, the images automatically captured by the robotic microscope inspection system must be linked with data other than images manually, which may require a great deal of effort.

[0009] Furthermore, in conventional cell culture experiments conducted by hand, it is difficult to obtain data during the culture process, such as the time the cells are outside the incubator, and this data is often not verified.

[0010] In consideration of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an experiment support system and an information acquisition method that can easily link experimental data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means. The experiment support system of the present invention comprises an experimental apparatus for performing an experimental operation on an object to be observed, and a control unit capable of acquiring experimental data for the experimental operation, wherein the control unit acquires an identifier that identifies experimental conditions including information about the object to be observed, and acquires the experimental data linked to the identifier by linking the identifier to the experimental operation, links the experimental conditions to the experimental data based on the identifier, and generates a dataset including the experimental conditions and the experimental data.

[0012] The information acquisition method of the present invention comprises the steps of acquiring experimental conditions including information of an object of observation, acquiring an identifier that identifies the experimental conditions, acquiring experimental data linked to the identifier by performing an experimental operation linked to the identifier on the object of observation, linking the experimental conditions and the experimental data based on the identifier, and generating a dataset including the experimental conditions and the experimental data. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the experiment support system and information acquisition method of the present invention, it is possible to provide an experiment support system and information acquisition method that can easily link experiment data. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic diagram of an experiment support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic diagram of a transport device and a rail portion in the experiment support system. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a first experimental device in the experiment support system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data set in the experiment support system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of experimental conditions for the same data set. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of data during an experiment in the same data set. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an experimental result for the same data set. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an information acquisition method in the experiment support system. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an experiment data collection process in the information acquisition method. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an experiment report in the experiment support system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view that illustrates an experiment support system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0016] The experiment support system 100 includes a transport device 10, a rail unit 20, a first incubator 30, a second incubator 40, a microscope 50, a safety cabinet 60, a control unit 70, and a data input unit (not shown). In this embodiment, the first incubator 30, the second incubator 40, the microscope 50, and the safety cabinet 60 that perform the experiment operation on the observation object are also simply referred to as the experiment apparatus. In this embodiment, a plurality of experiment apparatuses refers to two or more of these experiment apparatuses.

[0017] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the vertical direction in the experiment support system 100 is defined as the "up-down direction V", the vertical upward direction is defined as the "upward UP" in the vertical direction V, and the vertical downward direction is defined as the "downward LO" in the vertical direction V. In addition, the direction in which the transport device 10 mainly moves is defined as the "left-right direction H", the direction in which the transport device 10 in a standby state is provided is defined as the "leftward LT" in the horizontal direction H, and the opposite direction is defined as the "rightward RT" in the horizontal direction H. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction V and the horizontal direction H is defined as the "front-rear direction D", one side in the vertical direction D is defined as the "forward FR" and the other side is defined as the "rearward RR" in the vertical direction D.

[0018] In addition, an operator may manually perform an experiment using the above-mentioned experimental apparatus. For example, in the experiment support system 100 shown in Fig. 1, when an experiment is performed manually, each experimental apparatus is arranged so that an operator standing in front of each experimental apparatus FR can easily perform the experiment.

[0019] 2 is a perspective view that shows a schematic diagram of the transport device 10 and the rail section 20 in the experiment support system 100. In FIG. 2, the transport device 10 and a part of the rail section 20 in the vicinity of the transport device 10 are shown.

[0020] The transport device 10 is a small robot device capable of holding and transporting an observation object, which is the subject of an experiment. The transport device 10 is, for example, a six-axis articulated robot arm, and can take various positions and postures for holding an observation object.

[0021] 1, the transport device 10 is disposed near the end portion on the left side LT of the table T. The transport device 10 is also disposed above UP the rail portion 20. In this embodiment, the position of the transport device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a waiting location for the transport device 10, and the transport device 10 disposed in the waiting location is the transport device 10 in a waiting state.

[0022] The transport device 10 includes a movable portion 11 , a first rotating portion 12 , a plurality of second rotating portions 13 , a plurality of arms 14 , and a holding portion 15 . The movable part 11 supports the transport device 10 so as to be movable along the rail part 20. For example, the movable part 11 has wheels and an electric motor capable of rotating the wheels, and the transport device 10 moves along the rail part 20 by rotating the wheels of the movable part 11 with the electric motor. For example, the transport device 10 shown in Fig. 2 is movable in the front-rear direction D along the rail part 20 extending in the front-rear direction D.

[0023] The second rotation parts 13 rotatably connect the arms 14. The first rotation part 12 supports the second rotation parts 13, the arms 14 and the holding part 15 rotatably relative to the movable part 11.

[0024] The holding unit 15 has two support parts 16 and includes a structure for moving the two support parts 16 closer to or apart from each other. The holding unit 15 is a clamping hand that is provided at the tip of the transport device 10 and holds the observation object by moving the two support parts 16 closer to or apart from each other. Specifically, the transport device 10 moves to the vicinity of the observation object by a movement mechanism included in the movable part 11, rotates the first rotation part 12 or the second rotation part 13, assumes a posture in which the observation object is disposed between the two support parts 16, and holds the observation object by bringing the two support parts 16 close to each other to sandwich the observation object. The observation object is, for example, a well plate or a petri dish for cell culture.

[0025] The transport device 10 may be configured, for example, as a three-axis orthogonal robot arm, or may be a mechanism for moving the holding unit 15 to a desired position by other configurations, as long as it is capable of holding the observation object, and may be a suction-type hand that holds the observation object by suction.

[0026] The rail portion 20 is a rail member (guide) that forms a track along which the transport device 10 moves. The rail portion 20 is provided on the upper surface UP of the table T as shown in Fig. 1. The rail portion 20 has a first rail member 21 extending in the front-rear direction D and a second rail member 22 extending in the left-right direction H, and has an L-shape extending in the front-rear direction D and the left-right direction H when viewed in a plan view from the upper side UP.

[0027] The rail section 20 is a guide that prevents the conveying device 10 from deviating from a predetermined track when the conveying device 10 moves by rotating wheels, for example. The rail section 20 may also include a configuration that allows the conveying device 10 to move by a linear motion mechanism that utilizes an electric motor, a ball screw, or the like.

[0028] The rail portion 20 is preferably expandable and includes a structure that allows it to branch or extend. The rail portion 20 is composed of a plurality of rail members, and is configured by connecting a first rail member 21 extending in the front-rear direction D and a second rail member 22 extending in the left-right direction H.

[0029] 1, a rail member (third rail member) extending in the front-rear direction D may be added to the right side RT of the safety cabinet 60 to extend the rail section 20 and form a substantially U-shaped rail section 20. Also, a rail member extending in the front-rear direction D may be added between the second incubator 40 and the microscope 50 to branch the rail section 20 and form an F-shaped rail section 20.

[0030] By using the branchable or extendable rail section 20, the rail section 20 can be set according to the arrangement of the experimental equipment, etc., even when changing the experimental equipment or experimental protocol used. Furthermore, when the experiment support system 100 is operated in multiple experimental areas (laboratories), the rail section 20 can be set according to the experiment content performed in each experimental area, the function and arrangement of the experimental equipment used, etc. Furthermore, when the experiment support system 100 is adopted in an experimental area where experiments were conventionally performed manually, it is possible to automate the operation while maintaining the experimental equipment that was conventionally used.

