Information processing device, particle measuring device, particle measuring system, particle distribution device, particle distribution system, information processing method, and storage medium

Abstract

The present technology provides a technique for appropriately visualizing a particle population in particle analysis techniques. An information processing device is provided, including: an information processing unit that receives optical data obtained from particles and calculates, based on the received optical data, parameters that specify a method for displaying the optical data within a display range having at least one axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis. The parameters include a first parameter that specifies the range of the linear axis and a second parameter that specifies a lower limit value of the display range, and the first and second parameters are calculated based on different reference values.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to an information processing device, and more particularly to an information processing device for optically measuring particle characteristics, a particle measuring device, a particle measuring system, a particle dispensing device, a particle dispensing system, an information processing method, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the development of analytical technology, technologies have been developed for individually measuring particles and the like while flowing biological microparticles such as cells and microorganisms, microparticles such as microbeads, and the like through a flow channel and analyzing or distributing the measured particles and the like.

[0003] As a representative example of such technology for analyzing or sorting particles, technical improvements in the analytical technique known as flow cytometry have been rapidly advancing. Flow cytometry is an analytical technique in which target particles are caused to flow in an aligned state within a fluid, and the particles are illuminated with laser light or the like to detect fluorescence or scattered light emitted from each particle, thereby analyzing or sorting the particles.

[0004] For example, in the case of detecting the fluorescence of a cell, an excitation light (such as a laser) with an appropriate wavelength and intensity is used to illuminate the cell marked with a fluorescent dye. Then, the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent dye is gathered by a lens or the like, a wavelength selection element such as an optical filter or a dichroic mirror is used to select the light in the appropriate wavelength region, and a light receiving element such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT) is used to detect the selected light. At this point, by combining a plurality of wavelength selection elements and a light receiving element, it is also possible to simultaneously detect and analyze the fluorescence from a plurality of fluorescent dyes marked on the cell. In addition, the number of analyzable fluorescent dyes can be increased by combining the excitation light of a plurality of wavelengths.

[0005] For fluorescence detection in flow cytometry, in addition to the method of using a wavelength selection element such as a filter to select a plurality of lights in a discontinuous wavelength region and measuring the light intensity in each of the above-mentioned wavelength regions, there is also a method of measuring the light intensity in a continuous wavelength region as a fluorescence spectrum. In spectral flow cytometry capable of measuring fluorescence spectra, a spectroscopic element such as a prism or a grating is used to disperse the fluorescence emitted from the particles. Then, a light receiving element array in which a plurality of light receiving elements having different detection wavelength regions are arranged is used to detect the dispersed fluorescence. As the light receiving element array, a PMT array or a photodiode array is used, in which the light receiving elements, such as PMTs or photodiodes, are arranged in one dimension. Alternatively, a light receiving element array is used in which a plurality of independent detection channels such as two-dimensional light receiving elements including CCDs or CMOS are arranged.

[0006] In particle analysis, such as flow cytometry, optical methods are often used, irradiating target particles with light, such as laser light, and detecting the fluorescence or scattered light emitted from the particles. A computer and software then extract a histogram for analysis based on the detected optical information, and perform the analysis.

[0007] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a method for identifying event groups in multidimensional data such as seven-dimensional flow cytometry data of a blood sample, for example, data representing different white blood cell components in the sample.

[0008] Reference List

[0009] Patent Literature

[0010] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-132921

[0011] Non-patent literature

[0012] Non-patent document 1: Cytometry Part A 69A: 541-551, 2006

[0013] Non-patent document 2: Cytometry Part A 81A: 273-277, 2012 Summary of the Invention

[0014] Problems to be solved by the present invention

[0015] In particle analysis technologies such as flow cytometry, for example, the methods described in Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2 are widely used. However, in order to appropriately display a particle group, the methods described in Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2 require appropriate adjustment of various parameters, which poses a problem of requiring complex manual operations and time-consuming work.

[0016] In addition, in the methods described in non-patent documents 1 and 2, the numerical value for specifying the lower limit value of the display area is fixed, and there is also a problem that a certain proportion of data with small values ​​in all the data is not displayed, and there is also a problem that data is not displayed inappropriately for various groups of people.

[0017] Therefore, a primary object of the present technology is to provide a technique for properly visualizing particle populations in particle analysis techniques.

[0018] Solution to the problem

[0019] The present technology first provides an information processing device, including:

[0020] an information processing unit that receives optical data obtained from the particles; and

[0021] calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters specifying a display method of the optical data within a display range having at least one axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis;

[0022] wherein the parameters include a first parameter specifying a range of the linear axis and a second parameter specifying a lower limit value of the display range; and

[0023] The first parameter and the second parameter are calculated based on different reference values.

[0024] In the information processing device according to the present technology, the display range may have at least two axes including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis, and

[0025] The information processing unit may calculate parameters for each of the at least two axes.

[0026] In the information processing device according to the present technology, the parameters may further include a third parameter that specifies an upper limit value of the display range.

[0027] In the information processing device according to the present technology, the information processing unit can calculate the first parameter by the following formula (1).

[0028] W=Log(abs(r) / (d))...(1)

[0029] (r = (n) percentile × (m))

[0030] In the information processing device according to the present technology, the information processing unit can calculate the second parameter by the following formula (2).

[0031] Min=(c)percentile...(2)

[0032] According to the information processing device of the present technology, the parameters may further include a third parameter specifying an upper limit value of the display range, and the information processing unit may calculate the third parameter by the following formula (3).

