Scheduling device and method

Abstract

The schedule planning device 14 includes a process acquisition unit 146 that acquires work processes for cell culture, a condition acquisition unit 148 that acquires work conditions including at least information regarding the user's work date and time, a process determination unit 150 that determines when actual work requiring human labor will occur based on the work processes acquired by the process acquisition unit 146, and a schedule determination unit 152 that determines the schedule of the work processes so that the work conditions acquired by the condition acquisition unit 148 and the determination result of the process determination unit 150 are not contradictory.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a schedule planning device and a schedule planning method for planning a schedule for cell culture. [Background technology]

[0002] JP 2020-171241 A shows a cell culture device. The cell culture device includes a bioreactor, a supply unit, a recovery unit, and a plurality of flow paths. Some of the flow paths form a circulation path together with the bioreactor. The supply unit supplies a cell-containing liquid and a culture medium (culture liquid) to the bioreactor. The bioreactor cultures cells. During cell culture, a portion of the culture medium (first culture medium) circulates through the circulation path. During cell culture, a portion of the culture medium (second culture medium) is discharged as waste liquid. The cultured cells are recovered by the recovery unit. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The work process of culturing cells takes several days from start to finish. The work process includes actual work that requires human labor. For example, the user needs to attach a medical bag containing a culture medium to the cell culture device. Also, when the culture medium in the bag runs out during cell culture, the user needs to remove the old bag from the cell culture device and attach a new bag to the cell culture device. Also, if the medical bag is left in a room temperature environment for a long period of time, the quality of the culture medium may deteriorate. For this reason, it is preferable to replace the bag with a new one every few days. Also, if the cell culture device does not have an automatic control function and the operation of the cell culture device is changed midway, the user needs to operate the cell culture device.

[0004] The timing of these practical tasks varies depending on the state of the cells, the culture conditions, etc. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the practical tasks and to plan them. For this reason, in conventional cell culture work, the user must constantly check the culture device. As a result, the user's working hours increase and the burden on the user increases.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] The first invention is (1) a schedule planning device that plans a schedule for cell culture, comprising a process acquisition unit that acquires work processes for the cell culture, a condition acquisition unit that acquires work conditions including at least information regarding a user's work date and time, a process judgment unit that judges when actual work requiring human labor will occur based on the work processes acquired by the process acquisition unit, and a schedule determination unit that determines a schedule for the work processes so that the work conditions acquired by the condition acquisition unit and the judgment result of the process judgment unit are not contradictory.

[0007] (2) In the device of (1) above, the work conditions preferably include, as the information relating to the work date and time, one or more dates and times when the user does not work, or one or more dates and times when the user does work.

[0008] (3) In the device of (2) above, it is preferable that the schedule determination unit determines one or more dates and times when the user will not be working based on the work conditions, and determines the schedule of the work process so that the one or more dates and times when the user will not be working do not overlap with a time when the actual work occurs.

[0009] (4) It is preferable that the device described in any one of (1) to (3) above further includes a display unit that displays the schedule determined by the schedule determination unit.

[0010] (5) It is preferable that the device described in any one of (1) to (4) above further includes a simulation execution unit that performs a simulation of the cell culture, and a process creation unit that creates the work process based on a result of the simulation, and the process acquisition unit acquires the work process from the process creation unit.

[0011] (6) The device described in any one of (1) to (5) above may further include an input unit through which a user inputs the work conditions, and the condition acquisition unit may acquire the work conditions input by the input unit.

[0012] (7) In the device described in (6) above, the actual work is preferably an installation work of installing a bag or container containing a liquid for cell culture to a cell culture device for performing the cell culture.

[0013] (8) In the device described in (7) above, it is preferable that the input unit inputs the capacity of the bag or the capacity of the container, the condition acquisition unit acquires the capacity of the bag or the capacity of the container input by the input unit, and the process determination unit determines the time when the installation work of the bag or the container will occur based on the capacity of the bag or the capacity of the container acquired by the condition acquisition unit.

[0014] (9) It is preferable that the device described in (7) above further includes a culture medium amount calculation unit that calculates the amount of culture medium to be prepared for filling the bag or the container based on at least the work conditions acquired by the condition acquisition unit and the work process acquired by the process acquisition unit.

[0015] (10) In the device described in (9) above, it is preferable that the input unit enables input of a storage period of the culture medium, and the culture medium amount calculation unit calculates the amount of the culture medium based on at least the working conditions, the working process, and the storage period.

[0016] A second invention is (11) a scheduling method for planning a schedule for cell culture, in which a computer executes a process acquisition step for acquiring a work process for the cell culture, a condition acquisition step for acquiring work conditions including at least information regarding a user's work date and time, a process judgment step for determining a time when actual work requiring human labor will occur based on the work process acquired in the process acquisition step, and a schedule determination step for determining a schedule for the work process so that the work conditions acquired in the condition acquisition step and the judgment result of the process judgment step are not contradictory.

