Management device, management method, and management program

Abstract

To improve productivity in cultures where culture media are reused. [Solution] The culture management server 10 manages the culture at each stage in which the culture medium M is reused. The culture management server 10 stores culture protocols that show the culture conditions for each target O to be cultured, acquires culture medium parameters that show the state of the culture medium M at each stage of culture, and adjusts the state of the culture medium M based on the stored culture protocols and acquired culture medium parameters.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management device, a management method, and a management program.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A technique is known for reusing a culture medium (referred to as "used culture medium" as appropriate) that has been used for culturing culturing targets such as microorganisms, animal and plant cells. At this time, a worker removes the culturing targets and products from the culture medium used in the first step, replenishes nutrients and the like to the used culture medium in the second step, and then introduces new culturing targets.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003]

PATENT DOCUMENT 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] However, it is difficult to improve productivity in culture that reuses culture media. For example, in the above technique, since the reuse of culture media is not systematized, it has poor versatility for various types of used culture media.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to improve productivity in culture that reuses culture media.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0006] A control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a control device for managing culture at each stage in which a culture medium is reused, and comprises a memory and a processor connected to the memory, wherein the memory stores a culture protocol indicating the culture conditions for each target of culture, and the processor performs the following: acquiring culture medium parameters indicating the state of the culture medium at each stage of culture, and adjusting the state of the culture medium based on the stored culture protocol and the acquired culture medium parameters.

[0007] A management method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a management method performed by a management device that manages the culture at each stage in which the culture medium is reused, wherein the management device acquires culture medium parameters indicating the state of the culture medium at each stage of the culture, and adjusts the state of the culture medium to be reused based on the culture protocol indicating the culture conditions for each culture target to be stored and the acquired culture medium parameters.

[0008] A management program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a management device that manages the culture at each stage in which the culture medium is reused to perform the following actions: acquire culture medium parameters indicating the state of the culture medium at each stage of the culture; and adjust the state of the culture medium to be reused based on the culture protocol indicating the culture conditions for each culture target to be stored and the acquired culture medium parameters. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, there is an effect of improving productivity in cultures where the culture medium is reused. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example configuration and processing example of a culture management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an overview of the culture management system related to the reference technology. [Figure 3] Block diagram showing examples of the configuration of each device in the culture management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a culture protocol storage unit of a culture management server according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a culture medium parameter storage unit of a culture management server according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a determination result storage unit of a culture management server according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the analysis model storage unit of the culture management server according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows a specific example of the overall processing of the culture management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of the overall processing flow of the culture management system according to the present invention. [Figure 10] A flowchart showing an example of the acquisition control process flow of the culture management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows an example of the flow of the analysis and control process of the culture management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows an example of the flow of the adjustment and control process of the culture management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows an example of the flow of the judgment control process of the culture management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of a hardware configuration according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, a management device, a management method, and a management program according to one embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0012] In the following, the configuration and processing of the culture management system 100 according to the embodiment, the configuration and processing of each device of the culture management system 100, specific examples of each processing of the culture management system 100, the flow of each processing of the culture management system 100, and the effects of the embodiment will be described.

[0013] [1. Configuration and Processing of Culture Management System 100] The configuration and processing of the culture management system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example and a processing example of the culture management system 100 according to the embodiment. In the following, the overall configuration example of the culture management system 100, the overall processing example of the culture management system 100, the outline and problems of the culture management system 10-P according to the reference art, as well as the outline and effects of the culture management system 100 will be described.

[0014] (1-1. Overall Configuration Example of Culture Management System 100) The culture management system 100 is composed of a culture management server 10, culture tanks 20 (20A, 20B, 20C, ...), and adjustment devices 30 (30A, 30B, 30C, ...). Here, the culture management server 10, the culture tanks 20, and the adjustment devices 30 are communicably connected by wire or wireless via a communication network N (not shown). Note that various communication networks such as the Internet and dedicated lines can be adopted as the communication network N.

[0015] (1-1-1. Culture Management Server 10) The culture management server 10 is a management apparatus that manages culture at each stage of reusing the medium M. In addition, the culture management server 10 stores a culture protocol CP.

[0016] Here, the culture protocol CP is data that shows the culture conditions for each target organism O. For example, the culture protocol CP includes data for the culture medium M, such as the standard range of temperature, standard range of pH, standard range of each nutrient concentration, standard range of heavy metal concentration, standard range of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), standard range of chemical oxygen demand (COD), and standard range of dissolved oxygen (DO).

[0017] The culture management system 100 shown in Figure 1 may include multiple culture management servers 10. In the example in Figure 1, the culture management server 10 is shown to be implemented by a server, but it may also be implemented by a desktop PC (Personal Computer), notebook PC, smartphone, cloud system, etc.

[0018] (1-1-2.Culture tank 20) The culture tank 20 is a container for holding culture medium M (MA, MB, MC, ...) containing the culture target O (OA, OB, OC, ...). The culture tank 20 is installed in culture room CR (CR-A, CR-B, CR-C, ...) and operated by worker W (WA, WB, WC, ...).

[0019] In the example shown in Figure 1, culture vessel 20A is a container for holding medium MA containing the first stage culture target OA, and is installed in culture room CR-A, where the work is performed by worker WA. Culture vessel 20B is a container for holding medium MB containing the second stage culture target OB, and is installed in culture room CR-B, where the work is performed by worker WB. Culture vessel 20C is a container for holding medium MC containing the third stage culture target OC, and is installed in culture room CR-C, where the work is performed by worker WC. At this time, medium M is reused in the order of medium MA, medium MB, medium MC, ...

[0020] (1-1-3. Adjustment equipment 30) The adjustment device 30 is installed in the culture tank 20 and measures the culture medium parameter MP. The adjustment device 30 is also installed in the culture tank 20 and adjusts the state of the culture medium M.

[0021] Here, the culture medium parameter MP is data that indicates the state of the culture medium M. For example, the culture medium parameter MP includes data that represents the state of the culture medium M, such as temperature, pH, concentrations of each nutrient, heavy metal concentration, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, and dissolved oxygen over time.

[0022] In the example shown in Figure 1, adjustment device 30A is installed in the first stage culture tank 20A to measure the medium parameter MP-A, which indicates the state of the medium MA, and adjust the state of the medium MA. Adjustment device 30B is installed in the second stage culture tank 20B to measure the medium parameter MP-B, which indicates the state of the medium MB, and adjust the state of the medium MB. Adjustment device 30C is installed in the third stage culture tank 20C to measure the medium parameter MP-C, which indicates the state of the medium MC, and adjust the state of the medium MC.

[0023] (1-2. Example of the entire culture management system 100) This section describes an example of the overall processing of the culture management system 100. Below, we will explain the first culture management process (step S1) for managing the first stage of culture, the second culture management process (step S2) for managing the second stage of culture, and the third culture management process (step S3) for managing the third stage of culture. Note that the culture management system 100 can also manage culture from the fourth stage onward.

[0024] (1-2-1. First culture management procedure) Firstly, the culture management server 10 performs the first culture management process (step S1). The culture management server 10 manages the culture of the target OA, which is the first stage of culture and uses unused culture medium M, which is culture medium MA.

[0025] First, the worker WA introduces the target OA for the first stage of culture into the culture medium MA, adjusts the initial culture conditions, and starts the first stage of culture.

[0026] Furthermore, the culture management server 10 acquires and stores medium parameters MP-A, which indicate the state of the medium MA measured by the adjustment device 30A, at regular intervals. For example, the culture management server 10 acquires and stores the temperature, pH, and concentrations of each nutrient of the medium MA as medium parameters MP-A every minute.

[0027] Furthermore, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture protocol CP-A, which indicates the culture conditions of the culture target OA to be stored, and analyzes the relationship between the culture medium parameters MP-A and the reference range indicated by the culture protocol CP-A. For example, the culture management server 10 inputs the culture protocol CP-A along with the culture medium parameters MP-A, such as the temperature, pH, and concentration of each nutrient in the culture medium MA, into the analysis model AM, which is a trained machine learning model, and outputs the difference between the temperature, pH, and concentration of each nutrient in the culture medium MA and the reference range.

[0028] Furthermore, the culture management server 10 adjusts the state of the culture medium MA corresponding to the culture target OA via the adjustment device 30A, according to the analyzed correlation. For example, the culture management server 10 identifies the state of the culture medium MA that shows a value outside the reference range according to the difference from the reference range output by the analysis model AM, and adjusts the identified state of the culture medium MA so that it shows a value within the reference range.

[0029] Furthermore, the culture management server 10 refers to the reference range indicated by the culture medium parameters MP-A and the culture protocol CP-A after the completion of the first stage of culture to determine whether the culture medium MA can be reused after the completion of the first stage of culture. For example, if the heavy metal concentration or biochemical oxygen demand of the culture medium MA after the completion of the first stage of culture is outside the reference range, the culture management server 10 determines that the culture medium MA should not be reused and should be discarded. On the other hand, if the heavy metal concentration or biochemical oxygen demand of the culture medium MA after the completion of the first stage of culture is within the reference range, the culture management server 10 determines that the culture medium MA should be reused for the second stage of culture.

[0030] Then, worker WA removes the culture target OA and product from the culture medium MA, and if the culture medium MA is to be reused, provides it to worker WB as the culture medium MB to be used for the second stage of cultivation.

[0031] (1-2-2. Second Culture Management Procedure) Secondly, the culture management server 10 executes the second culture management process (step S2). The culture management server 10 manages the culture of the target organism OB in the second stage of culture, using medium MA, which is the used medium UM used in the first stage, as medium MB. Explanations that are common to the first culture management process will be omitted as appropriate.

[0032] First, at the start of the second stage of culture, the culture management server 10 acquires and saves the culture medium parameter MP-B, which indicates the state of the culture medium MB measured by the adjustment device 30B. At this time, the culture management server 10 can refer to the culture protocol CP, which indicates the culture conditions for each culture target O to be saved, determine which culture target O is suitable for culturing in culture medium MB, and notify the operator WB.