[0033] Max=(a)percentile×(b)...(3)

[0034] In the information processing apparatus according to the present technology, the parameters may further include a fourth parameter specifying the range of the linear axis of the data of the negative region in the optical data, and the information processing unit may calculate the fourth parameter by the following formula (4).

[0035] A=Log(Min / r)...(4)

[0036] (r = (n) percentile × (m))

[0037] In the information processing device according to the present technology, the information processing unit may calculate the parameter based on an instruction of a user.

[0038] The information processing apparatus according to the present technology may further include a storage unit that stores the optical data, wherein the information processing unit may calculate the parameter from the optical data received from the storage unit based on an instruction of a user.

[0039] In the information processing apparatus according to the present technology, the information processing unit may create a graph illustrating the optical data on a display range using a display method specified based on the parameters.

[0040] The information processing apparatus according to the present technology may further include a storage unit that stores a graph.

[0041] Next, the present technology provides a particle measurement device, comprising:

[0042] a light detection unit that detects optical data from particles flowing in the flow channel; and

[0043] an information processing unit that receives the detected optical data; and

[0044] calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters specifying a display method of the optical data within a display range having at least one axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis;

[0045] wherein the parameters include a first parameter specifying a range of the linear axis and a second parameter specifying a lower limit value of the display range; and

[0046] The first parameter and the second parameter are calculated based on different reference values.

[0047] The present technology also provides a particle measurement system, comprising:

[0048] a light detection device that detects optical data from particles flowing in the flow channel; and

[0049] an information processing device having an information processing unit that receives the detected optical data; and

[0050] calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters specifying a display method of the optical data within a display range having at least one axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis;

[0051] The parameters include a first parameter specifying the range of the linear axis and a second parameter specifying the lower limit value of the display range, and

[0052] The first parameter and the second parameter are calculated based on different reference values.

[0053] The present technology also provides a particle distribution device, comprising:

[0054] a light detection unit for detecting optical data from particles flowing in the flow channel;

[0055] an information processing unit that receives the detected optical data; and

[0056] calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters specifying a display method of the optical data within a display range having at least one axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis;

[0057] The parameters include a first parameter specifying the range of the linear axis and a second parameter specifying the lower limit value of the display range, and

[0058] calculating the first parameter and the second parameter based on different reference values; and

[0059] An allocating unit allocates particles based on the detected optical data.

[0060] The present technology also provides a particle distribution system, comprising:

[0061] a light detection device for detecting optical data from particles flowing in the flow channel;

[0062] an information processing device having an information processing unit that receives the detected optical data; and

[0063] calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters specifying a display method of the optical data within a display range having at least one axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis;

[0064] The parameters include a first parameter specifying the range of the linear axis and a second parameter specifying the lower limit value of the display range, and

[0065] calculating the first parameter and the second parameter based on different reference values; and

[0066] A distribution device distributes particles based on the detected optical data.

[0067] The present technology provides an information processing method including an information processing step of receiving optical data obtained from a particle, and

[0068] calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters specifying a display method of the optical data within a display range having at least one axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis;

[0069] wherein the parameters include a first parameter specifying a range of the linear axis and a second parameter specifying a lower limit value of the display range; and

[0070] The first parameter and the second parameter are calculated based on different reference values.

[0071] The present technology provides an information processing program that causes a computer to implement the following information processing functions: receiving optical data obtained from particles; calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters that specify a display method for the optical data within a display range having at least one axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis;

[0072] wherein the parameters include a first parameter specifying a range of the linear axis and a second parameter specifying a lower limit value of the display range; and

[0073] The first parameter and the second parameter are calculated based on different reference values.

[0074] In this technology, "particles" broadly include biologically related microparticles such as cells, microorganisms and liposomes, synthetic particles such as latex particles, gel particles and industrial particles, etc.

[0075] Biologically relevant microparticles include chromosomes, liposomes, mitochondria, organelles, etc. that constitute various cells. Cells include animal cells (for example, blood cells, etc.) and plant cells. Microorganisms include bacteria such as Escherichia coli, viruses such as tobacco mosaic virus, fungi such as yeast, etc. In addition, biologically relevant microparticles may also include biologically relevant polymers, such as nucleic acids, proteins, and complexes thereof. In addition, industrial particles may be, for example, organic or inorganic polymer materials, metals, etc. Organic polymer materials include polystyrene, styrene-divinylbenzene, polymethyl methacrylate, etc. Inorganic polymer materials include glass, silicon dioxide, and magnetic materials, etc. Metals include gold colloids, aluminum, etc. The shape of each of these particles is usually spherical, but can be non-spherical in the present technology, and in addition, there are no particular restrictions on its size, mass, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] Figure 1 : is a schematic conceptual diagram schematically showing one example of an embodiment of a particle measurement apparatus 2 that can use the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present technology.

[0077] Figure 2 : is a schematic conceptual diagram schematically showing one example of an embodiment of a particle measurement system 20 that can use the information processing device 1 according to the present technology.

[0078] Figure 3 1 is a schematic conceptual diagram schematically showing one example of an embodiment of a particle distribution device 3 that can use the information processing device 1 according to the present technology.

[0079] Figure 4 is a schematic conceptual diagram schematically showing one example of an embodiment of a particle distribution system 30 that can use the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present technology.

[0080] Figure 5 1 and 2 are plotted alternative graphs each showing one example of a graph of optical data of a display range specified based on parameters calculated by the information processing unit 11 .

[0081] Figure 6 is a drawing alternative graph showing examples of a graph in which parameters are calculated for both the X-axis and the Y-axis, only the X-axis, and only the Y-axis, and the graph display is updated.

