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

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing device capable of evaluating the number of cells in a culture device, etc. [Solution] The information processing device for use in cell processing by laser irradiation according to the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit 121 that acquires an image of cells in a culture vessel, an identification unit 122 that identifies at least one of target cells and non-target cells in the image, a calculation unit 123 that calculates the area, ratio, and / or proportion of at least one of the target cells and non-target cells in the identified image, and an output unit 124 that outputs the calculated area, ratio, and / or proportion to a display unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a cell processing system, and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] In the expansion culture of cells or the induction of differentiation from undifferentiated cells to differentiated cells using a culture vessel (culture instrument), cells other than the target cells (hereinafter also referred to as "target cells") are generated. Therefore, in the above-mentioned expansion culture and differentiation induction, the target cells are selected by discriminating the target cells or non-target cells and removing the non-target cells.

[0003] The discrimination and removal of the target cells are carried out by skilled operators (Patent Document 1). However, there are problems that the discrimination and removal operations are laborious, such as being necessary to be carried out under a microscope, and the quality of the target cells obtained varies greatly depending on the technical level of the operator.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] After the differentiation induction, the target cells can be recovered, for example, by performing laser treatment on the inside of the culture instrument and removing the non-target cells. However, it is difficult to evaluate individual cells in the visual discrimination of the target cells by the skilled person. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to evaluate the number of target cells or non-target cells present in the culture instrument.

[0006] ​Therefore, this disclosure aims to provide an information processing device capable of evaluating the number of cells in the culture apparatus, a cell processing system including the same, and an information processing method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the information processing device used for laser irradiation cell processing according to the present disclosure (hereinafter also referred to as the "information processing device") includes an acquisition unit that acquires an image containing cells in a culture vessel, An identification unit that identifies at least one of the target cell and the non-target cell in the aforementioned image, A calculation unit that calculates the area, ratio, and / or proportion of at least one of the target cells and non-target cells in the identified image, It includes an output unit that outputs the calculated area, ratio, and / or proportion to a display unit.

[0008] The cell processing system of this disclosure comprises the information processing device of this disclosure and The system includes a laser irradiation device capable of irradiating a culture vessel with a laser, The laser irradiation device irradiates the culture vessel with a laser, thereby changing the state of at least one of the target cells and non-target cells identified in the information processing device.

[0009] The information processing method for use in laser irradiation cell processing as disclosed herein (hereinafter also referred to as the "information processing method") comprises an acquisition step of acquiring an image containing cells in a culture vessel, A recognition step of identifying at least one of the target cells and non-target cells in the aforementioned image, A calculation step of calculating the area, ratio, and / or proportion of at least one of the target cells and non-target cells in the identified image, The system includes an output step that outputs the calculated area, ratio, and / or percentage to a display step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, the number of cells in the culture vessel can be evaluated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a cell processing system in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control unit of the cell processing system in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the information processing method in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display of captured images and cell counts, etc., in the display unit of the cell processing system of Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a cell processing system in Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the cell processing method in Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] <Definition> In this specification, “cell” means a cell or a component containing cells. The cell may be, for example, a cell mass composed of cells, a tissue, an organ, etc. The cell may be, for example, a cell or a cell isolated from a living organism. Specific examples of the cell include, for example, pluripotent stem cells such as iPS cells and ES cells, somatic stem cells such as hematopoietic stem cells and neural stem cells; progenitor cells; somatic cells; etc. The cell may be, for example, an undifferentiated cell or a differentiated cell (for example, an undifferentiated mutant cell).

[0013] In this specification, "observation" means the observation of the object being observed. This "observation" may include, for example, observation accompanied by imaging, or observation without imaging.

[0014] In this specification, "cell state" means cell viability, cell morphology, gene expression of cells, etc. In this specification, "change in cell state" means that cell viability, cell morphology, gene expression of cells, etc. change. As a specific example, the "change in cell state" includes, for example, cell lethality, induction or suppression of gene expression of cells, etc. The change in gene expression can be implemented, for example, by optogenetic techniques.

[0015] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following description. In the following FIGS. 1 to 6, the same parts may be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof may be omitted. Also, in the drawings, for convenience of explanation, the structure of each part may be appropriately simplified and shown, and the dimensional ratios of each part may be different from the actual ones and may be shown schematically. Also, each embodiment can be used in the description of each other unless otherwise specified.

[0016] (Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 relates to an information processing apparatus, a cell processing system, and an information processing method of the present disclosure.

