Information processing system, information processing method, information processing device, and program

Abstract

The purpose of the present technology is to provide an information processing system capable of presenting, in an easily understood manner, information on factors that can affect the performance of a biological particle analysis device. The present technology provides an information processing system including a biological particle analysis device and an information processing device, in which the biological particle analysis device includes a control unit that controls a vibration element to form a liquid droplet containing biological particles, the information processing apparatus includes a processing unit that generates image data using apparatus information data acquired from the biological particle analysis apparatus. The device information data is at least one piece of data selected from among a parameter related to adjustment of the vibration element, a parameter related to a factor that can affect a state of the droplet, and data related to an operating state of the biological particle analysis device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, an information processing device, and a program. More specifically, the present technology relates to an information processing system, an information processing method executed by the information processing system, an information processing device, and a program for causing the information processing device to execute processing, the information processing system including an information processing device that generates image data using data acquired from a biological particle analysis device. Background Art

[0002] The technique called flow cytometry is used to analyze particles (bioparticles) associated with organisms such as cells and microorganisms. This flow cytometry is an analytical method for analyzing or sorting particles by irradiating the flow with light so as to include particles in a sheath flow flowing into a flow channel formed in a flow cell, a microchip, etc. and detecting fluorescence and scattered light emitted from each particle. The device that implements flow cytometry is called a flow cytometer. In a flow cytometer, a device capable of particle sorting (a bioparticle sorting device capable of sorting bioparticles) is also called a cell sorter.

[0003] In order to perform particle sorting in a bioparticle sorting device, a vibration element may be provided in a portion of a flow channel in which particles flow. The vibration element applies vibration to the portion of the flow channel so that a fluid discharged from a discharge port of the flow channel continuously becomes droplets. Then, a predetermined charge is applied to the droplets containing the particles, and based on the charge, the moving direction of the droplets is changed by a deflection plate or the like, and only the intended particles can be recovered into a predetermined container.

[0004] Droplet formation in a biological particle sorting device is susceptible to environmental changes, such as temperature changes, fluid pressure changes, and pressure differences associated with sheath pressure changes. In some cases, troubles such as droplets not being formed or expected particles not being collected may occur. A variety of technologies have been proposed that can be used to notify users of biological particle sorting devices of information about failures so that when such failures occur, the failures can be quickly handled. For example, the following patent document 1 discloses an analysis device capable of analyzing a biological sample such as blood and a management device connected to the analysis device via a network. When an error occurs during measurement, the analysis device sends error information to the management device. The management device notifies a preset notification destination of the error information.

[0005] Reference List

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-248217 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the present invention

[0009] The performance of droplet formation and the performance of bioparticle sorting in the bioparticle sorting device may deteriorate under the influence of environmental changes. In addition, these performances in the bioparticle sorting device may also be affected by the operational control of components, such as whether the vibrating element that forms the droplets is properly controlled. As described above, there are different factors that may affect the performance of the bioparticle sorting device.

[0010] It is believed that detecting factors that may affect the performance is useful for stabilizing or improving the performance of the biological particle sorting device. In order to detect these factors, it is desirable to be able to grasp the state of the biological particle sorting device, not limited to the case of a malfunction. However, the management device described in Patent Document 1 does not have a structure suitable for grasping the state of the analysis device except for the occurrence of a malfunction.

[0011] Furthermore, in the case where a plurality of factors are detected in parallel, it is desirable to present information about the plurality of factors to a user (e.g., a user or a supervisor of a bioparticle sorting apparatus) in an easily understandable manner. Furthermore, it is desirable to present a plurality of factors that may affect the performance of the apparatus in an easily understandable manner not only in a bioparticle sorting apparatus but also in a bioparticle analyzing apparatus (an apparatus that performs analysis without sorting bioparticles).

[0012] Therefore, an object of the present technology is to provide an information processing system that can present information on factors that may affect the performance of a biological particle analysis apparatus in an easily understandable manner.

[0013] Solution to the problem

[0014] That is, the present technology provides an information processing system, comprising:

[0015] A biological particle analysis device and an information processing device, wherein:

[0016] The biological particle analysis device includes a control unit that controls a vibrating element to form a droplet containing biological particles.

[0017] The information processing device includes a processing unit that generates image data using device information data acquired from the biological particle analysis device, and

[0018] The device information data is at least one piece of data selected from: a parameter related to adjustment of a vibration element, a parameter related to a factor having a possibility of influencing a state of a liquid droplet, and data related to an operation state of the biological particle analysis device.

[0019] Parameters related to adjustment of the vibration element may include parameters acquired from the fluid flow image and the frequency and / or amplitude of a driving voltage to be provided to the vibration element.

[0020] The parameters obtained from the fluid flow image may include at least one selected from the following: parameters related to the break-off point, which is the location where the flux is separated into droplets, parameters related to the location of satellite droplets, and parameters related to the width and location of constrictions in the flux.

[0021] The parameters related to factors having a possibility of influencing the state of the droplets may include at least one selected from the following: temperature, pressure for fluid control, and light power irradiating the biological particles.

[0022] The data related to the operating status of the biological particle analysis device may include at least one item selected from the following: data indicating that the biological particle analysis device is in automatic adjustment before starting biological particle sorting, data indicating that the biological particle analysis device is in the biological particle sorting, and data indicating that the biological particle analysis device is in cleaning.

[0023] The image data may be image data in which two or more pieces of device information data are displayed on the same time axis.

[0024] The device information data may include parameters acquired from the fluid flow image and the frequency and / or amplitude of the driving voltage to be supplied to the vibration element, and the image data may be image data in which a plurality of pieces of device information data are displayed on the same time axis.

[0025] The device information data may include parameters related to factors having a possibility of influencing the state of a droplet and data related to an operation state of the biological particle analysis device, and the image data may be image data in which a plurality of pieces of device information data are displayed on the same time axis.

[0026] The information processing system may further include: a client terminal, wherein the processing unit may generate notification information based on the log information and / or error information acquired from the biological particle analysis apparatus, and notify the client terminal of the notification information.

[0027] The notification information may include at least one of information on: automatic calibration completion, analysis completion, sorting completion, warning, and error.

[0028] The processing unit may predict an error based on the device information data or the image data.

[0029] The information processing device may further include: a storage unit which stores device information data and error information acquired from the biological particle analyzing device.

[0030] The processing unit may generate a learned model by performing machine learning using teacher data in which the device information data and the error information are associated with each other, and may predict an error in a case where the device information data is input by using the learned model.

[0031] The information processing apparatus may further include: a storage unit which stores the image data and error information acquired from the biological particle analyzing apparatus.

[0032] The processing unit may generate a learned model by performing machine learning using teacher data in which image data and error information are associated with each other, and may predict an error in a case where image data is input by using the learned model.