[0033] Furthermore, worker WB introduces the target culture OB for the second stage of cultivation into the culture medium MB, and starts the second stage of cultivation.

[0034] Furthermore, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture protocol CP-B, which indicates the culture conditions of the culture target OB to be stored, and analyzes the relationship between the culture medium parameters MP-B and the reference range indicated by the culture protocol CP-B.

[0035] Furthermore, the culture management server 10 adjusts the state of the culture medium MB corresponding to the culture target OB via the adjustment device 30B, according to the analyzed correlation.

[0036] Furthermore, the culture management server 10 refers to the medium parameter MP-B after the completion of the second stage of culture and the reference range indicated by the culture protocol CP-B to determine whether it is appropriate to reuse the medium MB after the completion of the second stage of culture.

[0037] Then, worker WB removes the culture target OB and product from the culture medium MB, and if the culture medium MB is to be reused, provides it to worker WC as the culture medium MC to be used in the third stage of cultivation.

[0038] (1-2-3. Third Culture Management Procedure) Thirdly, the culture management server 10 executes the third culture management process (step S3). The culture management server 10 manages the culture of the target OC, which is the third stage of culture, using the used culture medium MB, which is the culture medium UM used in the second stage, as the culture medium MC. Explanations that are common to the first or second culture management process will be omitted as appropriate.

[0039] First, at the start of the third stage of culture, the culture management server 10 acquires and saves the culture medium parameter MP-C, which indicates the state of the culture medium MC detected by the adjustment device 30C. At this time, the culture management server 10 can refer to the culture protocol CP, which indicates the culture conditions for each culture target O to be saved, determine which culture target O is suitable for culturing in the culture medium MC, and notify the operator WC.

[0040] Furthermore, worker WC introduces the target OC for the third stage of cultivation into the culture medium MC, and begins the third stage of cultivation.

[0041] Furthermore, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture protocol CP-C, which indicates the culture conditions of the target OC to be stored, and analyzes the relationship between the culture medium parameter MP-C and the reference range indicated by the culture protocol CP-C.

[0042] Furthermore, the culture management server 10 adjusts the state of the culture medium MC corresponding to the target OC via the adjustment device 30C, according to the analyzed correlation.

[0043] Furthermore, the culture management server 10 refers to the reference range indicated by the culture medium parameter MP-C and the culture protocol CP-C after the completion of the third stage of culture, and determines whether it is appropriate to reuse the culture medium MC after the completion of the third stage of culture.

[0044] Then, worker WC removes the culture target OC and product from the culture medium MC, and if the culture medium MC is to be reused, provides it as the culture medium M to be used for the fourth stage and beyond of the culture.

[0045] (1-3. Overview and problems of the 100-P culture management system) Referring to Figure 2, we will explain the overview and problems of the culture management system 100-P related to the reference technology. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the culture management system 100-P related to the reference technology. Below, we will explain the overview of the culture management system 100-P that reuses used culture medium UM, and then explain the problems of the culture management system 100-P.

[0046] (1-3-1. Overview of the Culture Management System 100-P) Refer to Figure 2 to explain the overview of the culture management system 100-P. As shown in the example in Figure 2, firstly, in the culture management system 100-P, operator W performs "Culture A" in the first stage of culture, adding CHO (Chinese Hamster Ovary) cell solution to culture tank 20A and culturing CHO cells as the target culture O using unused medium M (see Figure 2(1)). Secondly, after the completion of the first stage of culture, operator W removes the CHO cell fraction and the antibody product from culture tank 20A (see Figure 2(2)). Thirdly, in the second stage of culture, operator W transfers the used medium UM to culture tank 20B, adds glycerol solution as a nutrient to culture tank 20B, and then adds E. coli solution (see Figure 2(3)). Fourthly, operator W performs "Culture B" in which E. coli is cultured as the target culture O using the used medium UM (see Figure 2(4)).

[0047] (1-3-2. Problems with the 100-P culture management system) The following are the problems with the Culture Management System 100-P. First, the Culture Management System 100-P lacks versatility for various types of used culture media because it does not systematize the reuse of used culture media UM. Second, the Culture Management System 100-P only replenishes used culture media UM with simple components, and therefore does not explore the possibility of improving productivity. Third, the Culture Management System 100-P is a single-stage culture process and does not anticipate further reuse of used culture media UM. Fourth, the Culture Management System 100-P only measures the final recombinant protein production volume and the growth rate using OD (Optical Density) 600, and therefore the parameters obtained are limited.

[0048] (1-4. Overview and effects of the Culture Management System 100) This section describes the overview and problems of the culture management system 100 according to the embodiment. Below, we will first describe the overview of the culture management system 100, and then explain the effects of the culture management system 100.

[0049] (1-4-1. Overview of Culture Management System 100) In the culture management system 100 according to this embodiment, the following processes are performed. First, the culture management server 10 acquires culture medium parameters MP that indicate the state of the culture medium M at each stage of culture. Second, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture protocol CP that indicates the culture conditions for each culture target O to be saved and the acquired culture medium parameters MP, analyzes the relationship, and adjusts the state of the culture medium M according to the analysis results. Third, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture medium parameters MP acquired at the end of a predetermined stage of culture and the culture protocol CP associated with the culture target O to be cultured, and determines whether the culture medium M is suitable for reuse after the end of the predetermined stage of culture. The culture management server 10 also refers to the culture medium parameters MP acquired at the start of a predetermined stage of culture and the culture protocol CP, and determines a culture target O that is suitable for the culture medium M at the predetermined stage.

[0050] (1-4-2. Effects of the Culture Management System 100) The culture management system 100 according to this embodiment has the following effects. First, since the culture management system 100 has a systematized reuse of used culture medium UM, it can handle various types of used culture medium UM. Second, since the culture management system 100 enables general adjustments such as pH adjustment of used culture medium UM, productivity can be improved. Third, since the culture management system 100 enables a multi-stage culture process, disposal costs can be converted into production costs for valuable materials through further reuse of used culture medium UM. Fourth, since the culture management system 100 can measure heavy metal concentration, biochemical oxygen demand, etc., dynamic culture management can be performed to meet various target values.

[0051] As described above, the culture management system 100 can improve productivity in cultures where culture medium M is reused.

[0052] [2. Configuration and operation of each device in the culture management system 100] Referring to Figure 3, the configuration and processing of each device in the culture management system 100 will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of each device in the culture management system 100 according to the embodiment. Below, an example of the overall configuration of the culture management system 100 according to the embodiment, an example of the configuration and processing of the culture management server 10, an example of the configuration and processing of the culture tank 20, and an example of the configuration and processing of the adjustment equipment 30 will be described.

[0053] (2-1. Example of the overall configuration of the culture management system 100) Referring to Figure 3, an example of the overall configuration of the culture management system 100 will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the culture management system 100 consists of a culture management server 10, a culture vessel 20, and adjustment equipment 30.

[0054] Here, the culture management server 10 and the adjustment equipment 30 are connected via a communication network N, which is implemented via the internet or a dedicated line, and are able to communicate either by wire or wirelessly.

[0055] (2-2. Example configuration and processing of the culture management server 10) Referring to Figure 3, an example of the configuration and processing of the culture management server 10 will be described. The culture management server 10 manages the culture at each stage in which the culture medium M is reused. The culture management server 10 consists of an input unit 11, an output unit 12, a communication unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a control unit 15.

[0056] (2-2-1. Input section 11) The input unit 11 is responsible for inputting various types of information to the culture management server 10. For example, the input unit 11 can be implemented using a mouse, keyboard, etc., and accepts various types of information to be input to the culture management server 10.

[0057] (2-2-2. Output section 12) The output unit 12 is responsible for outputting various types of information from the culture management server 10. For example, the output unit 12 is implemented using a display, speaker, etc., and displays various types of information stored in the culture management server 10.

[0058] (2-2-3. Communications Section 13) The communication unit 13 is responsible for data communication with other devices. For example, the communication unit 13 performs data communication with each communication device via a router or the like. The communication unit 13 can also perform data communication with terminals (not shown).

[0059] (2-2-4. Storage section 14) The memory unit 14 stores various information that the control unit 15 refers to when it operates, and various information acquired when the control unit 15 operates. The memory unit 14 consists of a culture protocol memory unit 14a, a culture medium parameter memory unit 14b, a judgment result memory unit 14c, and an analysis model memory unit 14d.

[0060] Here, the storage unit 14 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or optical disc. In the example shown in Figure 3, the storage unit 14 is installed inside the culture management server 10, but it may be installed outside the culture management server 10, or it may be installed as multiple storage areas.

[0061] (2-2-4-1. Culture protocol storage section 14a) The culture protocol storage unit 14a stores culture protocols CP. For example, the culture protocol storage unit 14a stores culture protocols CP that have been entered and set by the administrator of the culture management server 10. The culture protocol storage unit 14a also stores culture protocols CP that have been entered and updated by the operator W.

[0062] Here, with reference to Figure 4, an example of the data stored in the culture protocol storage unit 14a will be described. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the culture protocol storage unit 14a of the culture management server 10 according to the embodiment. In the example in Figure 4, the culture protocol storage unit 14a has items such as "Culture Target" and "Culture Protocol".

[0063] The "culture target" indicates identification information used to identify the culture target O that is introduced into culture medium M and cultured. For example, the "culture target" is an identification number or code for a microorganism or cell. Alternatively, the "culture target" is an identification number or code for a product produced by a microorganism or cell.

[0064] A "culture protocol" is data that shows the culture conditions for each target organism O. For example, a "culture protocol" includes data on the culture procedure, such as the components to be added for culturing each target organism O, components that should not be added, the procedures to be followed, the order of procedures, the appropriate timing for addition, and the appropriate culture period. Furthermore, a "culture protocol" includes data on the culture medium M, such as the standard range of temperature, pH, nutrient concentrations, heavy metal concentrations, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, and dissolved oxygen. Additionally, a "culture protocol" includes data on the production range of the products that each target organism O produces.