[0017] According to the present invention, the burden on the user can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cell culture system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control unit of the cell culture device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the schedule planning device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a series of steps for determining a work schedule for cell culture. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schedule displayed on the display unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a schedule planning device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] [1 Configuration of cell culture system 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cell culture system 10. The cell culture system 10 cultures (grows) cells separated from biological tissue in a medium. The cells used in the cell culture system 10 are adherent cells. However, the cells used in the cell culture system 10 may be suspension cells. Specifically, examples of the cells used in the cell culture system 10 include ES cells, iPS cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and the like. The cells used in the cell culture system 10 are not limited to those mentioned above.

[0020] The cell culture system 10 includes a cell culture device 12 and a scheduler device 14. The cell culture device 12 includes a cell culture circuit 16, a support device 18, and a controller 20. A liquid flows through the cell culture circuit 16. The liquid includes at least one of a cell liquid, a culture medium, a cleaning liquid, and a peeling liquid.

[0021] The cell solution is a solution containing cells. The medium is a culture medium for growing cells. The medium is selected according to the cells to be cultured. For example, MEM (Minimum Essential Media) is used as the medium. The cleaning liquid cleans the inside of the cell culture circuit 16. For example, water, a buffer solution, or physiological saline is used as the cleaning liquid. Examples of the buffer solution include PBS (Phosphate Buffered Saline) and TBS (Tris-Buffered Saline). The detachment liquid detaches cells from a bioreactor 30 of the cell culture circuit 16, which will be described later. For example, trypsin or EDTA liquid is used as the detachment liquid. The medium, the cleaning liquid, and the detachment liquid are not limited to the liquids described above.

[0022] [1-1 Cell culture device 12] [1-1-1 Cell culture circuit 16] The cell culture circuit 16 is discarded after a single use. In other words, the cell culture circuit 16 is discarded every time a predetermined number of cells are cultured. In other words, the cell culture circuit 16 is a disposable item. The cell culture circuit 16 includes a supply unit 22, a collection container 24, a waste liquid storage unit 26, and a culture body 28.

[0023] The supply unit 22 supplies liquids such as cell liquid, culture medium, washing liquid, and peeling liquid to the culture body 28. The supply unit 22 has a plurality of bags 22a in which each liquid is individually placed. Each bag 22a is a medical bag formed from a soft resin material into a bag shape. The supply unit 22 may have a plurality of tanks or the like made of a hard material.

[0024] The collection container 24 collects cells cultured in the culture body 28. The waste liquid storage section 26 stores waste liquid generated in the culture body 28. Each of the collection container 24 and the waste liquid storage section 26 is, for example, a medical bag made of a soft resin material in a bag shape. Each of the collection container 24 and the waste liquid storage section 26 may be a tank or the like made of a hard material.

[0025] The culture body 28 has a bioreactor 30, a flow path 32, a gas exchange section 34, a sensor section 36, and a sampling section 38.

[0026] The bioreactor 30 has a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 40 and a cylindrical housing 42. The plurality of hollow fiber membranes 40 are accommodated in the housing 42. One end of each hollow fiber membrane 40 is fixed to one end of the housing 42. The other end of each hollow fiber membrane 40 is fixed to the other end of the housing 42. Each hollow fiber membrane 40 is made of, for example, a polymer material.

[0027] The bioreactor 30 includes a first region 44 and a second region 46. The first region 44 is an inner hole of the hollow fiber membranes 40. The second region 46 is a space between the inner peripheral surface of the housing 42 and the outer peripheral surfaces of the hollow fiber membranes 40. Each hollow fiber membrane 40 has a plurality of pores (not shown). The first region 44 and the second region 46 communicate with each other through the plurality of pores of each hollow fiber membrane 40. The diameter of each pore is large enough to prevent the passage of macromolecules (cells, etc.) while allowing the passage of small molecules (e.g., water, ions, oxygen, lactate, etc.). The diameter of each pore is set, for example, to be 0.005 [μm] or more and 10 [μm] or less.

[0028] A first inlet port 48, a first outlet port 50, a second inlet port 52, and a second outlet port 54 are attached to the housing 42. The first inlet port 48 is attached to one end of the housing 42. The first inlet port 48 communicates with the first region 44 via an inlet located at one end of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 40. The first outlet port 50 is attached to the other end of the housing 42. The first outlet port 50 communicates with the first region 44 via an outlet located at the other end of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 40.

[0029] The second inlet port 52 and the second outlet port 54 are attached to the outer circumferential surface of the housing 42. The second inlet port 52 is located between the center of the housing 42 and the first inlet port 48 in the longitudinal direction of the housing 42. The second outlet port 54 is located between the center of the housing 42 and the first outlet port 50 in the longitudinal direction of the housing 42. The second inlet port 52 and the second outlet port 54 each communicate with the second region 46.