[0033] In addition, this technology also provides

[0034] Information processing methods, including:

[0035] The biological particle analysis device controls the vibration element to form a droplet containing biological particles; and

[0036] The step of generating image data by an information processing device using device information data acquired from the biological particle analysis device, wherein:

[0037] The device information data is at least one piece of data selected from: a parameter related to adjustment of a vibration element, a parameter related to a factor having a possibility of influencing a state of a liquid droplet, and data related to an operation state of the biological particle analysis device.

[0038] In addition, this technology also provides

[0039] An information processing device comprising:

[0040] a processing unit configured to generate image data using device information data acquired from the biological particle analysis device, wherein

[0041] The device information data is at least one piece of data selected from: a parameter related to adjustment of a vibration element, a parameter related to a factor having a possibility of influencing a state of a liquid droplet, and data related to an operation state of the biological particle analysis device.

[0042] In addition, the present technology also provides a program for causing an information processing device to execute an information processing method, the information processing method including:

[0043] A step of generating image data using device information data acquired from a biological particle analysis device, wherein:

[0044] The device information data is at least one piece of data selected from: a parameter related to adjustment of a vibration element, a parameter related to a factor having a possibility of influencing a state of a liquid droplet, and data related to an operation state of the biological particle analysis device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1is a diagram showing an example of the information processing system according to the first embodiment.

[0046] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a computer.

[0047] Figure 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a configuration of a biological particle sorting apparatus.

[0048] Figure 4 is a view showing the state of the fluid discharged from the orifice and the satellite droplets.

[0049] Figure 5 is a view showing the state of the fluid discharged from the orifice and the satellite droplets.

[0050] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of steps for generating image data.

[0051] Figure 7 This is an example of image data that displays two pieces of device information data on the same time axis.

[0052] Figure 8 This is an example of image data that displays two pieces of device information data on the same time axis.

[0053] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the procedure of notifying notification information to a client terminal.

[0054] Fig.10 is a flow chart illustrating another embodiment of processing in a customer support server.

[0055] Fig.11 is a flow chart illustrating another embodiment of processing in a customer support server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Hereinafter, a preferred mode for carrying out the present technology will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below show representative embodiments of the present technology, and the scope of the present technology is not limited to these embodiments. The present technology will be described in the following order.

[0057] 1. First Embodiment (Information Processing System)

[0058] 1-1. System Configuration

[0059] 1-2. Hardware Configuration

[0060] 1-3. Biological particle analysis device

[0061] 1-3-1. Overall configuration

[0062] 1-3-2. Bioparticles

[0063] 1-3-3. Components and Operations

[0064] 1-4. System Operation

[0065] 1-5. Modifications

[0066] 2. Second Embodiment (Information Processing Method)

[0067] 3. Third Embodiment (Information Processing Device)

[0068] 4. Fourth Implementation Method (Procedure)

[0069] 1. First Embodiment (Information Processing System)

[0070] 1-1. System Configuration

[0071] Reference Figure 1 A system configuration of an information processing system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present technology is described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0072] The information processing system 1 includes a biological particle sorting apparatus 200, a control apparatus 300, a management apparatus 400, and a user terminal 500 installed in a user facility 110. For example, the user facility 110 is a base for users who use the biological particle sorting apparatus 200. The user facility 110 is an embodiment of a facility in the present technology, and can be embodied as, for example, a first facility.

[0073] The bioparticle sorting device 200 is an embodiment of a bioparticle analysis device according to the present technology. The bioparticle analysis device irradiates bioparticles flowing in a sheath flow formed in a flow channel fed into a microchip or the like with light, and detects fluorescence or scattered light emitted from each bioparticle, thereby analyzing the bioparticles. The bioparticle sorting device is a device capable of sorting the bioparticles in addition to analyzing the bioparticles. In this embodiment, Figure 1 The biological particle sorting device 200 shown sorts and recovers droplets containing specific particles based on the analysis results by, for example, an optical method. Specifically, the biological particle sorting device 200 may be a cell sorter.

[0074] The control device 300 is connected to the biological particle sorting device 200 , and performs operation control of the biological particle sorting device 200 , acquisition, processing, display, and the like of data from the biological particle sorting device 200 .

[0075] The management device 400 is connected to the control device 300, and performs acquisition, processing and display of data from the control device 300, transmission notification to another device or terminal, etc. The management device 400 is an embodiment of an information processing device in the present technology, and can be embodied as, for example, a first information processing device.

[0076] The user terminal 500 is connected to the management device 400, and receives and displays the notification. The user terminal 500 is an embodiment of a client terminal in the present technology, and may be embodied as, for example, a first client terminal.

[0077] The information processing system 1 includes a customer support server 600 installed in a customer support center 120. For example, the customer support center 120 is a basis for remotely monitoring the biological particle sorting device 200 installed in the user facility 110, and provides a service for sending a notification related to the biological particle sorting device 200 to a device or terminal of another facility (when necessary). The customer support center 120 is another embodiment of a facility in the present technology, and can be embodied as, for example, a second facility.

[0078] The customer support server 600 is communicably connected to the management device 400 installed in the user facility 110 via the network NW. The customer support server 600 acquires, processes and displays data from the management device 400, sends a notification to another device or terminal, etc. In addition, the customer support server 600 is also communicably connected to a supporter terminal 700 (described below) installed in the service center 130 via the network NW. The customer support server 600 is another embodiment of the information processing device in the present technology, and can be embodied as, for example, a second information processing device.

[0079] The information processing system 1 includes a supporter terminal 700 installed in a service center 130. The service center 130 is a base of a provider of a service for remotely confirming the state of the biological particle sorting apparatus 200 installed in the user facility 110, for example, when a malfunction occurs in the biological particle sorting apparatus 200. The service center 130 is another embodiment of a facility in the present technology, and may be embodied as, for example, a third facility.

[0080] The supporter terminal 700 is communicably connected to the customer support server 600 installed in the customer support center 120 via the network NW. For example, the supporter terminal 700 receives a notification related to the biological particle sorting apparatus 200 from the customer support server 600. In addition, the supporter terminal 700 is also communicably connected to the management apparatus 400 installed in the user facility 110 via the network NW. The supporter terminal 700 remotely accesses the management apparatus 400, and acquires, processes, and displays information about the biological particle sorting apparatus 200. The supporter terminal 700 is another embodiment of the client terminal in the present technology, and can be embodied as, for example, a second client terminal.

[0081] The control device 300, the management device 400, the user terminal 500, the customer support server 600, and the supporter terminal 700 are configured by, for example, a computer. The network NW includes a communication network for sending and receiving data. The communication network may be, for example, the Internet, a telephone network, a mobile communication network, a health communication network, a dedicated line network, a local area network (LAN), or a combination thereof. The network NW may be a wired communication network, a wireless communication network including Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a combination thereof.

[0082] In the information processing system 1, the biological particle sorting device 200 and the information processing devices (for example, the management device 400 as the first information processing device and / or the customer support server 600 as the second information processing device) are basic components. Devices and terminals other than the necessary components may be arbitrary components.