[0065] In other words, Figure 4 shows an example in which, for the culture target O identified as "CO001", "CP101" is stored in the culture protocol storage unit 14a as the culture protocol CP.

[0066] (2-2-4-2. Culture medium parameter storage unit 14b) The culture medium parameter storage unit 14b stores culture medium parameters MP. For example, the culture medium parameter storage unit 14b stores culture medium parameters MP measured by the adjustment device 30 and acquired by the acquisition unit 15a of the control unit 15, which will be described later. The culture medium parameter storage unit 14b also stores culture medium parameters MP that indicate the state of the culture medium M.

[0067] Here, with reference to Figure 5, an example of the data stored in the culture medium parameter storage unit 14b will be described. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the culture medium parameter storage unit 14b of the culture management server 10 according to the embodiment. In the example in Figure 5, the culture medium parameter storage unit 14b has items such as "culture vessel," "culture target," and "culture medium parameters." Note that the "culture target" item is the same as that of the culture protocol storage unit 14a, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0068] The term "culture tank" indicates identification information for identifying the culture tank 20 in which the target organism O is cultured. For example, "culture tank" is the identification number or identification code of the culture tank 20 in which microorganisms or cells are cultured.

[0069] "Culture medium parameters" are data that indicate the state of the culture medium M. For example, "Culture medium parameters" include data that shows the time-series changes of temperature (°C), pH (hydrogen ion concentration), concentrations of each nutrient (g / L), heavy metal concentration (mg / L), biochemical oxygen demand (mg / L), chemical oxygen demand (mg / L), dissolved oxygen (mg / L), etc., as the state of the culture medium M. In addition, "Culture medium parameters" include data that shows the time-series changes of the solubility (mg / L) of the products produced by each culture target O.

[0070] In other words, Figure 5 shows an example in which "MP101" is stored in the medium parameter storage unit 14b as the medium parameter MP for the culture vessel 20 identified as "CT001" and the culture target O identified as "CO001".

[0071] (2-2-4-3. Judgment result storage unit 14c) The judgment result storage unit 14c stores the judgment result JR. For example, the judgment result storage unit 14c stores the judgment result JR output by the judgment unit 15d of the control unit 15, which will be described later.

[0072] Here, with reference to Figure 6, an example of the data stored in the judgment result storage unit 14c will be described. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the judgment result storage unit 14c of the culture management server 10 according to the embodiment. In the example in Figure 6, the judgment result storage unit 14c has items such as "culture tank," "used culture medium," and "judgment result." Note that the "culture tank" item is the same as that of the culture medium parameter storage unit 14b, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0073] "Used culture medium" refers to identification information used to identify used culture medium UM, which is a culture medium M that is reused. For example, "Used culture medium" is the identification number or identification code of used culture medium UM that has been provided by the worker W in the previous stage, from which the culture target O, such as microorganisms or cells, and the products have been removed.

[0074] The "Judgment Result" is the Judgment Result JR output for used culture medium UM at a predetermined time. For example, the "Judgment Result" is Culture Target Judgment Result JR1, which indicates the type of culture target O suitable for culture medium M at a predetermined stage. Also, the "Judgment Result" is Culture Continuation Judgment Result JR2, which indicates whether or not culture medium M can be reused after the completion of culture at a predetermined stage.

[0075] In other words, Figure 6 shows an example in which "JR101" is stored in the judgment result storage unit 14c as the judgment result JR for the culture vessel 20 identified as "CT001" and the used culture medium UM identified as "UM001".

[0076] (2-2-4-4. Analysis Model Storage Unit 14d) The analysis model storage unit 14d stores the analysis model AM. For example, the analysis model storage unit 14d stores the analysis model AM, which is a machine learning model used by the analysis unit 15b of the control unit 15, which will be described later.

[0077] Here, an example of the information stored in the analysis model storage unit 14d will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the analysis model storage unit 14d of the culture management server 10 according to the embodiment. In the example in Figure 7, the analysis model storage unit 14d has an item such as "Analysis Model".

[0078] The "analysis model" is the model data of a trained analysis model AM, and includes, for example, execution data for running the algorithm of the analysis model AM, model parameters which are set values, hyperparameters, etc.

[0079] Furthermore, the analytical model AM is a machine learning model trained on past culture history data for multiple culture targets O. Here, the culture history data is composed of training data that combines medium parameters MP, which indicate the state of the culture medium M at each stage, and the corresponding culture protocol CP. For example, the analytical model AM is trained by taking time-series changes in the temperature of the culture medium M, the concentrations of various nutrients such as glucose concentration in the culture medium M, pH, heavy metal concentration, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and product yield as input, and outputting how well each parameter matched the target value or reference range.

[0080] The analysis model AM employs known machine learning algorithms such as random forests, support vector machines (SVMs), and neural networks. This allows the analysis unit 15b to perform a comprehensive judgment that is non-linear and takes into account the correlation between multiple parameters, unlike conventional threshold-based judgment processing. The analysis model AM may be stored in the analysis model storage unit 14d as a trained machine learning model, or it may be configured to be periodically retrained based on new culture history data.

[0081] Furthermore, the analysis model AM can employ metrics such as F1 score, accuracy, precision, recall, and AUC (Area Under Curve) to evaluate the performance of the training results. This allows the analysis unit 15b to maintain high reliability in the output prediction results while providing optimized judgment and adjustment processes for each culture target O.

[0082] Furthermore, the analysis model AM may be configured to analyze the main factors (contribution of features) that form the basis of the inference for the input culture medium parameters MP, and to notify the operator W of this. This allows the analysis unit 15b to support the operator W's understanding and judgment of the adjustment work while ensuring the explainability of the judgment.

[0083] Furthermore, the analysis unit 15b may be configured to switch to a predetermined rule-based processing method instead of using the output of the analysis model AM if the confidence score of the analysis model AM falls below a predetermined threshold. This enables the analysis unit 15b to operate safely and stably even under conditions where training data is insufficient.

[0084] Furthermore, if it is difficult to expand the culture history data, the analysis unit 15b may be configured to perform data augmentation on the culture medium parameters MP by interpolating time-series fluctuations or adding noise, thereby improving the accuracy of the machine learning of the analysis model AM.

[0085] In other words, Figure 7 shows an example in which a trained analysis model AM, which is "Analysis Model AM101", is stored in the analysis model storage unit 14d.

[0086] (2-2-5. Control Unit 15) The control unit 15 is responsible for controlling the entire culture management server 10. The control unit 15 consists of an acquisition unit 15a, an analysis unit 15b, an adjustment unit 15c, and a determination unit 15d.

[0087] Here, the control unit 15 is implemented by, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0088] (2-2-5-1. Acquisition part 15a) The acquisition unit 15a acquires various types of information. The acquisition unit 15a may also store the acquired information in the storage unit 14. The acquisition control process will be described below.

[0089] (Acquisition control processing) The acquisition unit 15a performs acquisition control processing. For example, the acquisition unit 15a acquires culture medium parameters MP that indicate the state of the culture medium M in each stage of cultivation.

[0090] A specific example of the acquisition control process will be explained. First, the acquisition unit 15a acquires "MP101" as the culture medium parameter MP measured by the adjustment device 30 installed in the culture tank 20 identified as "CT001", which cultures the target culture O identified as "CO001". Second, the acquisition unit 15a stores the acquired culture medium parameter MP in the culture medium parameter storage unit 14b.

[0091] Further details regarding the acquisition control process will be described later in [3. Specific Examples of Each Process in the Culture Management System 100] (3-3. Specific Examples of Acquisition Control Process).

[0092] (2-2-5-2. Analysis section 15b) The analysis unit 15b analyzes various types of information. The analysis unit 15b may also store the outputted analysis results in the storage unit 14. Furthermore, the analysis unit 15b may refer to the various types of information stored in the storage unit 14. The analysis control process will be described below.

[0093] (Analysis and control processing) The analysis unit 15b performs analysis control processing. For example, the analysis unit 15b analyzes the relationship between the culture medium parameters MP obtained in past stages of culture and the reference range of culture conditions indicated by the culture protocol CP associated with the culture target O to be cultured in the reused used medium M. The analysis unit 15b also inputs the culture medium parameters MP and the culture protocol CP into a trained analysis model AM and outputs the relationship between the culture medium parameters MP and the reference range of culture conditions indicated by the culture protocol CP. Furthermore, the analysis unit 15b identifies the state of the medium M that is outside the reference range indicated by the culture medium parameters MP and notifies an alert indicating an abnormality.

[0094] A specific example of the analysis control process will be described below. First, the analysis unit 15b refers to "MP101" as the culture medium parameter MP stored in the culture medium parameter storage unit 14b. Second, the analysis unit 15b identifies the culture target O identified by "CO001". Third, the analysis unit 15b refers to "CP101" as the culture protocol CP associated with the culture target O identified by "CO001", stored in the culture protocol storage unit 14a. Fourth, the analysis unit 15b inputs "MP101" and "CP101" into "AM101", which is the analysis model AM stored in the analysis model storage unit 14d. Fifth, the analysis unit 15b obtains "AR101" as the analysis result output by "AM101", which is the analysis model AM.

[0095] Further details regarding the analysis and control process will be described later in [3. Specific Examples of Each Process in the Culture Management System 100] (3-4. Specific Examples of Analysis and Control Processes).

[0096] (2-2-5-3. Adjustment part 15c) The adjustment unit 15c performs various adjustments. The adjustment unit 15c may also store the outputted adjustment results in the storage unit 14. Furthermore, the adjustment unit 15c may refer to various information stored in the storage unit 14. The adjustment control process will be described below.

[0097] (Adjustment and control processing) The adjustment unit 15c performs adjustment control processing. For example, the adjustment unit 15c adjusts the state of the culture medium M based on the stored culture protocol CP and the acquired culture medium parameters MP. The adjustment unit 15c also adjusts the state of the culture medium M corresponding to the target culture O to be cultured according to the relationship analyzed by the analysis unit 15b. In this case, for example, if the pH of the culture medium M indicated by the culture medium parameters MP is outside the standard range, the adjustment unit 15c adjusts the pH of the culture medium M corresponding to the target culture O to be cultured so that it is within the standard range. Also, for example, if the nutrient concentration of the culture medium M indicated by the culture medium parameters MP is outside the standard range, the adjustment unit 15c adjusts the nutrient concentration of the culture medium M corresponding to the target culture O to be cultured so that it is within the standard range.