[0017] This embodiment is an example of an information processing apparatus, a cell processing system, and an information processing method. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cell processing system 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the cell processing system 100 mainly includes an observation unit 11, a control unit 12 which is an information processing apparatus, and a display unit 13. The control unit 12 includes an acquisition unit 121, an identification unit 122, a calculation unit 123, and an output unit 124. In the cell processing system 100 of Embodiment 1, the control unit 12 is connected to the observation unit 11 and the display unit 13.

[0018] The observation unit 11 is configured to observe and image subjects such as cells in a culture device. The observation unit 11 can utilize, for example, an optical observation device used for observing subjects such as cells. Examples of such optical observation devices include bright-field microscopes, stereomicroscopes, phase-contrast microscopes, differential interference microscopes, polarizing microscopes, fluorescence microscopes, confocal laser microscopes, total internal reflection fluorescence microscopes, and Raman microscopes, with phase-contrast microscopes and fluorescence microscopes being preferred. The optical observation device may be an reflected-type optical observation device or a transmitted-type optical observation device.

[0019] The object to be observed is an object that is observed or imaged by the observation unit 11. In this embodiment, the object to be observed is a culture vessel containing cells, but the object to be observed can be any sample that can be observed by an optical observation device. Examples of the object to be observed include cell culture vessels such as dishes, plates, and flasks (cell culture flasks) containing cells, and slides on which samples are placed.

[0020] The control unit (arithmetic unit, controller) 12 has a configuration similar to that of a personal computer, server computer, workstation, etc. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 12 (information processing device) in the cell processing system 100. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 12 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 12a, main memory (main memory device) 12b, auxiliary storage device 12c, video codec 12d, I / O (input-output) interface 12e, GPU 12f, bus 12h, etc. Each component constituting the control unit 12 is connected via the bus 12h by its respective interface (I / F). In the control unit 12, each component is controlled by a controller (system controller, I / O controller, etc.) 12g and operates in a coordinated manner. In the cell processing system 100 of this embodiment, the control unit 12 is equipped with a CPU 12a and a GPU 12f as arithmetic means (processors), but it may be equipped with only one of them.

[0021] The CPU 12a operates in conjunction with other components via a controller 12g (system controller, I / O controller, etc.) and is responsible for overall control in the control unit 12. The CPU 12a executes the program 126 and other programs of this disclosure, and also reads or writes various types of information. Specifically, in this embodiment, the CPU 12a functions as an acquisition unit 121, a calculation unit 123, and an output unit 124. The functions of each unit will be described later. The control unit 12 includes the CPU 12a as an arithmetic unit (arithmetic element), but it may also include other arithmetic units such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), or a combination of the CPU and these. The CPU 12a may also function as a unit other than the storage unit in the control unit 12 of other embodiments (for example, a processing determination unit or a setting unit).

[0022] Main memory 12b is also called primary memory. When the CPU 12a performs processing, the main memory 12b reads various operational programs, such as the program 126 of this disclosure, which are stored in the auxiliary storage device (storage device) 12c, which will be described later. The CPU 12a then reads and decodes the data from the main memory 12b and executes the program 126 of this disclosure. The main memory 12b is RAM (Random Access Memory). The main memory 12b may further include ROM (Read-Only Memory).

[0023] The auxiliary storage device 12c is also called a so-called auxiliary storage device in relation to the main memory 12b (main memory). The auxiliary storage device 12c includes an identifier 125 and an operating program including the program 126 of this disclosure. The auxiliary storage device 12c may store data including the identifier 125, etc. The auxiliary storage device 12c includes, for example, a storage medium and a drive for reading and writing to the storage medium. The storage medium is not particularly limited and may be internal or external, and examples include HD (hard disk), FD (floppy disk), CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, MO, DVD, flash memory, memory card, etc., and the drive is not particularly limited. The auxiliary storage device 12c may be, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) in which the storage medium and the drive are integrated.

[0024] The video codec 12d includes a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) that generates a screen to be displayed based on drawing instructions received from the CPU 12a and transmits the screen signal to, for example, the display unit (display device) 12 of the cell processing system 100, as well as video memory for temporarily storing screen and image data.

[0025] The I / O interface 12e is a device that communicates with the observation unit 11 and controls them or acquires information such as images. The I / O interface 12e may include a servo driver (servo controller). The I / O interface 12e may also be connected to, for example, an input device 14 outside the cell processing system 100.