[0031] Moreover, it is preferable that the rail section 20 is provided with a detection section (not shown) capable of detecting the position of the conveyance device 10. The detection section is, for example, a photosensor. For example, when the conveyance device 10 moves along a groove provided in the rail section 20 by the rotation of its wheels, a transmission type or separate type photosensor is disposed as the detection section across the groove of the rail section 20. When the conveyance device 10 moves along the rail section 20 and the wheels pass by the photosensor, the photosensor detects the passage of the wheels.

[0032] By providing a plurality of detectors on the rail section 20, it is possible to detect where the transport device 10 is located on the rail section 20. The detection results detected by the detectors are transmitted to the control section .

[0033] The detection unit may be provided in the conveying device 10. For example, when the conveying device 10 moves by rotating wheels, the position of the conveying device 10 can be detected by using an encoder that detects the rotation direction and the number of rotations of an electric motor that drives the wheels as the detection unit.

[0034] The detection unit may be a laser sensor provided in each experimental device. For example, a laser sensor may be provided in the vicinity or on the side of the experimental device, and the laser sensor may detect the conveyance device 10 to detect that the conveyance device 10 is located in the vicinity of the experimental device.

[0035] In addition, when an obstacle is placed on the rail on which the detection unit is installed, the detection unit can send a signal to the control unit 70 and then send a stop signal to the conveying device 10, or the detection unit can send a signal directly to the conveying device 10, thereby stopping the operation of the conveying device 10 and preventing contact with the obstacle.

[0036] The experiment support system 100 may also include a camera capable of photographing the transport device 10, the rail section 20, and each piece of experimental equipment. The camera provided in the experiment support system 100 is, for example, a camera provided above the table T, UP, and capable of photographing the transport device 10, the rail section 20, and each piece of experimental equipment from an overhead perspective. The experiment support system 100 may use this camera as a detector to identify the position of the transport device 10 and detect obstacles using video images captured by the camera.

[0037] The first incubator 30 is, for example, an incubator used when culturing cells. As shown in Fig. 1, the first incubator 30 is not disposed above UP of a table T, but is, for example, a floor-standing incubator installed on the floor of a laboratory. The first incubator 30 is disposed to the left LT of the table T.

[0038] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the first incubator 30. Hereinafter, the first incubator 30 is also referred to as a first experimental device. Fig. 3 shows the first incubator 30 with the door open, and a plate W is stored inside the first incubator 30. For example, the plate W is a well plate containing cells that are the subject of observation in an experiment, and is an observation subject in which cell culture is performed using the first incubator 30.

[0039] An auxiliary transport device 31 is provided to the right RT of the first warmer 30. The auxiliary transport device 31 includes a vertically movable part 32, a horizontally movable part 33, and a front-rear movable part .

[0040] The vertically movable part 32 is a generally rod-shaped member connected to a side surface on the right side RT of the first warmer 30 and extending in the vertical direction V. An upper end UP of the vertically movable part 32 is located above the ceiling surface (upper UP surface) of the first warmer 30.

[0041] The left-right movable part 33 is a generally rod-shaped member that is connected to the up-down movable part 32 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction V, and is rotatable relative to the up-down movable part 32 about a rotation axis that extends in the up-down direction V. The up-down movable part 32 and the left-right movable part 33 include a structure that allows the left-right movable part 33 to move in the up-down direction V and the left-right direction H relative to the up-down movable part 32, and specifically includes means such as wheels that move by clamping a rail, a ball screw and a linear guide, and winding up with a wire.

[0042] The front-rear movable part 34 is a generally rod-shaped member that is connected to the left-right movable part 33 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the left-right movable part 33. The left-right movable part 33 and the front-rear movable part 34 include a structure that allows the front-rear movable part 34 to move in the left-right direction H and the front-rear direction D relative to the left-right movable part 33.

[0043] Furthermore, the front-rear movable section 34 is provided with a structure capable of holding the plate W (for example, a clamping hand or a suction hand that operates in response to a command from the control section 70). Therefore, the auxiliary transport device 31 can hold the plate W using the front-rear movable section 34, take the plate W out of the first warmer 30, and move it to a desired position. Conversely, the auxiliary transport device 31 can hold the plate W that is placed outside the first warmer 30, and move the plate W into the first warmer 30 to store it therein.

[0044] The sub-transport device 31 is not limited to a linear structure as shown in FIG. 3, and may be, for example, a hand robot composed of an arm and a rotating part like the transport device 10, instead of the up-down moving part 32, the left-right moving part 33, and the front-back moving part 34 in FIG. 3. The door of the first warmer 30 shown in FIG. 3 opens to the left LT. Therefore, by providing the sub-transport device 31 on the right RT of the first warmer 30, it is possible to prevent the door from coming into contact with the sub-transport device 31 or the plate W held by the sub-transport device 31 when opening or closing the door of the first warmer 30, and the plate W can be safely taken out or stored. When the door of the first warmer 30 opens to the right RT, the sub-transport device 31 can be provided on the left LT of the first warmer 30 to similarly safely take out or store the plate W.

[0045] It is preferable that the first warmer 30 has an automatic door-opening mechanism (not shown) capable of automatically opening the door of the first warmer 30. By having the automatic door-opening mechanism in the first warmer 30, when the plate W is contained therein and the first warmer 30 is in a closed state, a series of operations for opening the door and removing the plate W can be automatically performed by controlling the automatic door-opening mechanism and the auxiliary transport device 31. At this time, the automatic door-opening mechanism and the auxiliary transport device 31 are controlled by the control unit 70.

[0046] The automatic door-opening mechanism is, for example, a rotary or linear mechanism driven by an electric motor, and when the electric motor is driven, the door is pushed in the opening direction to forcibly open it. With the first warming device 30 in an open state, the door can be closed by, for example, pushing the door in the closing direction by the support part 16 of the conveying device 10 or by the sub-conveying device 31.

[0047] The automatic door opening mechanism may have a mechanism that can detect an open door and close it. Even if the first warming device 30 does not have an automatic door opening mechanism, the door may be opened by the conveying device 10 or the sub-conveying device 31.

[0048] The second incubator 40 is, for example, an incubator used when culturing cells. As shown in Fig. 1, the second incubator 40 is disposed on the upper surface UP of a table T. The second incubator 40 is, for example, a small tabletop incubator.

[0049] The second warmer 40 is disposed to the right RT of the transport device 10 in the standby state. That is, the second warmer 40 is disposed to the right RT of the first rail member 21 of the rail section 20. The second warmer 40 is also disposed near and behind the second rail member 22 of the rail section 20 RR.

[0050] The second warmer 40 has a door at the front FR, and the plate W can be accommodated therein from the front FR. In addition, in the second warmer 40 in which the plate W is accommodated, the plate W can be removed to the front FR.

[0051] Similar to the first warmer 30, the second warmer 40 may be provided with an automatic door opening mechanism and an auxiliary transport device that can automatically open (or close) the door and remove the accommodated plates W.

[0052] The microscope 50 is, for example, an electron microscope capable of observing and photographing a plate W placed on a stage 50s at a desired magnification. Hereinafter, the microscope 50 is also referred to as a second experimental device. The microscope 50 is placed on the upper surface UP of a table T as shown in FIG.

[0053] The microscope 50 is disposed to the right RT of the second incubator 40. Moreover, the microscope 50 is disposed near and behind the second rail member 22 of the rail section 20, RR. Images captured by the microscope 50 are transmitted to the control unit 70. Moreover, the microscope 50 may be connected to a display device such as a display, and images captured by the microscope 50 and images being observed may be displayed on the display device.