[0082] Figure 7 This is a plot replacement diagram showing an example of newly generating a plot (sub-graph) only for particle data present in a gate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present technology will be described. The embodiments described below describe examples of representative embodiments of the present technology, and the scope of the present technology is not limited thereto. Note that the description will be made in the following order.

[0084] 1. Information processing device 1, particle measurement device 2, particle measurement system 20, particle distribution device 3, particle distribution system 30

[0085] (1) Runner P

[0086] (2) Light irradiation unit 21

[0087] (3) Light Detection Unit 22

[0088] (4) Information processing device 1

[0089] (4-1) Information Processing Unit 11

[0090] (4-2) Storage Unit 12

[0091] (4-3) Display unit 13

[0092] (4-4) User Interface 14

[0093] (5) Allocation unit 31

[0094] 2. Information processing methods, particle measurement methods, and particle allocation methods

[0095] 3. Information Processing Procedures

[0096] <1. Information Processing Device 1, Particle Measurement Device 2, Particle Measurement System 20, Particle Distribution Device 3, Particle Distribution System 30>

[0097] Figure 1 : is a schematic conceptual diagram schematically showing one example of an embodiment of a particle measurement apparatus 2 that can use the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present technology. Figure 21 is a schematic conceptual diagram schematically showing one example of an embodiment of a particle measurement system 20 that can use the information processing device 1 according to the present technology. Figure 3 1 is a schematic conceptual diagram schematically showing one example of an embodiment of a particle distribution device 3 that can use the information processing device 1 according to the present technology. Figure 4 This is a schematic conceptual diagram schematically illustrating an example of an embodiment of a particle distribution system 30 that can use the information processing device 1 according to the present technology. The particle measurement device 2 and particle measurement system 3 according to the present technology include at least a light detection unit 22 and an information processing unit 11 (information processing device 1). The particle distribution device 3 and particle distribution system 30 according to the present technology include at least a light detection unit 22, an information processing unit 11 (information processing device 1), and a distribution unit 31. Furthermore, as needed, a flow channel P, a light irradiation unit 21, a storage unit 12, a display unit 13, a user interface 14, and the like may be included.

[0098] It should be noted that the information processing unit 11, the storage unit 12, the display unit 13, the user interface 14, etc. can be connected to the Figure 1 The particle measuring device 2 shown in Figure 3 The particle distribution device 3 shown in FIG is independently provided, or as Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , a particle measurement system 20 configured by an information processing device 1 including an information processing unit 11, a storage unit 12, a display unit 13, and a user interface 14 and a particle measurement device 2 may be provided. Figure 4 As shown, the information processing unit 11 , the storage unit 12 , the display unit 13 , and the user interface 14 , which are independent of each other, can be connected to the light detection unit 22 of the particle dispensing device 3 via a network to configure the particle dispensing system 30 .

[0099] Furthermore, the information processing unit 11 and the storage unit 12 may be provided in a cloud environment and connected to the particle measuring device 2 and the particle dispensing device 3 via a network. More preferably, the information processing unit 11 and the display unit 13 may be provided in the information processing device 1, and the storage unit 12 may be provided in a cloud environment and connected to the particle measuring device 2 and the particle dispensing device 3 via a network. In this case, records of information processing in the information processing unit 11 and the like may be stored in the storage unit 12 on the cloud, and various types of information stored in the storage unit 12 may be shared by multiple users.

[0100] Hereinafter, the details of each unit will be described along the time series of measurements.

[0101] (1) Runner P

[0102] The particle measuring device 2 , the particle measuring system 20 , the particle distributing device 3 , and the particle distributing system 30 according to the present technology can analyze and distribute particles by detecting optical information obtained from particles aligned in a flow cell (flow channel P).

[0103] The particle measuring device 2 , particle measuring system 20 , particle distributing device 3 , and particle distributing system 30 are provided with a flow channel P in advance. However, a commercially available flow channel P or a disposable chip provided with the flow channel P may be provided for analysis or distribution.

[0104] The form of the flow channel P is not particularly limited and can be freely designed. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG, a flow channel P is formed in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional plastic or glass substrate T, and as shown in FIG. Figure 3 The flow channel P shown as used in a conventional flow cytometer can be used in the particle measuring device 2 .

[0105] Furthermore, the channel width, channel depth, and cross-sectional shape of the flow channel P are not particularly limited as long as they can form a laminar flow, and can be freely designed. For example, a microchannel having a channel width of 1 mm or less can also be used in the particle measurement device 2. Specifically, a microchannel having a channel width of approximately 10 μm or more and 1 mm or less is suitable for use in the present technology.

[0106] The method for supplying particles is not particularly limited, and the particles may be caused to flow in the flow channel P according to the form of the flow channel P to be used. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 4 . A sample liquid containing particles is introduced into the sample liquid flow channel P11, and a sheath liquid is introduced into the two sheath liquid flow channels P12a and P12b, respectively. The sample liquid flow channel P11 and the sheath liquid flow channels P12a and P12b merge into a main flow channel P13. The sample liquid laminar flow supplied in the sample liquid flow channel P11 and the sheath liquid laminar flow supplied in the sheath liquid flow channels P12a and P12b merge in the main flow channel P13, forming a sheath flow in which the sample liquid laminar flow is sandwiched between the sheath liquid laminar flows.