[0030] The flow path 32 includes a plurality of tubes through which liquid flows. Each tube is made of a soft resin material. The flow path 32 includes a first supply flow path 56, a first circulation flow path 58, a second supply flow path 60, a second circulation flow path 62, a recovery flow path 64, and a waste liquid flow path 66. One end of the first supply flow path 56 is connected to the supply unit 22. The supply unit 22 supplies the cell liquid, the culture medium, the washing liquid, and the peeling liquid one by one at a predetermined timing to the first supply flow path 56. The other end of the first supply flow path 56 is connected to a first junction 68 of the first circulation flow path 58.

[0031] The first junction 68 is located in the middle of the extension direction of the first circulation flow path 58. One end of the first circulation flow path 58 is connected to the first inlet port 48. The other end of the first circulation flow path 58 is connected to the first outlet port 50. The first circulation flow path 58 communicates with the inner holes (first regions 44) of the multiple hollow fiber membranes 40.

[0032] One end of the second supply flow path 60 is connected to the supply unit 22. The supply unit 22 supplies the culture medium and the cleaning solution one by one at a predetermined timing to the second supply flow path 60. The other end of the second supply flow path 60 is connected to a second junction 70 of the second circulation flow path 62.

[0033] The second junction 70 is located at the middle of the second circulation flow path 62 in the extending direction. One end of the second circulation flow path 62 is connected to the second inlet port 52. The other end of the second circulation flow path 62 is connected to the second outlet port 54. The second circulation flow path 62 communicates with the space (second region 46) between the multiple hollow fiber membranes 40 and the housing 42. Hereinafter, the first circulation flow path 58 and the second circulation flow path 62 may be collectively referred to as the "circulation flow path 72."

[0034] The recovery flow path 64 extends from the first circulation flow path 58. One end of the recovery flow path 64 is connected to a recovery branch portion 74 of the first circulation flow path 58. The recovery branch portion 74 is located between the first junction portion 68 and the first outlet port 50 in the first circulation flow path 58. The other end of the recovery flow path 64 is connected to the recovery container 24.

[0035] The waste liquid flow path 66 flows the liquid to be discarded from the circulation flow path 72. The waste liquid flow path 66 has a first waste liquid flow path 76, a second waste liquid flow path 78, and a third waste liquid flow path 80. The first waste liquid flow path 76 extends from the first circulation flow path 58. One end of the first waste liquid flow path 76 is connected to a first branching portion 82 of the first circulation flow path 58. The first branching portion 82 is located between the first outlet port 50 and the recovery branching portion 74 of the first circulation flow path 58. The second waste liquid flow path 78 extends from the second circulation flow path 62. One end of the second waste liquid flow path 78 is connected to a second branching portion 84 of the second circulation flow path 62. The second branching portion 84 is located between the second junction portion 70 and the second outlet port 54 of the second circulation flow path 62. The other end of the first waste liquid flow path 76 and the other end of the second waste liquid flow path 78 are connected to each other at an intermediate junction 86. One end of the third waste liquid flow path 80 is connected to the first waste liquid flow path 76 and the second waste liquid flow path 78 at the intermediate junction 86. The other end of the third waste liquid flow path 80 is connected to the waste liquid storage section 26.

[0036] The gas exchange unit 34 is attached to the second circulation flow path 62 between the second junction 70 and the second inlet port 52. The gas exchange unit 34 passes a gas of a predetermined composition through the liquid (culture medium) flowing through the second circulation flow path 62. The gas used in the gas exchange unit 34 has, for example, compositions similar to those of air in nature. In other words, the gas contains nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. Specifically, the gas contains, for example, 75% nitrogen, 20% oxygen, and 5% carbon dioxide by volume.

[0037] The sensor unit 36 ​​is attached to the third waste liquid flow path 80. The sensor unit 36 ​​has a gas sensor 88 and a pH sensor 90. The gas sensor 88 measures the gas concentration of the liquid flowing through the third waste liquid flow path 80. Specifically, the gas sensor 88 includes an oxygen sensor and a carbon dioxide sensor. The oxygen sensor measures the oxygen concentration of the liquid flowing through the third waste liquid flow path 80. The carbon dioxide sensor measures the carbon dioxide concentration of the liquid flowing through the third waste liquid flow path 80. The pH sensor 90 measures the pH (hydrogen ion exponent) of the liquid flowing through the third waste liquid flow path 80. Each of the gas sensor 88 and the pH sensor 90 outputs the measurement results to the control unit 20.