[0054] The safety cabinet 60 is a clean bench or the like that prevents contamination of the plate W placed inside the safety cabinet 60. The safety cabinet 60 is disposed on an upper surface UP of the table T, as shown in FIG.

[0055] The safety cabinet 60 is disposed near the end of the right side RT of the table T. The safety cabinet 60 is also disposed near the second rail member 22 and at the rear RR of the rail section 20. The safety cabinet 60 may include therein an experimental device such as an automatic culture medium exchange device that automatically performs an experimental operation for culture medium exchange on the plate W.

[0056] 1, the control unit 70 is disposed on an upper surface UP of the table T. The control unit 70 is disposed between the microscope 50 and the safety cabinet 60 in the left-right direction H.

[0057] The control unit 70 is, for example, a program-executable device (computer) equipped with a processor, a memory, a storage unit, and the like. Each function of the control unit 70 is realized by, for example, one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) executing a program stored in a program memory. However, all or part of these functions may be realized by hardware (e.g., a circuit unit; circuitry) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration; large-scale integrated circuit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device). In addition, all or part of the above functions may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. The storage unit is realized by a flash memory, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory; readable and writable memory), or the like.

[0058] The control unit 70 is connected to the transport device 10 and the detection unit wirelessly or by wire, and can control the transport device 10 and the detection unit. The control unit 70 is also connected to each experimental device wirelessly or by wire, and acquires experimental data of the experimental operation performed by each experimental device on the observation target. The control unit 70 may also acquire the operating status of each experimental device, and may also control the operation of each experimental device.

[0059] The data input unit (not shown) is an input device that allows the experiment operator to input data to the control unit 70. The data input unit is, for example, a keyboard connected to the control unit 70 wirelessly or via a wire. The data input unit may also be a barcode scanner capable of reading barcodes, a camera capable of reading two-dimensional codes, or the like. The experiment operator can input various data to the control unit 70 by operating the data input unit.

[0060] The experiment support system 100 performs a series of experimental tasks using each of the experimental devices described above. The control unit 70 generates a data set including experimental data (e.g., experimental results) acquired in the series of experimental tasks and experimental conditions in the experimental tasks. The series of experimental tasks includes a transport operation in which the transport device 10 transports an observation target (plate W) to each of the experimental devices, and an experimental operation performed by each of the experimental devices on the plate W. Here, the data set generated by the control unit 70 indicates, for example, a collection of data in which a plurality of data are arranged in a table format.

[0061] 4-7 shows an example of a data set obtained by the control unit 70 in a series of experimental operations for culturing cells as the object of observation, and arranged in a table format. The series of experimental operations performed by the experiment support system 100 will be described in detail later.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data set DA generated by the control unit 70 in the experiment support system 100. As shown in FIG. Data set DA is a collection of data in tabular format that links experimental conditions, experimental data, and experimental results.

[0063] Here, the "experimental conditions" are data that are determined in advance before carrying out an experimental operation using the experiment support system 100, such as the experimental location and the name of the cell strain to be cultured. "In-process data" is data obtained after the experimental work is started by the experimental support system 100 and before the experimental work is completed, such as the date and time when the cell culture medium was replaced, or the movement speed when cells were moved during culture.

[0064] Furthermore, the "experimental results" are data obtained when the experimental work is completed, such as the survival rate of cells after a specified period of culture. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned “experimental data” and “experimental results” may be collectively referred to as “experimental data.” The control unit 70 generates a data set including the above-mentioned experimental conditions and experimental data (experimental data or experimental results).

[0065] The data set DA shown in FIG. 4 is a data set in a cell culture experiment, and includes culture conditions D1 (experimental conditions), in-culture data D2 (data during the experiment), and post-culture data D3 (experimental results).

[0066] In addition, when multiple experimental tasks are performed, the dataset DA may have an area for displaying a serial number for distinguishing (identifying) each dataset linked to the culture conditions D1, in-culture data D2, and post-culture data D3 for each experimental task.

[0067] For example, as shown in Fig. 4, in the case of serial number N1, a data set from a first experimental work is generated in row No. 1, and a data set from a second experimental work is generated in row No. 2. In the example shown in Fig. 4, data sets from five experimental works Nos. 1 to 5 are generated, and a data set from a sixth experimental work that has not yet been performed has not been generated.

[0068] The culture conditions D1 (experiment conditions) are basically information input by an experiment operator from the data input unit before performing an experiment operation using each experimental device, and include information on the observation object. The in-culture data D2 (in-experiment data) and the post-culture data D3 (experiment results) are data acquired by the control unit 70 when the experiment support system 100 is performing the experiment operation.

[0069] The control unit 70 generates a data set DA including the culture conditions D1 input by the experiment operator, and the during-culture data D2 and post-culture data D3 acquired by the experiment support system 100 performing the experimental work.

[0070] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of culture conditions D1 (experimental conditions) in the data set DA. As shown in Fig. 5, the culture conditions D1 have a culture start date D11, an experimental work name D12, an experimenter name D13, an experimental location name D14, a well plate name D15, a well number D16, a cell line name D17, a medium type name D18, a medium environment name D19, and passage number information D20.

[0071] 5, five data sets are generated for the first experimental work N11, the second experimental work N12, the third experimental work N13, the fourth experimental work N14, and the fifth experimental work N15 in the serial number N1. When the data set DA includes data sets for six or more experimental works, data sets are also generated in the rows following the sixth experimental work N16 shown in FIG.

[0072] The culture start date D11 is the date and time when cell culture was started. The experimental work name D12 is the name of the experimental work. The experimental work name D12 is an arbitrary name that allows the experimental worker to easily grasp the outline of the experimental work.

[0073] The experimenter name D13 is the name of the experimenter who performed the experiment or a symbol indicating the experimenter. The experiment location name D14 is information indicating the location where the experiment was performed. For example, the experiment location name D14 is a name or number indicating the laboratory where the experiment was performed. The experiment location name D14 may include information related to the experiment location, such as the temperature and humidity at the time of the experiment.

[0074] The well plate name D15 is information indicating the well plate in which the cells to be observed are cultured. The well number D16 is information indicating the well in which the cells to be observed are cultured.

[0075] For example, when a well plate having six wells is used, the well plate name D15 is information indicating the well plate. Also, the well number D16 is information indicating in which of the six wells the cell to be observed is cultured. The well plate name D15 and the well number D16 are arbitrary information such as a symbol or a number.

[0076] The cell line name D17, medium type name D18, medium environment name D19, and passage number information D20 are information about cells that an experiment operator has obtained (purchased) as cells to be cultured using the experiment support system 100, for example.

[0077] The cell line name D17 is information indicating the line name of the cell to be observed. The medium type name D18 is information indicating the type of medium in which the cell to be observed is cultured (e.g., MEMα). The medium environment name D19 is information indicating the environment of the medium in which the cell to be observed is cultured (e.g., FBS (serum), PS (penicillin streptomycin)).

[0078] The passage number information D20 is information indicating the number of times the cells to be observed have been passaged. Here, passage refers to an operation of taking a part of the cultured cells and transferring it to a new medium (e.g., another well). The passage number information D20 is information indicating the number of times this passage has been performed.