[0107] The particles flowing through the flow channel P can be labeled with one or more dyes such as fluorescent dyes. In this case, as fluorescent dyes that can be used in the present technology, for example, cascade blue, Pacific blue, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), phycoerythrin (PE), propidium iodide (PI), texasin red (TR), piperidinyl chlorophyll protein (PerCP), allophycocyanin (APC), 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), Cy3, Cy5, Cy7, and brilliant violet (BV421) can be listed.

[0108] (2) Light irradiation unit 21

[0109] The particle measuring apparatus 2, the particle measuring system 20, the particle distributing apparatus 3, and the particle distributing system 30 according to the present technology may each include a light irradiation unit 21. The light irradiation unit 21 irradiates the particles flowing in the flow channel P with light. In the particle measuring apparatus 2, the particle measuring system 20, the particle distributing apparatus 3, and the particle distributing system 30 according to the present technology, the light irradiation unit 21 is not essential, and the particles flowing in the flow channel P may also be irradiated with light using an external light irradiation device or the like.

[0110] The light irradiation unit 21 may include a plurality of light sources so that excitation light having different wavelengths may be emitted.

[0111] The type of light emitted from the light irradiation unit 21 is not particularly limited, but light with a constant light direction, wavelength, and light intensity is desirable in order to reliably generate fluorescence and scattered light from the particles. Examples thereof include lasers, LEDs, and the like. In the case of using a laser, its type is not particularly limited, and one or more of an argon ion (Ar) laser, a helium-neon (He-Ne) laser, a dye laser, a krypton (Cr) laser, a semiconductor laser, a solid-state laser that combines a semiconductor laser and a wavelength conversion optical element, and the like can be freely used in combination.

[0112] (3) Light Detection Unit 22

[0113] The light detection unit 22 optically detects particles flowing in the flow channel P. Specifically, it detects fluorescence or scattered light emitted from the particles and converts it into an electric signal. The electric signal is then output to the information processing unit 11 described later.

[0114] In the present technology, as long as the light detector can detect the light signal from the particles, the specific light detection method that can be used for the light detection unit 22 is not particularly limited, and a light detection method used for a known light detector can be freely selected and adopted. For example, one or more types of light detection methods each used for a fluorescence measuring instrument, a scattered light measuring instrument, a transmitted light measuring instrument, a reflected light measuring instrument, a diffraction light measuring instrument, an ultraviolet spectrometer, an infrared spectrometer, a Raman spectrometer, a FRET measuring instrument, a FISH measuring instrument, and other various spectral measuring instruments, a PMT array or a photodiode array in which light receiving elements (such as PMTs and photodiodes) are arranged in one dimension, or a light detector in which a plurality of independent detection channels (such as two-dimensional light receiving elements including CCDs or CMOS) are arranged, etc. can be freely combined and adopted.

[0115] (4) Information processing device 1

[0116] The information processing device 1 according to the present technology is a device that receives optical data obtained from particles and processes the received optical data, and includes at least an information processing unit 11. In addition, a storage unit 12, a display unit 13, a user interface 14, etc. may be included as needed.

[0117] (4-1) Information Processing Unit 11

[0118] Based on the received optical data, information processing unit 11 calculates parameters that specify a display method for the optical data within a display range having at least one axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis. In this case, the display range has at least two axes, each including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis, and parameters can be calculated for each of the at least two axes.

[0119] In this technology, the parameters include a first parameter that specifies the range of the linear axis and a second parameter that specifies the lower limit of the display range. The first and second parameters are then calculated based on different reference values. In this way, by calculating the first parameter that specifies the range of the linear axis and the second parameter that specifies the lower limit of the display range based on different reference values, various particle populations can be appropriately visualized.

[0120] In addition to the first and second parameters, information processing unit 11 may also calculate a third parameter specifying the upper limit of the display range and a fourth parameter specifying the range of the linear axis of the data in the negative region of the optical data. The specific calculation method of each parameter will be described below.

[0121] (a) First parameter

[0122] The first parameter is a parameter that specifies the range of the linear axis. This first parameter can be calculated using the following formula (1), for example.

[0123] W=Log(abs(r) / (d))...(1)

[0124] (r = (n) percentile × (m))

[0125] In the above formula (1), specific values ​​of n, m, and d can be appropriately set according to the purpose. For example, values ​​such as n=1 to 3, m=1 to 5, and d=10 to 20 can be set.

[0126] (b) Second parameter

[0127] The second parameter is a parameter that specifies the lower limit value of the display range. The second parameter can be calculated using the following formula (2), for example.

[0128] Min=(c)percentile...(2)

[0129] In the above formula (2), the specific value of c can be appropriately set according to the purpose. For example, a value such as c=0.3 to 1 can be set.

[0130] (c) The third parameter

[0131] The third parameter specifies the upper limit of the display range. In existing particle analysis technologies, because the upper limit of the display range is fixed, there is a problem of not being able to appropriately display various groups. However, in this technology, by using this third parameter, the upper limit of the display range can be appropriately displayed according to various groups. This third parameter can be calculated, for example, using the following formula (3).

[0132] Max=(a)percentile×(b)...(3)

[0133] In the above formula (3), specific values ​​of a and b can be appropriately set according to the purpose. For example, values ​​such as a=98 to 99.5 and b=3 to 5 can be set.

[0134] Note that if the calculation result of the third parameter is not included in a specific numerical range, an adjustment value may be added to make the value within the range. As a specific numerical range, for example, a value of 1000 or more and 1 million or less may be set.

[0135] (d) Fourth parameter

[0136] The fourth parameter is a parameter that specifies the range of the linear axis of the data in the negative region in the optical data. This fourth parameter can be calculated, for example, by the following formula (4).