[0038] The sampling unit 38 is connected to a portion of the third waste liquid flow path 80 between the sensor unit 36 ​​and the waste liquid storage unit 26. The sampling unit 38 extracts a portion of the liquid flowing through the third waste liquid flow path 80 and measures components contained in the liquid. The sampling unit 38 has a biosensor 92, a flow path (not shown), and the like.

[0039] The biosensor 92 has a glucose sensor 94 and a lactate sensor 96. The glucose sensor 94 measures the glucose concentration of the liquid extracted from the third waste liquid flow path 80. The lactate sensor 96 measures the lactate concentration of the liquid extracted from the third waste liquid flow path 80. Each of the glucose sensor 94 and the lactate sensor 96 outputs the measurement results to the control unit 20.

[0040] [1-1-2 Support device 18] The above-mentioned cell culture circuit 16 is set in a support device 18. The support device 18 has a cassette that supports the cell culture circuit 16. The support device 18 is a reusable item that can be used multiple times.

[0041] The support device 18 includes a plurality of pumps 98 and a plurality of clamps 100. Each of the plurality of pumps 98 applies a flow force to the liquid in the flow path 32 by squeezing the wall of the flow path 32. Each of the plurality of pumps 98 has a pressing member (not shown). The pressing member includes, for example, a rotating member and a plurality of pressing rollers. The plurality of pressing rollers are attached to the outer periphery of the rotating member. The plurality of pressing rollers are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotating member. Each pressing roller rubs the outer surface of the wall of the flow path 32.

[0042] The multiple pumps 98 include a first supply pump 102, a first circulation pump 104, a second supply pump 106, and a second circulation pump 108. Note that, as shown in Fig. 1, a state in which the cell culture circuit 16 is set on the support device 18 is simply referred to as a "set state."

[0043] In the set state, a part of the first supply flow path 56 is attached to the first supply pump 102. The first supply pump 102 applies a flow force to the liquid in the first supply flow path 56 in a direction from the supply unit 22 to the first circulation flow path 58.

[0044] In the set state, a part of the first circulation flow path 58 is attached to the first circulation pump 104. The first circulation pump 104 imparts a flow force to the liquid in the first circulation flow path 58 in a direction from the first outlet port 50 to the first inlet port 48. Note that the first circulation pump 104 can also impart a flow force to the liquid in the first circulation flow path 58 in a direction from the first inlet port 48 to the first outlet port 50.

[0045] In the set state, a part of the second supply flow path 60 is attached to the second supply pump 106. The second supply pump 106 applies a flow force to the liquid in the second supply flow path 60 in a direction from the supply unit 22 to the second circulation flow path 62.

[0046] In the set state, a part of the second circulation flow path 62 is attached to the second circulation pump 108. The second circulation pump 108 imparts a flow force to the liquid in the second circulation flow path 62 in a direction from the second outlet port 54 to the second inlet port 52. Note that the second circulation pump 108 can also impart a flow force to the liquid in the second circulation flow path 62 in a direction from the second inlet port 52 to the second outlet port 54.

[0047] The clamps 100 press the outer surface of the flow path 32 toward the inner surface thereof to close the flow path 32. For example, the clamps 100 are on-off valves. The clamps 100 include a recovery clamp 110, a first waste liquid clamp 112, a second waste liquid clamp 114, and a third waste liquid clamp 116.

[0048] In the set state, a portion of the recovery flow path 64 is attached to the recovery clamp 110. The recovery clamp 110 opens and closes the recovery flow path 64. In the set state, a portion of the first waste liquid flow path 76 is attached to the first waste liquid clamp 112. The first waste liquid clamp 112 opens and closes the first waste liquid flow path 76. In the set state, a portion of the second waste liquid flow path 78 is attached to the second waste liquid clamp 114. The second waste liquid clamp 114 opens and closes the second waste liquid flow path 78. In the set state, a portion of the third waste liquid flow path 80 is attached to the third waste liquid clamp 116. The third waste liquid clamp 116 opens and closes the third waste liquid flow path 80.

[0049] [1-1-3 Control unit 20] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 20 of the cell culture device 12. The control unit 20 has a first calculation unit 118, a first storage unit 120, and various driving circuits (not shown).

[0050] The first calculation unit 118 has a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be a processor such as a CPU. The processing circuit may be an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The processor can execute various processes by executing a program stored in the first storage unit 120. The first calculation unit 118 functions as a pump control unit 122, a clamp control unit 124, a gas exchange control unit 126, and a measurement unit 128. At least a part of the processes may be executed by an electronic circuit including a discrete device.