[0079] Each piece of information contained in the culture conditions D1 is not limited to being input by an experiment operator, but may be added to the data set DA based on information actively acquired by the experiment support system 100. For example, the culture start date D11 may be acquired by the control unit 70 as the date and time when the experiment support system 100 started the experiment work, and may be automatically added to the data set DA by the control unit 70.

[0080] In addition, the cell line name D17, medium type name D18, medium environment name D19 and passage number information D20 may be obtained by the control unit 70 acquiring an image of a container in which the cells are stored before being cultured on the plate W, and the control unit 70 reading the cell line name, medium type, medium environment and passage number written on this image and adding them to the dataset DA.

[0081] When the information in the culture conditions D1 is the same in a plurality of experimental works, a symbol indicating that the information is the same as that in another row (experimental work) may be added to the data set DA as shown in Fig. 5. For example, a symbol (arrow) indicating that the information is the same as that in the first experimental work N11 is added to the second experimental work N12 and the third experimental work N13 shown in Fig. 5.

[0082] 6 is a diagram showing an example of in-culture data D2 (data during an experiment) in the data set DA. The in-culture data D2 is each piece of information during culture linked to the serial number N1 and the culture conditions D1.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 6, the culture in-progress data D2 includes the number of culture medium exchanges D21, the culture medium exchange date D22, the cell removal time D23, the transport speed D24, a cell image D25, and contamination information D26.

[0084] The number of culture medium exchanges D21 is the number of times the experiment support system 100 has exchanged the culture medium for the cells being observed. The culture medium exchange date D22 is the date and time when the culture medium was exchanged. The control unit 70 acquires information on the number of culture medium exchanges D21 and the culture medium exchange date D22 from, for example, a video captured by the above-mentioned imaging device (detection unit), and adds the information to the data set DA.

[0085] For example, in the experiment support system 100, if the safety cabinet 60 has an automatic medium exchange device that automatically performs an experimental operation for medium exchange on the plate W, the control unit 70 calculates the number of times that the transport device 10 transports the plate W to the safety cabinet 60 in the video acquired from the imaging device, and sets this number as the number of medium exchanges D21. In addition, the control unit 70 acquires the date and time when the plate W is removed from the safety cabinet 60, and sets this number as the medium exchange date D22. In addition, the control unit 70 may acquire the number of times and the date and time when the automatic medium exchange device of the safety cabinet 60 has been operated, and set these number of times and the date and time as the number of medium exchanges D21 and the medium exchange date D22.

[0086] The cell removal time D23 is the time during which the observation object (for example, the plate W) is removed from the incubator (the first incubator 30 or the second incubator 40). For example, in the experiment support system 100, the auxiliary transport device 31 takes out the plate W from the first incubator 30, and the transport device 10 transports the plate W to the microscope 50, and the plate W is observed by the microscope 50. Thereafter, the transport device 10 transports the plate W from the microscope 50 to the first incubator 30, and the plate W is accommodated again inside the first incubator 30 by the auxiliary transport device 31.

[0087] In this series of experimental work, the time during which the plate W was outside the first incubator 30 is the cell removal time D23. The control unit 70 calculates the time during which the plate W was outside the first incubator 30 from, for example, a video captured by a camera device, and sets the calculated time as the cell removal time D23. The cell removal time D23 may be calculated based on the time when the door of the first incubator 30 is opened when the plate W is removed, and the time when the door of the first incubator 30 is closed when the plate W is placed inside the first incubator 30 after the series of experimental work is completed.

[0088] The transport speed D24 is the moving speed when the transport device 10 transports an observation object (e.g., a plate W). For example, when the transport device 10 transports the plate W from the first incubator 30 to the microscope 50, the control unit 70 acquires the speed at which the transport device 10 moves and sets it as the transport speed D24.

[0089] For example, the conveying device 10 includes a speed sensor capable of detecting the moving speed of the conveying device 10, and the control unit 70 obtains the detection result of the speed sensor to obtain the moving speed of the conveying device 10. The control unit 70 may also calculate the moving speed of the conveying device 10 from a video captured by the above-mentioned imaging device. The control unit 70 may also calculate the moving speed of the conveying device 10 based on the position information of the conveying device 10 detected by the above-mentioned detection unit provided on the rail unit 20.

[0090] The conveying speed D24 may include not only speed but also acceleration / deceleration (acceleration), impact load, vibration, etc. For example, if the conveying device 10 is equipped with a vibration sensor capable of detecting vibration (e.g., frequency) of the conveying device 10, the control unit 70 obtains vibration information of the conveying device 10 by acquiring the detection result of the vibration sensor, and sets the obtained vibration information as the conveying speed D24.

[0091] The cell image D25 is an image of a cell, which is an object of observation, captured by the microscope 50. The control unit 70 acquires the image captured by the microscope 50, and sets the acquired image as the cell image D25. For example, when the experiment support system 100 performs an experiment of changing a culture medium, the cell image D25 is an image captured before the culture medium is changed or an image captured after the culture medium is changed. The cell image D25 may be a plurality of images including an image captured before the culture medium is changed and an image captured after the culture medium is changed.

[0092] The contamination information D26 is information indicating whether or not impurities (contamination) are mixed in the observation object. For example, the control unit 70 performs image processing or the like on the image captured by the microscope 50, determines whether or not impurities are mixed in, and sets information indicating the presence or absence of impurities as the contamination information D26.

[0093] 7 is a diagram showing an example of post-culture data D3 (experimental results) in the data set DA. The post-culture data D3 indicates each piece of information after culture linked to the serial number N1, the culture conditions D1, and the in-culture data D2.

[0094] The post-culture data D3 is information about cells that have been cultured, for example, analysis results of cells that have been cultured for a predetermined period (culture period) after one or more medium changes.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 7, the post-culture data D3 includes the number of viable cells D31, gene analysis results D32, and protein information D33.

[0096] The number of live cells D31 is information on the survival rate of the cells being observed. The genetic analysis result D32 is the result of genetic analysis of the cells being observed. Furthermore, the protein information D33 is the result of analyzing the protein expression level of the cells being observed.

[0097] The analysis results indicated by the number of live cells D31, the gene analysis results D32, and the protein information D33 are obtained, for example, by observing cells stained with a reagent corresponding to each analysis content under a microscope 50. Here, the microscope 50 for observing the cells stained with the reagent is a fluorescent microscope capable of fluorescent observation.

[0098] The analysis results indicated by the post-culture data D3 are preferably obtained automatically by the experimental equipment constituting the experiment support system 100, but may also be obtained manually by an experimental operator. In this case, the experimental operator inputs the analysis results using a data input unit (an input device such as a keyboard connected to the control unit 70). The control unit 70 adds the input analysis results to the data set DA.

[0099] Here, the control unit 70 may be connected wirelessly or via a wire to an external computer to which an experiment operator inputs analysis results, and may acquire the analysis results input to the external computer and add them to the data set DA.

[0100] The post-culture data D3 may also be an analysis result for cells that have not yet been cultured for a predetermined period of time. For example, the post-culture data D3 may be an analysis result after the first or second medium exchange for cells that have undergone three medium exchanges during the culture period.

[0101] 4-7 is an example, and the data set generated by the control unit 70 is not limited to the above-mentioned culture conditions D1, in-culture data D2, and post-culture data D3. The control unit 70 acquires various data corresponding to the experimental work performed by the experiment support system 100, and generates a data set based on the acquired data.

[0102] In addition, in this embodiment, the conveying device 10, rail section 20, second incubator 40, microscope 50, safety cabinet 60 and control section 70 are provided on the upper surface UP of the table T, but all or part of these may be provided on the floor surface.