[0098] Let's explain a specific example of the adjustment control process. First, the adjustment unit 15c refers to "AR101", which is the analysis result output by the analysis unit 15b. Second, the adjustment unit 15c sends a control signal to the adjustment device 30 corresponding to the state of the culture medium M that is outside the reference range indicated by the analysis result "AR101", causing the adjustment device 30 to adjust the state of the culture medium M. Third, the adjustment unit 15c sends the culture procedure corresponding to the state of the culture medium M that is outside the reference range indicated by the analysis result "AR101" to the operator terminal of the operator W, causing the operator W to adjust the state of the culture medium M.

[0099] Further details regarding the adjustment and control processes will be described later in [3. Specific Examples of Each Process in the Culture Management System 100] (3-5. Specific Examples of Adjustment and Control Processes).

[0100] (2-2-5-4. Judgment section 15d) The determination unit 15d performs various determinations. The determination unit 15d may store the output determination result JR in the storage unit 14. The determination unit 15d may also refer to various information stored in the storage unit 14. The determination control process will be described below.

[0101] (Decision control processing) The determination unit 15d executes a determination control process. For example, the determination unit 15d uses the culture medium parameter MP obtained at the end of a predetermined stage of culture and the reference range indicated by the culture protocol CP associated with the culture target O to be cultured to determine whether the culture medium M should be reused after the end of a predetermined stage of culture. In this case, for example, if the heavy metal concentration indicated by the culture medium parameter MP obtained at the end of a predetermined stage of culture is outside the reference range, the determination unit 15d determines that the culture medium M should not be reused after the end of a predetermined stage of culture. Also, for example, if the biochemical oxygen demand indicated by the culture medium parameter MP obtained at the end of a predetermined stage of culture is outside the reference range, the determination unit 15d determines that the culture medium M should not be reused after the end of a predetermined stage of culture.

[0102] A specific example of the judgment control process will be explained. First, the judgment unit 15d refers to "MP101" as the culture medium parameter MP stored in the culture medium parameter storage unit 14b. Second, the judgment unit 15d refers to "CP101" as the culture protocol CP associated with the culture target O identified as "CO001" stored in the culture protocol storage unit 14a. Third, the judgment unit 15d determines whether the specific state indicated by "MP101" is outside the reference range indicated by "CP101", and outputs the judgment result JR, "JR101". Fourth, the judgment unit 15d stores the outputted judgment result JR in the judgment result storage unit 14c.

[0103] Furthermore, the determination unit 15d uses the culture medium parameter MP obtained at the start of a predetermined stage of culture and the reference range indicated by the culture protocol CP to determine the culture target O suitable for the culture medium M at a predetermined stage.

[0104] Further details regarding the judgment control process will be described later in [3. Specific Examples of Each Process in the Culture Management System 100] (3-6. Specific Examples of Judgment Control Process).

[0105] (2-3. Example configuration and processing example of culture tank 20) Referring to Figure 3, an example of the configuration and processing of the culture tank 20 will be described. For example, the culture tank 20 is a container that holds the culture medium M containing the culture target O.

[0106] (2-4. Example configuration and processing of adjustment device 30) Referring to Figure 3, an example of the configuration and processing of the adjustment device 30 will be described. For example, the adjustment device 30 is controlled by the culture management server 10 and measures the state of the culture medium M in the culture tank 20. At this time, the adjustment device 30 is realized by a temperature sensor installed inside or outside the culture tank 20 and measures the temperature of the culture medium M. The adjustment device 30 is also realized by a concentration sensor installed inside the culture tank 20 and measures the component concentrations of the culture medium M, such as nutrient concentration, carbon dioxide concentration, and oxygen concentration. The adjustment device 30 also measures pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, shaking speed, stirring speed, electrical conductivity, gas phase gas concentration, etc. The adjustment device 30 is also realized by a light sensor installed inside or outside the culture tank 20 and measures the amount of light, irradiation angle, etc., as light irradiated onto the culture medium M.

[0107] Furthermore, the adjustment device 30 is controlled by the culture management server 10 to adjust the state of the culture medium M in the culture tank 20. At this time, the adjustment device 30 is implemented by a heater, cooler, etc., to adjust the temperature of the culture medium M. The adjustment device 30 is also implemented by a nutrient supply device, gas supply device, etc., to adjust the concentration of components dissolved in the culture medium M. The adjustment device 30 is also implemented by a light source, etc., to adjust the state of the light irradiated onto the culture medium M. The adjustment device 30 is also implemented by a magnetic stirrer, etc., to agitate the culture medium M.

[0108] [3. Specific examples of each process in the culture management system 100] Specific examples of each process of the culture management system 100 according to the embodiment will be described below.Specific examples of the overall process of the culture management system 100, application examples of the culture management system 100, specific examples of acquisition control processing, specific examples of analysis control processing, specific examples of adjustment control processing, and specific examples of judgment control processing will be described.

[0109] (3-1. Specific examples of the overall processing of the Culture Management System 100) Referring to Figure 8, a specific example of the overall processing of the culture management system 100 will be described. Figure 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of the overall processing of the culture management system 100 according to the embodiment. Below, a specific example of the first culture management process, a specific example of the second culture management process, and a specific example of the third culture management process will be described.

[0110] (3-1-1. Specific examples of the first culture management treatment) A specific example of the first culture management process will be explained. As shown in the example in Figure 8, firstly, in the culture management system 100, the operator WA who performs the first stage of culture adds CHO cell solution to the culture tank 20A and performs "Culture A" in which CHO cells are cultured as the target of culture O using unused culture medium MA (see Figure 8(A-1)).

[0111] Secondly, the culture management server 10 acquires and stores the culture medium parameter MP-A, which indicates the state of the culture medium MA, at regular intervals (see Figure 8(A-2)). At this time, the culture management server 10 may analyze the acquired culture medium parameter MP-A, refer to the stored culture protocol CP-A (not shown), and notify the operator WA of the necessary culture procedures for culturing CHO cells as the target of culture O, as well as the nutrients to be supplied to the culture medium MA. Furthermore, the culture management server 10 may perform various adjustments via the adjustment device 30-A based on the analysis results.

[0112] Thirdly, after the first stage of culture is complete, the worker WA separates the used culture medium UM-A from the culture vessel 20A, from which the CHO cell fraction and the resulting antibody have been removed (see Figure 8(A-3)).

[0113] (3-1-2. Specific examples of the second culture management process) A specific example of the second culture management process will now be explained. As shown in the example in Figure 8, firstly, in the culture management system 100, the worker WB performing the second stage of culture transfers the used culture medium UM-A provided by the worker WA to the culture tank 20B and uses it as culture medium MB (see Figure 8(B-1)).

[0114] Secondly, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture protocol CP-B and notifies the operator WB of various information (see Figure 8(B-2)). At this time, the culture management server 10 analyzes the culture medium parameters MP-A at the end of the first stage of culture, refers to the stored culture protocol CP-B, and notifies the operator WB of the culture procedure necessary to culture microorganism B as the target culture O and the nutrients to be supplied to the culture medium MB. The operator WB also adds the adjustment solution B and the microorganism B solution to the culture medium MB in the culture tank 20B in response to the notification from the culture management server 10. The culture management server 10 may also notify the operator WB of the culture target determination result JR1-B (not shown), which determines the target culture O suitable for the culture medium MB.

[0115] Thirdly, operator WB performs "Culture B" by culturing microorganism B as the target of culture O using culture medium MB (see Figure 8 (B-3)). At this time, the culture management server 10 may automatically perform various adjustments via the adjustment device 30-B based on the analysis results.

[0116] Fourth, the culture management server 10 acquires and stores the culture medium parameter MP-B, which indicates the state of the culture medium MB, at regular intervals (see Figure 8(B-4)). The culture management server 10 may also refer to the culture medium parameter MP-B at the end of the second stage of culture and notify the user of the culture continuation judgment result JR2-B (not shown), which determines whether the culture medium MB is suitable for reuse.

[0117] Fifth, after the second stage of culture is complete, operator WB separates the used culture medium UM-B from culture tank 20B, from which the microbial fraction B and the useful substances that are its products have been removed (see Figure 8 (B-5)).

[0118] (3-1-3. Specific Examples of Culture Management Procedures) A specific example of the third culture management process will now be explained. As shown in the example in Figure 8, firstly, in the culture management system 100, worker WC, who is performing the third stage of culture, transfers the used culture medium UM-B provided by worker WB to the culture tank 20C and uses it as culture medium MC (see Figure 8(C-1)).

[0119] Secondly, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture protocol CP-C and notifies the operator WC of various information (see Figure 8(C-2)). At this time, the culture management server 10 analyzes the culture medium parameters MP-B at the end of the second stage of culture, refers to the stored culture protocol CP-C, and notifies the operator WC of the culture procedure necessary to culture microorganism C as the target culture O and the nutrients to be supplied to the culture medium MC. In response to the notification from the culture management server 10, the operator WC adds the adjustment solution C and the microorganism C solution to the culture medium MC in the culture tank 20C. The culture management server 10 may also notify the operator WC of the culture target determination result JR1-C (not shown), which determines the target culture O suitable for the culture medium MC.

[0120] Thirdly, operator WC performs "Culture C" by culturing microorganism C as the target of culture O using culture medium MC (see Figure 8 (C-3)). At this time, the culture management server 10 may automatically perform various adjustments via the adjustment device 30-C based on the analysis results.

[0121] Fourth, the culture management server 10 acquires and stores the culture medium parameter MP-C, which indicates the state of the culture medium MC, at regular intervals (see Figure 8 (C-4)).