[0051] The pump control unit 122 controls each of the multiple pumps 98. Specifically, the pump control unit 122 outputs a command signal to a pump drive circuit (not shown). The pump drive circuit supplies each of the multiple pumps 98 with power in accordance with the command signal from the pump control unit 122. The clamp control unit 124 controls each of the multiple clamps 100. Specifically, the clamp control unit 124 outputs a command signal to a clamp drive circuit (not shown). The clamp drive circuit supplies each of the multiple clamps 100 with power in accordance with the command signal from the clamp control unit 124. The gas exchange control unit 126 controls the gas exchange unit 34. Specifically, the gas exchange control unit 126 outputs a command signal to a gas exchanger drive circuit (not shown). The gas exchanger drive circuit supplies the gas exchange unit 34 with power in accordance with the command signal from the gas exchange control unit 126. The measurement unit 128 acquires measurement results from each of the gas sensor 88, the pH sensor 90, the glucose sensor 94, and the lactate sensor 96. The measurement section 128 stores the acquired measurement results in the first storage section 120.

[0052] The first storage unit 120 has a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. An example of the volatile memory is a RAM. The volatile memory is used as a working memory of the processor. The volatile memory temporarily stores data required for processing or calculation. An example of the non-volatile memory is a ROM, a flash memory, etc. The non-volatile memory is used as a storage memory. The non-volatile memory stores programs, tables, maps, etc. At least a part of the first storage unit 120 may be provided in the processor, integrated circuit, etc. as described above.

[0053] [1-2 Scheduling device 14] 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the schedule planning device 14. The schedule planning device 14 has an input unit 130, a schedule planning unit 132, and a display unit 134. As the schedule planning device 14, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like may be used.

[0054] The input unit 130 has a human-machine interface such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, etc. The input unit 130 may also have a human-machine interface integrated with the display unit 134, such as a touch panel. The input unit 130 can input data to the schedule planning unit 132 according to operations performed by the user.

[0055] The schedule planning unit 132 has a second calculation unit 136 and a second storage unit 138. The first calculation unit 118 and the first storage unit 120 may be used as the second calculation unit 136 and the second storage unit 138. That is, the control unit 20 of the cell culture device 12 may be used as the schedule planning unit 132. The second calculation unit 136 has a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be a processor such as a CPU. The processing circuit may be an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The processor can execute various processes by executing a program stored in the second storage unit 138. The second calculation unit 136 functions as a data acquisition unit 140, a simulation execution unit 142, a process creation unit 144, a process acquisition unit 146, a condition acquisition unit 148, a process judgment unit 150, a schedule determination unit 152, and a display control unit 154. At least a part of the multiple processes may be executed by an electronic circuit including a discrete device.

[0056] The data acquisition unit 140 acquires data from outside the second calculation unit 136. The data acquired by the data acquisition unit 140 is used when executing a cell culture simulation. For example, the data acquisition unit 140 can acquire data from the input unit 130. The data acquisition unit 140 can also acquire data from the second storage unit 138. The data acquisition unit 140 can also acquire data from a device (such as the control unit 20) designated by the input unit 130.

[0057] The simulation execution unit 142 uses the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 140 to execute a simulation of cell culture by the cell culture device 12. The simulation execution unit 142 causes the second storage unit 138 to store the simulation result.

[0058] The process creation unit 144 creates a work process for cell culture based on the results of the cell culture simulation. A work process is a work plan that indicates "what to do and when." A task is, for example, an actual task that requires manual work by a user, such as changing the flow rate of the pump 98 or replacing the bag 22a. As a work process, for example, an execution time is set for each task to be performed, starting from the start time of the cell culture.

[0059] The process acquisition unit 146 acquires a work process. The process acquisition unit 146 may acquire the work process from the process creation unit 144, or may acquire a pre-set work process from the second storage unit 138. For example, the second storage unit 138 may store a work process created by the user operating the input unit 130.

[0060] The condition acquisition unit 148 acquires data indicating work conditions from outside the second calculation unit 136. The data acquired by the condition acquisition unit 148 is used when creating a schedule for the work process. For example, the condition acquisition unit 148 can acquire data indicating work conditions from the input unit 130. The work conditions acquired from the input unit 130 include one or more dates and times when the user does not work, one or more dates and times when the user does work, the capacity of the bag 22a, etc.

[0061] The process determination unit 150 determines the time when actual work requiring human labor will occur based on the work process acquired by the process acquisition unit 146 and the volume of the bag 22a acquired by the condition acquisition unit 148. The time when the actual work will occur is indicated, for example, by the execution time starting from the start time of cell culture. The criteria for determining the actual work are stored in advance in the second storage unit 138.

[0062] The schedule determination unit 152 determines the schedule of the work process so that the work conditions acquired by the condition acquisition unit 148 are not contradictory to the judgment result of the process judgment unit 150. For example, when the work conditions include one or more dates and times when the user will not be working, the schedule determination unit 152 determines the schedule of the work process so that the one or more dates and times when the user will not be working do not overlap with the time when actual work occurs. On the other hand, when the work conditions include one or more dates and times when the user will be working, the schedule determination unit 152 judges one or more dates and times when the user will not be working, and determines the schedule of the work process so that the judged dates and times do not overlap with the time when actual work occurs.