[0026] The GPU 12f processes the image (captured image) input from the observation unit 11. The classifier 125 used by the control unit 12 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 12c. Therefore, when the control unit 12 functions as a classifier that identifies target cells and non-target cells in the captured image, that is, when the control unit 12 assigns a classification to each pixel of the captured image, the classifier 125 is read into the main memory 12b at runtime and decoded by the GPU 12f. For this reason, the GPU 12f functions as a classifier 122.

[0027] Bus 12h can also be connected to external devices. Examples of such external devices include external storage devices (external databases, etc.) and printers. The control unit 12 can be connected to a communication network via a communication device connected to bus 12h, and can be configured to connect to external devices via the communication network.

[0028] The display unit 13 may be a monitor that outputs video (for example, various image display devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) or cathode ray tube (CRT) displays).

[0029] The input device 14 may include a touch panel, trackpad, mouse or other pointing device, keyboard, or push buttons that can be operated by the user's fingers.

[0030] Next, we will describe the information processing method of Embodiment 1 using the cell processing system 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0031] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the information processing method of Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 3, the information processing method of Embodiment 1 includes steps S1 (observation), S2 (imaging), S3 (acquisition), S4 (identification), S5 (calculation), S6 (output), and S7 (display). In the information processing method of Embodiment 1, steps S1 and S2 are arbitrary steps and may or may not be included.

[0032] In step S1, the observation unit 11 is used to observe the cells in the culture vessel, which are the subject of observation. In step S1, part or all of the culture vessel is observed. If the observation unit 11 is equipped with an objective lens, in step S1, the observation may be made visible to the user of the cell processing system 100 through the objective lens of the observation unit 11. Alternatively, in step S1, the observation image of the subject of observation obtained using the observation unit 11 may be output to the display unit 13 via the control unit 12, and made visible to the user of the cell processing system 100 via the display unit 13.

[0033] In step S2, the observation unit 11 is used to capture one or more observation images (captured images) that include the cells in the culture vessel, which are the subject of observation. In step S2, an observation image (captured image) including the cells in the culture vessel is captured for part or all of the culture vessel. When capturing the entire culture vessel, in step S2, the culture vessel may be divided into multiple fractions according to the field of view of the observation unit 11, and each fraction may be captured to capture the entire culture vessel. In step S2, the observation unit 11 transmits the captured image to the control unit 12, and stores it in the auxiliary storage device 12c of the control unit 12. In step S2, if multiple captured images are captured, one captured image selected by the user or the like may be stored.

[0034] Next, in step S3, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the captured image stored in the auxiliary storage device 12c. Then, in step S4, the identification unit 122 uses the classifier 125 to identify whether each pixel of the acquired captured image is a target cell or a non-target cell. The identification unit 122 then associates the identified classification, for example, the classification of a target cell or a non-target cell, with each pixel. In step S4, if the pixel identified does not correspond to either a target cell or a non-target cell, the identification unit 122 may identify it as, for example, the culture vessel or the culture medium in the culture vessel, which are not the target cell or the non-target cell. In the cell processing system 100 of Embodiment 1, the classifier 125 uses a classifier capable of identifying the target cell and the non-target cell, but the identification unit 122 may instead use, for example, a classifier capable of identifying the target cell or a classifier capable of identifying the non-target cell. If the identification unit 122 is a classifier capable of identifying the target cells or the non-target cells, the identification unit 122 identifies the target cells or non-target cells in the culture vessel, for example, using the classifier 125. The identification unit 122 can then identify the region where the non-target cells or target cells are present, for example, from the difference between the region where the cells are present in the culture vessel and the region where the target cells or non-target cells are identified. The region where the cells are present can be identified, for example, by performing a binarization process on the captured image.

[0035] The classifier 125 can be generated by machine learning using supervised or unsupervised data, depending on the target to be identified by the classifier 125. Specifically, when the classifier 125 is to identify target cells or non-target cells, the classifier 125 can generate images containing the target cells and / or non-target cells as training data using machine learning. For example, the machine learning can use models for semantic segmentation, instance segmentation, or panoptic segmentation, such as U-Net, SegNet, or FCN (Fully Convolutional Network). The number of training data points is not particularly limited and can be set by the user, for example, depending on the identification accuracy of the resulting classifier 125.

[0036] Next, in step S5, the calculation unit 123 calculates the area, ratio, and / or proportion of at least one of the target cells and non-target cells in the image that was assigned identification in step S4. In step S4, each pixel of the captured image is assigned and linked with a classification identified by the classifier 125. Therefore, in step S5, the area, ratio, and / or proportion of at least one of the target cells and non-target cells can be calculated by counting the pixels that have been assigned the desired classification.