[0122] Fifth, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture medium parameter MP-C at the end of the third stage of culture and notifies the user of the culture continuation judgment result JR2-C, which determines whether the culture medium MC is suitable for reuse (see Figure 8(C-5)). At this time, if the operator WC determines that the culture medium MC is still reusable, after the end of the third stage of culture, the operator WC separates the used culture medium UM-C, from which the microbial C fraction and useful substances are removed, from the culture tank 20C and provides it for the fourth stage and beyond of culture. On the other hand, if the operator WC determines that the culture medium MC is not reusable or should be discarded, the operator WC discards the used culture medium UM-C, from which the microbial C fraction and useful substances are removed, from the culture tank 20C after the end of the third stage of culture.

[0123] (3-2. Examples of application of the culture management system 100) This section describes examples of applications for the culture management system 100. Below, we will explain specific examples of the culture vessel 20, specific examples of culture medium M, specific examples of culture target O and product, specific examples of culture methods, specific examples of components of culture medium M, and specific examples of various indicators of culture medium M.

[0124] (3-2-1. Specific example of culture tank 20) As an example of the application of the culture management system 100, a specific example of the culture vessel 20 will be described. For example, the culture management system 100 can be applied to the culture vessel 20, such as a fixed stainless steel tank or a single-use plastic bag. Furthermore, with the culture management system 100, the same culture vessel 20 may be used to perform multi-stage culture, or different vessels may be used at each stage.

[0125] (3-2-2. Specific examples of culture medium M) As an example of the application of the culture management system 100, a specific example of culture medium M will be described. For example, the culture management system 100 can be applied to unused culture medium M as the first-stage culture medium M, but is not particularly limited. That is, the culture management system 100 can be applied to used culture medium UM that is not managed by the culture management system 100, or to culture medium M whose past usage history is unknown, as the first-stage culture medium M. Similarly, the culture management system 100 is not particularly limited regarding culture medium M for the second stage and beyond.

[0126] The culture management system 100 can reuse culture medium M after biopharmaceutical production by utilizing culture medium waste (antibody production) after CHO cell culture for microbial culture. Furthermore, the culture management system 100 can reuse liquid waste from food processing by utilizing liquid waste generated during the brewing process (e.g., beer waste) as culture medium M for yeast and lactic acid bacteria. Additionally, the culture management system 100 can reuse used liquid fertilizer generated in hydroponics for microalgae culture as an example of agricultural wastewater reuse.

[0127] The culture management system 100 can be applied to culture media M, such as natural media, semi-synthetic media, and synthetic media, but is not particularly limited in terms of its constituent components. Furthermore, the culture management system 100 can be applied to culture media M, such as liquid media and solid media, but is not particularly limited in terms of its form.

[0128] (3-2-3. Specific examples of culture target O and product) As examples of applications of the culture management system 100, specific examples of target organism O and products will be described. For example, the culture management system 100 can be applied to the production of useful proteins and metabolites such as biosurfactants from Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas species, as a specific example where the target organism O is a Gram-negative bacterium. The culture management system 100 can also be applied to enzyme production by Bacillus species, as a specific example where the target organism O is a Gram-positive bacterium. The culture management system 100 can also be applied to bioethanol production by Saccharomyces species, as a specific example where the target organism O is a yeast. The culture management system 100 can also be applied to cellulase production by Trichoderma species, as a specific example where the target organism O is a filamentous fungus. The culture management system 100 can also be applied to the production of biofuel precursors by culturing Chlorella and Spirulina, as a specific example where the target organism O is a microalga. The culture management system 100 can also be applied when the target organism O is a protozoan. Furthermore, the culture management system 100 can be applied to lactic acid production.

[0129] The culture management system 100 manages, for example, two or more cultures in which different culture targets O are cultured at each stage. Here, different culture targets O may be defined by differences in the sequence information of specific genes in the genome or plasmid, or by physiological characteristics such as the ability to utilize carbon and nitrogen sources, optimal growth temperature, and oxygen requirements. In the former case, for example, a similarity of 97% or less in the 16S rRNA (ribosome ribonucleic acid) gene sequence can be cited. The latter is preferred, but is not particularly limited. Furthermore, for example, if the genome sequence has 95% or less homology, or the plasmid sequence has 90% or less homology, and furthermore, the substrate utilization ability or the metabolites produced are different, they will be treated as different culture targets O.

[0130] (3-2-4. Specific examples of culture methods) As an example of the application of the culture management system 100, specific examples of culture methods will be described. For example, the culture management system 100 can be applied to culture methods such as liquid culture, solid culture, gas-liquid culture, batch culture, semi-batch culture, fed-batch culture, continuous culture, perfusion culture, co-culture, etc., but is not particularly limited.

[0131] (3-2-5. Specific examples of components of culture medium M) As an example of the application of the culture management system 100, specific examples of the components of culture medium M will be described. For example, the culture management system 100 can be applied to the components of culture medium M, including nutrients such as carbon sources (e.g., carbohydrates, cellulose, monosaccharides, disaccharides, etc.), nitrogen sources (e.g., proteins, amino acids, ammonium ions, nucleic acids, etc.), minerals (e.g., sodium ions, magnesium ions, etc.), vitamins (e.g., vitamin A, vitamin B, etc.), lipids, antibiotics, hydrogen ions, etc., but is not particularly limited.

[0132] (3-2-6. Specific examples of various indicators for culture medium M) As an example of the application of the culture management system 100, specific examples of various indicators for the culture medium M will be described. For example, the culture management system 100 can be applied to various indicators for the culture medium M such as heavy metal concentration, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, etc., but is not particularly limited.

[0133] (3-3. Specific Examples of Acquisition Control Processing) This section describes specific examples of data acquisition and control processes for the culture management system 100. Below, we will explain specific examples of temperature acquisition, pH acquisition, component concentration acquisition, and various other data acquisition processes.

[0134] (3-3-1. Specific example of temperature acquisition process) As an acquisition control process, a specific example of temperature acquisition processing will be described. For example, the culture management server 10 acquires the temperature of the culture medium M as the culture medium parameter MP via the adjustment device 30.

[0135] Firstly, the culture management server 10 transmits a control signal to a control device 30 installed inside or outside the culture vessel 20, causing it to measure the temperature of the culture medium M. At this time, the control device 30 measures the temperature of the culture medium M using a temperature sensor capable of measuring temperature.

[0136] Secondly, the culture management server 10 obtains the temperature of the culture medium M from the adjustment device 30. At this time, the culture management server 10 may also obtain the temperature of the culture medium M entered via the operator terminal of the operator W.

[0137] Thirdly, the culture management server 10 saves the acquired temperature of the culture medium M as a culture medium parameter MP for each culture vessel 20. At this time, the culture management server 10 may also save the acquired temperature of the culture medium M for each culture target O entered via the operator terminal of the operator W.

[0138] (3-3-2. Specific example of pH acquisition process) As an example of the acquisition control process, a specific example of the pH acquisition process will be described. For example, the culture management server 10 acquires the pH of the culture medium M as the culture medium parameter MP via the adjustment device 30.

[0139] Firstly, the culture management server 10 transmits a control signal to the adjustment device 30 installed inside the culture vessel 20, causing it to measure the pH of the culture medium M. At this time, the adjustment device 30 is a pH sensor capable of measuring pH, and measures the pH of the culture medium M.

[0140] Secondly, the culture management server 10 obtains the pH of the culture medium M from the adjustment device 30. At this time, the culture management server 10 may also obtain the pH of the culture medium M entered via the operator terminal of the operator W.

[0141] Thirdly, the culture management server 10 saves the acquired pH of the culture medium M as a culture medium parameter MP for each culture vessel 20. At this time, the culture management server 10 may also save the acquired pH of the culture medium M for each culture target O entered via the operator terminal of the operator W.

[0142] (3-3-3. Specific Examples of Component Concentration Acquisition Process) As an acquisition control process, a specific example of component concentration acquisition processing will be described. For example, the culture management server 10 acquires the component concentrations of the culture medium M (e.g., nutrient concentration, various indicators, product concentration) as culture medium parameters MP via the adjustment device 30.

[0143] Firstly, the culture management server 10 transmits a control signal to the adjustment device 30 installed inside the culture vessel 20, causing it to measure the component concentrations of the culture medium M. At this time, the adjustment device 30 is a component concentration sensor capable of measuring component concentrations, and measures the component concentrations of the culture medium M.

[0144] Secondly, the culture management server 10 obtains the component concentrations of the culture medium M from the adjustment equipment 30. At this time, the culture management server 10 may also obtain the component concentrations of the culture medium M entered via the operator terminal of the operator W.

[0145] Thirdly, the culture management server 10 saves the acquired component concentrations of the culture medium M as culture medium parameters MP for each culture vessel 20. At this time, the culture management server 10 may also save the acquired component concentrations of the culture medium M for each culture target O entered via the operator terminal of the operator W.

[0146] (3-3-4. Specific examples of various data acquisition processes) As part of the acquisition control process, specific examples of various acquisition processes will be described. For example, the culture management server 10 sends a control signal to the adjustment device 30, which is a light sensor capable of measuring light and installed outside the culture tank 20, to measure the light irradiated onto the culture medium M (e.g., light intensity, irradiation angle). The adjustment device 30 acquires the measured light state and saves it as a culture medium parameter MP for each culture tank 20.

[0147] Furthermore, the culture management server 10 transmits a control signal to a control device 30, which is a vibration sensor installed outside the culture tank 20 capable of measuring the state of agitation, causing the control device 30 to measure the state of agitation occurring in the culture medium M. The control device 30 then obtains the state of agitation occurring in the culture medium M and saves it as a culture medium parameter MP for each culture tank 20.

[0148] (3-4. Specific Examples of Analytical Control Processing) This section describes specific examples of analysis and control processing in the culture management system 100. Below, we will explain specific examples of model analysis processing, statistical analysis processing, logical analysis processing, various other analysis processing methods, and abnormal alert processing.