[0137] A=Log(Min / r)...(4)

[0138] (r = (n) percentile × (m))

[0139] In the above formula (4), specific values ​​of n and m can be appropriately set according to the purpose. For example, values ​​such as n=1 to 3 and m=1 to 5 can be set.

[0140] (e) Fifth parameter

[0141] The fifth parameter is a parameter that defines the display of the entire optical data. This fifth parameter can be calculated, for example, by the following formula (5).

[0142] M=Log(Max)...(5)

[0143] Furthermore, when the fourth parameter is set, the fifth parameter can be calculated by, for example, the following formula (6).

[0144] M=Log(Max)+A...(6)

[0145] Scaling can be performed, for example, by substituting the parameters calculated as described above into a conversion formula such as the following formula (7).

[0146] Expression 1

[0147]

[0148] W: Parameter that specifies the range of the linear axis

[0149] M: Parameters that define the entire display range

[0150] T: Upper limit of the display area (third parameter (Max))

[0151] X: coordinate of the display area

[0152] S: input value

[0153] Furthermore, when the fourth parameter is set, scaling can be performed by substituting the parameter into a conversion formula such as the following formula (8).

[0154] Expression 2

[0155]

[0156] W: Parameter that specifies the range of the linear axis

[0157] M: Parameters that define the entire display range

[0158] T: Upper limit of the display area (third parameter (Max))

[0159] X: coordinate of the display area

[0160] S: input value

[0161] The information processing unit 11 can create a graph illustrating the optical data on the display range specified based on the parameters calculated in this manner. Figure 5 Examples of graphs are shown, each graph illustrating optical data on a display range specified based on parameters calculated by the information processing unit 11 .

[0162] like Figure 5 As shown, although it is difficult to distinguish data in the positive region (positive data) from data in the negative region (negative data) in each graph before the parameter application, the data can be clearly distinguished in each graph after the parameter application.

[0163] The information processing unit 11 can calculate parameters based on user instructions. For example, various icons can be provided on the display unit 13 (described later) as triggers for calculating various parameters. When the user clicks a corresponding icon, the corresponding parameter is calculated and the plot display is updated. More specifically, for example, three icons, one for the X-axis and Y-axis, one for only the X-axis, and one for only the Y-axis, can be provided on the display unit 13 (described later). Depending on which icon is clicked, the corresponding parameter is calculated and the plot display is updated. Figure 6 Examples are shown of calculating parameters for each of the X and Y axes, only the X axis, and only the Y axis, and updating the plot display.

[0164] After creating a graph illustrating optical data on the display range optimized in this way, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the user can also set a gate, newly generate a graph (sub-graph) only for the particle data existing in the gate, and repeat the process. When generating a sub-plot, similar to the above, the information processing unit 11 calculates various parameters so that a display of a sub-plot suitable for analysis can be obtained.

[0165] Generally, although in the case of a particle distribution device (such as a cell sorter), there are limitations on possible parameter sets due to memory limitations, etc., however, by incorporating limitations on parameter sets into the information processing technology of the present technology, limitations on parameter sets can be applied to particle distribution devices 3 such as cell sorters.

[0166] In addition, the information processing technology of the present technology can also be performed as a preprocessing for particle analysis using clustering technology. In recent years, in the field of particle analysis technology, the time required for various analyses has increased due to the increase in the number of colors and the amount of data to be analyzed. As a solution to this problem, attempts to automate data analysis have been actively made by using so-called advanced analysis technologies (such as clustering). In the case of automatic analysis by clustering, the input values ​​of the clustering are generally coordinate values ​​in the graph display coordinates. When the drawing display coordinate values ​​are input, even if the sensor values ​​are the same, the input values ​​of the clustering technology change according to the zoom setting of the target drawing. In addition, there is the following problem: unless the automation of parameter calculation is achieved, the automation of the entire analysis process cannot be achieved. Therefore, by performing the information processing technology of the present technology as a preprocessing for particle analysis using clustering technology, the automation of parameter calculation and consistency of parameter values ​​can be achieved.

[0167] By using the information processing technology of this technology, particle swarms can be appropriately visualized, allowing users to easily perform particle analysis. Furthermore, by appropriately displaying the entire particle swarm, measurement data can be accurately and appropriately analyzed. Typically, when measurement data is present on an axis, ignoring it can lead to doubts in data analysis and interpretation. However, by using the information processing technology of this technology, this risk can be significantly reduced.

[0168] (4-2) Storage Unit 12

[0169] The information processing device 1, particle measuring device 2, particle measuring system 20, particle dispensing device 3, and particle dispensing system 30 according to the present technology can each include a storage unit 12 that stores various data. The storage unit 12 can store all items related to measurement and analysis, such as, for example, optical data from particles detected by the light detection unit 22, records of information processing by the information processing unit 11, and information such as graphs obtained by the information processing unit 11.

[0170] Furthermore, as described above, in the present technology, since the storage unit 12 can be provided in a cloud environment, each user can also share various types of information recorded on the storage unit 12 on the cloud via a network.

[0171] It should be noted that in the present technology, the storage unit 12 is not essential, and an external storage device or the like may be used to store various data.

[0172] (4-3) Display unit 13

[0173] The information processing device 1, particle measuring device 2, particle measuring system 20, particle dispensing device 3, and particle dispensing system 30 according to the present technology can each include a display unit 13 for displaying various data. The display unit 13 can display all items related to measurement and analysis, such as optical data from particles detected by the light detection unit 22, records of information processing by the information processing unit 11, and information obtained by the information processing unit 11 (e.g., graphs).

