Sperm sorting support device, sperm sorting support system, and sperm sorting support program

Abstract

This makes it possible to select high-quality sperm suitable for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) from among the sperm in a sample. To provide a sperm sorting assistance device. [Solution] Calculate at least one indicator related to sperm quality recognized in the video. An index calculation unit and, based on at least one index, during a first time interval in the video The first sperm recognized, and in a second time interval different from the first time interval in the video image An evaluation unit that relatively evaluates the quality of the second sperm recognized by the first time in the video During the interval, information regarding at least one indicator of the first sperm for the first sperm. The relationship between the first sperm and the second sperm, as evaluated by the evaluation unit, is displayed. A sperm sorting assistance device comprising a display control unit that displays an evaluation of relative quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a sperm selection assistance device, a sperm selection assistance system, and a sperm selection assistance program.

Background Art

[0002] As one of infertility treatments, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which directly injects sperm into the egg cytoplasm for fertilization, has been developed and put into practical use. In ICSI, operations such as immobilization of sperm, aspiration of sperm, and injection of sperm into the egg are performed while observing sperm and eggs under a microscope. Therefore, ICSI is also called microfertilization.

[0003]

[0004]

[0005]

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] ​However, currently, technologies to support intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are still under development. Akira makes it possible to select good quality sperm suitable for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) from among the sperm in a sample. To provide a sperm sorting assistance device, a sperm sorting assistance system, and a sperm sorting assistance program, etc. This is the purpose. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A sperm sorting aid relating to one aspect of this disclosure relates to the quality of sperm recognized in video footage. An indicator calculation unit that calculates at least one indicator, and based on at least one indicator, The first sperm recognized during the first time interval in the video, and the first time in the video An evaluation that relatively assesses the quality of a second sperm sample recognized during a second time interval different from the initial interval. In the valence region, and in the first time interval in the video, relative to the first sperm, the number of first sperm At the very least, information regarding one indicator should be linked and displayed, and evaluated by the evaluation department. It includes a display control unit that displays an evaluation of the relative quality of the first sperm and the second sperm. .

[0008] Such a sperm sorting aid recognizes a first sperm during a first time interval in a video. In contrast, the second time interval recognized in the video is different from the first time interval. This displays an evaluation of the relative quality of sperm within the same time interval. This method provides a more objective evaluation of sperm quality than sperm sorting by comparing individual sperm. Therefore, good quality sperm suitable for intracytoplasmic sperm injection can be selected from the sperm in the sample. This makes it possible to do so.

[0009] The sperm selection assistance system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an imaging device that captures a moving image of sperm and a sperm selection assistance device according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0010] The sperm selection assistance program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as an index calculation unit that calculates at least one index related to the quality of sperm recognized in a moving image, an evaluation unit that relatively evaluates the quality of a first sperm recognized during a first time interval in the moving image and a second sperm recognized during a second time interval different from the first time interval in the moving image, and a display control unit that displays information related to at least one index of the first sperm in association with the first sperm and displays an evaluation of the relative quality of the first sperm and the second sperm evaluated by the evaluation unit during the first time interval in the moving image.

[0011] Such a sperm selection assistance system and sperm selection assistance program display an evaluation of the relative quality of a first sperm recognized during a first time interval in a moving image with respect to a second sperm recognized during a second time interval different from the first time interval in the moving image. Therefore, a more objective evaluation of sperm quality can be performed than when sperm selection is performed by comparing sperm existing within the same frame. Thus, it becomes possible to select good sperm suitable for microinsemination from the sperm in the specimen.

[0012] Note that the program according to one aspect of the present disclosure can be provided through various recording media such as optical disks like CD-ROMs, magnetic disks, semiconductor memories, etc., or via a communication network or the like. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​By downloading, it can be installed or loaded into a computer and / or device. This is possible.

[0013] In addition, in this specification and the like, the term "part" does not simply mean a physical configuration, but also includes cases where the function of the configuration is realized by software. Also, even if the function of one configuration is realized by two or more physical configurations, or the functions of two or more configurations are realized by one physical configuration, it is acceptable. This also includes cases where the function of the configuration is realized by software. Even if the function of one configuration is realized by two or more physical configurations, or the functions of two or more configurations are realized by one physical configuration, it is acceptable. Even if the function of one configuration is realized by two or more physical configurations, or the functions of two or more configurations are realized by one physical configuration, it is acceptable. This is acceptable.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sperm selection assistance device, a sperm selection assistance system, a sperm selection assistance program, etc., which enable the selection of good sperm suitable for microinjection from sperm in a specimen. This enables the selection of good sperm suitable for microinjection from sperm in a specimen, and provides a sperm selection assistance device, a sperm selection assistance system, a sperm selection assistance program, etc. This can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] The following describes embodiments for carrying out the present invention with reference to the drawings (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment"). The present invention will be explained in detail, but is not limited thereto, and will deviate from its essence. Various deformations are possible within the limits. In the following drawings, the same or similar parts These are represented by the same or similar symbols. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily reflect the actual situation. Dimensions and proportions may not match. Even between drawings, the relationships between dimensions and proportions may differ. It may contain minutes.

[0017] [Sperm sorting assistance system] Referring to Figure 1, the sperm sorting assistance system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is an overall conceptual diagram of the sperm sorting assistance system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0018] The sperm sorting assistance system 1 according to this embodiment is a sperm sorting assistance device 10 according to this embodiment. The system includes an imaging device 20 that captures moving images of sperm. The sperm are contained in sample S. It can be done.

[0019] Sample S contains sperm obtained from a patient or subject who wishes to undergo intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Sample S contains sperm, sperm culture medium, or a highly viscous liquid that inhibits sperm motility (for example) For example, it may contain polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solution, etc. Sample S is, for example They may be placed in dishes made of glass or resin, etc.

[0020] The imaging device 20 acquires an image of the sample S. In Figure 1, the imaging device Image 20 is imaging the sample S from a plan view from the vertically above direction, but the imaging device 20 is a sun It is sufficient to obtain a video image containing sperm in pull S, and it is not necessarily required that the vertical position of sample S is correct. It does not have to be provided in the upward direction. The imaging device 20 magnifies and observes the sample S A portion of the sperm inside will be imaged.

[0021] The imaging device 20 is composed of, for example, an imaging device equipped with a CCD camera or a CMOS sensor. This may be done. The imaging device 20 may image the sample S via an optical microscope. Observation methods using a microscope are not particularly limited, but include bright-field observation, dark-field observation, and phase contrast observation. Observation methods, polarization observation methods, spindle observation methods, differential interference contrast observation methods, and relief contrast observation methods These are some examples. Furthermore, the magnification of the objective lens can be adjusted as needed; for example, 20x, 40x. The magnification can be double, 60x, etc. The imaging device 20 acquires moving images of sperm contained in sample S. In this process, in order to image the sperm with high resolution, the sperm sorting device 10 is used with the imaging device 20 and Alternatively, the settings of the microscope system attached to the imaging device 20 may be adjusted. This may be performed by the person performing the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

[0022] Furthermore, the sperm sorting assistance system 1 may include a microscope system in its configuration. The sample S is placed on the microscope stage, and the imaging device 20 scans the sample through the microscope. Image S by magnifying it.