[0083] although Figure 1 The number of devices and terminals shown in is one, but the number of devices and terminals is not limited thereto and may be two or more. Figure 1 Each of the user facility 110, the customer support center 120, and the service center 130 shown is one location, but the number of facilities is not limited thereto and may be plural.

[0084] 1-2. Hardware Configuration

[0085] The control device 300, the management device 400, the user terminal 500, the customer support server 600 and the supporter terminal 700 are composed of, for example, Figure 2 The computer 1000 configuration is shown. Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a computer 1000. The computer 1000 includes a processor 1100, a memory 1200, a storage 1300, a network interface (network I / F) 1400, and an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 1500.

[0086] The processor 1100 controls the operation of the computer 1000. An embodiment of the processor 1100 includes a central processing unit (CPU).

[0087] The memory 1200 stores instructions that, when executed by the processor 1100, cause the computer 1000 to perform operations. Examples of the memory 1200 include computer memory such as a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).

[0088] The memory 1300 stores information and programs related to the operation and use of the computer 1000. Examples of the memory 13 include a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid state drive (SSD).

[0089] The network I / F 1400 is an interface for connecting to a predetermined communication network. The network I / F 1400 enables the computer 1000 to transmit and receive various data to and from other computers.

[0090] The input / output I / F 1500 is an interface for connecting to an input / output device. An input device and an output device are connected to the input / output I / F 1500. The input device may be any one or a combination of all devices capable of accepting input of various data to the computer 1000. Examples of the input device include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and a button interface. The output device may be any one or a combination of all devices capable of outputting various data. Examples of the output device include a display, a printer, and a speaker.

[0091] The processor 1100, the memory 1200, the storage 1300, the network I / F 1400, and the input / output I / F 1500 are connected to each other via, for example, a bus 1600. Figure 2 In the embodiment, although any hardware is illustrated as a single component, it is only an embodiment, and any hardware may be one or more components. Figure 2 In the embodiment, all the hardware is provided in a single computer 1000, but this is merely an embodiment, and the hardware may be distributed and provided in a plurality of computers.

[0092] 1-3. Biological particle analysis device

[0093] 1-3-1. Overall configuration

[0094] Will see Figure 3 The overall configuration of a biological particle sorting apparatus 200 as an embodiment of a biological particle analysis apparatus according to the present technology is described. Figure 3 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a configuration of the biological particle sorting apparatus 200 .

[0095] The bioparticle sorting device 200 includes a microchip 2 (a chip having a flow channel of the order of micrometers), a vibration element 3, a charging electrode 4, deflection plates 5a and 5b, recovery containers 6a to 6c, and a voltage supply unit 31. These are arranged inside the bioparticle sorting device 200. In addition, the bioparticle sorting device 200 includes: a liquid droplet detection unit 7 that detects liquid droplets containing bioparticles; and a control unit 8 that controls the vibration element 3 to form liquid droplets containing bioparticles.

[0096] 1-3-2. Bioparticles

[0097] Examples of biological particles sorted by the biological particle sorting device 200 include cells, microorganisms, and biological-related particles. Examples of cells include plant cells, animal cells, and blood cells. Examples of microorganisms include bacteria such as Escherichia coli, viruses such as tobacco mosaic virus, and fungi such as yeast. Examples of biological-related particles include chromosomes, ribosomes, mitochondria, organelles (organelles), nucleic acids, proteins, and complexes of nucleic acids and proteins that constitute various cells. The above-mentioned biological particles can be labeled with one or more marker substances (such as dyes (especially fluorescent dyes) and fluorescent dye-labeled antibodies). Note that particles other than biological particles can be analyzed by the biological particle sorting device 200, and beads, etc. can be analyzed for calibration, etc.

[0098] 1-3-3. Components and Operations

[0099] Later, see Figure 3 The components and operation of the biological particle sorting apparatus 200 are described.

[0100] [Microchip]

[0101] In the microchip 2, a sample inlet 22 into which a liquid (sample liquid) containing biological particles to be sorted is introduced, a sheath liquid inlet 23, and a suction outlet 24 for eliminating clogging or bubbles are formed, and the sheath liquid is introduced into the sheath liquid inlet 23. In the microchip 2, the sample liquid is introduced into the sample inlet 22, merged with the sheath liquid introduced into the sheath inlet 23, fed to the sample flow channel, and discharged through the orifice 21 provided in the terminal of the sample flow channel. As an embodiment, the fluid containing biological particles discharged through the orifice 21 is ejected as a jet. At this time, by applying vibration to the entire sample flow channel or a part of the sample flow channel by the vibration element 3, the horizontal cross section of the jet flow is modulated in the vertical direction in synchronization with the frequency of the vibration element 3, and droplets are separated and generated at the break point. The vibration element 3 and the break point will be described below.

[0102] The sample flow channel is configured to allow the sample liquid to flow. Specifically, the sample flow channel can be configured to form a flow in which the biological particles contained in the sample liquid are arranged in a line by fluid dynamic focusing. The flow channel structure including the sample flow channel can be designed to form a laminar flow. In particular, the flow channel structure is designed to form a laminar flow with the sample liquid wrapped by the sheath liquid flow. The design of the flow channel structure can be appropriately selected by a person skilled in the art, or a known design can be adopted. Although Figure 3 , but the sample flow channel may be formed into a flow channel structure such as a flow cell. For example, the width of the sample flow channel is formed between 10 μm and 10 mm, and specifically, may be 10 μm or more and 1 mm or less.

[0103] The suction flow channel communicated with the suction outlet 24 is connected to the sample flow channel. The suction flow channel is used to temporarily reverse the flow by setting the inside of the sample flow channel to negative pressure to eliminate the blockage or bubbles when a blockage or bubble occurs in the sample flow channel, and a negative pressure source such as a vacuum pump is connected to the suction outlet 24.

[0104] The microchip 2 may be formed of glass or various plastics (PP, PC, COP, PDMS, etc.) For example, in the case of performing analysis by an optical method, it is desirable that the material of the microchip 2 is transparent to the measurement light, has little autofluorescence, and has small wavelength dispersion and thus has little optical error.

[0105] The microchip 2 can be molded by wet etching or dry etching of a glass substrate, or by nanoimprinting, injection molding or machining of a plastic substrate. The microchip 2 can be formed by, for example, sealing a substrate in which a sample flow channel or the like is formed of the same material or a substrate of a different material.

[0106] [Vibration element]

[0107] The vibration element 3 is arranged to be in contact with a part of the microchip 2 or is provided as an internal configuration of the microchip 2. The vibration element 3 applies minute vibrations to the sheath liquid by vibrating the microchip 2 at a predetermined frequency, and converts the fluid (sample liquid and sheath liquid) discharged through the orifice 21 into droplets to generate a fluid stream S. The vibration element 3 may be, for example, a piezoelectric element.