[0037] Specifically, in step S5, the area of ​​the target cells can be calculated by counting the number of classifications of the target cells or the number of pixels to which the classification of the target cells is assigned in each pixel of the captured image. In step S5, the area of ​​the non-target cells can be calculated by counting the number of classifications of the non-target cells or the number of pixels to which the classification of the non-target cells is assigned in each pixel of the captured image. In step S5, the total area of ​​the target cells and non-target cells can be calculated by counting the number of classifications of the target cells and non-target cells, or the number of pixels to which the classification of the target cells and non-target cells is assigned in each pixel of the captured image. Furthermore, in step S5, ratios and proportions can be calculated using the area, and the ratio of the target cells to the non-target cells, the proportion of the target cells or non-target cells in the total area of ​​the target cells and non-target cells, etc. can be calculated using the area of ​​the target cells and the area of ​​the non-target cells. In step S5, the proportion of at least one of the target cells and non-target cells in the culture vessel may be calculated based on the area of ​​the culture vessel or the number of pixels of the culture vessel in the captured image. The area may be a relative value or an absolute value. If the area is an absolute value, in step S5, the absolute value of the area is calculated, for example, according to the area of ​​the culture vessel or the area of ​​one pixel.

[0038] Next, in step S6, the output unit 124 outputs the area and ratio calculated in step S5, along with the captured image used to calculate the area and ratio, to the display unit 13. Then, in step S7, as shown in Figure 4, the display unit 13 displays the output area A and ratio R, along with the captured image. In Embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 4, the output unit 124 outputs the total area (A1) of the target cells and non-target cells as area A (Total cell area (mm)). 2 )), Area of ​​the unwanted cell (A2) (mm 2 )), and the area of ​​the target cell (A3) (Wanted cell area (mm) 2The output unit 124 outputs the following as percentages R1 to the display unit 13: the percentage of target cells and non-target cells in the culture vessel R1, the percentage of non-target cells in the total area of ​​target cells and non-target cells R2, and the percentage of target cells in the total area of ​​target cells and non-target cells R3 (S6). The display unit 13 then displays the areas R1 to R3 (S7). The information processing method of Embodiment 1 then terminates.

[0039] (Effects of Embodiment 1) In the cell processing system 100 of Embodiment 1, the identification unit 122 assigns a classification of target cells or non-target cells to each pixel of the captured image. Then, in the cell processing system 100 of Embodiment 1, the calculation unit 123 calculates the area, ratio, and / or percentage of at least one of the target cells and non-target cells based on the number of pixels to which the classification of target cells and non-target cells has been assigned. Therefore, in the cell processing system 100 of Embodiment 1, the control unit 12 can calculate the area, ratio, and percentage of target cells and non-target cells in the captured image based on the number of pixels containing target cells and non-target cells. Thus, according to the cell processing system 100 of Embodiment 1, unlike visual judgment by an expert, the area, ratio, and percentage of target cells and non-target cells in the culture vessel can be evaluated. Furthermore, since the area, ratio, and percentage of target cells and non-target cells can be evaluated in the cell processing system 100 of Embodiment 1, for example, the culture conditions in the culture vessel can also be evaluated.

[0040] In the cell processing system 100 of Embodiment 1, the combination of target cells and non-target cells is arbitrary, provided that the two cells are different in scope. For example, the target cells may be iPS cells and the non-target cells may be cells other than iPS cells. Examples of the combination of target cells and non-target cells (in any order) include cells that differentiate from undifferentiated cells (progenitor cells) in a differentiation induction system and combinations of the undifferentiated cells.

[0041] In the cell processing system 100 of Embodiment 1, the identification unit 122 uses a classifier 125 to assign classifications to pixels in the captured image that include target cells and non-target cells. However, the identification method by the identification unit 122 is not limited to this in this disclosure. The identification unit 122 may, for example, use image classification (image segmentation) methods such as supervised classification or unsupervised classification to identify target cells and non-target cells in the captured image, and optionally associate the identified classification with the identified region or pixel.