[0063] The display control unit 154 causes various screens to be displayed on the display unit 134. For example, the display control unit 154 can cause the data stored in the second storage unit 138 to be displayed on the display unit 134. The display control unit 154 can cause the display unit 134 to display the work schedule determined by the schedule determination unit 152. When the schedule cannot be adjusted, the display control unit 154 causes the display unit 134 to display a message indicating that adjustment is not possible.

[0064] The second storage unit 138 has a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. Examples of the volatile memory include RAM. The volatile memory is used as a working memory of the processor. The volatile memory temporarily stores data required for processing or calculation. Examples of the non-volatile memory include ROM and flash memory. The non-volatile memory is used as a storage memory. The non-volatile memory stores programs, tables, maps, and the like. In this embodiment, the non-volatile memory stores a simulation program executed by the simulation execution unit 142. The non-volatile memory also stores a program for determining a work schedule. Furthermore, the non-volatile memory stores a calendar. At least a part of the second storage unit 138 may be provided in the processor, integrated circuit, and the like described above.

[0065] The display unit 134 has a human-machine interface such as a display. The display unit 134 may have a human-machine interface integrated with the input unit 130, such as a touch panel. The display unit 134 can display various screens. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a cell culture schedule 160 can be displayed.

[0066] [2 Work Schedule Determination Method] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a series of processing steps for determining a work schedule for cell culture. Before the series of processing steps shown in FIG. 4, the user inputs each piece of data using the input unit 130. The user inputs each piece of data used in the simulation of cell culture. The user also inputs various pieces of condition data used to create a work schedule. For example, the user inputs a date and time when actual work will not be performed, the capacity of each bag 22a attached to the cell culture device 12, and the like. The date and time when the user will not perform actual work is a date and time when the user cannot perform actual work, a date and time when the user does not want to perform actual work, and the like. Each piece of data is stored in the second storage unit 138.

[0067] In step S1, the simulation execution unit 142 executes a cell culture simulation. The data acquisition unit 140 acquires each piece of data from the second storage unit 138. The simulation execution unit 142 executes a simulation using each piece of data acquired by the data acquisition unit 140. The simulation execution unit 142 stores the results of the simulation in the second storage unit 138. As the results of the simulation, the progress of the operation of each pump 98, the progress of the consumption rate of each liquid, and the like are stored.

[0068] In step S2, the process creation unit 144 creates a work process for cell culture based on the results of the cell culture simulation.

[0069] In step S3, the condition acquisition unit 148 acquires from the second storage unit 138 data on various conditions used to create a work schedule (dates and times when no actual work is performed, the capacity of each bag 22a, etc.).

[0070] In step S4, the process determination unit 150 determines the time when actual work will occur based on the work process. For example, the work process includes information indicating the time when the flow rate of each medium is changed. If the cell culture device 12 automatically controls each pump 98, the user does not need to operate each pump 98. On the other hand, if the cell culture device 12 does not automatically control each pump 98, the user needs to operate each pump 98 to change the flow rate of the medium. The process determination unit 150 determines the time when the flow rate of each medium is changed as the time when actual work will occur. In addition, the work process includes information indicating the time when each liquid is used and information indicating the amount of each liquid consumed. If the amount of liquid consumed exceeds the capacity of the bag 22a, the bag 22a needs to be replaced (attached). The process determination unit 150 determines the time when the liquid is used and the time when the bag 22a is replaced as the time when actual work will occur.

[0071] In step S5, the schedule determination unit 152 determines the schedule of the work process. The schedule determination unit 152 determines the schedule of the work process so that the date and time when the user does not work does not overlap with the time when actual work occurs. For example, the schedule determination unit 152 selects a time when actual work does not occur from the work schedule. The schedule determination unit 152 matches the time when actual work does not occur to the date and time when the user does not work. Furthermore, the schedule determination unit 152 determines all the schedules of the work process based on the work performed on the date and time when the user does not work. The same applies when multiple date and time when the user does not work are specified.

[0072] In step S6, the display control unit 154 displays the work schedule determined by the schedule determination unit 152. The display unit 134 displays a schedule table 160 shown in Fig. 5 in response to an instruction from the display control unit 154. The schedule table 160 is an example of a visualized work schedule. The schedule table 160 has a work date column 162, a work name column 164, an equipment status column 166, and a bag adjustment column 168.

[0073] The work date field 162 displays the scheduled work date. In Fig. 5, the day of the week is displayed as the scheduled work date. The work date field 162 may be divided by time instead of by day. The work name field 164 displays the name of the work to be performed by the cell culture device 12 for each day.