[0023] In this case, the sperm sorting support system 1 electrically drives the stage on which the sample S is placed. It may be equipped with a mechanism to control the imaging device 20 and the drive mechanism. By controlling this, it becomes possible to track specific sperm while taking images.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the sperm sorting support device 10 is connected to the imaging device 20. Although the sperm sorting support device 10 is connected to the imaging device 20 by a wire, these are connected wirelessly. They may be connected or physically integrated. Therefore, the imaging device 20 is It may be included in the sperm sorting assistance device 10 as part of the sperm sorting assistance device 10.

[0025] The sperm sorting support device 10 analyzes the moving images of sperm acquired by the imaging device 20. This assists in sperm selection. However, the sperm selection assist device 10 does not use separately captured moving images of sperm. The following may be used to obtain the data and perform sperm sorting assistance on the sperm contained in the video. Next, we will describe the sperm sorting assistance device 10 in detail.

[0026] (Sperm sorting assistance device) Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the sperm sorting assistance device 10. The sperm sorting assistance device 10 is designed to... The unit consists of an acquisition unit 11, an index calculation unit 12, a storage unit 13, an evaluation unit 14, a display control unit 15, and a recognition unit 16. The sperm sorting assist device 10 includes the quality of sperm contained in the video acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The indicators related to this are calculated by the indicator calculation unit 12. The calculated indicators are stored in the storage unit 13. At the same time, the evaluation unit 14 evaluates the quality of sperm based on the stored indicators. Regarding the sperm, information related to the indicators is displayed in association with the sperm, and the evaluation unit 14 evaluates them. The quality is displayed by the display control unit 15. At this time, the recognition unit 16 recognizes and identifies sperm. Separation and / or tracking are performed. This allows the sperm sorting assist device 10 to determine which sperm in the sample are This makes it possible to select good quality sperm suitable for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

[0027] The acquisition unit 11 acquires the captured video image of the sample acquired by the imaging device 20. This includes two or more different time intervals in which at least one sperm is imaged. The acquisition unit 11 captures The moving images captured by the device 20 may be acquired in real time, and the imaging device 20 may have previously You may acquire the captured video images. Previously captured video images may not contain sperm. It may be an edited video with the intervals removed.

[0028] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram of the video acquired by the acquisition unit 11. As shown in Figure 3(A), The video images acquired by unit 11 include multiple time intervals in which sperm are being imaged.

[0029] The acquired video footage shows the first time interval in which the first sperm was captured, and the second time interval in which the second sperm was captured. The video includes at least a second time interval that is different from the first time interval. The image is captured in a third time interval that is different from the first and second time intervals, and further includes a third time interval that is different from the first and second time intervals. It is fine to do so. In Figure 3(A), the video is divided into a first time interval, a second time interval, and a third time interval. This includes time intervals. Therefore, the video image contains multiple images of sperm taken at different time intervals. And so on. The following are multiple time intervals, including the first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval. The intervals between events are sometimes referred to as multiple time intervals that are different from each other. Furthermore, please refer to Figure 3 below. The first time interval in which the first sperm, second sperm, and third sperm were imaged was observed. The following describes a video that includes the second and third time intervals, but the video is the first Including the first and second time intervals in which sperm 1 and sperm 2 were imaged, respectively. If there are any, or if additional sperm such as the 4th, 5th, and 6th sperm are imaged, It may include additional time intervals.

[0030] In this specification, the “time interval” of a video is defined by each frame of the video. A time interval consisting of one or more frames. Any time interval consisting of frames is acceptable, but preferably it is a time interval consisting of 2 or more frames. The time interval consists of two or more frames, allowing the movement of sperm to be recognized from that time interval. Because they can be separated, sperm quality can be evaluated based on sperm motility. Furthermore, if the time interval consists of 1 frame, quality assessment will be based at least on sperm morphology. It is possible to set a price.

[0031] The temporal order of the first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval is not particularly limited. No. For example, when the video is in the order of the first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval The time interval should be old; in this case, the first time interval is the time interval in which the image was taken most recently. Furthermore, the timestamps of the video are updated in the order of the first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval. This is also acceptable, and in this case, the third time interval is the time interval in which imaging was performed most recently. Acquisition Unit 1 When 1 acquires video images in real time and performs sperm sorting in real time, The time interval is preferably the most recently acquired time interval, as shown in Figure 3(A). Furthermore, it is preferable that the time intervals of the video footage be acquired in real time. In this case, the second and third time intervals are obtained before the first time interval. This is a time interval. In this embodiment, the second time interval and the third time interval captured in the past are used. The quality of sperm being imaged in real time is evaluated based on the sperm contained within the interval. This allows for real-time sperm selection by the person performing the in vitro fertilization (typically an embryologist). It can be assisted by M.

[0032] Note that the timestamps of the video are in the order of the first, second, and third time intervals, from oldest to newest. If the first time interval is the time interval for which imaging was performed most recently, the sperm sorting assist device 10 This refers to the quality of the first sperm imaged in the past, and the second and third sperm imagesd thereafter. The evaluation will be based on the child. According to this embodiment, the first sperm has already been injected with a sperm injection tool. After selecting and aspirating the sperm, the quality of the first sperm is evaluated based on the sperm subsequently imaged. It can be used to evaluate the skill level of embryologists in selecting sperm, etc. After the first sperm is injected into the egg, the quality of the injected first sperm is then imaged. It can be evaluated based on the sperm. In this case, for example, the first sperm, the second sperm, After injecting the third sperm into the egg, the fertilization success rate and blastocyst formation rate for each were determined. Alternatively, it can be used to evaluate the relative high implantation rate.

[0033] The first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval are multiple time intervals that are different from each other. It is a difference. Multiple time intervals are different from each other if they do not contain the same frame. This means that it consists of different frames. Therefore, the first time interval, the second time The intervals, and the third time interval, do not include overlapping time intervals. The interval between the first and third time intervals may have a time interval of one frame or more between them. The first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval are each independent of each other, for example, 0 .5 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, or It can be 5 minutes.

[0034] Figure 3(B) shows a frame extracted from the first time interval of the acquired video. This is a conceptual diagram showing the image. Similarly, Figures 3(C) and 3(D) show the second of the acquired video images. This concept represents images extracted from a single frame contained within a time interval and a third time interval, respectively. This is a diagram.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3(B), frame 41 included in the first time interval of the video contains the first Multiple sperm, including sperm 41a and other sperm 41b-41e, are being imaged. Each frame within a time interval of 1 must contain at least one first sperm 41a. The other frames included in the first time interval do not contain any of sperm 41b-41e. It is acceptable. The frame in which the first sperm 41a is present in the imaging field is defined as the first time interval. Often, a video consisting of multiple frames in which the first sperm 41a is present in the imaging field of view is also obtained. A portion of the data may be taken and used as the first time interval.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3(C), frame 42 included in the second time interval of the video contains the second Multiple sperm, including sperm 42a and other sperm 41c and 42b-42c, were imaged. Frame 42 included in the second time interval contains sperm 41 included in the first time interval. Includes a second sperm 42a which is not determined to be identical to a~41e. The second time interval includes Frame 42 contains sperm 41c imaged in frame 41 included in the first time interval and It may contain sperm 41c that are determined to be identical.