[0108] [Voltage supply unit]

[0109] The voltage supply unit 31 supplies a driving voltage to the vibration element 3. The driving voltage is provided according to a sine wave to form a stable droplet. The driving voltage can be controlled by parameters such as frequency (clock value) and / or amplitude (driving value), for example. That is, the parameters related to the adjustment of the vibration element 3 may include the frequency and / or amplitude of the driving voltage provided to the vibration element 3.

[0110] [Charging unit]

[0111] The charging unit applies positive or negative charge to the droplet discharged through the orifice 21. The charging unit includes a charging electrode 4 that applies charge to the sheath liquid and / or the sample liquid, a voltage source (not shown) that applies a predetermined voltage to the charging electrode 4, and the like. The charging electrode 4 is arranged to contact the sheath liquid and / or the sample liquid flowing through the flow channel. For example, the charging electrode 4 can be inserted into a charging electrode inlet of the microchip 2.

[0112] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment, the charging electrode 4 is arranged to contact the sample liquid, but the arrangement of the charging electrode 4 is not limited thereto. The charging electrode 4 may be arranged to contact the sheath liquid, or may be arranged to contact both the sample liquid and the sheath liquid. In order to reduce the influence on the biological particles to be sorted, the charging electrode 4 is preferably arranged to contact only the sheath liquid.

[0113] By charging the desired droplets with positive or negative charges, and thereby charging the droplets in this way, the droplets containing any biological particles can be separated by electricity. In addition, by synchronizing the timing of charging the charging unit with the supply voltage to the vibration element 3, it becomes possible to charge only any droplets.

[0114] [Deflector]

[0115] The deflection plates 5a and 5b are a pair of deflection plates arranged to face each other across the fluid stream S. The deflection plates 5a and 5b change the traveling direction of each droplet in the fluid stream S by electric force when an electric charge is applied, and guide the droplets containing biological particles to a predetermined recovery container. The deflection plates 5a and 5b may be, for example, electrodes commonly used in a general biological particle sorting device.

[0116] Different positive and negative voltages are applied to the deflection plates 5a and 5b, respectively. When the charged droplets pass through the electric field formed by the deflection plates, electric force (Coulomb force) is generated, and each droplet is attracted to any one of the deflection plates 5a and 5b. In the biological particle sorting device 200, the direction of the flow (lateral flow) of the droplets attracted by the electric field can be controlled by changing the positive and negative charges of the droplets and the amount of charge. Therefore, different types of biological particles can be sorted at the same time.

[0117] [Recycling Container]

[0118] The recovery containers 6a to 6c are containers for recovering the liquid droplets that have passed between the deflection plates 5a and 5b. The recovery containers 6a to 6c may be, for example, general-purpose plastic tubes or glass tubes. The recovery containers 6a to 6c are preferably replaceably arranged in the biological particle sorting device 200. In addition, the liquid discharge path for the recovered liquid droplets may be connected to the recovery containers 6a to 6c that receive the unsorted particles.

[0119] The number of recovery containers arranged in the bioparticle sorting apparatus 200 is not limited to the three shown. For example, in the case where more than three recovery containers are arranged, each droplet can be guided to any one of the recovery containers and recovered in any one of the recovery containers, depending on whether there is an electric force between the deflection plates 5a and 5b and its magnitude.

[0120] [Droplet detection unit]

[0121] The droplet detection unit 7 detects the state of droplets discharged through the orifice 21 of the microchip 2 and satellite droplets existing between the droplets. The droplet detection unit 7 may include: an imaging element 71 that images the fluid flow S and acquires an image that captures the fluid flow as an object (i.e., a fluid flow image); a position adjustment mechanism 72 that changes the position of the imaging element 71; an image data processing unit 73 that processes the fluid flow image, etc. The imaging element 7 may be an imaging element such as a CCD, a CMOS camera, or various imaging elements such as a photoelectric conversion element. The bioparticle sorting device 200 may be provided with a light source (not shown) that illuminates the imaging area together with the imaging element 7.

[0122] The fluid flow image acquired by the imaging element 71 is input to the image data processing unit 73. For example, the image data processing unit 73 may process the fluid flow image and acquire various parameters from the fluid flow image. The parameters acquired from the fluid flow image may include parameters related to the break-off point (BOP) (where the flux is divided into droplets) and parameters related to the position of satellite droplets. In addition, the parameters acquired from the fluid flow image may also include parameters related to the width and position of the constriction in the flux. It should be noted that "constriction" refers to the constricted portion in the flux immediately before being converted into droplets.

[0123] [Control Unit]

[0124] The control unit 8 controls the voltage supply unit 31 based on the parameters acquired from the fluid flow image by the image data processing unit 73, thereby controlling the vibration element 3. For example, the control unit 8 automatically adjusts the driving voltage and frequency supplied to the vibration element 3 based on the parameters acquired from the fluid flow image. That is, the parameters related to the adjustment of the vibration element 3 may include the parameters acquired from the fluid flow image. As described above, the parameters may include at least one selected from the parameters related to the break point as the position where the flux is separated into droplets, the parameters related to the position of the satellite droplets, and the parameters related to the width and position of the constriction in the flux.

[0125] [Light detection unit]

[0126] In the case where the biological particle sorting apparatus 200 sorts biological particles by an optical method, for example, a light detection unit (not shown) is provided, which irradiates a predetermined portion of the sample flow channel with light (measurement light) and detects light (light to be measured) generated from particles flowing through the sample flow channel. The light detection unit may include, for example, a laser light source; an irradiation system including a condenser lens, a dichroic mirror, a bandpass filter, etc. that collects the laser light and irradiates the particles with the laser light; and a detection system that detects the light to be measured generated from the particles by the irradiation of the laser light.

[0127] The detection system includes, for example, a photomultiplier tube (PMT) and an area imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS element. The irradiation system and the detection system can be configured by the same optical path, or can be configured by a separate optical path. In addition, the light to be measured detected by the detection system of the light detection unit is light generated from the particle by irradiation of the measurement light. The light to be measured can be, for example, scattered light, such as forward scattered light, side scattered light, Rayleigh scattering and Mie scattering, or fluorescence. These types of light to be measured are converted into electrical signals, and the optical properties of the particles are detected based on the electrical signals.

[0128] [operate]

[0129] The operation of the bioparticle sorting apparatus 200 will be described, that is, the bioparticle sorting method performed in the bioparticle sorting apparatus 200. In the bioparticle sorting method, as an embodiment, a step of detecting the state of the droplets discharged through the orifice 21 and the satellite droplets existing between the droplets, and a step of controlling the driving voltage and frequency supplied to the vibration element 3 based on the break point or the position where the satellite droplets exist may be performed.