[0042] In the cell processing system 100 of Embodiment 1, the display method in the display unit 13 may be changed based on the area, ratio, and proportion of the target cells or non-target cells. In this case, the cell processing system 100 of Embodiment 1 includes a control unit 12 that determines, for example, whether the area, ratio, and / or proportion meet predetermined conditions. If the display determination unit determines that the area, ratio, and / or proportion meet predetermined conditions, the output unit 124 outputs the calculated area, ratio, and / or proportion, along with data specifying the display format for the calculated area, ratio, and / or proportion, to the display unit 13. On the other hand, if the display determination unit determines that the area, ratio, and / or proportion do not meet predetermined conditions, the output unit 124 outputs the calculated area, ratio, and / or proportion to the display unit 13, but does not output the data specifying the display format for the calculated area, ratio, and / or proportion to the display unit 13.

[0043] The predetermined conditions can be entered and set in advance by the user of the cell processing system 100 using, for example, the input device 14. There may be one or more conditions. Examples of the conditions include lower limits, upper limits, or numerical ranges for the area, ratio, and percentage. The area, ratio, and percentage used by the display determination unit for determination may be, for example, the area, ratio, and / or percentage of the target cells, the area, ratio, and / or percentage of the non-target cells, or the area, ratio, and / or percentage of both the target cells and non-target cells. The cell processing system 100 of Embodiment 1 can effectively notify the user of the existence of an area, ratio, and / or percentage that satisfies the conditions by changing the display format on the display unit 13 when the area, ratio, and / or percentage of the target cells and non-target cells satisfies the conditions, for example, by the display determination unit. Examples of the display changes include the display color, display size, and pop-up display.

[0044] In the cell processing system 100 of Embodiment 1, for example, in the display by the display unit 13, the region to which the classification of cells is assigned may be displayed in a different format from other regions so that the location of at least one of the target cells and the non-target cells can be identified.

[0045] (Embodiment 2) In the cell processing system 100 of Embodiment 1, the identification unit 122 classifies the captured image into target cells and non-target cells, and based on the classification, the calculation unit 123 calculates the area, ratio, and / or percentage of the target cells and the non-target cells, and displays these on the display unit 13. In the cell processing system 200 of Embodiment 2, an example will be described in which the area, ratio, and / or percentage of the target cells and the non-target cells calculated by the calculation unit 123 are used as indicators, and the laser irradiation device performs laser processing on at least one of the target cells and the non-target cells.

[0046] The cell processing system 200 of Embodiment 2 includes a laser processing unit 15 in addition to the configuration of the cell processing system 100 of Embodiment 1. Furthermore, the control unit 12 of the cell processing system 200 of Embodiment 2 includes a processing determination unit 135 and a setting unit 136. Except for this point, the configuration of the cell processing system 200 of Embodiment 2 is the same as the configuration of the cell processing system 100 of Embodiment 1, and its description can be applied accordingly.

[0047] In the cell processing system 200 of Embodiment 2, the hardware configuration of the control unit 12 is the same as that of the control unit 12 of Embodiment 1, except that the CPU 12a functions as a processing determination unit 135 and a setting unit 136, and the explanation therefor can be applied.

[0048] The laser processing unit 15 is capable of irradiating the culture vessel with a laser. By irradiating the culture vessel with a laser, the laser processing unit 15 can use a laser irradiation device that can change the state of at least one of the target cells and non-target cells in the control unit 12. For example, the laser processing unit 15 can employ a configuration similar to that of the laser irradiation means described in International Publication No. 2018 / 146854.

[0049] Next, a cell processing method including the information processing method of Embodiment 2 using the cell processing system 200 of Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0050] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a cell processing method including the information processing method of Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 6, the cell processing method including the information processing method of Embodiment 2 includes steps S8 (condition determination), S9 (setting), and S10 (laser processing) in addition to steps S1 to S7 of the information processing method of Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 6, in the cell processing method of Embodiment 2, steps S8 to S10 are performed after steps S1 to S7, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Steps S8 to S10 may be performed after steps S1 to S5, before steps S6 and S7, or simultaneously with steps S6 and S7.

[0051] First, steps S1 to S7 are performed, similar to the information processing method of Embodiment 1. Next, in step S8, the processing determination unit 135 determines whether the area calculated in step S5 satisfies predetermined conditions. If the processing determination unit 135 determines in step S8 that the area satisfies predetermined conditions, i.e., Yes, the cell processing method of Embodiment 2 proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, if the processing determination unit 135 determines that the area does not satisfy predetermined conditions, i.e., No, the cell processing method of Embodiment 2 terminates the process without performing laser processing.