[0037] Furthermore, the determination that the sperm contained in the two frames are identical is made by the recognition unit 16 described later. This means that those sperm are judged to be the same. It can be difficult to accurately determine whether two sperm are identical or different. Therefore, for two sperm that are not determined to be the same by the recognition unit 16, It is not limited whether these sperm are identical or different. That is, the recognition unit 16 is 2 When it can be determined with certainty that the sperm contained in two frames are identical, those sperm are considered identical. It may be determined that the sperm imaged in the first frame is, for example, the first It is always present in the field of view of the moving image in each frame between frame 1 and frame 2. If so, it can be determined that the sperm is also being imaged in the second frame. .

[0038] As shown in Figure 3(D), frame 43, which is included in the third time interval of the video, contains the third Multiple sperm, including sperm 43a and other sperm 41c, are being imaged. Third time Frame 43 included in the interval contains sperm 41a-41e and 2 included in the first time interval. This includes a third sperm 43a that is not determined to be identical to sperm 42a-42c included in the time interval. Frame 43 included in the third time interval is included in Frame 41 included in the first time interval. It may also include sperm 41c that are determined to be identical to the sperm 41c imaged in the image. Sperm that are determined to be the same as the sperm imaged in frame 42 included in the second time interval. It may include.

[0039] Therefore, in the acquired video, the second sperm and / or third sperm in the first time interval To ensure that sperm are not included, the time intervals, the first sperm, the second sperm, and / or the third sperm It may be selected such that the second time interval does not contain the first sperm and / or the third sperm. The time interval, the first sperm, the second sperm, and / or the third sperm may be selected. The time interval does not contain the first sperm and / or the second sperm, so the time interval, the first sperm A second sperm and / or a third sperm may be selected at different time intervals. Furthermore, at least one of the multiple sperm images captured at each time interval may be different.

[0040] Furthermore, it is preferable that the first sperm, the second sperm, and the third sperm are all different from each other. However, as mentioned above, accurately distinguishing sperm at different time intervals as different sperm is difficult. This can be difficult. Therefore, the first sperm, the second sperm, and the third sperm The offspring should be sperm that have not been determined to be the same as each other by the recognition unit 16. The sperm, the second sperm, and the third sperm may be different from each other, but these three It is acceptable for two or more sperm to be the same sperm. The first sperm, the second sperm, and the third sperm For two or more images to indicate that they are the same sperm, for example, the second sperm imaged at the second time interval. The first sperm leaves the imaging field of view, and then, during the following first time interval, the second sperm returns to the imaging field of view. This refers to cases where a sperm is not identified as identical to the second sperm, but is instead recognized as the first sperm.

[0041] Furthermore, the imaging location and / or imaging field in the first time interval is determined in the second time interval. The imaging location and / or imaging field may be changed. According to this embodiment, sample S It is possible to perform relative evaluation of sperm in different locations, and select sperm from the sample for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This allows for a more objective selection of suitable, high-quality sperm.

[0042] The acquisition unit 11 may be implemented by the communication unit 10d described later.

[0043] Returning to Figure 2, the index calculation unit 12 calculates the small amount of sperm quality related to the sperm recognized in the video. At the very least, one indicator is calculated. Sperm quality refers to the fertilization success rate when used in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and embryo quality. This refers to the properties of each sperm cell related to cyst formation rate, implantation rate, and / or birth success rate. High sperm quality means a higher success rate in fertilization, blastocyst formation, and implantation when used in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This means that the success rate of births, etc., is relatively high.

[0044] One indicator relating to sperm quality is, but is not limited to, a global indicator. The WHO Laboratory Manual, 6th Edition, published by the Health Organization (WHO) The indicators listed in "The Examination and Processing of Human Semen; Sixth Edition" are cited. Such indicators include, for example, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and sperm At least one degree of DNA fragmentation, or one calculated from two or more of these: It can be listed.

[0045] The index calculation unit 12 calculates at least one index related to sperm quality using various methods. Good. For example, sperm motility is the speed of movement and the trajectory of movement over a given time interval. The linearity and other characteristics can be used to create an index. The index calculation unit 12 calculates the sperm at predetermined time intervals. By tracking the sperm's position in each frame, we can determine its velocity, linear velocity, and curve of motion. It can calculate velocity and the linearity of the movement trajectory. Sperm motility is determined by sperm quality and movement. The index calculation unit 12 may also be calculated using a trained model that was trained using the master data. Method of preparing sample S, viscosity, and concentration of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in sample S. We accept conditions that affect sperm motility and use those conditions to create an index of motility. That's fine.

[0046] Sperm morphology is indexed based on the morphology of sperm captured in each frame. The index calculation unit 12 calculates the shape of a single sperm based on multiple frames. Morphological characteristics may be quantified and their values ​​averaged to calculate a single index. This is based, for example, on the shape of the sperm head, the shape of the tail, any defects in them, and the balance of their sizes. This allows for the creation of an index. The index calculation unit 12 uses the number of head vacuoles and the head aspect ratio. , and / or the abnormal parts of the morphology and the number of abnormal parts are calculated, and an index is calculated based on these values. It may be calculated. Sperm motility is learned using sperm quality and morphology as training data. It may also be calculated using a learning model.

[0047] The degree of sperm DNA fragmentation depends on the speed of motility and trajectory over a given time interval. The motility of sperm, such as the linearity of the traces, and the morphology of sperm captured in each frame are comprehensively considered. This can be used as an indicator. The degree of sperm DNA fragmentation is the degree of sperm DNA fragmentation The learning process was trained using the degree of development and sperm motility and / or morphology as training data. The calculation may also be performed using a model. The index calculation unit 12 determines the degree of damage to sperm DNA, and / or The number of damaged cells, etc., may be calculated, and an index may be calculated based on these values. Note that the DN of sperm The degree of fragmentation is determined by staining images obtained by selectively staining sperm that have undergone DNA fragmentation. It can be used for measurement.

[0048] The index calculation unit 12 comprehensively evaluates sperm quality by considering two or more of the above-mentioned indexes. The following indicators may be calculated. The indicator calculation unit 12 calculates sperm motility, sperm morphology, and sperm After arbitrarily weighting each index related to the degree of DNA fragmentation, the average You may calculate the indicators. If any of the indicators fall below the threshold, the calculation of the index A penalty of reducing the number of targets by a certain amount may be imposed.

[0049] The indicator calculation unit 12 may normalize the calculated indicators, for example, setting the lowest evaluation to 0. High ratings may be standardized as 10 or 100.