[0130] The biological particle sorting method may include, for example, the following steps. First, a sample liquid containing particles to be sorted is introduced into the sample inlet 22, and a sheath liquid is introduced into the sheath inlet 23. Then, for example, a light detection unit detects the optical properties of the particles, and simultaneously detects the feed flow rate (flow rate) of the particles and the intervals between the particles. The detected optical properties, flow rate, intervals, etc. of the particles are converted into electrical signals and output to the overall control unit (not shown) of the device.

[0131] The laminar flow of the sample liquid and the sheath liquid that have passed through the light irradiation unit of the sample flow channel is discharged to the space outside the microchip 2 through the orifice 21. At this time, for example, the orifice 21 is vibrated by the vibration element 3, and the discharged fluid is dropletized. Then, based on the detection result in the light detection unit, the deflection plates 5a and 5b change the traveling direction of each droplet loaded in the sample flow channel, and guide and recover the droplets to predetermined recovery containers 6a to 6c.

[0132] The droplet detection unit 7 detects the state of the droplets discharged through the orifice 21 and the satellite droplets existing between the droplets, and obtains parameters related to the break-off point or the position where the satellite droplets exist. Then, the control unit 8 controls the voltage supply unit 31 to control the driving voltage and frequency supplied to the vibration element 3 based on the parameters.

[0133] In order to form droplets suitable for sorting, the bio-particle sorting apparatus 200 automatically adjusts the optimal vibration frequency for droplet formation. Generally, the following is known in droplet formation.

[0134] (1) The closer the breaking point is to the orifice 21, the more advantageous it is for sorting.

[0135] (2) For sorting, the state in which satellite droplets are absorbed by previous droplets (fast) or the state in which satellite droplets are absorbed by subsequent droplets (slow) is appropriate.

[0136] (3) In the case where satellite droplets are not absorbed by previous or subsequent droplets, the lateral flow may become unstable.

[0137] (4) Since the vibration transmission characteristics are good during sorting and the state in which the breaking point changes according to the change in the driving value changes according to environmental changes (such as temperature changes), it is possible to cope with temperature changes while monitoring temperature changes in the biological particle sorting device.

[0138] (5) For sorting, a state in which the droplets are symmetrical on both sides is appropriate.

[0139] (6) Because the optimal frequency and optimal voltage that satisfy the above (1) to (5) are slightly different for each microchip, each time the microchip is replaced, the driving voltage and frequency are determined based on the position of the satellite droplet or the breakpoint acquired by a method such as image processing.

[0140] As a method of controlling the frequency of the driving voltage of the vibration element 3 by the control unit 8, for example, there is a method of performing control so that the satellite droplet is absorbed by the droplet within an arbitrary range from the breakoff point. Figure 4 and Figure 5 is an example of a fluid flow image, and is a view showing the state of the fluid D and satellite droplets SD discharged through the orifice 21 .

[0141] exist Figure 4 In the state shown in B, satellite droplets SD exist between droplets D in the entire detected range. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1A , the control unit 8 controls the driving voltage of the vibration element 3 so that the satellite droplets SD are absorbed by the droplets D within any range (distance l) from the break-off point BOP, and no satellite droplets SD exist between the droplets D outside the range. This can stabilize the droplet formation.

[0142] Specifically, first, the imaging element 71 of the droplet detection unit 7 acquires a fluid flow image (droplet image). Figure 5 A and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 2B , the position adjustment mechanism 72 moves the imaging element 71 so that the break point BOP is aligned with the preset marker position ( Figure 5 The position of the imaging element 71 at this time is obtained from the sensor. Then, the position adjustment mechanism 72 lowers the imaging element 71 by a certain amount so as to obtain the state of the droplet below as a droplet image. Next, the image data processing unit 73 determines whether the satellite droplet SD is absorbed by the droplet D.

[0143] In the above description, the case where the frequency is automatically adjusted by the control unit 8 has been described, but the target of the automatic adjustment may be, for example, the amplitude of the driving voltage.

[0144] 1-4. System Operation

[0145] Next, the operation of the information processing system 1 will be described. First, the operation in which the information processing apparatus generates image data using data related to the biological particle sorting apparatus 200 will be mainly described. Figure 1 In the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 , the management device 400 and the customer support server 600 are embodiments of the information processing device according to the present technology as described above. Hereinafter, the information processing device will be described by taking the management device 400 as an embodiment. The configuration and operation of the management device 400 described below can be implemented in the customer support server 600. In addition, similar configurations and operations can be implemented in both the management device 400 and the customer support server 600.

[0146] First, refer to Figure 6An outline of the operation of generating image data is described. Figure 6 1 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the steps of generating image data. The control unit 8 of the biological particle sorting device 200 controls the vibration element 3 to form a droplet containing biological particles (step S101). The processing unit 410 of the management device 400 acquires device information data from the biological particle sorting device 200 (step S102), and generates image data using the acquired device information data (step S103).

[0147] Next, we will see Figure 1 The details of the above operation are described. As described above, the management device 400 includes the processing unit 410, which generates image data using the device information data acquired from the biological particle sorting device 200. The device information data may be data acquired from the biological particle sorting device 200 via the control device 300. Note that the device information data is not limited to data acquired by the control device 300, and may be data acquired directly from the biological particle sorting device 200, or may be data acquired by a device other than the control device 300.

[0148] For example, the image data generated by the processing unit 410 of the management device 400 may be displayed on the display unit 420 of the management device 400. In addition, the management device 400 may transmit the image data to another device or terminal through the communication unit 430. Therefore, it may be configured to display the image data on the display unit of another device or terminal. For example, in the user terminal 500, the communication unit 520 may receive the image data from the management device 400, and the image data may be displayed on the display unit 510. In the customer support server 600, the communication unit 630 may receive the image data from the management device 400, and the image data may be displayed on the display unit 620. In the supporter terminal 700, the communication unit 720 may receive the image data from the management device 400, and the image data may be displayed on the display unit 710.

[0149] Specifically, the device information data used in the processing unit 410 of the management device 400 is obtained from parameters related to the adjustment of the vibration element (see Figure 3 ), parameters related to factors that may affect the droplets, and at least one piece of data selected from data related to the operating status of the biological particle sorting device 200.

[0150] The device information data is data related to factors that may affect the performance of the biological particle sorting device 200. In order to present such data to a user (e.g., a user or supervisor of the biological particle sorting device) in an easily understandable manner, the processing unit 410 of the management device 400 generates image data that is easy to visually understand based on the device information data.

[0151] For example, the parameters associated with the adjustment of the vibrating element may include parameters obtained from the fluid flow image and the frequency and / or amplitude of the driving voltage to be provided to the vibrating element. The parameters obtained from the fluid flow image may include at least one selected from parameters related to the break-off point, parameters related to the position of satellite droplets, and parameters related to the width and position of the constriction in the flux.