[0149] (3-4-1. Specific Examples of Model Analysis Processing) As an analysis control process, a specific example of model analysis processing will be described. For example, the culture management server 10 uses the analysis model AM, which is a machine learning model, to analyze the culture medium parameter MP.

[0150] Here, the analysis model AM is a trained machine learning model that outputs the relationship between the culture medium parameter MP and the culture protocol CP, respectively, in response to the inputs of the culture medium parameter MP and the culture protocol CP. The relationship includes the maximum, minimum, and target values ​​of the reference range set for each component of the culture medium M, the presence and type of state of the culture medium M that is outside the reference range, a score corresponding to the difference from the target value of the state of the culture medium M that is within the reference range, as well as the type, amount, and timing of addition of components to adjust the state of the culture medium M from outside the reference range to within the reference range.

[0151] Firstly, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture medium parameters MP. At this time, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture medium parameters MP obtained in each previous stage of culture during a predetermined stage of culture.

[0152] Secondly, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture protocol CP. At this time, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture protocol CP associated with the culture target O of a predetermined stage of culture.

[0153] Thirdly, the culture management server 10 outputs analysis results showing the relationship between the culture medium parameters MP and the culture protocol CP by inputting them into the analysis model AM. At this time, the culture management server 10 can also notify the operator W of specific culture procedures as analysis results, such as the state of the culture medium M that is outside the reference range (e.g., temperature, pH, nutrient concentration), the type of component to be added (e.g., glycerol solution), the amount to be added (e.g., 10 mg), and the timing of addition (e.g., after 1 hour). The culture management server 10 may also store the acquired analysis results in the storage unit 14.

[0154] (3-4-2. Specific Examples of Statistical Analysis Processing) As an analysis control process, a specific example of statistical analysis processing will be described. For example, the culture management server 10 uses statistical methods to analyze the culture medium parameter MP.

[0155] Firstly, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture medium parameters MP. At this time, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture medium parameters MP obtained in each previous stage of culture during a predetermined stage of culture.

[0156] Secondly, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture protocol CP. At this time, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture protocol CP associated with the culture target O of a predetermined stage of culture.

[0157] Thirdly, the culture management server 10 calculates the mean and standard deviation of the state of the culture medium M indicated by the culture medium parameter MP, and outputs analysis results showing the relationship by calculating the difference from the reference range indicated by the culture protocol CP. At this time, the culture management server 10 can also notify the operator W of the specific culture procedure, such as the state of the culture medium M that is outside the reference range, the type of component to be added, the amount to be added, and the timing of addition, as an analysis result, similar to the model analysis process described above. The culture management server 10 may also save the acquired analysis results in the storage unit 14.

[0158] (3-4-3. Specific Examples of Logical Analysis Processing) As an analysis control process, a specific example of logical analysis processing will be described. For example, the culture management server 10 uses a logical method to analyze the culture medium parameter MP.

[0159] Firstly, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture medium parameters MP. At this time, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture medium parameters MP obtained in each previous stage of culture during a predetermined stage of culture.

[0160] Secondly, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture protocol CP. At this time, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture protocol CP associated with the culture target O of a predetermined stage of culture.

[0161] Thirdly, the culture management server 10 outputs analysis results showing the relationship by identifying whether the state of the culture medium M indicated by the culture medium parameter MP is outside the reference range. At this time, the culture management server 10 can also notify the operator W of the specific culture procedure, such as the state of the culture medium M being outside the reference range, the type of component to add, the amount to add, and the timing of addition, as an analysis result, similar to the model analysis process and statistical analysis process described above. The culture management server 10 may also save the acquired analysis results in the storage unit 14.

[0162] (3-4-4. Specific Examples of Various Analysis Processes) As part of the analysis control process, specific examples of various analysis processes will be described. For example, the culture management server 10 can automatically adjust the culture conditions indicated by the culture protocol CP according to the analysis results as feedback control. The culture management server 10 can also integrate multiple culture medium parameters MP (e.g., pH, nutrient concentration) and output a new composite index (e.g., culture health score) as an analysis result. Furthermore, the culture management server 10 can analyze the time-series data of culture medium parameters MP at each stage as trend analysis and perform increase / decrease trend analysis and anomaly detection. In addition, as feedback control, the culture management server 10 can analyze the culture medium parameters MP and the culture results from the actual culture procedure and output the data necessary for the culture protocol CP to be referenced in subsequent stages.

[0163] (3-4-5. Specific Examples of Abnormal Alert Handling) As part of the analysis control process, a specific example of abnormal alert processing will be described. For example, the culture management server 10 notifies the worker W of an abnormal alert according to the analysis results. At this time, the culture management server 10 identifies the state of the culture medium M which is outside the reference range indicated by the culture medium parameter MP, and also issues an abnormal alert to the worker W's worker terminal.

[0164] (3-5. Specific Examples of Adjustment and Control Processing) This section describes specific examples of adjustment and control processes for the culture management system 100. Below, we will describe specific examples of temperature adjustment, pH adjustment, component concentration adjustment, and various other adjustment processes.

[0165] (3-5-1. Specific examples of temperature control processes) As an adjustment and control process, a specific example of a temperature adjustment process will be described. For example, the culture management server 10 adjusts the temperature of the culture medium M via the adjustment device 30.

[0166] If the culture management server 10 determines, based on the analysis results, that the temperature of the culture medium M is outside the reference range, it sends a control signal to the adjustment device 30 installed inside or outside the culture vessel 20 to adjust the temperature of the culture medium M. At this time, the adjustment device 30 is a heater or cooler with adjustable temperature that adjusts the temperature of the culture medium M to be within the reference range.

[0167] (3-5-2. Specific Examples of pH Adjustment Treatment) As an adjustment control process, a specific example of pH adjustment processing will be described. For example, the culture management server 10 adjusts the pH of the culture medium M via the adjustment device 30.

[0168] If the culture management server 10 determines, based on the analysis results, that the pH of the culture medium M is outside the standard range, it sends a control signal to the adjustment device 30 installed inside the culture vessel 20 to adjust the pH of the culture medium M. At this time, the adjustment device 30 is a supply device for acidic or basic solutions capable of adjusting pH, and it adjusts the pH of the culture medium M to be within the standard range.

[0169] (3-5-3. Specific Examples of Component Concentration Adjustment Processes) As an adjustment control process, a specific example of component concentration adjustment processing will be described. For example, the culture management server 10 adjusts the component concentration of the culture medium M via the adjustment device 30.

[0170] If the analysis results indicate that the component concentrations of the culture medium M are outside the standard range, the culture management server 10 sends a control signal to the adjustment device 30 installed inside the culture tank 20 to adjust the component concentrations of the culture medium M. At this time, the adjustment device 30 is a supply device for nutrients, etc., whose component concentrations can be adjusted, and adjusts the component concentrations of the culture medium M to be within the standard range. The adjustment device 30 is also a removal device for products, toxic substances, etc., whose component concentrations can be adjusted, and adjusts the component concentrations of the culture medium M to be within the standard range.

[0171] (3-5-4. Specific examples of various adjustment processes) As part of the adjustment control process, specific examples of various adjustment processes will be described. For example, if the culture management server 10 finds that the light irradiated onto the culture medium M is outside the standard range as a result of the analysis, it sends a control signal to the adjustment device 30 installed inside the culture tank 20 to adjust the light irradiated onto the culture medium M. At this time, the adjustment device 30 is a light source that can adjust the light, and it adjusts the light irradiated onto the culture medium M so that it is within the standard range.

[0172] Furthermore, if the culture management server 10 finds that the stirring state of the culture medium M is outside the standard range as a result of the analysis, it sends a control signal to the adjustment device 30 installed inside the culture tank 20 to adjust the stirring state of the culture medium M. At this time, the adjustment device 30 is a magnetic stirrer capable of adjusting the stirring state, and adjusts the stirring state of the culture medium M so that it is within the standard range.

[0173] (3-6. Specific Examples of Decision Control Processing) This section describes specific examples of the judgment control process of the culture management system 100. Below, specific examples of the culture target determination process and the culture continuation determination process are described.

[0174] (3-6-1. Specific examples of the process for determining whether a culture target is needed) As a judgment control process, a specific example of a culture target determination process will be described. For example, the culture management server 10 determines a culture target O that is suitable for the used culture medium UM at the start of a predetermined stage of culture.

[0175] Firstly, at the start of a predetermined stage of culture, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture medium parameters MP of the used culture medium UM used in the previous stage of culture at the end of the culture.

[0176] Secondly, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture protocol CP associated with each target culture O and searches for a target culture O in which the state of the used culture medium UM, indicated by the referenced culture medium parameter MP, is within the reference range. At this time, the culture management server 10 can search for a target culture O in which all set states are within the reference range. The culture management server 10 can also search for a target culture O in which a predetermined number of the set states are within the reference range. Furthermore, the culture management server 10 can also search for a target culture O in which a specific state among the set states is not outside the reference range.

[0177] Thirdly, the culture management server 10 notifies the operator W of the search results as the culture target determination result JR1. At this time, the culture management server 10 displays the culture target determination result JR1 on the operator W's terminal. The culture management server 10 can also rearrange the display order so that the culture targets O with the most conditions within the standard range are notified first.

[0178] (3-6-2. Specific examples of the process for determining whether to continue culturing) As a judgment control process, a specific example of a culture continuation judgment process will be described. For example, the culture management server 10 determines whether it is appropriate to reuse the used culture medium UM at the end of a predetermined stage of culture.

[0179] Firstly, at the end of a predetermined stage of culture, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture medium parameter MP of the used culture medium UM used in the predetermined stage of culture.

[0180] Secondly, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture protocol CP associated with the culture target O at a predetermined stage, and determines whether the specific state of the used culture medium UM indicated by the referenced culture medium parameter MP is outside or within the reference range.

[0181] In this case, the culture management server 10 outputs "cannot be reused" as the culture continuation judgment result JR2 if, for example, the heavy metal concentration is outside the standard range, i.e., the concentration of toxic heavy metals is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the standard range, making it difficult to reuse the used culture medium UM.