[0050] The index calculation unit 12 is stored in RAM 10b or ROM 10c, which will be described later, and the CPU 10a... This may be implemented by a program that is executed. The index calculated by the index calculation unit 12 will be described later. It may be stored in RAM 10b or ROM 10c, and via the communication unit 10d, each part and equipment It may be sent to the location.

[0051] The memory unit 13 stores at least one index calculated by the index calculation unit 12. (See Figure 4) Next, we will explain the information stored in the memory unit 13. Figure 4 shows sperm in the memory unit 13. This figure shows an example of a database that stores the metrics.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4, the storage unit 13 recognizes the video image acquired by the acquisition unit 11 and the recognition unit 16 The recognition unit 16 recognizes the index calculated by the index calculation unit 12 and stores it. Each sperm is assigned an individual ID, and the time and in the video recognized by the recognition unit 16 are determined. / or the time in the video in which the index calculation unit 12 has completed calculating the index is associated with each ID. It is remembered.

[0053] Furthermore, the indicators calculated by the indicator calculation unit 12 are also stored in association with each ID. The memory unit 13 may store all the indicators calculated by the indicator calculation unit 12, or some of them. You may only need to memorize the indicators.

[0054] In Figure 4, the record with ID XXX whose acquisition time is 01:23:68, The record with ID XXX, whose acquisition time is 02:20:13, is the same as the record with the same ID. Yes. This is because the recognition unit 16 recognizes sperm whose acquisition time is 01:23:68 and sperm whose acquisition time is 0 This is because it was determined to be identical to the sperm with a ratio of 2:20:13. Sperm that entered the field of view and for which an index was calculated, after leaving the field of view of the moving image, then re-enter the field of view of the image. Even if it returns, if the recognition unit 16 determines that it is the same sperm, the same ID will be assigned. Good. If the recognition unit 16 does not determine that the sperm are the same, they may be assigned different IDs. The recognition unit 16 may determine that two sperm that match multiple indicators are the same sperm.

[0055] The memory unit 13 may be implemented by a RAM 10b or ROM 10c as described later.

[0056] Returning to Figure 2, the evaluation unit 14 uses at least one index calculated by the index calculation unit 12 to perform the evaluation. And the first sperm recognized during the first time interval in the video, and the first sperm in the video The quality of the second sperm, recognized during a second time interval different from the first, is evaluated relative to that of the second sperm. do.

[0057] In this way, the quality of the first sperm is assessed by comparing it relatively with the second sperm. The quality of two sperm images taken at different time intervals is evaluated, and within the same time interval... This method provides a more objective assessment of sperm quality than sperm selection by comparing existing sperm together. A price can be set.

[0058] Specifically, conventional sperm sorting aids include, for example, the imaging field of view in a microscope. We compare multiple sperm samples and present those with relatively higher quality to patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). However, in such cases, sperm of relatively high quality in the imaging field of view are used. While it can assist in the selection process, the selected sperm does not represent all of the sperm contained in the sample. The quality of the sperm is unknown. Sperm sorting aid 1 according to this embodiment A score of 0 is evaluated based on sperm recognized at different time intervals, as described above. Because it allows for the evaluation of sperm quality, sperm of relatively high quality can be identified within the imaging field of view. In addition to sorting, it assists in selecting sperm of relatively high quality from among all sperm in a sample. It is possible.

[0059] Therefore, the evaluation unit 14 compares the first sperm with sperm imaged at different time intervals. It is preferable not only to compare them, but also to compare them with sperm present within the same time interval. Then, the evaluation unit 14, based on the index calculated by the index calculation unit 12, recognizes during the first time interval It is preferable to further evaluate the relative quality of multiple sperm, including the first sperm identified. It's nice.

[0060] An example of evaluation in the evaluation unit 14 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. The evaluation unit 14 is shown in Figure 3(B). Evaluation of the first sperm 41a imaged in frame 41 included in the first time interval shown An evaluation is performed. In one embodiment, the evaluation unit 14 recognizes during the first time interval. The relative quality of multiple sperm 41a-41d was evaluated, and multiple sperm 41a-41d Among them, sperm that are evaluated as being of relatively superior quality may be selected as the first sperm. The value unit 14 calculates multiple sperm 4 based on at least one index calculated by the index calculation unit 12. You may compare the quality of 1a to 41d. For example, any of the values ​​calculated by the index calculation unit 12 Indicators, preferably sperm motility, sperm morphology, and the degree of sperm DNA fragmentation. A relative evaluation of quality may be performed based on the relative magnitudes of indicators calculated from two or more types. i) one or more indicators calculated by the indicator calculation unit 12 that exceed a predetermined threshold The sperm may be selected as the first sperm. When performing this test, a relative evaluation of the quality of each of the selected sperm compared to a second sperm sample is conducted. To administer.

[0061] In this specification, when determining that the quality of a particular sperm is superior among multiple sperm, The threshold is based on the number of sperm cells in multiple populations, specifically the top 50% and top 75%. You could also use "top," or "top 90% or more," or "top 5," "top 3," "top 2," or "youngest." Alternatively, it may be considered one of the top options. Based on the diagnosis of male infertility in the individual or subject, a threshold is set, and a specific indicator is considered to be within that threshold. If the sperm quality exceeds a certain level, it can be considered to be of superior quality. Alternatively, the actual results of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) The determination may also be made by visual inspection by the operator, and CASA (Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis) r) Or, the determination may be made based on the value measured by SQA (Sperm Quality Analyzer). Alternatively, the distribution of indicators in multiple sperm (histogram) as described below. Refer to the above to set a threshold, and if a specific indicator exceeds that threshold, the sperm quality is superior. It can be concluded that this is the case.

[0062] When the evaluation unit 14 performs a relative evaluation of the quality of the first sperm 41a, it performs the following as shown in Figure 3(C) The quality of the second sperm 42a, which is imaged in frame 42 included in the time interval of 2, is compared with that of the second sperm 42a. The evaluation unit 14 evaluates based on at least one index calculated by the index calculation unit 12. Then, a comparison of the quality of the first sperm 41a and the second sperm 42a may be performed. For example, an indicator The calculation unit 12 calculates any of the following indicators, preferably sperm motility, sperm morphology, and sperm Based on the relative magnitudes of two or more indicators calculated from the degree of DNA fragmentation in the offspring, the quality A relative evaluation will be conducted.

[0063] In one embodiment, the evaluation unit 14, when selecting the second sperm 42a, determines the second time interval Among the multiple sperm recognized within, those that are determined to be identical to the sperm recognized during the first time interval The relative quality of multiple sperm 42a-42c was evaluated, and multiple sperm 42a-4 Sperm that are evaluated as being of relatively superior quality among the 2c sperm may be used as the second sperm.

[0064] In one embodiment, the evaluation unit 14 evaluates the second sperm stored in the storage unit 13 and You may also use another indicator to perform a relative evaluation of the first and second sperm. In this case, the evaluation unit 14 recognizes the sperm stored in the memory unit 13 at the first time interval. Any sperm that is not determined to be identical to the first sperm is designated as the second sperm and used in combination with the first sperm. It may be used to evaluate relative quality. Alternatively, it may be used to evaluate what is perceived in the first time interval. From among sperm that are not determined to be identical to sperm, those that are evaluated as being of relatively superior quality are classified as follows: It can also be used as sperm from cell 2.