[0152] Parameters related to factors that may affect the state of the droplets may include, for example, temperature, pressure of fluid control, and light power for irradiating the bioparticles. The pressure for fluid control is a pressure for controlling the feeding of each of the sheath liquid and the sample liquid. These parameters may be obtained from, for example, various sensors (e.g., temperature sensors) installed in the bioparticle sorting apparatus 200, or may be obtained from log information of the bioparticle sorting apparatus 200.

[0153] The data related to the operation state of the biological particle sorting apparatus 200 may include at least one selected from data indicating that the biological particle sorting apparatus 200 is in automatic adjustment before starting the biological particle sorting, data indicating that the biological particle sorting apparatus 200 is in biological particle sorting, and data indicating that the biological particle sorting apparatus 200 is in cleaning. For example, these data may be obtained from the log information of the biological particle sorting apparatus 200.

[0154] The processing unit 410 of the management device 400 may generate image data using one piece of device information data, or may generate image data using two or more pieces of device information data. An example of a case where the processing unit 410 generates image data using two or more pieces of device information data is a case where multiple factors that may affect the performance of the biological particle sorting device 200 are detected simultaneously. In this case, the processing unit 410 preferably performs processing to display the two or more pieces of device information data on the same time axis. That is, the image data generated by the processing unit 410 may be image data in which the two or more pieces of device information data are displayed on the same time axis. Therefore, image data capable of grasping the temporal changes of multiple factors that may affect the performance of the biological particle sorting device 200 at a glance can be provided.

[0155] Figure 7 This is an embodiment of image data in which parameters related to the break point and the amplitude (drive value) of the drive voltage supplied to the vibration element are displayed on the same time axis. Figure 7 In FIG. 1 , the horizontal axis represents time. The left vertical axis represents the value of a parameter related to the breakpoint, for example, the value of the height coordinate of the breakpoint in the fluid flow image. The right vertical axis represents the value of the amplitude (drive value) of the driving voltage. Figure 7, it can be seen that the breaking point changes rapidly at about 13: 30. Then, it can be seen that the amplitude (driving value) of the driving voltage is automatically adjusted according to the change of the breaking point, thereby performing position control of the breaking point.

[0156] The device information data displayed in the image data is not limited to Figure 7 For example, you can combine Figure 7 The image data may be used to display another piece of device information data. For example, such image data may be used to analyze the correlation between the change factor of the break point, the change of the parameter indicating the change factor, and the tracking condition of the automatic adjustment of the driving voltage of the vibration element. Therefore, the image data may help to more effectively analyze the real change factor of the break point. As described above, the image data generated using the device information data may be used to analyze factors that may affect the performance of the biological particle sorting device 200.

[0157] Figure 8 2 is an example of image data in which parameters related to factors that may affect the state of the droplets and data related to the operating state of the biological particle sorting apparatus 200 are displayed on the same time axis. Figure 8 The parameter related to the droplet factor shown in FIG. 2 is specifically the internal temperature of the biological particle sorting device 200. Figure 8 In the figure, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents temperature. Figure 8 The three positions of hatching in indicate the operating states of the biological particle sorting apparatus 200. Specifically, the three positions of hatching indicate, in order from the left, that the biological particle sorting apparatus is in automatic adjustment before starting biological particle sorting, in biological particle sorting, and in cleaning. Figure 8 , it can be seen that the temperature changes rapidly around 13:30 and around 13:50. Since cleaning is performed around 13:50, even if a sharp temperature change occurs, it can be determined that there is no problem (i.e., it is not a problem). On the other hand, at around 13:30, bioparticle sorting is being performed, and sudden temperature changes generally cannot occur, so it can be determined that there is a possibility that some kind of failure has occurred.

[0158] like Figure 8The image data shown in (wherein the operating state of the biological particle sorting device 200 is displayed together with parameters related to factors that may affect the droplets on the same time axis) can be used to analyze, for example, the correlation between the operating state of the biological particle sorting device 200 and the parameter. Therefore, the image data can help to more effectively determine which parameter the operating state of the biological particle sorting device 200 is changing in association with. For example, when an error occurs in the biological particle sorting device 200, the cause of the error can be more effectively determined by confirming the image data in which the operating state of the biological particle sorting device 200 and various parameters at the time of the error are displayed on the same time axis. In this way, the image data generated using the device information data can be used to more effectively investigate the cause when the error occurs.

[0159] Next, the operation in which the information processing device generates notification information and notifies the client terminal will be mainly described. Figure 1 In the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 , the user terminal 500 and the supporter terminal 700 are examples of the client terminal in the present technology as described above.

[0160] Fig. 9 1 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of the steps of notifying a client terminal of notification information. Fig. 9 As shown, the processing unit 410 of the management device 400 or the processing unit 610 of the customer support server 600 obtains log information and / or error information obtained from the biological particle sorting device 200 (step S201). Next, notification information is generated based on the log information and / or error information (step S202), and the notification information is notified to the user terminal 500 and the supporter terminal 700 (step S203). The notification information may include, for example, at least one of information about automatic calibration completion, analysis completion, sorting completion, warning, and error. The information about the completion of automatic calibration may be, for example, information indicating that the automatic adjustment of the vibration element performed in the control unit 8 of the biological particle sorting device 200 has been completed. For example, the information about the warning may be information about an event that needs to be notified other than an error. As an embodiment, because the sheath tank becomes empty, the information about the warning may be information for prompting to replenish the sheath tank with sheath fluid.

[0161] As an embodiment, the notification information to be notified to the user terminal 500 may be generated in the processing unit 410 of the management device 400. In the case where the notification information is notified by sending an email, the storage unit 440 of the management device 400 may store a template for generating the notification information and email address information. Thus, even when the user is not near the biological particle sorting device 200, the user (user of the biological particle sorting device 200) can grasp the status of the biological particle sorting device 200. Note that whether to receive the notification information can be set in the user terminal 500.

[0162] For example, in the processing unit 610 of the customer support server 600, notification information notified to the supporter terminal 700 is generated. In the case where the notification information is notified by sending an email, the storage unit 640 of the customer support server 600 may store a template and email address information for generating the notification information. The supporter terminal 700 is installed at the base of the service provider, and the service provider remotely confirms the condition of the biological particle sorting device 200 when a failure occurs in the biological particle sorting device 200. The service provider can quickly grasp the status of the biological particle sorting device 200 by receiving the notification information, so that the service provider can quickly respond when a failure occurs. Note that whether to receive the notification information can be set in the supporter terminal 700.

[0163] 1-5. Modifications

[0164] A modification of the information processing system 1 will be described. Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus will be described by taking the customer support server 600 as an example. The configuration and operation of the customer support server 600 described below can be implemented in the management apparatus 400. In addition, similar configurations and operations can be implemented in both the customer support server 600 and the management apparatus 400.

[0165] The processing unit 610 of the customer support server 600 may be configured to predict an error based on the device information data or the image data. For example, the processing unit 610 may analyze the device information data or the image data based on a specific threshold or based on statistical processing, and predict an error. Therefore, before an error occurs in the biological particle sorting device 200, the user may be notified of information related to the error prediction, and the device may be controlled based on the error prediction.