[0103] Next, an example of an experiment operation and information acquisition method in the experiment support system 100 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of an experiment operation and information acquisition method in the experiment support system 100.

[0104] (Step S100) When the experiment support system 100 is started, the experiment support system 100 performs step S100 (experimental condition receiving process). In step S100, the control unit 70 receives input of the experimental conditions (e.g., culture conditions D1). In step S100, the control unit 70 may receive input of the experimental conditions input by an experiment operator using a data input unit, or may acquire the experimental conditions by reading an image or the like of a container in which the cells to be observed are stored. Furthermore, in step S100, the control unit 70 may acquire preset experimental conditions. Here, the control unit 70 also acquires an identifier that identifies the experimental conditions. The identifier acquired by the control unit 70 is, for example, a serial number N1 (e.g., No. 1).

[0105] (Step S200) Next, the experiment support system 100 performs step S200 (data sheet creation process). In step S200, the control unit 70 adds the experimental conditions acquired in step S100 to the data sheet. For example, the data sheet generated in step S200 is a data sheet having culture conditions D1 in the data set DA shown in FIG. 4. In step S200, the control unit 70 has not acquired the data during the experiment (e.g., data during culture D2) and the experimental results (e.g., data after culture D3).

[0106] (Step S300) Next, the experiment support system 100 executes step S300 (standby step). In step S300, the control unit 70 causes the transport device 10 to wait at a predetermined position and enter a standby state.

[0107] (Step S400) Next, the experiment support system 100 performs step S400 (set time determination step). In step S400, the control unit 70 determines whether a preset set time has been reached. Here, the set time may be the time when the experiment support system 100 starts the experiment work (experiment start time), or may be the time when the activated experiment support system 100 waits until it starts the experiment work (waiting time).

[0108] For example, if the set time is the experiment start time, the control unit 70 compares the current time with the set time, and if the current time and the set time match, determines that the set time has been reached. Also, if the set time is a standby time, the control unit 70 determines whether the set time has elapsed, and if so, determines that the set time has been reached.

[0109] When the control unit 70 determines that the set time has not yet elapsed, the process returns to step S300 and the standby state continues. When the control unit 70 determines that the set time has elapsed, the experiment support system 100 performs step S500.

[0110] (Step S500) 9 is a flow chart showing an example of step S500 (experiment data collection step).In step S500, the experiment support system 100 carries out a series of experiment operations.

[0111] 9, the experiment support system 100 transports and places an observation object (plate W) stored in the first incubator 30 to the microscope 50, and obtains experimental data by observing the observation object through the microscope 50. After obtaining the experimental data, the experiment support system 100 transports the observation object to the first incubator 30 and stores it in the first incubator 30 again. Step S500 shown in FIG. 9 will now be described in detail.

[0112] (Step S501) First, the experiment support system 100 takes out the observation object (plate W) accommodated in the first incubator 30 by the transport device 10 (step S501). Specifically, first, the control unit 70 controls the transport device 10 to move the transport device 10 to the vicinity of the first incubator 30 (first experimental device).

[0113] The control unit 70 determines whether the conveyance device 10 has arrived at a designated position. For example, the control unit 70 determines whether the conveyance device 10 has been detected by a detection unit disposed at a designated position on the rail portion 20.

[0114] If the detection unit has not detected the transport device 10, the control unit 70 continues the movement of the transport device 10. If the detection unit is a camera (imaging device) that captures an overhead image of the transport device 10, the control unit 70 acquires the position of the transport device 10 based on the video image captured by the detection unit, and determines whether the transport device 10 has arrived at a designated position.

[0115] When the control unit 70 determines that the transport device 10 has arrived at the designated position, it starts the experimental operation in the first experimental device. First, the control unit 70 controls the automatic door opening mechanism described above to open the first warmer 30. The control unit 70 may control the transport device 10 or the sub-transport device 31 to open the first warmer 30.

[0116] After opening the door of the first warmer 30, the control unit 70 controls the auxiliary transport device 31 to take out the plate W from inside the first warmer 30. Specifically, the auxiliary transport device 31 takes the plate W accommodated inside the first warmer 30 to the outside of the first warmer 30 while holding it, and then places it on the upper surface UP of the ceiling of the first warmer 30.

[0117] After removing the plate W from inside the first warmer 30, the control unit 70 controls the automatic door-opening mechanism, the auxiliary transport device 31 or the transport device 10 to close the first warmer 30. Next, the control unit 70 controls the transport device 10 so that the transport device 10 holds the plate W placed on the ceiling of the first warmer 30. After the transport device 10 holds the plate W, the door of the first warmer 30 may be closed.

[0118] Furthermore, in step S501, the control unit 70 acquires experimental data (first experimental data) from an experimental operation (first experimental operation) performed by the first incubator 30 (first experimental device). The first experimental data acquired by the control unit 70 is, for example, temperature information inside the first incubator 30 during the first experimental operation (here, cell culture) performed by the first incubator 30.

[0119] The first experimental data acquired by the control unit 70 may be, for example, the time when the transport device 10 removes the plate W from the first incubator 30, or vibration information detected by a vibration sensor provided in the transport device 10 when the transport device 10 removes the plate W. The first experimental data acquired by the control unit 70 may be data input by an experiment operator using a data input unit. Here, the control unit 70 links the identifier acquired in step S100 to the first experimental operation, and acquires the first experimental data linked to the identifier.

[0120] Furthermore, the control unit 70 links the acquired first experimental data to the experimental conditions acquired in step S100, and generates a data set DA including the linked first experimental data and experimental conditions. Here, the control unit 70 links the experimental data (first experimental data) to the experimental conditions based on the identifier.

[0121] For example, the control unit 70 uses the serial number N1 as an identifier and links the experimental operation by the experimental apparatus to the serial number N1 to obtain the experimental data linked to the serial number N1. The control unit 70 links the experimental conditions obtained in step S100 to the experimental data obtained in the experimental work performed under these experimental conditions based on the serial number N1, and generates a data set DA including the linked experimental conditions and experimental data.

[0122] (Step S502) Next, the control unit 70 controls the transport device 10 to move the transport device 10 to the vicinity of the microscope 50 (second experimental device) (step S502). At this time, the transport device 10 is in a state where it holds the plate W.

[0123] The control unit 70 determines whether the conveying device 10 has arrived at the designated position. The determination of whether the conveying device 10 has arrived at the designated position may be made in the same manner as in step S501, or in a different manner. In this embodiment, the control unit 70 determines whether the conveying device 10 has been detected by a detection unit arranged at a designated position on the rail unit 20, similar to step S501.

[0124] If the detection unit has not detected the transport device 10, the control unit 70 continues the movement of the transport device 10. When the control unit 70 determines that the transport device 10 has arrived at the designated position, it starts an experimental operation in the second experimental device.

[0125] The control unit 70 controls the transport device 10 to place the plate W on the stage 50s of the microscope 50. The control unit 70 also determines whether or not the plate W is placed on the stage 50s (placement state). For example, the microscope 50 may be equipped with a sensor capable of detecting the plate W, and the placement state of the plate W on the stage 50s may be determined by determining whether or not the plate W is detected by the sensor.

[0126] In addition, the installation state of the plate W on the stage 50s may be determined based on whether or not the conveying device 10 has completed the installation operation of the plate W, or may be determined based on the results detected by a camera or the like installed near the microscope 50.