[0065] When evaluating the quality of the first sperm 41a, a relative evaluation is performed in comparison to the second sperm 42a. Further relative evaluation with other sperm may be performed as far as is appropriate. For example, the evaluation unit 14 calculates the index Based on at least one index calculated by the output unit 12, the first sperm and the second in the video A third sperm recognized during a third time interval, which is different from the first and second time intervals. The quality can be evaluated relatively.

[0066] In one embodiment, the evaluation unit 14 contains a first sperm 41a and at least one storage unit 13. A relative evaluation may be performed with multiple sperm that have stored one indicator. In this case, the multiple The first sperm contains a second sperm. In this embodiment, it is identified before the first sperm. Then, an index is calculated, and at least one index is stored in the memory unit 13 for multiple sperm. In relative evaluation, the quality of the first sperm can be assessed.

[0067] The first sperm 41a and multiple sperm in which at least one index is stored in the memory unit 13 The method for conducting relative evaluation is not particularly limited, but for example, multiple sperm to be compared A histogram of the indicators possessed by each sperm was created, and the indicators possessed by the first sperm 41a were determined to be the same as those of the first sperm. An evaluation should be conducted to determine where it falls within the fabric, for example, what percentage it ranks in. The valence unit 14 stores information about multiple sperm, each of which has at least one index stored in the memory unit 13. The overall evaluation of the sperm in sample S may be calculated by retrieving the data from the memory unit 13. The evaluation unit 14 determines the number or rate of abnormal sperm in the sample S (the occurrence of abnormalities in the morphology of sperm). The number or percentage of sperm that are motile (motile sperm) or the number of sperm whose motility indicators exceed a threshold. The number or percentage of sperm (immotile sperm) whose motility indicators fall below a threshold, or sperm A small number of sperm selected from a group consisting of the concentration of sperm and the ratio of motile sperm to immobile sperm (sperm motility). Even if none are present, one type can be calculated.

[0068] The evaluation unit 14 is stored in the RAM 10b or ROM 10c described later and implemented by the CPU 10a. This may be implemented by the program being executed. The evaluation by the evaluation unit 14 is performed by the RAM 10 described later. b or ROM 10c may be stored and transmitted to each part and device via the communication unit 10d. That's fine.

[0069] Returning to Figure 2, the display control unit 15 performs a first precision in the first time interval of the moving image. To display information relating to at least one indicator of the first sperm for the offspring, Furthermore, the evaluation of the relative quality of the first sperm and the second sperm, as evaluated by the evaluation unit 14, Display.

[0070] If the video acquired by the acquisition unit 11 is a video previously captured, the display control unit 15 will Edit each frame contained in the first time interval in the video to show the first sperm Information regarding another indicator is displayed in association with it, and is evaluated by the evaluation unit 14. The relative quality evaluation of the first sperm and the second sperm may be displayed.

[0071] The acquisition unit 11 acquires moving images in real time and performs sperm sorting in real time, If the time interval is 1, the display control unit Once the evaluation by the evaluation unit 14 is obtained, unit 15 will add the number to the video image acquired in real time. The system displays information relating to at least one indicator of sperm 1, and the evaluation unit 1 The relative quality assessment of the first sperm and the second sperm, as evaluated by 4, may be displayed. Therefore, the display control unit 15 can be rephrased as a video generation unit that generates video images displaying the evaluation. It is also possible to obtain it.

[0072] Referring to Figure 5, the information displayed by the display control unit 15 will be explained. Figure 5 is a reference to Figure 3(B In frame 41 at the first time interval shown in ), at least the first sperm Another indicator is the relative quality of the first sperm and the second sperm as evaluated by the evaluation unit 14. This is an example of display image 50 showing quality evaluations.

[0073] As shown in Figure 5, in frame 41, sperm 41a is the first sperm, In other words, information 51a is attached indicating that it displays an evaluation of the relative quality compared to the second sperm. Information 51a can be any figure that surrounds the sperm 41a, and its shape is not limited to a circle. It may not be any other shape, but may be, for example, elliptical, polygonal, or star-shaped. Information 51a identifies sperm 41a It may include ID information. In Figure 5, information 51a is that the ID of sperm 41a is 00 This includes being 65 years old.

[0074] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 5, sperm 41b and 41c are also selected as the first sperm, that is, Information 51b, 51c indicating that the relative quality evaluation is shown to the second sperm is Each is labeled accordingly. In Figure 5, information 51b and 51c are the IDs of sperm 41b and 41c. This includes the fact that these are 0046 and 0084, respectively.

[0075] As shown in Figure 5, frame 41 displays the relative quality evaluation with respect to the second sperm. If multiple sperm are present, the relative quality evaluation of the second sperm is displayed. The information 51a, 51b, and 51c further shows the quality of each sperm 41a, 41b, and 41c. It may include information indicating superiority or inferiority, and relates to at least one indicator calculated by the indicator calculation unit 12. It may include the following information. Information 51a, 51b, and 51c are the shape and state of the figure surrounding the sperm. The quality of each sperm may be indicated by its appearance or color, and the shape or form of the figure surrounding the sperm may be indicated. The color can indicate the magnitude of at least one indicator. In Figure 5, the items are sorted from highest quality to lowest, i.e. The colors of the shapes surrounding the sperm 41a, 41b, and 41c are highlighted in that order. Information 51a, 51b, and 51c highlight only the highest quality sperm. The shape, form, or color of the figure surrounding it may be adjusted. Information 51a, 51b, 51c is The ranking of sperm quality within frame 41 may be displayed and stored in memory unit 13. The ranking of quality among multiple sperm samples may be displayed.

[0076] In Figure 5, the displayed image 50 shows the first sperm and the second sperm evaluated by the evaluation unit 14. It has a region 52 that displays an evaluation of the relative quality with respect to the child. Region 52 is determined by the evaluation unit 14. If the relative quality evaluation of the first and second sperm, which were evaluated, is displayed, then their composition is It is not particularly limited. In Figure 5, sperm 41a, which have been evaluated by the evaluation unit 14, Regarding 41b and 41c, the second time interval recognized is different from the first time interval. The relative quality evaluation of each sperm is shown. More specifically, region 52 contains the memory unit A histogram of indicators for multiple sperm stored in 13 is displayed, and sperm 41a, 41 Information indicating where the indicators possessed by b,41c are located in the histogram. 53 is displayed. That is, in region 52, a second time interval different from the first time interval At least one indicator is stored in the memory unit 13, including a second sperm recognized during the interval. The relative quality evaluation of multiple sperm and sperm 41a, 41b, and 41c is shown in Figure 5. In this case, information 53 is the respective IDs assigned to sperm 41a, 41b, and 41c. 0065,0084,0046 are histograms in which sperm 41a, 41b, and 41c are present. It is displayed in the position of RAM. Area 52 further contains multiple scientist data stored in memory unit 13. A comprehensive evaluation of the sperm in sample S, estimated from the offspring, may be displayed. In region 52, The number or percentage of malformed sperm in sample S (the number of sperm with malformed morphology or Percentage), the number or percentage of sperm (motile sperm) whose motility indicators exceed a threshold, motility The indicators related to sperm count or percentage (immotile sperm) below a threshold, sperm concentration, and motility At least one of the groups selected from the ratio of sperm to immotile sperm (sperm motility) is displayed. It may be shown.