[0182] Furthermore, the culture management server 10, for example, if the biochemical oxygen demand is outside the standard range, that is, if the biochemical oxygen demand, which is an indicator of water pollution, is below the minimum value of the standard range, outputs a recommendation for disposal as the culture continuation judgment result JR2, because the environmental impact of disposal would be small.

[0183] Thirdly, the culture management server 10 notifies the worker W of the outputted culture continuation decision result JR2. At this time, the culture management server 10 displays the culture continuation decision result JR2 on the worker W's terminal.

[0184] [4. Flowchart of each process in the culture management system 100] Referring to Figures 9 to 13, the flow of each process in the culture management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Below, the overall flow of the culture management system 100 will be described, followed by a description of each process: acquisition control process, analysis control process, adjustment control process, and judgment control process.

[0185] (4-1. Overall processing flow of the Culture Management System 100) Referring to Figure 9, the overall processing flow of the culture management system 100 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall processing flow of the culture management system 100 according to the embodiment. Note that the processes in steps S101 to S104 below can be executed in a different order. Also, some of the processes in steps S101 to S104 below may be omitted.

[0186] (4-1-1. Acquisition control processing) Firstly, the culture management system 100 performs an acquisition control process (step S101). For example, the culture management system 100 controls the acquisition of the culture medium parameter MP by performing the processes described in steps S201 to S203.

[0187] (4-1-2. Analysis and Control Processing) Secondly, the culture management system 100 performs analysis control processing (step S102). For example, the culture management system 100 controls the analysis of the culture medium parameter MP by performing the processing described in steps S301 to S303.

[0188] (4-1-3. Adjustment and control processing) Thirdly, the culture management system 100 performs adjustment control processing (step S103). For example, the culture management system 100 controls the adjustment of the culture medium M by performing the processes described in steps S401 to S402.

[0189] (4-1-4. Judgment Control Processing) Fourth, the culture management system 100 executes a determination control process (step S104) and terminates the entire process. For example, the culture management system 100 controls the determination of used culture medium UM by executing the processes described in steps S501 to S505.

[0190] (4-2. Acquisition control processing) Referring to Figure 10, the flow of the acquisition control process of the culture management system 100 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 10 is a flowchart of an example of the flow of the acquisition control process of the culture management system 100 according to the embodiment. Note that the processes in steps S201 to S203 below can be executed in a different order. Also, some of the processes in steps S201 to S203 below may be omitted.

[0191] (4-2-1. Measurement of culture medium parameters) Firstly, the culture management server 10 performs a culture medium parameter measurement process (step S201). For example, the culture management server 10 sends a control signal to the adjustment device 30 to measure the culture medium parameter MP, which indicates the state of the culture medium M.

[0192] (4-2-2. Processing to obtain culture medium parameters) Secondly, the culture management server 10 performs a process to acquire culture medium parameters (step S202). For example, the culture management server 10 acquires culture medium parameters MP that indicate the state of the culture medium M measured by the adjustment device 30.

[0193] (4-2-3. Processing to store culture medium parameters) Thirdly, the culture management server 10 executes the culture medium parameter storage process (step S203) and terminates the acquisition control process. For example, the culture management server 10 stores the culture medium parameter MP, which indicates the state of the acquired culture medium M, in the culture medium parameter storage unit 14b.

[0194] (4-3. Analysis and Control Processing) Referring to Figure 11, the flow of the analysis control process of the culture management system 100 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 11 is a flowchart of an example of the flow of the analysis control process of the culture management system 100 according to the embodiment. Note that the processes in steps S301 to S303 below can be executed in a different order. Also, some of the processes in steps S301 to S303 below may be omitted.

[0195] (4-3-1. Culture medium parameter reference processing) Firstly, the culture management server 10 performs a culture medium parameter reference process (step S301). For example, the culture management server 10 references the culture medium parameter MP stored in the culture medium parameter storage unit 14b.

[0196] (4-3-2. Refer to the culture protocol) Secondly, the culture management server 10 performs culture protocol reference processing (step S302). For example, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture protocol CP stored in the culture protocol storage unit 14a.

[0197] (4-3-3. Analysis of culture medium parameters) Thirdly, the culture management server 10 performs a culture medium parameter analysis process (step S303) and then terminates the analysis control process. For example, the culture management server 10 analyzes the relationship between the culture medium parameter MP and the reference range indicated by the culture protocol CP.

[0198] (4-4. Adjustment and Control Processing) Referring to Figure 12, the flow of the adjustment and control process of the culture management system 100 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the adjustment and control process of the culture management system 100 according to the embodiment. Note that the processes in steps S401 to S402 below can be executed in a different order. Also, some of the processes in steps S401 to S402 below may be omitted.

[0199] (4-4-1. Processing of analysis results) Firstly, the culture management server 10 performs analysis result reference processing (step S401). For example, the culture management server 10 references the relationship between the culture medium parameter MP and the reference range indicated by the culture protocol CP as analysis results.

[0200] (4-4-2. Culture medium preparation process) Secondly, the culture management server 10 executes the culture medium preparation process (step S402) and terminates the preparation control process. For example, the culture management server 10 sends a control signal to the preparation device 30 to adjust the state of the culture medium M according to the analysis results.

[0201] (4-5. Judgment Control Processing) Referring to Figure 13, the flow of the judgment control process of the culture management system 100 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the judgment control process of the culture management system 100 according to the embodiment. Note that the processes in steps S501 to S505 below can be executed in a different order. Also, some of the processes in steps S501 to S505 below may be omitted.

[0202] (4-5-1. Culture medium parameter reference processing) Firstly, the culture management server 10 performs a culture medium parameter reference process (step S501). For example, the culture management server 10 references the culture medium parameter MP stored in the culture medium parameter storage unit 14b.

[0203] (4-5-2. Refer to the culture protocol) Secondly, the culture management server 10 performs culture protocol reference processing (step S502). For example, the culture management server 10 refers to the culture protocol CP stored in the culture protocol storage unit 14a.

[0204] (4-5-3. Process for determining whether to culture) Thirdly, the culture management server 10 performs a culture target determination process (step S503). For example, the culture management server 10 uses the culture medium parameter MP and the reference range indicated by the culture protocol CP to determine the culture target O suitable for the used culture medium UM.

[0205] (4-5-4. Process for determining whether to continue culturing) Fourth, the culture management server 10 performs a culture continuation determination process (step S504). For example, the culture management server 10 uses the culture medium parameter MP and the reference range indicated by the culture protocol CP to determine whether the used culture medium UM is suitable for reuse.

[0206] (4-5-5. Processing to store the judgment result) Fifth, the culture management server 10 executes the judgment result storage process (step S505) and terminates the judgment control process. For example, the culture management server 10 stores the outputted judgment result JR in the judgment result storage unit 14c.

[0207] [5. Effects of the Embodiment] The effects of the embodiment will be described below. Effects 1 to 10 corresponding to the embodiment will be described below.

[0208] (5-1. Effect 1) Firstly, in this embodiment, the culture management server 10 is a management device that manages each stage of culture in which the culture medium M is reused. It stores a culture protocol CP that indicates the culture conditions for each target culture O, acquires culture medium parameters MP that indicate the state of the culture medium M in each stage of culture, and adjusts the state of the culture medium M based on the stored culture protocol CP and the acquired culture medium parameters MP. Therefore, in this embodiment, productivity in cultures in which the culture medium M is reused can be improved.

[0209] (5-2. Effect 2) Secondly, in this embodiment, the culture management server 10 analyzes the relationship between the culture medium parameters MP obtained in previous stages of culture and the reference range of the target culture O indicated by the culture protocol CP associated with the target culture O to be cultured in the reused medium M. Based on the analyzed relationship, the server adjusts the state of the medium M corresponding to the target culture O to be cultured. Therefore, in this embodiment, past culture medium parameters MP can be analyzed, which improves productivity in cultures where the medium M is reused.

[0210] (5-3. Effect 3) Thirdly, in this embodiment, the culture management server 10 adjusts the state of the culture medium M corresponding to the target culture O to be cultured, according to the correlation output by the trained analysis model AM in response to the input of the culture medium parameter MP and the culture protocol CP. Therefore, in this embodiment, past culture medium parameters MP can be analyzed by the trained analysis model AM, which improves the productivity of cultures in which the culture medium M is reused.

[0211] (5-4. Effect 4) Fourth, in this embodiment, the culture management server 10 identifies the state of the culture medium M that is outside the reference range indicated by the culture medium parameter MP, and notifies an alert indicating an abnormality. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to notify the state of used culture medium UM that is abnormal, thereby improving productivity in cultures where culture medium M is reused.

[0212] (5-5. Effect 5) Fifth, in this embodiment, if the pH of the culture medium M indicated by the culture medium parameter MP is outside the reference range, the culture management server 10 adjusts the pH of the culture medium M corresponding to the target culture O to be cultured so that it falls within the reference range. Therefore, in this embodiment, the pH of the used culture medium UM can be adjusted, thereby improving productivity in cultures where the culture medium M is reused.

[0213] (5-6. Effect 6) Sixth, in this embodiment, if the nutrient concentration of the culture medium M indicated by the culture medium parameter MP is outside the reference range, the culture management server 10 adjusts the nutrient concentration of the culture medium M corresponding to the target culture O to be cultured so that it falls within the reference range. Therefore, in this embodiment, the nutrient concentration of the used culture medium UM can be adjusted, thereby improving productivity in cultures where the culture medium M is reused.

[0214] (5-7. Effect 7) Seventh, in the embodiment, the culture management server 10 uses the culture medium parameter MP obtained at the end of a predetermined stage of culture and the reference range indicated by the culture protocol CP associated with the target culture O to be cultured to determine whether the culture medium M is suitable for reuse after the end of a predetermined stage of culture. Therefore, in the embodiment, it is possible to determine whether to continue culturing with used culture medium UM, thereby improving productivity in cultures in which culture medium M is reused.