[0127] When the control unit 70 determines that the plate W has not been placed on the stage 50s, it causes the transport device 10 to continue the operation of placing the plate W. When the control unit 70 determines that the plate W has been placed on the stage 50s, it transitions to an experimental operation using the microscope 50.

[0128] Furthermore, in step S502, the control unit 70 acquires experimental data when the transport device 10 transports the plate W from the first experimental apparatus (first incubator 30) to the second experimental apparatus (microscope 50). The experimental data acquired by the control unit 70 in step S502 is, for example, experimental data such as the speed (moving speed) at which the transport device 10 transports the plate W. The control unit 70 acquires the moving speed of the transport device 10 based on the results detected by the imaging device provided in the experiment support system 100 and the detection unit provided in the transport device 10. Note that the experimental data acquired by the control unit 70 may be data input by an experimental operator using a data input unit. Here, the control unit 70 acquires experimental data linked to the identifier acquired in step S100.

[0129] Furthermore, the control unit 70 links the acquired in-experiment data to the experimental conditions acquired in step S100, and generates a data set DA including the linked in-experiment data and experimental conditions. Here, the control unit 70 links the in-experiment data to the experimental conditions based on an identifier (e.g., serial number N1).

[0130] In addition, in the above-mentioned step S501, the control unit 70 adds the first experimental data linked to the experimental conditions to the data set DA. Therefore, in step S502, each piece of information is added to the data set DA in a state in which the experimental conditions, the first experimental data acquired in step S501, and the in-process data acquired in step S502 are linked to each other.

[0131] (Step S503) After the plate W is placed on the stage 50s, the control unit 70 controls the microscope 50 to observe or photograph the plate W by the microscope 50 (step S503). At this time, the settings of the observation mode, magnification, etc. of the microscope 50 may be set based on a command from the control unit 70, or may be set in the microscope 50 in advance.

[0132] The control unit 70 determines whether or not the experimental operation (observation or photographing) by the microscope 50 has been completed. When the control unit 70 determines that the experimental operation by the microscope 50 has not been completed, the control unit 70 continues the experimental operation by the microscope 50. When the control unit 70 determines that the experimental operation by the microscope 50 has been completed, the control unit 70 moves to the next step.

[0133] Furthermore, in step S503, the control unit 70 acquires experimental data (second experimental data) from the experimental operation (second experimental operation) performed by the microscope 50 (second experimental device). The second experimental data acquired by the control unit 70 is, for example, an observation image in the second experimental operation (here, cell observation) performed by the microscope 50. Note that the second experimental data acquired by the control unit 70 may be data input by an experimental operator using a data input unit. Here, the control unit 70 links the identifier acquired in step S100 to the second experimental operation, and acquires the second experimental data linked to the identifier.

[0134] Furthermore, the control unit 70 links the acquired experimental data (second experimental data) to the experimental conditions acquired in step S100, and generates a data set DA including the linked experimental data and experimental conditions. Here, the control unit 70 links the experimental data to the experimental conditions based on an identifier (for example, serial number N1).

[0135] Therefore, in step S503, the experimental conditions, the first experimental data acquired in step S501, the in-process experimental data acquired in step S502, and the second experimental data acquired in step S503 are linked together and added to the dataset DA.

[0136] (Step S504) After the observation by the microscope 50 is completed, the control unit 70 controls the transport device 10 to move the plate W placed on the stage 50s to the vicinity of the first incubator 30 (step S504).

[0137] In step S504, first, the control unit 70 controls the conveying device 10 to hold the plate W placed on the stage 50s. Next, the control unit 70 controls the conveying device 10 to move the conveying device 10 to the vicinity of the first incubator 30. At this time, the conveying device 10 is in a state of holding the plate W.

[0138] Next, the control unit 70 determines whether the conveying device 10 has arrived at the designated position. The determination of whether the conveying device 10 has arrived at the designated position may be performed in the same manner as in step S501, or in a different manner. In this embodiment, the control unit 70 determines whether the conveying device 10 has been detected by a detection unit arranged at a designated position on the rail unit 20, similar to step S501.

[0139] If the detection unit has not detected the conveying device 10, the control unit 70 continues to move the conveying device 10. When the control unit 70 determines that the conveying device 10 has arrived at the designated position, the control unit 70 proceeds to the next step.

[0140] Furthermore, in step S504, the control unit 70 acquires experimental data when the transport device 10 transports the plate W from the second experimental apparatus (microscope 50) to the first experimental apparatus (first incubator 30). The experimental data acquired by the control unit 70 in step S504 is, for example, experimental data such as the speed (moving speed) at which the transport device 10 transports the plate W. The control unit 70 acquires the moving speed of the transport device 10 based on the results detected by the imaging device provided in the experiment support system 100 and the detection unit provided in the transport device 10. Note that the experimental data acquired by the control unit 70 may be data input by an experimental operator using a data input unit. Here, the control unit 70 acquires experimental data linked to the identifier acquired in step S100.

[0141] Furthermore, the control unit 70 links the acquired in-experiment data to the experimental conditions acquired in step S100, and generates a data set DA including the linked in-experiment data and experimental conditions. Here, the control unit 70 links the in-experiment data to the experimental conditions based on an identifier (e.g., serial number N1).

[0142] Therefore, in step S504, the experimental conditions, the first experimental data acquired in step S501, the in-experiment data acquired in step S502, the second experimental data acquired in step S503, and the in-experiment data acquired in step S504 are linked together and each piece of information is added to the dataset DA.

[0143] (Step S505) In step S505, the control unit 70 first controls the automatic door opening mechanism of the first warmer 30, the auxiliary transport device 31 or the transport device 10, and opens the door of the first warmer 30 in the same manner as in step S501. After opening the door of the first warmer 30, the control unit 70 controls the transport device 10 and the auxiliary transport device 31 to accommodate the plate W inside the first warmer 30.

[0144] Here, a step of determining whether or not the plate W is accommodated inside the first warmer 30 (installation state) may be provided. For example, a sensor provided inside the first warmer 30 detects whether or not the plate W is accommodated, and the control unit 70 determines the installation state based on the detection result of the sensor. When the control unit 70 determines that the plate W is not accommodated, it continues the operation of accommodating the plate W inside the first warmer 30, and when it determines that the plate W is accommodated, it closes the door of the first warmer 30.

[0145] After the plate W is accommodated inside the first warmer 30, the control unit 70 controls the automatic door opening mechanism in the first warmer 30, the sub-transport device 31 or the transport device 10 to close the door of the first warmer 30.

[0146] Furthermore, in step S505, the control unit 70 acquires experimental data such as the time when the plate W was placed in the first incubator 30. The experimental data acquired by the control unit 70 may be data input by an experimental operator using the data input unit. Here, the control unit 70 acquires experimental data linked to the identifier acquired in step S100.

[0147] Furthermore, the control unit 70 links the acquired experimental data to the experimental conditions acquired in step S100, and generates a data set DA including the linked experimental data and experimental conditions. Here, the control unit 70 links the experimental data to the experimental conditions based on an identifier (for example, the serial number N1).

[0148] Therefore, in step S505, the experimental conditions, the first experimental data acquired in step S501, the in-experiment data acquired in step S502, the second experimental data acquired in step S503, the in-experiment data acquired in step S504, and the experimental data acquired in step S505 are linked together and each piece of information is added to the dataset DA.