[0077] Displayed image 50 further shows sperm 41a, which has a relative quality evaluation compared to a second sperm. Enlarged images 54a, 54b, and 54c of 41b and 41c are displayed, which is good. By showing this information, it is possible to have those performing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) closely observe the morphology and motility of each sperm. Yes, it is possible. Also, the enlarged image shows at least one of the IDs and / or indicators of the enlarged sperm. It may be included. In Figure 5, the enlarged image is shown in region 55, which will be described later. An index is displayed that comprehensively evaluates sperm quality, calculated from multiple indicators related to the sperm. It is being done.

[0078] Display image 50 may also show at least one indicator associated with the first sperm. Good. Figure 5 shows the relative quality evaluation of sperm 41a, 41 compared to the second sperm. The enlarged images 54a, 54b, and 54c of b, 41c are associated with sperm 41a, 41 The areas 55a, 55b, and 55c, which display the indicators b and 41c respectively, are shown. The indicators shown are not particularly limited to at least one indicator calculated by the indicator calculation unit 12. However, Figure 5 shows the motility, morphology, and degree of DNA fragmentation of each sperm. Each of these indicators is displayed. Here, the indicators showing sperm motility are motility speed and linearity. Velocity, curvature, and linearity of the movement trajectory, as well as the sperm kinetic energy that can be calculated from these values. It may be one or more selected from a group consisting of values ​​that comprehensively indicate motility. The indicators shown are the shape of the sperm head, the shape of the tail, the number of head vacuoles, and the balance of their sizes (example). For example, the aspect ratio of the head, the abnormal parts of the morphology and the number of abnormal parts, and these One or more values ​​selected from a group consisting of values ​​that comprehensively represent the morphological characteristics of sperm that can be calculated from the values. It is acceptable. An indicator of the degree of sperm DNA fragmentation is the degree of damage to sperm DNA. , and the number of damaged cells, and the degree of sperm DNA fragmentation that may be calculated from these values. It may be one or more values ​​selected from a group consisting of values ​​that comprehensively represent the same thing.

[0079] Furthermore, the display control unit 15 provides information on at least one indicator for the first sperm. A series of videos displayed consecutively, and a video that does not display information about at least one indicator, It is possible to switch between these displays.

[0080] Referring to Figure 6, the switching of moving images in the display control unit 15 will be explained. Figure 6( A) In frame 41 at the first time interval shown in Figure 3(B), sperm 41a Figure 5 is used to explain information regarding at least one indicator for 41b and 41c. This is an example of a frame in which the information 51a, 51b, and 51c is displayed. Figure 6(A) Information 51a, 51b, and 51c displays an evaluation of the relative quality of the second sperm. This indicates that, within frame 41, the top three items with the highest values ​​for a given metric. Furthermore, information 51a, 51b, and 51c are arranged in this order to indicate that the predetermined indicator is high. The colors of the shape surrounding the sperm are emphasized.

[0081] Figure 6(B) shows that in frame 41 at the first time interval shown in Figure 3(B), the An example of a frame where information on at least one indicator is not displayed for each sperm. Yes. As shown in Figure 6(B), a video does not display information about at least one indicator. This may be a video image acquired by the acquisition unit 11, and a video image without a display applied by the display control unit 15. That's fine.

[0082] Figure 6(C) shows the frame 41 in the first time interval shown in Figure 3(B), For child 41a, the information described using Figure 5 is as information about at least one indicator. This is an example of a frame in which 51a is displayed. In Figure 6(C), information 51a is the second This indicates that it is displaying an evaluation of the relative quality of the sperm, and within frame 41 This information indicates sperm that meet the highest specified indicators.

[0083] The display control unit 15 is stored in the RAM 10b or ROM 10c described later and is controlled by the CPU 10a This may be implemented by a program that is executed. The display control unit 15 provides a display for the moving The image may be stored in RAM 10b or ROM 10c, as described later, and transmitted via the communication unit 10d. It may be transmitted to each part and device, or it may be displayed on the display unit 10f. Sperm When the sorting assistance device 10 is connected to the microscope system, the display control unit 15 provides a display. The generated video is transmitted to the microscope system via the communication unit 10d, and then to the eyepiece of the microscope system. It may be projected onto a lens.

[0084] Returning to Figure 2, the recognition unit 16 analyzes the video to recognize, identify, and / or track sperm. This is done. One method for recognizing sperm from video is to use multiple representative images that show the typical shape of sperm. A method of pattern matching using a representative image for each frame in a video, after preparing several images. Another method involves using a learning model that has been trained using sperm observation images as training data. It is possible.

[0085] The recognition unit 16 may assign individual ID information to sperm captured in the video. The recognition unit 16 may assign ID information to sperm in each frame, and for the same sperm The same ID information may be assigned to them. The recognition unit 16 ensures that the sperm contained in the two frames are reliably identified. If it can be determined that they are the same, those sperm will be considered the same and assigned the same ID information. Good. The recognition unit 16 recognizes, for example, that sperm imaged in the first frame are in the first frame If the sperm is always within the field of view of the moving image between the first and second frames, then the sperm can be tracked. Therefore, it can be determined that the two sperm are the same in the second frame. In determining whether or not, the index calculation unit 12 calculates at least one index for each sperm. You may also consider whether one or more of the indicators calculated by the indicator calculation unit 12 match. If the indicators are nearly identical, the two sperm can be considered identical. Nearly identical indicators mean that... The absolute value of the difference between the two sperm indicators is 1% or less, or 2% or less, relative to either sperm indicator. The following refers to percentages of 3% or less, 4% or less, 5% or less, or 10% or less.

[0086] The recognition unit 16 is stored in the RAM 10b or ROM 10c described later and implemented by the CPU 10a. This may be implemented by the program being executed. Recognition by the recognition unit 16 is performed by the RAM 10 described later. b or ROM 10c may be stored and transmitted to each part and device via the communication unit 10d. That's fine.

[0087] Next, the physical configuration of the sperm sorting assistance device 10 will be described with reference to Figure 7. This figure shows an example of the physical configuration of the sperm sorting assistance device 10. The sperm sorting assistance device 10 is, CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, which is equivalent to a processor. a and RAM (Random Access Memory) 10b which corresponds to the memory unit, and ROM (Read-only Memory) 10c, communication unit 10d, and input unit 1 It has 0e and a display unit 10f. Each of these components sends and receives data from each other via a bus. Reliably connected. In this example, the functions of the sperm sorting support device 10 are controlled by a single computer. The following describes the case where it is composed of multiple computers, but the function of the sperm sorting assistance device 10 is to have multiple computers The data may be combined to achieve this. Also, the configuration shown in Figure 7 is just one example, and sperm selection The auxiliary device 10 may have other components, or some of these components may be It is not necessary to have it.