[0215] (5-8. Effect 8) Eighth, in the embodiment, the culture management server 10 determines that the culture medium M will not be reused after the completion of the predetermined culture stage if the heavy metal concentration indicated by the culture medium parameter MP obtained at the end of the predetermined culture stage is outside the reference range. Therefore, in the embodiment, it is possible to determine whether to continue culturing with used culture medium UM based on the heavy metal concentration, thereby improving productivity in cultures in which culture medium M is reused.

[0216] (5-9. Effect 9) Ninth, in the embodiment, the culture management server 10 determines that the culture medium M will not be reused after the completion of the predetermined culture stage if the biochemical oxygen demand indicated by the culture medium parameter MP obtained at the end of the predetermined culture stage is outside the reference range. Therefore, in the embodiment, it is possible to determine whether to continue culturing with used culture medium UM based on the biochemical oxygen demand, thereby improving productivity in cultures in which culture medium M is reused.

[0217] (5-10. Effect 10) Tenth, in the embodiment, the culture target O suitable for the culture medium M at a predetermined stage is determined using the culture medium parameter MP obtained at the start of a predetermined stage of culture and the reference range indicated by the culture protocol CP. Therefore, in the embodiment, it is possible to determine the culture target O suitable for used culture medium UM, thereby improving productivity in cultures where culture medium M is reused.

[0218] [6. System] Unless otherwise specified, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, and various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings may be changed at will.

[0219] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown. That is, all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0220] Furthermore, each processing function performed by each device may be implemented, in whole or in part, by a CPU and a program executed for analysis by that CPU, or by hardware using wired logic.

[0221] [7. Hardware] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the culture management server 10 will be described. Note that other devices can have a similar hardware configuration. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 14, the culture management server 10 has a communication device 10a, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 10b, memory 10c, and a processor 10d. In addition, each part shown in Figure 14 is interconnected by a bus or the like.

[0222] The communication device 10a is a network interface card or the like, and communicates with other servers. The HDD 10b stores programs and databases that operate the functions shown in Figure 3.

[0223] The processor 10d operates a process that performs the functions described in Figure 3 by reading a program that performs the same processing as each processing unit shown in Figure 3 from the HDD 10b or the like and loading it into memory 10c. For example, this process performs the same functions as each processing unit of the culture management server 10. Specifically, the processor 10d reads a program that has the same functions as the acquisition unit 15a, analysis unit 15b, adjustment unit 15c, determination unit 15d, etc. from the HDD 10b or the like. Then, the processor 10d executes a process that performs the same processing as the acquisition unit 15a, analysis unit 15b, adjustment unit 15c, determination unit 15d, etc.

[0224] Thus, the culture management server 10 operates as a device that executes various processing methods by reading and executing a program. Furthermore, the culture management server 10 can also achieve the same functionality as the embodiment described above by reading the program from a recording medium using a media reader and executing the read program. It should be noted that the program according to the embodiment is not limited to being executed by the culture management server 10. For example, this disclosure can be similarly applied when another computer or server executes the program, or when they collaborate to execute the program.

[0225] The program according to the embodiment can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. Furthermore, the program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, flexible disk (FD), CD-ROM, MO (Magneto-Optical disk), or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and executed by reading it from the recording medium by a computer.

[0226] [8. Other] Some examples of the combinations of technical features that will be disclosed are listed below.

[0227] (1) A control device for managing each stage of culture in which a culture medium is reused, comprising: a memory; and a processor connected to the memory, wherein the memory stores a culture protocol indicating the culture conditions for each target of culture; and the processor performs the following actions: acquiring culture medium parameters indicating the state of the culture medium in each stage of culture; and adjusting the state of the culture medium based on the stored culture protocol and the acquired culture medium parameters.

[0228] (2) The control device according to (1), wherein the processor analyzes the relationship between the culture medium parameters obtained in a previous stage of culture among the stages described above and the reference range of culture conditions indicated by the culture protocol associated with the target to be cultured in the reused culture medium, and adjusts the state of the culture medium corresponding to the target to be cultured according to the analyzed relationship.

[0229] (3) The control device according to (2), wherein the processor adjusts the state of the culture medium corresponding to the target to be cultured according to the correlation output by a trained machine learning model in response to the input of the culture medium parameters and the culture protocol.

[0230] (4) The control device according to (2) or (3), wherein the processor identifies the state of the culture medium outside the reference range indicated by the culture medium parameters and notifies an alert indicating an abnormality.

[0231] (5) The control device according to any one of (2) to (4), wherein the processor adjusts the pH of the medium corresponding to the target to be cultured to be within the reference range if the pH of the medium indicated by the medium parameter is outside the reference range.

[0232] (6) The control device according to any one of (2) to (5), wherein the processor adjusts the nutrient concentration of the medium corresponding to the target to be cultured to be within the reference range if the nutrient concentration of the medium indicated by the medium parameter is outside the reference range.

[0233] (7) The control device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the processor determines whether the culture medium is suitable for reuse after the completion of the predetermined stage of culture, using the culture medium parameters obtained at the end of a predetermined stage of culture and the reference range indicated by the culture protocol associated with the target to be cultured.

[0234] (8) The control device according to (7), wherein the processor determines that the culture medium will not be reused after the completion of the predetermined stage of culture if the heavy metal concentration indicated by the culture medium parameters obtained at the completion of the predetermined stage of culture is outside the reference range.

[0235] (9) The control device according to (7) or (8), wherein the processor determines that the culture medium will not be reused after the completion of the predetermined stage of culture if the biochemical oxygen demand indicated by the culture medium parameters obtained at the completion of the predetermined stage of culture is outside the reference range.

[0236] (10) The control device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the processor determines the culture target suitable for the culture medium at the predetermined stage using the culture medium parameters obtained at the start of the culture at the predetermined stage and the reference range indicated by the culture protocol.

[0237] (11) A management method performed by a control device that manages the culture at each stage in which the culture medium is reused, wherein the control device acquires culture medium parameters indicating the state of the culture medium at each stage of the culture, and adjusts the state of the culture medium to be reused based on the culture protocol indicating the culture conditions for each culture target to be stored and the acquired culture medium parameters.

[0238] (12) A control program that causes a control device that manages the culture at each stage in which the culture medium is reused to acquire culture medium parameters indicating the state of the culture medium at each stage of the culture, and to adjust the state of the culture medium to be reused based on the culture protocol indicating the culture conditions for each culture target to be stored and the acquired culture medium parameters. [Explanation of symbols]

[0239] 10. Culture Management Server 10a Communication device 10b HDD 10c memory 10d processor 11 Input section 12 Output section 13 Communications Department 14 Storage section 14a Culture protocol storage unit 14b Culture medium parameter storage unit 14c Judgment result storage unit 14d Analysis Model Memory Unit 15 Control Unit 15a Acquisition part 15b Analysis section 15c Adjustment section 15d Judgment section 20, 20A, 20B, 20C culture tank 30, 30A, 30B, 30C adjustment equipment 100 Culture Management Systems M medium N Communication Network O Culture target W Worker

Claims

1. A control device for managing culture at each stage where the culture medium is reused, Memory and A processor connected to the aforementioned memory, Equipped with, The aforementioned memory is The culture protocol, which shows the culture conditions for each target organism, is stored. The aforementioned processor, To obtain culture medium parameters indicating the state of the culture medium in each of the above stages of cultivation, Adjusting the state of the culture medium based on the stored culture protocol and the acquired culture medium parameters, A management device that performs this task.

2. The aforementioned processor, The relationship between the culture medium parameters obtained in previous stages of the aforementioned steps and the reference range of culture conditions indicated by the culture protocol associated with the target to be cultured in the reused medium is analyzed, and the state of the medium corresponding to the target to be cultured is adjusted according to the analyzed relationship. The control device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned processor, The state of the culture medium corresponding to the target to be cultured is adjusted according to the correlation output by a trained machine learning model in response to the input of the culture medium parameters and the culture protocol. The control device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned processor, The system identifies the state of the culture medium that is outside the reference range indicated by the culture medium parameters, and notifies an alert indicating an abnormality. The control device according to claim 2.

5. The aforementioned processor, If the pH of the culture medium indicated by the culture medium parameter is outside the reference range, the pH of the culture medium corresponding to the target to be cultured is adjusted to be within the reference range. The control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The aforementioned processor, If the nutrient concentration of the culture medium indicated by the culture medium parameter is outside the reference range, the nutrient concentration of the culture medium corresponding to the target to be cultured is adjusted to be within the reference range. The control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

7. The aforementioned processor, The appropriateness of reusing the culture medium after the completion of the predetermined stage of culture is determined using the culture medium parameters obtained at the end of the predetermined stage of culture and the reference range indicated by the culture protocol associated with the target organism to be cultured. The control device according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned processor, If the heavy metal concentration indicated by the culture medium parameters obtained at the end of the predetermined stage of cultivation is outside the reference range, it is determined that the culture medium will not be reused after the end of the predetermined stage of cultivation. The control device according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned processor, If the biochemical oxygen demand indicated by the culture medium parameters obtained at the end of the predetermined stage of cultivation is outside the reference range, it is determined that the culture medium will not be reused after the end of the predetermined stage of cultivation. The control device according to claim 7.

10. The aforementioned processor, Using the culture medium parameters obtained at the start of a predetermined stage of culture and the reference range indicated by the culture protocol, the target organism suitable for the culture medium at the predetermined stage is determined. The control device according to claim 1.

11. A control method performed by a control device that manages the culture at each stage in which the culture medium is reused, The aforementioned control device To obtain culture medium parameters indicating the state of the culture medium in each of the above stages of cultivation, Based on the culture protocol that shows the culture conditions for each culture target to be stored and the acquired culture medium parameters, the state of the culture medium to be reused is adjusted, A method for managing and executing this process.

12. A control device that manages the culture at each stage where the culture medium is reused, To obtain culture medium parameters indicating the state of the culture medium in each of the above stages of cultivation, Based on the culture protocol that shows the culture conditions for each culture target to be stored and the acquired culture medium parameters, the state of the culture medium to be reused is adjusted, A management program that executes [something].

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