[0149] (Step S600) The control unit 70 performs step S600 (completion determination step) after storing the plate W in the first incubator 30. In step S600, the control unit 70 determines whether or not the experimental work is to be completed.

[0150] For example, if a series of experimental tasks includes culturing cells in the first incubator 30 and observing with the microscope 50, the number of times this series of experimental tasks is to be performed is preset in the control unit 70. In step S600, the control unit 70 determines whether the number of times the series of experimental tasks has been performed reaches the set number, and if it determines that the set number has not been reached, returns to step S300 and performs the series of experimental tasks.

[0151] When it is determined that the number of times the series of experimental tasks has been performed reaches the set number of times, the control unit 70 proceeds to step S700.

[0152] Here, in the above-mentioned experimental data collection step (step S500), the control unit 70 acquires experimental data in each step (steps S501 to S505). The control unit 70 adds the experimental data (data during the experiment or experimental results) acquired in step S500 to the data sheet generated in the data sheet creation step (step S200) to generate a data set DA.

[0153] The experiment support system 100, for example, cultures cells by repeating the above series of experimental operations. Furthermore, when the series of experimental operations reaches a preset number of times, the experiment support system 100 performs an analysis of the cells whose culture has been completed. The control unit 70 obtains the results of this analysis as the experimental results.

[0154] For example, in the middle of cell culture when a series of experimental tasks has not yet reached a preset number, the control unit 70 acquires experimental data observed by the microscope 50, and adds the cell image D25 and contamination information D26 contained in the in-culture data D2 in Fig. 6 to the data set DA. Here, the experimental data acquired by the control unit 70 and added to the data set DA is "in-experiment data."

[0155] When the cell culture is completed and a series of experimental tasks reaches a preset number of times, the experiment support system 100 performs analysis of the cultured cells by performing fluorescent observation with the microscope 50. Based on the results of this analysis, the control unit 70 adds the number of live cells D31, the gene analysis results D32, and the protein information D33 contained in the post-culture data D3 in Fig. 7 to the data set DA. Here, the experimental data acquired by the control unit 70 and added to the data set DA are "experimental results."

[0156] The control unit 70 links the above-mentioned "experimental data" or "experimental results" with the "experimental conditions" acquired in step S100 based on the identifier, and generates a data set DA including the linked experimental conditions, the "experimental data" or the "experimental results." The experiment operator can display the data set DA on a display device such as a display connected to the control unit 70, or on a smartphone or tablet, and can easily check the experimental data obtained in the experimental work using the experiment support system 100 in a state linked to the experimental conditions.

[0157] Since the data set DA is automatically generated by the experiment support system 100, the experiment operator does not need to link the experimental data manually, and the labor required for linking the experimental data can be saved.

[0158] It is also desirable that the experiment operator be able to check the data set DA at that point in time, not only when a series of experimental tasks is completed, but also when the series of experimental tasks has not yet reached a preset number of times. In this way, the experiment operator can, for example, check the presence or absence of impurities using the contamination information D26, and when he or she determines that the desired experimental results cannot be obtained due to the presence of impurities, stop the experimental tasks and start culturing new cells again, thereby efficiently proceeding with the experimental tasks.

[0159] Furthermore, since the control unit 70 links the experimental conditions with the experimental data based on the identifier, even when the experiment support system 100 executes two or more experimental tasks in parallel, it is possible to generate a data set DA including the experimental conditions and the experimental data corresponding to the experimental conditions. Here, the experimental data included in the data set DA may include experimental data at the start, during, and end of the experiment.

[0160] (Step S700) Next, the control unit 70 performs step S700 (a report creation step). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the experiment report RE generated by the control unit 70 in step S700.

[0161] In step S700, the control unit 70 generates an experiment report RE based on the experiment conditions acquired in step S100 and the experiment data acquired in step S500. That is, the control unit 70 generates the experiment report RE based on the data set DA. Note that the experiment report RE may include information that is not included in the data set DA.

[0162] In step S700, the control unit 70 transmits the generated experiment report RE to the outside. For example, the control unit 70 transmits the experiment report RE to a computer, smartphone, tablet, or the like that is located away from the experiment location where the experiment support system 100 is installed. The experiment operator or other viewer can check the experiment report RE in their own room or the like that is away from the experiment location by checking the experiment report RE transmitted from the control unit 70 on a local computer, smartphone, tablet, or the like.

[0163] The experiment report RE includes a first condition area R1, a second condition area R2, a third condition area R3, and an experiment data area R4. The first condition area R1, the second condition area R2, and the third condition area R3 are areas that indicate the experiment conditions acquired by the control unit 70 in step S100.

[0164] The first condition area R1 shows information based on, for example, the incubation start date D11, the experimental work name D12, the experimenter name D13, and the experimental site name D14 of the data set DA. The first condition area R1 also includes an area for displaying the experimental protocol and the experimental equipment used in the experiment.

[0165] 10, when an experimenter selects "Experiment Protocol" in the first condition area R1 on a computer displaying the experiment report RE, a screen is displayed showing the procedure of the experiment performed by the experiment support system 100. Similarly, when an experimenter selects "Equipment Used" in the first condition area R1, a screen is displayed showing details of the experimental equipment used in the experimental work.

[0166] The details of the experiment protocol and the experiment equipment are information that is stored in advance in the control unit 70. Since a large amount of information needs to be displayed in order to display the details of the experiment protocol and the experiment equipment, the display content of the experiment report RE can be simplified by displaying them on a screen separate from the experiment report RE.

[0167] The second condition area R2 is an area showing information based on, for example, the well plate name D15 and the well number D16 of the data set DA.

[0168] The third condition region R3 is, for example, a region showing the cell line name D17, the medium type name D18, the medium environment name D19, and the passage number information D20 of the data set DA. The third condition region R3 may have an image of a container in which the cells are stored before being cultured.

[0169] The experimental data area R4 is an area showing experimental data and experimental results in the data set DA. Note that the experimental data area R4 may also include experimental conditions.

[0170] The experimental data region R4 includes a first data region R41, a second data region R42, and a third data region R43. Hereinafter, the first data region R41, the second data region R42, and the third data region R43 may be collectively referred to as the "data region."

[0171] 10, the first data region R41 is a region showing experimental data when cell culture is started. The second data region R42 is a region showing experimental data before the first medium exchange. The third data region R43 is a region showing experimental data when a preset number of medium exchanges (N times) have been completed.

[0172] The first data region R41, the second data region R42 and the third data region R43 each include a time information region R4a, an image display region R4b, an experiment action region R4c and an experiment details region R4d.

[0173] The timing information region R4a is a region showing information based on the culture start date D11, the number of medium exchanges D21, and the medium exchange date D22 of the data set DA.

[0174] The image display region R4b is a region showing information (image) based on the cell image D25 of the data set DA. For example, in the third data region R43 showing the experimental data when the cell culture is completed, the image display region R4b may have a fluorescence observation image acquired when analyzing the number of live cells D31, the gene analysis result D32, or the protein information D33 of the data set DA.

[0175] The experimental action area R4c is an area showing the contents of the experimental action carried out in each data area in the series of experimental work shown in the first data area R41, the second data area R42, and the third data area R43. The experimental action area R4c also has the time when the experimental action started and the time when it was completed.

[0176] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the experimental operation area R4c in the first data area R41 indicates that the observation object (plate W) was removed from the incubator (first warmer 30) and observed under the microscope 50.