[0174] In the present technology, the display unit 13 is not essential, and an external display device may be connected. For example, a monitor, a printer, or the like may be used as the display unit 13.

[0175] (4-4) User Interface 14

[0176] The information processing apparatus 1, particle measuring apparatus 2, particle measuring system 20, particle dispensing apparatus 3, and particle dispensing system 30 according to the present technology may each further include a user interface 14 as a user operation portion. The user can access and control each unit through the user interface 14.

[0177] In the present technology, the user interface 14 is not essential, and an external operating device may be connected. For example, a mouse, a keyboard, etc. may be used as the user interface 14.

[0178] (5) Allocation unit 31

[0179] The particle dispensing device 3 and the particle dispensing system 30 according to the present technology may each include a dispensing unit 31. In the dispensing unit 31, particles are dispensed based on the optical data detected by the light detection unit 22. For example, the dispensing unit 31 may dispense particles downstream of the flow channel P based on analysis results of the particle size, form, internal structure, etc. analyzed from the optical data. Hereinafter, a dispensing method will be described according to each embodiment.

[0180] For example, in Figure 3 In the particle distribution device 3 shown, for example, by applying vibration to all or part of the main channel P13 using a vibrating element 31a that vibrates at a predetermined frequency, droplets are generated from the ejection port of the main channel P13. Note that in this case, the vibrating element 31a used is not particularly limited, and known vibrating elements can be freely selected and used. Examples include piezoelectric vibrating elements. Furthermore, by adjusting the amount of liquid supplied to the sample liquid flow channel P11, sheath liquid flow channels P12a and P12b, and main channel P13, the diameter of the ejection port, the frequency of the vibrating element, and the like, the size of each droplet can be adjusted, and droplets each containing a predetermined number of particles can be generated.

[0181] Next, the particles are charged with positive or negative charges according to the analysis results of the size, form, internal structure, etc. of each particle based on the optical information detected by the light detection unit 22 (see FIG. Figure 3 Then, the path of each charged droplet is changed in a desired direction by the counter electrode 31c to which a voltage is applied, and the charged droplet is dispensed.

[0182] In addition, for example, Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, three branch flow channels, namely a distribution flow channel P14 and waste flow channels P15a and P15b, are provided downstream of the main flow channel P13 formed on the substrate T, and distribution target particles are determined to satisfy predetermined optical characteristics and are taken into the distribution flow channel P14, and non-distribution target particles determined not to satisfy the predetermined optical characteristics are made to flow to any one of the two disposal flow channels P15a, and P15b is not brought into the distribution flow channel P14, thereby enabling distribution to be performed.

[0183] The distribution target particles can be introduced into the distribution flow channel P14 using a known method, and for example, a negative pressure can be generated inside the distribution flow channel P14 by a vibrating element 31a such as a piezoelectric element, and the sample liquid and sheath liquid containing the distribution target particles can be drawn into the distribution flow channel P14 using this negative pressure. In addition, although not shown, the distribution target particles can also be introduced into the distribution flow channel P14 by controlling or changing the direction of laminar flow using valve electromagnetic force, fluid flow (gas or liquid), or the like.

[0184] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, by connecting the sample liquid storage unit B1 to the sample liquid flow channel P11, connecting the sheath liquid storage unit B2 to the sheath liquid flow channels P12a and P12b, connecting the distribution liquid storage unit B3 to the distribution flow channel P14, and connecting the waste liquid storage units B4a and B4b to the disposal flow channels P15a and P15b that are connected to each other, a completely closed type distribution device can be obtained. For example, in the case where the distribution target particles are cells for cell preparation, etc., in order to maintain a sterile environment and prevent contamination, it is preferably designed to be a completely closed type (isolated from the external environment), as in Figure 4 The embodiment shown in .

[0185] <2. Information Processing Method, Particle Measurement Method, and Particle Allocation Method>

[0186] The information processing method according to the present technology is a method for receiving optical data obtained from particles and processing the received optical data, and at least performs an information processing step. In addition, a storage step, a display step, etc. can be performed as needed. The particle measurement method according to the present technology at least performs a light detection step and an information processing step. In addition, a light irradiation step, a storage step, a display step, etc. can be performed as needed. The particle allocation method according to the present technology at least performs a light detection step, an information processing step, and an allocation step. In addition, a light irradiation step, a storage step, a display step, etc. can be performed as needed. It should be noted that the details of each step are the same as the steps performed by each unit of the above-mentioned information processing device 1, particle measuring device 2, particle measuring system 20, particle allocation device 3, and particle allocation system 30 according to the present technology, and therefore its description is omitted herein.

[0187] <3. Information Processing Procedures>

[0188] An information processing program according to the present technology is a program for receiving optical data obtained from particles and processing the received optical data, the program enabling a computer to implement the following information processing function: calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters specifying a display range of the optical data having at least an axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis; wherein the parameters include a first parameter specifying the range of the linear axis and a second parameter specifying a lower limit value of the display range, and the first parameter and the second parameter are calculated based on different reference values.

[0189] The information processing program according to the present technology is recorded on an appropriate recording medium. Furthermore, the information processing program according to the present technology can also be stored in a cloud environment or the like and downloaded by a user via a network to a personal computer or the like for use. It should be noted that the information processing functions in the information processing program according to the present technology are the same as those performed by the information processing unit 11 of each of the aforementioned information processing device 1, particle measurement device 2, particle measurement system 20, particle distribution device 3, and particle distribution system 30, and therefore, their description is omitted herein.