[0074] The device status column 166 displays the flow rate of the medium for each day. In FIG. 5, the device status column 166 displays the flow rates of the medium in the four flow paths 32 ("IC inlet", "EC inlet", "IC circ", "EC circ"). "IC inlet" is the flow rate of the medium in the first supply flow path 56. The flow rate indicated by "IC inlet" is controlled by the first supply pump 102. "EC inlet" is the flow rate of the medium in the second supply flow path 60. The flow rate indicated by "EC inlet" is controlled by the second supply pump 106. "IC circ" is the flow rate of the medium in the first circulation flow path 58. The flow rate indicated by "IC circ" is controlled by the first circulation pump 104. "EC circ" is the flow rate of the medium in the second circulation flow path 62. The flow rate indicated by "EC circ" is controlled by the second circulation pump 108.

[0075] The bag adjustment field 168 displays the liquid used in the cell culture device 12 and the amount of liquid used. In FIG. 5, five types of liquid ("Cell", "PBS", "IC media", "EC media", and "Reagent") are shown. Each liquid is placed in the bag 22a. "Cell" is a cell liquid. According to FIG. 5, the task of attaching the bag 22a containing 100 [mL] of cell liquid to the cell culture device 12 occurs on the first Thursday. "PBS" is a buffer solution as described above. According to FIG. 5, the task of attaching the bag 22a containing 3.5 [L] of buffer solution to the cell culture device 12 occurs on the first Wednesday. "IC media" is a culture medium to be flowed through the first supply flow path 56 and the first circulation flow path 58. According to FIG. 5, the task of attaching the bag 22a containing 1 [L] of culture medium to the cell culture device 12 occurs on the first Thursday. Furthermore, the task of attaching the bag 22a containing 2 [L] of culture medium to the cell culture device 12 occurs on the second Monday. "EC media" refers to the culture medium to be passed through the second supply flow path 60 and the second circulation flow path 62. According to FIG. 5, the task of attaching the bag 22a containing 1.2 [L] of culture medium to the cell culture device 12 occurs on the first Thursday. Furthermore, the task of attaching the bag 22a containing 2.5 [L] of culture medium to the cell culture device 12 occurs on the second Tuesday. "Reagent" refers to other liquids such as a cleaning liquid and a stripping liquid. According to FIG. 5, the task of attaching the bag 22a containing 100 [mL] of reagent to the cell culture device 12 occurs on the first Wednesday. Furthermore, the task of attaching the bag 22a containing 100 [mL] of reagent (stripping agent) to the cell culture device 12 occurs on the second Friday. Each arrow 170 shown in the bag adjustment column 168 means that the state in which the bag 22a is attached to the cell culture device 12 is maintained.

[0076] In response to an instruction from the display control unit 154, the display unit 134 highlights the columns in which actual work occurs among the device status column 166 and the bag adjustment column 168. In Fig. 5, the columns in which actual work occurs are displayed in a bold frame. In addition, in response to an instruction from the display control unit 154, the display unit 134 highlights the columns in the schedule table 160 for days on which the user does not work. In Fig. 5, the columns in the bold frame and the shaded columns do not overlap with each other in the schedule table 160.

[0077] [3 Other embodiments] [3-1 Alternative embodiment] Further functions can be added to the scheduler 14 shown in Fig. 3. The scheduler 14 of another embodiment with added functions will be described below.

[0078] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a schedule planning device 14 according to another embodiment. In Fig. 6, the same components as those in Fig. 3 are given the same reference numerals. In the schedule planning device 14 shown in Fig. 6, the second calculation unit 136 also functions as a medium amount calculation unit 172.

[0079] In cell culture work, in order to reduce the burden on the user, it is preferable to reduce the number of steps in the actual work. For example, if the bag 22a is filled with a large amount of culture medium, the user can reduce the number of times to replace the bag 22a. On the other hand, a storage period is set for the culture medium to guarantee the quality. If a large amount of culture medium is filled in the bag 22a, the amount of culture medium remaining in the bag 22a increases even after the storage period has passed. Culture medium that has passed the storage period is discarded. In this way, if an excessive amount of culture medium is prepared, the amount of culture medium discarded increases, and costs increase. Therefore, it is preferable to adjust the amount of culture medium to be prepared according to the work schedule.

[0080] The medium amount calculation unit 172 calculates the amount of medium to be prepared. The medium amount calculation unit 172 determines the flow rate of the first supply pump 102 each day based on the work process, and calculates the amount of medium to be supplied to the first circulation flow path 58 each day (first supply amount). Similarly, the medium amount calculation unit 172 determines the flow rate of the second supply pump 106 each day based on the work process, and calculates the amount of medium to be supplied to the second circulation flow path 62 each day (second supply amount).