[0052] In step S8, the processing determination unit 135 made a determination using area as an indicator, but in step S8, instead of or in addition to the area, the ratio and / or percentage calculated in step S5 may be used as an indicator. The predetermined conditions can be input and set in advance by the user of the cell processing system 100 using, for example, the input device 14. There may be one or more conditions. Examples of the conditions include the lower limit, upper limit, or numerical range of the area, ratio, and percentage. Furthermore, the area, ratio, and percentage used by the display determination unit for determination may be, for example, the area, ratio, and / or percentage of the target cells, the area, ratio, and / or percentage of the non-target cells, or the area, ratio, and / or percentage of both the target cells and the non-target cells. By setting a lower limit for the area of ​​the target cells or the proportion of the target cells in the culture vessel as one of the conditions, step S8 can, for example, determine whether the target cells have increased to the desired amount or number, and then use this as a condition to decide whether to recover the target cells by laser treatment. Furthermore, by setting a lower limit for the area of ​​the non-target cells, the proportion of the non-target cells in the culture vessel, or the ratio of the area of ​​the non-target cells to the area of ​​the target cells as one of the conditions, step S8 can, for example, determine whether the number of non-target cells has increased too much, and then use this as a condition to decide whether to remove the non-target cells by laser treatment.

[0053] Next, in step S9, the setting unit 136 sets the irradiation conditions for the laser irradiated from the laser processing unit 15. Examples of the irradiation conditions include the laser irradiation area, irradiation intensity, irradiation time, and irradiation speed. The laser irradiation area may be one of the target cells and the non-target cells, or it may be both the target cells and the non-target cells. The irradiation conditions can be set, for example, according to the change in the state of cells to be caused in at least one of the target cells and the non-target cells.

[0054] In step S10, based on the set laser irradiation conditions, the laser processing unit 15 directly or indirectly irradiates the culture vessel, specifically the cells in the culture vessel, with a laser, thereby changing the state of at least one of the target cells and non-target cells identified by the identification unit 122.

[0055] (Embodiment 3) The program of this embodiment is a program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method described herein. In the program of this embodiment, "processing" can also be said to be, for example, a "procedure" or an "instruction". The program of this embodiment may also be recorded on, for example, a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium is not particularly limited and includes, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk (HD), solid state drive (SSD), optical disc, floppy disk (FD), and the like.