[0166] Fig.10 6 is a flow chart showing another embodiment of the processing in the customer support server 600. Fig.10 As shown, the storage unit 640 of the customer support server 600 may store the device information data and the error information acquired from the biological particle sorting device 200 (step S301). In this case, the processing unit 610 of the customer support server 600 may be configured to generate a learning model by performing machine learning using teacher data in which the device information data and the error information are associated with each other (steps S302 and S303), and predict an error when the device information data is input by using the learning model (step S304).

[0167] Fig.11 FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating another embodiment of the processing in the customer support server 600. Fig.11As shown, the storage unit 640 of the customer support server 600 may store the image data and error information acquired from the biological particle sorting apparatus 200 (step S401). In this case, the processing unit 610 of the customer support server 600 may be configured to generate a learning model by performing machine learning using teacher data in which the image data and the error information are associated with each other (steps S402 and S403), and predict an error in the case of inputting the image data by using the learning model (step S404).

[0168] In the case where the occurrence of a prediction error is predicted as a result of using the learned model, for example, a sorting stop process may be executed in the biological particle sorting apparatus 200. Alternatively, a process of notifying the user terminal 500 and the supporter terminal 700 of a warning indicating the occurrence of a prediction error may be executed.

[0169] In addition, the storage unit 640 of the customer support server 600 may store information acquired from the biological particle sorting apparatus 200 as time series data in association with information (e.g., apparatus ID) that uniquely specifies the biological particle sorting apparatus 200. The processing unit 610 of the customer support server 600 may be configured to determine the status of the biological particle sorting apparatus 200 based on past information stored in the storage unit 640 and present preferred settings of the apparatus to the user.

[0170] 2. Second Embodiment (Information Processing Method)

[0171] The present technology also provides an information processing method. The information processing method includes: a step in which a biological particle analysis device (e.g., a biological particle sorting device) controls a vibration element to form a droplet containing biological particles; and a step in which an information processing device generates image data using device information data acquired from the biological particle analysis device. The device information data is at least one piece of data selected from parameters related to adjustment of the vibration element, parameters related to factors that may affect the state of the droplet, and data related to the operating state of the biological particle analysis device.

[0172] The information processing method according to the present technology can be performed as described in 1. For example, the above (specifically, the above 1-4). In addition, the information processing method can be performed by the information processing system described in 1. Above (specifically, the above 1-1 to 1-3). As described above, the content described in 1 above also applies to the information processing method according to the present technology.

[0173] 3. Third Embodiment (Information Processing Device)

[0174] The present technology also provides an information processing device. The information processing device includes a processing unit that generates image data using device information data acquired from a biological particle analysis device (e.g., a biological particle sorting device). The device information data is at least one data selected from a parameter related to adjustment of a vibration element, a parameter related to a factor that may affect a droplet state, or data related to an operating state of the biological particle analysis device.

[0175] The information processing device according to the present technology may operate as described in 1. above (specifically, for example, 1-4 above). In addition, the information processing device may have the configuration of 1 above (specifically, 1-1 and 1-2 above). As described above, the above-described contents also apply to the information processing device according to the present technology.

[0176] 4. Fourth Implementation Method (Procedure)

[0177] The present technology also provides a program for causing an information processing device to execute an information processing method. The information processing method includes the step of generating image data using device information data acquired from a biological particle analysis device. The device information data is at least one data selected from a parameter related to adjustment of a vibration element, a parameter related to a factor that may affect a droplet state, and data related to an operating state of the biological particle analysis device.

[0178] The program according to the present technology may be, for example, a program for operating Figure 1 A program for an information processing device described in . The above (particularly 1-4 above). In addition, the information processing device may have the configuration of 1 described above (particularly 1-1 and 1-2 above). As described above, the contents described in 1 above also apply to the program according to the present technology.

[0179] The program according to the present technology can be stored in various types of non-volatile computer-readable media and provided to an information processing device. Non-volatile computer-readable media include different types of tangible storage media. Embodiments of non-volatile computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., floppy disks, magnetic tapes, and hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, programmable ROMs (PROMs), erasable PROMs (EPROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs). In addition, the above-mentioned program can be provided to an information processing device through various types of volatile computer-readable media. Embodiments of volatile computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Volatile computer-readable media can provide the above-mentioned program to an information processing device via a wired communication path or a wireless communication path such as an electric wire and an optical fiber.

[0180] The present technology may also take the following configurations. [1]

[0182] An information processing system, comprising:

[0183] A biological particle analysis device and an information processing device, wherein:

[0184] The biological particle analysis device includes a control unit, which controls the vibration element to form a droplet containing biological particles.

[0185] The information processing device includes a processing unit that generates image data using device information data acquired from the biological particle analysis device, and

[0186] The device information data is at least one piece of data selected from: a parameter related to adjustment of a vibration element, a parameter related to a factor having a possibility of influencing a state of a liquid droplet, and data related to an operation state of the biological particle analysis device. [2]

[0188] The information processing system according to [1], wherein the parameters related to the adjustment of the vibration element include: parameters obtained from the fluid flow image and the frequency and / or amplitude of the driving voltage to be supplied to the vibration element. [3]

[0190] An information processing system according to [2], wherein the parameters obtained from the fluid flow image include at least one selected from the following: parameters related to the break-off point, parameters related to the position of satellite droplets, or parameters related to the width and position of the constriction in the flux, the break-off point being the position where the flux is divided into droplets. [4]

[0192] The information processing system according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the parameter related to the factor having the possibility of affecting the droplet state includes at least one selected from the following: temperature, pressure for fluid control, and light power for irradiating biological particles. [5]

[0194] An information processing system according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the data related to the operating status of the biological particle analysis device includes at least one item selected from the following: data indicating that the biological particle analysis device is in automatic adjustment before starting biological particle sorting, data indicating that the biological particle analysis device is in biological particle sorting, and data indicating that the biological particle analysis device is in cleaning. [6]

[0196] The information processing system according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the image data is image data in which two or more pieces of device information data are displayed on the same time axis. [7]

[0198] The information processing system according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein:

[0199] The device information data includes: parameters obtained from the fluid flow image and the frequency and / or amplitude of the driving voltage to be supplied to the vibrating element, and

[0200] The image data is image data in which a plurality of pieces of device information data are displayed on the same time axis. [8]

[0202] The information processing system according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein:

[0203] The device information data includes parameters related to factors having a possibility of influencing the state of the droplets and data related to the operating state of the bioparticle analysis device, and

[0204] The image data is image data in which a plurality of pieces of device information data are displayed on the same time axis. [9]

[0206] The information processing system according to any one of [1] to [8], further comprising:

[0207] Client terminal, where

[0208] The processing unit generates notification information based on the log information and / or error information acquired from the biological particle analysis apparatus, and notifies the client of the notification information.