[0081] The medium amount calculation unit 172 compares the first supply amount for each day, the second supply amount for each day, and the days when the worker does not work, and calculates the amount of medium to be packed in each bag 22a. The medium amount calculation unit 172 calculates the amount of medium to be prepared when the bag 22a is replaced so that the medium in the bag 22a does not run out on the days when the worker does not work. The medium amount calculation unit 172 can also calculate the amount of medium to be prepared when the bag 22a is replaced using the storage period, the capacity of the bag 22a, a margin of the prepared amount of the medium, and the like. The user can operate the input unit 130 to input each piece of information such as the storage period, the capacity of the bag 22a, and a margin of the prepared amount of the medium to the schedule planning unit 132.

[0082] [3-2 Other embodiments] In the series of processes shown in FIG. 4, the process of step S1 and steps S2 and after may be performed at different times.

[0083] The process of step S1 shown in Fig. 4 does not have to be performed. In this case, the process acquisition unit 146 may acquire a work process set in advance from the second storage unit 138.

[0084] The user may input a date and time when the actual work will be performed, instead of inputting a date and time when the actual work will not be performed, by operating the input unit 130. In this case, the condition acquisition unit 148 determines a date and time other than the date and time when the actual work will be performed as a date and time when the actual work will not be performed.

[0085] [4 Effects] According to this embodiment, actual work does not occur on the date and time when the user cannot work or does not want to work. Therefore, the user does not have to work on the date that he or she specified. Therefore, the burden on the user is reduced.

[0086] According to this embodiment, the schedule table 160 allows the user to know the timing and content of the actual work in cell culture.

[0087] If a large amount of culture medium is placed in the bag 22a attached to the cell culture device 12, most of the culture medium in the bag 22a will be left in a room temperature environment for a long time. This will cause the quality of the culture medium to deteriorate. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the user can prepare culture medium as needed at a time other than the time when the user is not working. In other words, according to this embodiment, the amount of culture medium that deteriorates in quality can be reduced.

[0088] According to another embodiment, the amount of medium to be prepared is calculated, thereby reducing the amount of medium to be discarded.

Claims

1. A schedule planning device for planning a schedule for cell culture, comprising: A process acquisition unit that acquires a work process of the cell culture; a condition acquisition unit that acquires work conditions including at least information regarding a user's work date and time; a process determination unit that determines a time when actual work requiring human labor will occur based on the work process acquired by the process acquisition unit; a schedule determination unit that determines a schedule for the work process so that the work conditions acquired by the condition acquisition unit and the judgment result of the process judgment unit are not contradictory; A scheduling device comprising:

2. 2. A scheduler according to claim 1, comprising: The work conditions include, as information regarding the work date and time, one or more dates and times when the user does not work, or one or more dates and times when the user does work.

3. 3. A scheduler according to claim 2, further comprising: The schedule determination unit determines one or more dates and times when the user will not be working based on the work conditions, and determines a schedule for the work process so that the one or more dates and times when the user will not be working do not overlap with a time when the actual work occurs.

4. A schedule planning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The schedule planning device further comprises a display unit that displays the schedule determined by the schedule determination unit.

5. A schedule planning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A simulation execution unit that performs a simulation of the cell culture; a process creation unit that creates the work process based on the result of the simulation; Further comprising: The process acquisition unit acquires the work process from the process creation unit.

6. A schedule planning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, An input unit for a user to input the work conditions is further provided, The condition acquisition unit acquires the work conditions input by the input unit.

7. 7. A scheduler according to claim 6, further comprising: The actual work is an installation work of installing a bag or container containing a liquid for cell culture to a cell culture device for performing the cell culture.

8. 8. A scheduling device according to claim 7, further comprising: The input unit inputs the volume of the bag or the volume of the container, The condition acquisition unit acquires the volume of the bag or the volume of the container input by the input unit, The process determination unit determines a time when the installation work of the bag or the container will occur based on the volume of the bag or the volume of the container acquired by the condition acquisition unit.

9. 8. A scheduling device according to claim 7, further comprising: The schedule planning device further comprises a culture medium amount calculation unit that calculates an amount of culture medium to be prepared for packing into the bag or the container based on at least the work conditions acquired by the condition acquisition unit and the work process acquired by the process acquisition unit.

10. 10. A scheduling device according to claim 9, further comprising: The input unit is capable of inputting a storage period of the culture medium, The medium amount calculation unit calculates the amount of the medium based on at least the work conditions, the work process, and the storage period.

11. A scheduling method for scheduling a cell culture, comprising: The computer A process acquisition step of acquiring a work process of the cell culture; a condition acquisition step of acquiring work conditions including at least information regarding the user's work date and time; a process determination step of determining a time when actual work requiring human labor will occur based on the work process acquired in the process acquisition step; a schedule determination step of determining a schedule for the work process so that the work conditions acquired in the condition acquisition step and the judgment result in the process judgment step are not contradictory; A scheduling method to carry out the above.

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