[0088] The CPU 10a is responsible for executing programs stored in RAM 10b or ROM 10c. It performs control, calculations, and processing of data. The CPU 10a controls the computer, the acquisition unit 11, and the signal It functions as a calculation unit 12, a storage unit 13, an evaluation unit 14, a display control unit 15, and a recognition unit 16. This is the arithmetic unit that executes the program. The CPU 10a is the input unit 10e and the communication unit 10d It receives various data from and displays the calculation results of the data on the display unit 10f, and RAM1 It can be stored in 0b or ROM10c.

[0089] RAM10b is a memory unit that allows data to be rewritten, for example, semiconductor memory It may be composed of memory elements. RAM10b stores the program that CPU10a executes. This is acceptable. Note that these are examples, and RAM10b may store data other than those listed above. It's okay if it's not allowed.

[0090] ROM10c is a part of the storage unit from which data can be read, for example, semiconductor memory It may be composed of memory elements. ROM10c, for example, stores data that is not rewritten. That's fine.

[0091] The communication unit 10d connects the sperm sorting assistance device 10 to other parts and devices, such as the imaging device 20. It is a connecting interface. The communication unit 10d is connected to the network by wire or wireless. You may do so.

[0092] The input unit 10e accepts data input from the user, for example, keyboard input. It may include a keyboard and a touch panel.

[0093] The display unit 10f visually displays the calculation results from the CPU 10a, for example, It may be composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display unit 10f displays the captured moving image acquired by the imaging device 20 and the display control unit 15. You may display moving images.

[0094] The sperm selection assistance program according to this embodiment includes RAM10b and ROM10c, etc. It may be stored and provided on a computer-readable storage medium, or by a communications department It may be provided via a communication network connected by 10d. Sperm sorting aid In step 10, the CPU 10a executes the program according to this embodiment, using Figure 2 The functions described above will be realized. Note that these physical configurations are examples and do not necessarily represent all physical configurations. They do not have to be independent components. For example, the sperm sorting support device 10 may have a CPU 10a and RAM LSI (Large-Scale Int) that integrates 10b and / or ROM 10c It may also have (emission).

[0095] [Sperm Selection Methods] The following describes a method for selecting sperm using the sperm selection assistance system according to this embodiment. This will be clarified. The sperm selection method according to this embodiment uses the sperm selection support system according to this embodiment. Therefore, it is possible to select good quality sperm suitable for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) from among the sperm in the sample. In particular, it allows for the objective selection of high-quality sperm.

[0096] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the steps of the sperm selection method according to this embodiment. Oh, although not shown in Figure 8, the person performing the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (typically an embryologist) in this embodiment A sample S is placed in the sperm sorting assistance system, and the imaging field of the imaging device 20 is set to S Set up to include a sample S.

[0097] In the following, the sperm selection support system 1 automatically processes sperm without requiring any processing by the person performing intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The following describes the method for selecting offspring, but all or part of each of the following steps are performed using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The operator can also perform this manually. In addition, moving images can be taken from the imaging device 20 in real time. When obtaining sperm, processing to assist in sperm selection may also be performed in real time. The following steps may be performed in parallel at predetermined time intervals in the video. In one embodiment, the step of storing sperm indicators can be omitted.

[0098] As shown in Figure 8, in the sperm selection method according to this embodiment, first, the sperm are captured through the acquisition unit 11. Observational video of sperm is acquired from the imaging device 20 (hereinafter also referred to as "step S1"). In step S1, a previously captured video may be acquired, or the imaging device 20 may acquire You may also acquire moving images in real time.

[0099] Next, each sperm is recognized (hereinafter also referred to as "Step S2"). In Step S2, The recognition unit 16 analyzes the video image acquired, and the precision captured at predetermined time intervals in the video The sperm is recognized. In this case, the recognition unit 16 may assign ID information to each sperm. For sperm recognized by section 16, the time of recognition and the assigned ID information are recorded. You may store this in memory section 13.

[0100] Next, the index calculation unit 12 calculates at least one index for the sperm recognized in step S2. The target is calculated (hereinafter also referred to as "Step S3").

[0101] Next, the indicators calculated in step S3 are associated with each sperm and stored in the memory unit 13 (see below) (Also known as "Step S4").

[0102] Next, evaluate the quality of at least one sperm whose index was calculated in step S3 (see below). (Also known as "Step S5"). In Step S5, based on the indicator calculated in Step S3... And, from among the multiple sperm recognized during the first time interval, sperm of relatively high quality or fewer You may select a sperm that exceeds the threshold for at least one indicator. The selected sperm will be designated as the first sperm. And, regarding the first sperm, the second sperm is recognized during a second time interval that is different from the first time interval. The quality of the sperm is evaluated relative to that of the second sperm. In the relative evaluation of the quality of the second sperm, step Using one or more sperm with indicators memorized in S4, a relative evaluation of the quality of the first sperm was performed. That's fine.

[0103] In step S5, one of the sperm being imaged in real time by the imaging device 20 Then, you may perform a quality assessment. Alternatively, in step S5, begin observing sample S. Then, multiple sperm are confirmed at a predetermined time, and at least the amount calculated in step S3 You may perform sperm quality analysis after creating a histogram for one indicator.

[0104] Next, the display control unit 15 evaluates the quality of the second sperm relative to the first sperm in step S5. For the first sperm, information on at least one indicator of the first sperm is associated. The video displays the results, along with a relative quality assessment of the second sperm sample that was evaluated. An image is generated (hereinafter also referred to as "step S6"). In step S6, in real time For one of the sperm being imaged by the imaging device 20, at least one indicator is obtained. The information is displayed in a related manner, and the relative quality of the second sperm sample is evaluated. You may generate a video displaying this in real time.

[0105] Next, the video generated in step S6 is displayed (hereinafter also referred to as "step S7"). (u) In step S7, even if a moving image is displayed on the display unit 10f of the sperm sorting assistance device 10 Good, even if it is projected onto the eyepiece of the microscope system connected to the sperm sorting support device 10. good.

[0106] [Differentiation] Although an example of this embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above. i. For example, examples and / or preferred embodiments in the description of each component and step (preferred (More desirable, more preferable, even more preferable, even more preferable, etc.) are not specifically mentioned. Unless otherwise specified, each can be arbitrarily combined to form this embodiment. For example, each Regarding the implementation form, the embodiment described as a preferred embodiment and the embodiment described as a preferred embodiment The embodiments described may be combined with other embodiments, or are described as preferred embodiments, etc. The embodiments and more preferred embodiments (or even more preferred embodiments, etc.) are described below. The configuration may be combined with the existing configuration. Furthermore, each component and step is effective in this embodiment. It can be omitted as appropriate, as long as it does not hinder the fruit.