[10]

[0210] The information processing system according to [9], wherein the notification information includes at least one of information on: automatic calibration completion, analysis completion, sorting completion, warning, and error.

[11]

[0212] The information processing system according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the processing unit predicts the error based on the device information data or the image data.

[12]

[0214] The information processing system according to any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein the information processing device further includes: a storage unit that stores device information data and error information acquired from the biological particle analysis device.

[13]

[0216] An information processing system according to

[12] , wherein a processing unit generates a learning model by performing machine learning using teacher data in which device information data and error information are associated with each other, and predicts an error in a case where device information data is input by using the learning model.

[14]

[0218] The information processing system according to any one of [1] to

[13] , wherein the information processing device further includes: a storage unit that stores the image data and error information acquired from the biological particle analysis device.

[15]

[0220] An information processing system according to

[14] , wherein a processing unit generates a learning model by performing machine learning using teacher data in which image data and error information are associated with each other, and predicts an error in a case where image data is input by using the learning model.

[16]

[0222] An information processing method, comprising:

[0223] The biological particle analysis device controls the vibrating element to form a droplet containing biological particles; and

[0224] The step of generating image data by using the device information data acquired from the biological particle analysis device by the information processing device, wherein:

[0225] The device information data is at least one piece of data selected from: a parameter related to adjustment of a vibration element, a parameter related to a factor having a possibility of influencing a state of a liquid droplet, and data related to an operation state of the biological particle analysis device.

[17]

[0227] An information processing device, comprising:

[0228] a processing unit configured to generate image data using device information data acquired from the biological particle analysis device, wherein

[0229] The device information data is at least one piece of data selected from: a parameter related to adjustment of a vibration element, a parameter related to a factor having a possibility of influencing a state of a liquid droplet, and data related to an operation state of the biological particle analysis device.

[18]

[0231] A program for causing an information processing device to execute an information processing method, the information processing method comprising:

[0232] A step of generating image data using device information data acquired from a biological particle analysis device, wherein:

[0233] The device information data is at least one piece of data selected from: a parameter related to adjustment of a vibration element, a parameter related to a factor having a possibility of influencing a state of a liquid droplet, and data related to an operation state of the biological particle analysis device.

[0234] Reference Symbols List

[0235] 1 Information Processing System

[0236] 2 Microchip

[0237] 3 Vibration element

[0238] 4 Charging Electrode

[0239] 5a,5b Deflection plate

[0240] 6a to 6c Recycling containers

[0241] 7 Droplet Detection Unit

[0242] 8 Control unit

[0243] 21 Orifice

[0244] 22 Sample entry

[0245] 23 Sheath inlet

[0246] 24 Suction outlet

[0247] 31 Voltage supply unit

[0248] 71 Imaging Element

[0249] 72 Position adjustment mechanism

[0250] 73 Image data processing unit

[0251] 200 Biological particle sorting device

[0252] 300 Control Device

[0253] 400 Management Device

[0254] 500 User Terminals

[0255] 600 Customer Support Server

[0256] 700 Supporter Terminal.

Claims

1. An information processing system, comprising: A biological particle analysis device and an information processing device, wherein: The biological particle analysis device includes a control unit that controls a vibrating element to form a droplet containing biological particles. The information processing device includes a processing unit that generates image data using device information data acquired from the biological particle analysis device, and The device information data is at least one piece of data selected from: a parameter related to adjustment of the vibration element, a parameter related to a factor having a possibility of affecting a droplet state, and data related to an operation state of the biological particle analysis device.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The parameters related to the adjustment of the vibration element include parameters obtained from the fluid flow image and the frequency and / or amplitude of the driving voltage to be provided to the vibration element.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein: The parameters obtained from the fluid flow image include at least one selected from the following: parameters related to the break-off point, which is the position where the flux is divided into droplets, parameters related to the position of satellite droplets, and parameters related to the width and position of constrictions in the flux.

4. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The parameters related to factors having a possibility of influencing the state of the droplets include at least one selected from the following: temperature, pressure for fluid control, and light power irradiating the biological particles.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The data related to the operating status of the biological particle analysis device includes at least one item selected from the following: data indicating that the biological particle analysis device is in automatic adjustment before starting biological particle sorting, data indicating that the biological particle analysis device is in the biological particle sorting, and data indicating that the biological particle analysis device is in cleaning.

6. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The image data is image data in which two or more pieces of device information data are displayed on the same time axis.

7. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The device information data includes: parameters obtained from the fluid flow image and the frequency and / or amplitude of the driving voltage to be provided to the vibration element, and The image data is image data in which a plurality of pieces of the device information data are displayed on the same time axis.

8. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The device information data includes the parameters related to factors having a possibility of influencing the state of the droplets and data related to the operating state of the bioparticle analysis device, and The image data is image data in which a plurality of pieces of the device information data are displayed on the same time axis.

9. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: Client, where The processing unit generates notification information based on log information and / or error information acquired from the biological particle analysis apparatus, and notifies the client of the notification information.

10. The information processing system according to claim 9, wherein: The notification information includes at least one of information on: automatic calibration completion, analysis completion, sorting completion, warning, and error.

11. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The processing unit predicts an error based on the device information data or the image data.

12. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The information processing device further includes a storage unit that stores the device information data and error information acquired from the biological particle analyzing device.

13. The information processing system according to claim 12, wherein: The processing unit generates a learning model by performing machine learning using teacher data in which the device information data and the error information are associated with each other, and predicts an error in a case where the device information data is input by using the learning model.

14. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The information processing device further includes a storage unit that stores the image data and error information acquired from the biological particle analyzing device.

15. The information processing system according to claim 14, wherein: The processing unit generates a learning model by performing machine learning using teacher data in which the image data and the error information are associated with each other, and predicts an error in a case where the image data is input, by using the learning model.

16. An information processing method, comprising: The biological particle analysis device controls the vibrating element to form a droplet containing biological particles; as well as The step of generating image data by an information processing device using device information data acquired from the biological particle analysis device, wherein: The device information data is at least one piece of data selected from: a parameter related to adjustment of the vibration element, a parameter related to a factor having a possibility of affecting a droplet state, and data related to an operation state of the biological particle analysis device.

17. An information processing device, comprising: a processing unit configured to generate image data using device information data acquired from the biological particle analysis device, wherein The device information data is at least one piece of data selected from: a parameter related to adjustment of a vibration element, a parameter related to a factor having a possibility of affecting a droplet state, and data related to an operation state of the biological particle analysis device.

18. A program for causing an information processing device to execute an information processing method, the information processing method comprising: A step of generating image data using device information data acquired from a biological particle analysis device, wherein: The device information data is at least one piece of data selected from: a parameter related to adjustment of a vibration element, a parameter related to a factor having a possibility of affecting a droplet state, and data related to an operation state of the biological particle analysis device.

Images