[0056] While the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure may be made that will be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0057] <Note> Some or all of the above embodiments and examples may be described as follows, but are not limited to the following. <Information Processing Device> (Note 1) An acquisition unit that acquires an image containing cells in a culture vessel, An identification unit that identifies at least one of the target cell and the non-target cell in the aforementioned image, A calculation unit that calculates the area, ratio, and / or proportion of at least one of the target cells and non-target cells in the identified image, Includes an output unit that outputs the calculated area, ratio, and / or proportion to a display unit, An information processing device used for cell treatment using laser irradiation. (Note 2) The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 1, wherein the identification unit identifies the target cells and / or non-target cells using an identifier capable of distinguishing them. (Note 3) The identification unit identifies at least one of the target cell and the non-target cell for each pixel of the image, and associates the classification of the identified cell with each pixel. The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the calculation unit calculates the area and / or the ratio using the classification of cells associated with each pixel. (Note 4) The area, ratio, and / or proportion mentioned above are, In the identified image, Area of ​​at least one of the target cells and the non-target cells, The total area of ​​the target cells and the non-target cells, The ratio of the target cells to the non-target cells, The ratio of the target cells or the non-target cells to the total area of ​​the target cells and the non-target cells, and / or The information processing device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the proportion of at least one of the target cells and the non-target cells in the culture vessel. (Note 5) A processing determination unit that determines whether the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, It includes a setting unit for setting the conditions for laser irradiation of at least one of the target cells and the non-target cells, The information processing apparatus according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein the processing determination unit determines that the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, and the setting unit sets the conditions for laser irradiation. (Note 6) Includes a display determination unit that determines whether the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, The information processing device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, wherein, when the display determination unit determines that the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, the output unit outputs the calculated area, ratio, and / or proportion, and the display format of the calculated area, ratio, and / or proportion, to the display unit. <Cell Processing System> (Note 7) An information processing device is provided in one of the appendices 1 to 6, The system includes a laser irradiation device capable of irradiating a culture vessel with a laser, The laser irradiation device irradiates the culture vessel with a laser to change the state of at least one of the target cells and non-target cells identified in the information processing device. Cell processing system. (Note 8) The cell processing system according to Appendix 7, comprising an optical observation device capable of observing cells in the culture vessel. <Information Processing Methods> (Note 9) An acquisition process to acquire an image containing cells in a culture vessel, A recognition step of identifying at least one of the target cells and non-target cells in the aforementioned image, A calculation step of calculating the area, ratio, and / or proportion of at least one of the target cells and non-target cells in the identified image, Includes an output step that outputs the calculated area, ratio, and / or percentage to a display step, An information processing method used for cell treatment by laser irradiation. (Note 10) The information processing method according to claim 9, wherein the identification step involves identifying the target cells and / or non-target cells using a classifier capable of distinguishing them. (Note 11) The identification step involves identifying at least one of the target cell and the non-target cell for each pixel of the image, and associating the classification of the identified cell with each pixel. The information processing method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the calculation step involves calculating the area and / or the proportion using the classification of cells associated with each pixel. (Note 12) The area, ratio, and / or proportion mentioned above are, In the identified image, Area of ​​at least one of the target cells and the non-target cells, The total area of ​​the target cells and the non-target cells, The ratio of the target cells to the non-target cells, The ratio of the target cells or the non-target cells to the total area of ​​the target cells and the non-target cells, and / or The information processing method according to any one of appendices 9 to 11, wherein the proportion of at least one of the target cells and the non-target cells in the culture vessel is the proportion of the target cells and the non-target cells. (Note 13) A processing determination step that determines whether the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, The process includes setting conditions for laser irradiation of at least one of the target cells and the non-target cells, The information processing method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein if the processing determination step determines that the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, the setting step sets the conditions for laser irradiation. (Note 14) The process includes a display determination step that determines whether the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, If the display determination step determines that the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, the output step outputs the calculated area, ratio, and / or proportion, and the display format of the calculated area, ratio, and / or proportion to the display unit, according to any one of claims 9 to 13. <Program> (Note 15) On the computer, The acquisition process involves obtaining an image containing cells within a culture vessel, A recognition process that identifies at least one of the target cells and non-target cells in the aforementioned image, A calculation process is performed to calculate the area, ratio, and / or proportion of at least one of the target cells and non-target cells in the identified image. The system executes an output process that displays the calculated area, ratio, and / or percentage. A program for use in cell treatment using laser irradiation. (Note 16) The identification process is a program as described in Appendix 15, which identifies the target cells and / or non-target cells using a classifier capable of distinguishing them. (Note 17) The aforementioned identification process identifies at least one of the target cell and the non-target cell for each pixel of the image, and associates the classification of the identified cell with each pixel. The calculation process described above uses the classification of cells associated with each pixel to calculate the area and / or the proportion, as described in Appendix 15 or 16. (Note 18) The area, ratio, and / or proportion mentioned above are, In the identified image, Area of ​​at least one of the target cells and the non-target cells, The total area of ​​the target cells and the non-target cells, The ratio of the target cells to the non-target cells, The ratio of the target cells or the non-target cells to the total area of ​​the target cells and the non-target cells, and / or The program according to any one of appendices 15 to 17, wherein the proportion of at least one of the target cells and the non-target cells in the culture vessel is the proportion of the target cells and the non-target cells. (Note 19) A processing determination process that determines whether the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, The process includes setting conditions for laser irradiation of at least one of the target cells and the non-target cells, The program according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein if the processing determination process determines that the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, the setting process sets the conditions for laser irradiation. (Note 20) Includes a display determination process that determines whether the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, If the display determination process determines that the area, ratio, and / or percentage meet predetermined conditions, the output process outputs the calculated area, ratio, and / or percentage, along with the display format of the calculated area, ratio, and / or percentage, to the display unit, according to any of the programs described in Appendix 15 to 19. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 11 Observation Department 12 Control Unit 121 Acquisition Department 122 Identification Unit 123 Calculation Section 124 Output section 135 Processing determination unit 136 Settings Section 13 Display section 14 Input devices 15 Laser Processing Unit 100, 200 cell processing system

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires an image containing cells in a culture vessel, An identification unit that identifies at least one of the target cell and the non-target cell in the aforementioned image, A calculation unit that calculates the area, ratio, and / or proportion of at least one of the target cells and non-target cells in the identified image, Includes an output unit that outputs the calculated area, ratio, and / or proportion to a display unit, An information processing device used for cell treatment using laser irradiation.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification unit identifies the target cells and / or non-target cells using an identifier capable of identifying them.

3. The identification unit identifies at least one of the target cell and the non-target cell for each pixel of the image, and associates the classification of the identified cell with each pixel. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the calculation unit calculates the area and / or the ratio using the classification of cells associated with each pixel.