[0107] For example, the sperm sorting assistance system 1 shown in Figure 1 immobilizes the sperm in sample S. Tools for aspirating sperm and / or sperm injection tools for injecting sperm into the cytoplasm of an egg. It may be equipped with this.

[0108] Sperm injection tools include, for example, injection pipettes commonly used in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). It is acceptable. The sperm injection tool immobilizes the sperm selected by the sperm selection assistance device 10. It may be equipped with means for this purpose. Means for immobilizing sperm include a piezoelectric element, etc. Means of applying weak vibrations and means of irradiating with laser light are examples. The sperm injection tool is It may also be equipped with a pressure control mechanism for aspirating and injecting sperm.

[0109] Furthermore, in the flowchart of the sperm selection method according to this embodiment shown in Figure 8, step Before step S1, or in parallel with step S1, the imaging device 20 captures the sperm in the sample. Image capture is permitted. In this case, the sperm sorting device 10 will use an imaging device to capture images of sperm with high resolution. The settings of the microscope system attached to the device 20 and / or imaging device 20 may be adjusted. This adjustment may be performed by the person performing the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

[0110] [Note] This disclosure includes the following embodiments. [1] An index calculation that calculates at least one indicator related to sperm quality recognized in video footage. Debu and, Based on the at least one index, the first sperm recognized during a first time interval in the moving image, and a second sperm recognized during a second time interval different from the first time interval in the moving image, an evaluation unit that relatively evaluates the qualities of the two; In the first time interval in the moving image, for the first sperm, information regarding the at least one index of the first sperm is associated and displayed, and a display control unit that displays an evaluation of the relative quality of the first sperm and the second sperm evaluated by the evaluation unit; A sperm sorting assistance device comprising: [2] The evaluation unit further evaluates the relative quality superiority or inferiority of a plurality of sperms including the first sperm recognized during the first time interval based on the calculated index. The sperm sorting assistance device according to [1]. [3] The first sperm is a sperm evaluated as having relatively excellent quality among the plurality of sperms. The sperm sorting assistance device according to [2]. [4] The sperm sorting assistance device further comprises a storage unit that stores the at least one index calculated by the index calculation unit, and the evaluation unit refers to the at least one index of the second sperm calculated by the index calculation unit and stored in the storage unit to perform a relative evaluation of the first sperm and the second sperm. The sperm sorting assistance device according to any one of [1] to [3]. [5] The evaluation unit performs a relative evaluation of the first sperm and a plurality of sperms in which the at least one index is stored in the storage unit based on the at least one index. The sperm sorting assistance device according to [4]. [6] The evaluation unit further evaluates the first sperm and the previous based on the at least one indicator. A third time interval in the recorded video that is different from the first and second time intervals. The quality is evaluated relative to that of the third sperm recognized within. A sperm sorting aid described in any one of [1] to [5]. [7] The display control unit provides information regarding the at least one indicator for the first sperm. Videos displayed in association with each other, and videos that do not display information about at least one of the aforementioned indicators. The image can be switched between and displayed. A sperm sorting aid described in any one of [1] to [6]. [8] The aforementioned at least one indicator is sperm motility, sperm morphology, and sperm DNA fragmentation. The degree of occurrence of at least one of these, or calculated from two or more of these, A sperm sorting aid described in any one of [1] to [7]. [9] An imaging device for capturing moving images of sperm, and one of the following [1] to [8] A sperm sorting assistance device is provided, Sperm sorting assistance system.

[10] Computers, An index calculation that calculates at least one indicator related to sperm quality recognized in video footage. Debu and, Based on the above at least one indicator, recognized during the first time interval in the video The first sperm, and in a second time interval different from the first time interval in the video, An evaluation unit that relatively evaluates the quality of the second sperm recognized by the system, In the first time interval in the aforementioned video, the first sperm The information relating to at least one of the indicators of the sperm is displayed in association with the evaluation Display the relative quality evaluation of the first sperm and the second sperm as assessed by the value section. A display control unit and A sperm selection assistance program that functions as such. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 1...Sperm sorting support system, 10...Sperm sorting support device, 11...Acquisition unit, 12...Indicator calculation Units: 13...Storage Unit, 14...Evaluation Unit, 15...Display Control Unit, 16...Recognition Unit, 20...Imaging Device 41, 42, 43... frames, 50... display image, S... sample.

Claims

1. An index calculation that calculates at least one indicator related to sperm quality recognized in video footage. Debu and, Based on the above at least one indicator, recognized during the first time interval in the video The first sperm, and in a second time interval different from the first time interval in the video, An evaluation unit that relatively evaluates the quality of the second sperm recognized by the system, In the first time interval in the aforementioned video, the first sperm The information regarding at least one of the indicators of the sperm is displayed in association with the evaluation Display the relative quality evaluation of the first sperm and the second sperm as assessed by the value section. A display control unit and A sperm sorting aid equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The evaluation unit, based on the calculated index, recognizes the following during the first time interval. Further evaluation of the relative quality of multiple sperm, including the first sperm, A sperm sorting aid according to claim 1.

3. The first sperm is a sperm that is evaluated as being of relatively superior quality among the plurality of sperm. He is a child, The sperm sorting aid according to claim 2.

4. The system further comprises a storage unit that stores the at least one index calculated by the index calculation unit, The evaluation unit evaluates the second sperm calculated by the index calculation unit and stored in the storage unit. A relative evaluation of the first sperm and the second sperm with reference to at least one of the above indicators. To implement a price A sperm sorting aid according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The evaluation unit evaluates the first sperm and the storage unit based on the at least one indicator. A relative evaluation is performed with a plurality of sperm, each of which has the aforementioned at least one index stored. The sperm sorting aid according to claim 4.

6. The evaluation unit further evaluates the first sperm and the previous based on the at least one indicator. A third time interval in the recorded video that is different from the first and second time intervals. The quality is evaluated relative to that of the third sperm recognized within. A sperm sorting aid according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The display control unit provides information regarding the at least one indicator for the first sperm. Videos displayed in association with each other, and videos that do not display information about at least one of the aforementioned indicators. The image can be switched between and displayed. A sperm sorting aid according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The aforementioned at least one indicator is sperm motility, sperm morphology, and sperm DNA fragmentation. The degree of occurrence of at least one of these, or calculated from two or more of these, A sperm sorting aid according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. An imaging device for capturing moving images of sperm, and the sperm according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A child sorting auxiliary device is provided, Sperm sorting assistance system.

10. Computers, An index calculation that calculates at least one indicator related to sperm quality recognized in video footage. Debu and, Based on the above at least one indicator, recognized during the first time interval in the video The first sperm, and in a second time interval different from the first time interval in the video, An evaluation unit that relatively evaluates the quality of the second sperm recognized by the system, In the first time interval in the aforementioned video, the first sperm The information regarding at least one of the indicators of the sperm is displayed in association with the evaluation Display the relative quality evaluation of the first sperm and the second sperm as assessed by the value section. A display control unit and A sperm selection assistance program that functions as such.

Images