[0190] It should be noted that the present technology can also have the following configurations.

[0191] (1) An information processing device comprising an information processing unit that receives optical data obtained from a particle, and

[0192] calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters specifying a display method of the optical data within a display range having at least one axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis;

[0193] wherein the parameters include a first parameter specifying a range of the linear axis and a second parameter specifying a lower limit value of the display range; and

[0194] The first parameter and the second parameter are calculated based on different reference values.

[0195] (2) The information processing device according to (1),

[0196] wherein the display range has at least two axes including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis; and

[0197] The information processing unit calculates a parameter for each of the at least two axes.

[0198] (3) The information processing device according to (1) or (2), wherein the parameters further include a third parameter that specifies an upper limit value of the display range.

[0199] (4) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the information processing unit calculates the first parameter by the following formula (1):

[0200] W=Log(abs(r) / (d))...(1)

[0201] (r = (n) percentile × (m)).

[0202] (5) The information processing device according to (4), wherein the information processing unit calculates the second parameter by the following formula (2):

[0203] Min = (c) percentile...(2).

[0204] (6) The information processing device according to (5),

[0205] wherein the parameters further include a third parameter specifying an upper limit value of the display range; and

[0206] The information processing unit calculates the third parameter using the following formula (3):

[0207] Max=(a)percentile×(b)...(3).

[0208] (7) The information processing device according to (5) or (6),

[0209] wherein the parameters further include a fourth parameter that specifies a range of a linear axis of data in a negative region of the optical data; and

[0210] The information processing unit calculates the fourth parameter using the following formula (4):

[0211] A=Log(Min / r)...(4)

[0212] (r = (n) percentile × (m)).

[0213] (8) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the information processing unit calculates the parameter based on an instruction of a user.

[0214] (9) The information processing device according to (8), further comprising a storage unit for storing the optical data;

[0215] The information processing unit calculates parameters from the optical data received from the storage unit based on a user's instruction.

[0216] (10) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the information processing unit creates a graph illustrating the optical data on a display range using a display method specified based on the parameters.

[0217] (11) The information processing apparatus according to (10), further comprising a storage unit that stores the graph.

[0218] (12) A particle measuring device comprising:

[0219] a light detection unit that detects optical data from particles flowing in the flow channel; and

[0220] an information processing unit that receives the detected optical data; and

[0221] calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters specifying a display method of the optical data within a display range having at least one axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis;

[0222] wherein the parameters include a first parameter specifying a range of the linear axis and a second parameter specifying a lower limit value of the display range; and

[0223] The first parameter and the second parameter are calculated based on different reference values.

[0224] (13) A particle measurement system comprising:

[0225] a light detection device that detects optical data from particles flowing in the flow channel; and

[0226] An information processing device having an information processing unit that receives the detected optical data; and

[0227] calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters specifying a display method of the optical data within a display range having at least one axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis;

[0228] The parameters include a first parameter specifying the range of the linear axis and a second parameter specifying the lower limit value of the display range, and

[0229] The first parameter and the second parameter are calculated based on different reference values.

[0230] (14) A particle distribution device comprising:

[0231] a light detection unit for detecting optical data from particles flowing in the flow channel;

[0232] an information processing unit that receives the detected optical data; and

[0233] calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters specifying a display method of the optical data within a display range having at least one axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis;

[0234] wherein the parameters include a first parameter specifying a range of the linear axis and a second parameter specifying a lower limit value of the display range; and

[0235] calculating the first parameter and the second parameter based on different reference values; and

[0236] An allocating unit allocates particles based on the detected optical data.

[0237] (15) A particle distribution system comprising:

[0238] a light detection device for detecting optical data from particles flowing in the flow channel;

[0239] An information processing device having an information processing unit that receives the detected optical data; and

[0240] calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters specifying a display method of the optical data within a display range having at least one axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis;

[0241] wherein the parameters include a first parameter specifying a range of the linear axis and a second parameter specifying a lower limit value of the display range; and

[0242] calculating the first parameter and the second parameter based on different reference values; and

[0243] A distribution device distributes particles based on the detected optical data.

[0244] (16) An information processing method comprising an information processing step of receiving optical data obtained from a particle, and

[0245] calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters specifying a display method of the optical data within a display range having at least one axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis;

[0246] wherein the parameters include a first parameter specifying a range of the linear axis and a second parameter specifying a lower limit value of the display range; and

[0247] The first parameter and the second parameter are calculated based on different reference values.

[0248] (17) An information processing program that enables a computer to perform the following information processing functions:

[0249] receiving optical data obtained from the particle; calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters specifying a method of displaying the optical data within a display range having at least one axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis;

[0250] wherein the parameters include a first parameter specifying a range of the linear axis and a second parameter specifying a lower limit value of the display range; and

[0251] The first parameter and the second parameter are calculated based on different reference values.

[0252] Reference Signs List

[0253] 1 Information processing device

[0254] 2 Particle measurement device

[0255] 20 Particle Measurement System

[0256] 3 Particle distribution device

[0257] 30 Particle Distribution System

[0258] P runner

[0259] 21 Light irradiation unit

[0260] 22 Light detection unit

[0261] 11 Information processing unit

[0262] 12 storage units

[0263] 13 Display unit

[0264] 14 User Interface

[0265] 31 allocation units.