4. The area, ratio, and / or proportion mentioned above are, In the identified image, Area of ​​at least one of the target cells and the non-target cells, The total area of ​​the target cells and the non-target cells, The ratio of the target cells to the non-target cells, The ratio of the target cells or the non-target cells to the total area of ​​the target cells and the non-target cells, and / or The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the proportion of at least one of the target cells and the non-target cells in the culture vessel.

5. A processing determination unit that determines whether the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, It includes a setting unit for setting the conditions for laser irradiation of at least one of the target cells and the non-target cells, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein if the processing determination unit determines that the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, the setting unit sets the conditions for laser irradiation.

6. Includes a display determination unit that determines whether the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein if the display determination unit determines that the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, the output unit outputs the calculated area, ratio, and / or proportion, and the display format of the calculated area, ratio, and / or proportion, to the display unit.

7. Claim 1 or 2 includes an information processing device, The invention includes a laser irradiation device capable of irradiating a culture vessel with a laser, The laser irradiation device irradiates the culture vessel with a laser to change the state of at least one of the target cells and non-target cells identified in the information processing device. Cell processing system.

8. The cell processing system according to claim 7, further comprising an optical observation device capable of observing cells in the culture vessel.

9. An acquisition process to acquire an image containing cells in a culture vessel, A recognition step of identifying at least one of the target cells and non-target cells in the aforementioned image, A calculation step of calculating the area, ratio, and / or proportion of at least one of the target cells and non-target cells in the identified image, Includes an output step that outputs the calculated area, ratio, and / or percentage to a display step, An information processing method used for cell treatment by laser irradiation.

10. The information processing method according to claim 9, wherein the identification step involves identifying the target cells and / or non-target cells using a classifier capable of identifying them.

11. The identification step involves identifying at least one of the target cell and the non-target cell for each pixel of the image, and associating the classification of the identified cell with each pixel. The information processing method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the calculation step involves calculating the area and / or the ratio using the classification of cells associated with each pixel.

12. The area, ratio, and / or proportion mentioned above are, In the identified image, Area of ​​at least one of the target cells and the non-target cells, The total area of ​​the target cells and the non-target cells, The ratio of the target cells to the non-target cells, The ratio of the target cells or the non-target cells to the total area of ​​the target cells and the non-target cells, and / or The information processing method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the proportion of at least one of the target cells and the non-target cells in the culture vessel is the proportion of the target cells and the non-target cells.

13. A processing determination step that determines whether the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, The process includes a setting step of setting conditions for laser irradiation of at least one of the target cells and the non-target cells, The information processing method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein if the processing determination step determines that the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, the setting step sets the conditions for laser irradiation.

14. The process includes a display determination step that determines whether the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, The information processing method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein if the display determination step determines that the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, the output step outputs the calculated area, ratio, and / or proportion, and the display format of the calculated area, ratio, and / or proportion, to the display unit.

15. On the computer, The acquisition process involves obtaining an image containing cells within a culture vessel, A recognition process that identifies at least one of the target cells and non-target cells in the aforementioned image, A calculation process is performed to calculate the area, ratio, and / or proportion of at least one of the target cells and non-target cells in the identified image. The system executes an output process that displays the calculated area, ratio, and / or percentage. A program for use in cell treatment using laser irradiation.

16. The program according to claim 15, wherein the identification process identifies the target cells and / or non-target cells using a classifier capable of distinguishing them.

17. The aforementioned identification process identifies at least one of the target cell and the non-target cell for each pixel of the image, and associates the classification of the identified cell with each pixel. The program according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the calculation process calculates the area and / or the ratio using the classification of cells associated with each pixel.

18. The area, ratio, and / or proportion mentioned above are, In the identified image, Area of ​​at least one of the target cells and the non-target cells, The total area of ​​the target cells and the non-target cells, The ratio of the target cells to the non-target cells, The ratio of the target cells or the non-target cells to the total area of ​​the target cells and the non-target cells, and / or The program according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the proportion of at least one of the target cells and the non-target cells in the culture vessel.

19. A processing determination process that determines whether the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, The process includes setting conditions for laser irradiation of at least one of the target cells and the non-target cells, The program according to claim 15 or 16, wherein if the processing determination process determines that the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, the setting process sets the conditions for laser irradiation.

20. Includes a display determination process that determines whether the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, The program according to claim 15 or 16, wherein if the display determination process determines that the area, ratio, and / or proportion satisfy predetermined conditions, the output process outputs the calculated area, ratio, and / or proportion, and the display format of the calculated area, ratio, and / or proportion, to the display unit.

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