[0177] The experimental operation region R4c in the second data region R42 indicates that the culture medium of the observation object observed under the microscope 50 was replaced, and that the object was observed under the microscope 50 again after the culture medium was replaced.

[0178] The experimental operation region R4c in the third data region R43 indicates that an observation object that has completed a preset number of culture medium changes (N times) is observed using a microscope 50, and the observation object after observation is placed inside the first incubator 30.

[0179] The experiment details area R4d is an area showing any information according to the experiment work. For example, the experiment details area R4d may have information based on the cell removal time D23, the transport speed D24, the cell image D25, the contamination information D26, the number of live cells D31, the gene analysis result D32, or the protein information D33 of the data set DA. The experiment details area R4d may also have information such as the pipette suction flow rate when the medium was replaced, the pipette flow rate, the tilt angle of the observation object during transport, and the storage destination of the video captured by the imaging device.

[0180] By the control unit 70 generating the experiment report RE based on the data set DA, the experiment operator can more efficiently check the experiment conditions and the experiment data acquired by the control unit 70. In addition, by the control unit 70 transmitting the experiment report RE to the outside, the experiment operator can easily check the experiment report RE even in a location away from the experiment site.

[0181] The control unit 70 generates and transmits the experiment report RE in step S700, and then ends control of the experiment support system 100.

[0182] The experiment support system 100 and information acquisition method of this embodiment include an experimental device (e.g., a first incubator 30 or a microscope 50) that performs an experimental operation on an object to be observed, and a control unit 70 that can acquire experimental data in the experimental operation. The control unit 70 also acquires an identifier that identifies the experimental conditions, and acquires the experimental data associated with the identifier by linking the identifier with the experimental operation. Furthermore, the control unit 70 links the experimental conditions with the experimental data corresponding to the experimental conditions based on the identifier, and generates a data set DA that includes the linked experimental conditions and experimental data.

[0183] As a result, since the control unit 70 can automatically link the experimental data, there is no need to manually link the experimental conditions with the experimental data, which can reduce the labor of the experimenter.

[0184] Furthermore, since the experiment support system 100 includes a transport device 10 capable of transporting an observation object (plate W) and a detection unit (imaging device) capable of detecting the moving speed of the transport device 10, the control unit 70 can acquire experimental data such as the time required for transport and the transport speed. The control unit 70 acquires the experimental data linked to the identifier, links the experimental conditions to the experimental data based on the identifier, and generates a data set DA including the experimental data. Therefore, experimental data such as the transport speed, which was difficult to acquire in conventional manual cell culture experiments, can be used as a reference when a change occurs in the observed object.

[0185] In addition, since the control unit 70 generates an experiment report RE based on the data set DA and transmits the experiment report RE to the outside, the experiment operator can easily check the experiment data even if he or she is in his or her own room or other location away from the experiment site.

[0186] Furthermore, a series of experimental tasks that have conventionally been performed manually can now be automated by using the experiment support system 100. In other words, experiments can be automated while maintaining conventional experimental protocols as much as possible.

[0187] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design modifications and the like within the scope of the present invention are also included. In addition, the components shown in the above-mentioned embodiment and the modified examples shown below can be appropriately combined to form a configuration.

[0188] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, the first incubator 30 is the first experimental device and the microscope 50 is the second experimental device, but the aspects of the first experimental device and the second experimental device are not limited to this. Any experimental device may be adopted as the first experimental device and the second experimental device in accordance with the experimental protocol to be performed.

[0189] For example, an experimental work may be performed using the second incubator 40 as a first experimental device and the safety cabinet 60 as a second experimental device. Also, an experimental work may be performed using an experimental device other than the experimental device described in the above embodiment.

[0190] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, the experiment support system 100 performs the experiment using the first experimental device and the second experimental device, but the aspect of the experiment support system is not limited to this. The experiment support system may perform the experiment using three or more experimental devices, such as a third experimental device and a fourth experimental device.

[0191] For example, after the experimental operation in the second experimental apparatus (microscope 50) in the above embodiment, the transport device 10 may transport the plate W to the safety cabinet 60, and the experimental operation using the safety cabinet 60 may be performed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0192] 100 Experiment Support System 10. Conveyor 11 Moving parts 15 Holding part 20 Rail section 21 First rail member (rail member) 22 Second rail member (rail member) 30 First warmer (first experimental device) 31 Sub-transport device 40 Second warmer 50 Microscope (Second Experimental Equipment) 60 Safety Cabinet 70 Control section DA Dataset D1 Culture conditions (experimental conditions) D2 Culture data (experimental data, experimental data) D3 Post-culture data (experimental results, experimental data) RE Experiment Report

Claims

1. An experimental device for performing an experimental operation on an observed object; A control unit capable of acquiring experimental data in the experimental operation; Equipped with The control unit is Obtaining an identifier for identifying an experimental condition including information on the observed object; By linking the identifier with the experimental operation, the experimental data linked with the identifier is acquired; Linking the experimental conditions to the experimental data based on the identifier; generating a data set comprising said experimental conditions and said experimental data; Experiment support system.

2. The experimental data includes experimental data at the start of the experiment, during the experiment, and at the end of the experiment; The experiment support system according to claim 1 .

3. The experimental equipment is A first experimental apparatus; A second experimental device that performs the experimental operation different from that of the first experimental device; Equipped with The control unit links the first experimental data, which is the experimental data in the first experimental device, and the second experimental data, which is the experimental data in the second experimental device, based on the identifier, and generates the data set including the first experimental data and the second experimental data. The experiment support system according to claim 2.

4. a conveying device having a holding part capable of holding the observation object and a movable part capable of moving the holding part, and capable of conveying the observation object from the first experimental device to the second experimental device; The control unit is Acquire experiment data associated with the identifier, the experiment data including at least one of a transport speed, an acceleration, or a time during which the observation object is outside an incubator, at which the transport device transports the observation object; Linking the experimental conditions to the experimental data based on the identifier; generating said dataset including said in-experiment data; The experiment support system according to claim 3.

5. Further, a photographing device capable of photographing the transport device while transporting the observation object is provided, The control unit acquires the experiment data from the imaging device. The experiment support system according to claim 4.

6. The control unit generates an experiment report based on the data set, and transmits the experiment report to an external device. The experiment support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. acquiring experimental conditions including information on an observed object; obtaining an identifier that identifies the experimental condition; performing an experimental operation associated with the identifier on the observation object to obtain experimental data associated with the identifier; linking the experimental conditions with the experimental data based on the identifier; generating a data set comprising the experimental conditions and the experimental data; Equipped with How to obtain information.

8. The experimental data includes experimental data at the start of the experiment, during the experiment, and at the end of the experiment; The information acquisition method according to claim 7.

9. acquiring first experimental data by a first experimental operation, which is the experimental operation; acquiring second experimental data by a second experimental operation, the second experimental operation being different from the first experimental operation; linking the first experimental data and the second experimental data based on the identifier; generating the data set comprising the first experimental data and the second experimental data; Equipped with The information acquisition method according to claim 8.

10. acquiring in-experiment data associated with the identifier, the in-experiment data including a transport speed at which the observation object is transported from a first experimental device performing the first experimental operation to a second experimental device performing the second experimental operation; linking the experimental conditions with the experimental data based on the identifier; generating the dataset including the in-experiment data; Equipped with The information acquisition method according to claim 9.

11. generating a lab report based on the dataset; transmitting the experiment report to an external party; Equipped with The information acquisition method according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

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