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising an information processing unit that receives optical data obtained from a particle, and calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters specifying a display method of the optical data within a display range having at least one axis, each axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis; in, The parameters include: The first parameter specifies the range of the linear axis and is calculated by the following formula (1): W = Log (abs (r) / (d)) ... (1), where r = (n) percentile × (m), The second parameter specifies the lower limit of the display range, which is calculated by the following formula (2): Min = (c) percentile ... (2), Wherein, n, m, c, and d are all preset values; and The first parameter and the second parameter are calculated based on different reference values.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, in, The display range has at least two axes, each axis including the linear axis and the logarithmic axis; and The information processing unit calculates the parameter for each of the at least two axes.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein The parameters further include a third parameter specifying an upper limit value of the display range.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The information processing unit calculates the first parameter using the formula (1), wherein n=1 to 3, m=1 to 5, and d=10 to 20.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The information processing unit calculates the second parameter using the formula (2), wherein c=0.3 to 1.

6. The information processing device according to claim 5, in, The parameters further include a third parameter specifying an upper limit value of the display range; and The information processing unit calculates the third parameter using the following formula (3): Max = (a) percentile × (b) ... (3), where a = 98 to 99.5 and b = 3 to 5.

7. The information processing device according to claim 5, in, The parameters further include a fourth parameter specifying a range of a linear axis of data of a negative region in the optical data; and The information processing unit calculates the fourth parameter using the following formula (4): A=Log(Min / r) ...(4) r = (n) percentile × (m), where n = 1 to 3 and m = 1 to 5.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The information processing unit calculates the parameter based on an instruction of a user.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a storage unit for storing the optical data, in, The information processing unit calculates the parameter from the optical data received from the storage unit based on an instruction of the user.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The information processing unit creates a graph illustrating the optical data on the display range using the display method specified based on the parameter. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10 , further comprising a storage unit that stores the graph.

12. A particle measuring device comprising: a light detection unit for detecting optical data from particles flowing in the flow channel; and an information processing unit, receiving the detected optical data; and calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters specifying a display method of the optical data within a display range having at least one axis, each axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis; The parameters include: The first parameter specifies the range of the linear axis and is calculated by the following formula (1): W = Log (abs (r) / (d)) ... (1), where r = (n) percentile × (m), The second parameter specifies the lower limit of the display range, which is calculated by the following formula (2): Min = (c) percentile ... (2), Wherein, n, m, c, and d are all preset values; and The first parameter and the second parameter are calculated based on different reference values.

13. A particle measurement system comprising: a light detection device for detecting optical data from particles flowing in the flow channel; and An information processing device having an information processing unit, wherein the information processing unit receives the detected optical data; and calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters specifying a display method of the optical data within a display range having at least one axis, each axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis; The parameters include: The first parameter specifies the range of the linear axis and is calculated by the following formula (1): W = Log (abs (r) / (d)) ... (1), where r = (n) percentile × (m), The second parameter specifies the lower limit of the display range, which is calculated by the following formula (2): Min = (c) percentile ... (2), Wherein, n, m, c, and d are all preset values; and The first parameter and the second parameter are calculated based on different reference values.

14. A particle distribution device comprising: a light detection unit for detecting optical data from particles flowing in the flow channel; an information processing unit, receiving the detected optical data; and calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters specifying a display method of the optical data within a display range having at least one axis, each axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis; The parameters include: The first parameter specifies the range of the linear axis and is calculated by the following formula (1): W = Log (abs (r) / (d)) ... (1), where r = (n) percentile × (m), The second parameter specifies the lower limit of the display range, which is calculated by the following formula (2): Min = (c) percentile ... (2), Wherein, n, m, c, and d are all preset values; and The first parameter and the second parameter are calculated based on different reference values; and A distribution unit distributes the particles based on the detected optical data.

15. A particle distribution system comprising: a light detection device for detecting optical data from particles flowing in the flow channel; An information processing device having an information processing unit, wherein the information processing unit receives the detected optical data; and calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters specifying a display method of the optical data within a display range having at least one axis, each axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis; The parameters include: The first parameter specifies the range of the linear axis and is calculated by the following formula (1): W = Log (abs (r) / (d)) ... (1), where r = (n) percentile × (m), The second parameter specifies the lower limit of the display range, which is calculated by the following formula (2): Min = (c) percentile ... (2), Wherein, n, m, c, and d are all preset values; and The first parameter and the second parameter are calculated based on different reference values; and A distributing device distributes the particles based on the detected optical data.

16. An information processing method comprising an information processing step in which optical data obtained from a particle is received, and calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters specifying a display method of the optical data within a display range having at least one axis, each axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis; in, The parameters include: The first parameter specifies the range of the linear axis and is calculated by the following formula (1): W = Log (abs (r) / (d)) ... (1), where r = (n) percentile × (m), The second parameter specifies the lower limit of the display range, which is calculated by the following formula (2): Min = (c) percentile ... (2), Wherein, n, m, c, and d are all preset values; and The first parameter and the second parameter are calculated based on different reference values.

17. A computer-readable storage medium having a program stored thereon, which, when executed, causes a computer to implement the following information processing functions: receiving optical data obtained from the particle; calculating, based on the received optical data, parameters specifying a display method of the optical data within a display range having at least one axis, each axis including a linear axis and a logarithmic axis; in, The parameters include: The first parameter specifies the range of the linear axis and is calculated by the following formula (1): W = Log (abs (r) / (d)) ... (1), where r = (n) percentile × (m), The second parameter specifies the lower limit of the display range, which is calculated by the following formula (2): Min = (c) percentile ... (2), Wherein, n, m, c, and d are all preset values; and The first parameter and the second parameter are calculated based on different reference values.

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