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

Abstract

To enable selection of good sperm suitable for microinjection from sperm in a specimen To provide a sperm selection assisting device. 【Solution means】Calculating at least one index related to the quality of sperm recognized in a moving image An index calculation unit for performing the calculation, and based on at least one index, during a first time interval in the moving image A first sperm recognized in the first time interval, and during a second time interval different from the first time interval in the moving image An evaluation unit for relatively evaluating the quality of a second sperm recognized in the second time interval, and at the first time In the interval, for the first sperm, information regarding at least one index of the first sperm Is associated and displayed, and the relative quality evaluation of the first sperm and the second sperm evaluated by the evaluation unit A display control unit for displaying the evaluation is provided, and the sperm selection assisting device.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

[0003]

[0004]

[0005]

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] ​However, at present, the technology for assisting in microinsemination is still under development. The present disclosure aims to provide a sperm selection assisting device, a sperm selection assisting system, a sperm selection assisting program, etc., which enable the selection of good sperm suitable for microinsemination from among the sperm in a sample.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The sperm selection assisting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an index calculation unit that calculates at least one index related to the quality of sperm recognized in a moving image, and based on the at least one index, a evaluation unit that relatively evaluates the quality of a first sperm recognized during a first time interval in the moving image and a second sperm recognized during a second time interval different from the first time interval in the moving image, and a display control unit that, in the first time interval in the moving image, associates and displays information related to at least one index of the first sperm with respect to the first sperm, and displays an evaluation of the relative quality of the first sperm and the second sperm evaluated by the evaluation unit.

[0008] Such a sperm selection assisting device displays an evaluation of the relative quality of a first sperm recognized during a first time interval in the moving image with respect to a second sperm recognized during a second time interval different from the first time interval in the moving image. Therefore, a more objective evaluation of sperm quality can be performed than when sperm selection is performed by comparing sperm within the same time interval. Accordingly, it is possible to select good sperm suitable for microinsemination from among the sperm in a sample.

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

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

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

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

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

Advantages of the Invention

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

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 4

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Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, the mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist thereof. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily match the actual dimensions, ratios, etc. There may be parts where the dimensional relationships and ratios are different between the drawings. and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist thereof. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily match the actual dimensions, ratios, etc. There may be parts where the dimensional relationships and ratios are different between the drawings. include parts where the dimensional relationships and ratios are different between the drawings.

[0017] [Sperm Selection Assistance System] Referring to FIG. 1, the sperm selection assistance system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Here, FIG. 1 is an overall conceptual diagram of the sperm selection assistance system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0018] The sperm selection assistance system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a sperm selection assistance device 10 according to the present embodiment, and an imaging device 20 that captures a moving image of sperm being observed. The sperm is contained in the sample S.

[0019] The sample S contains sperm obtained from a patient or subject who wishes to undergo microinsemination. The sample S may contain, in addition to sperm, a sperm culture solution or a highly viscous liquid that suppresses sperm motility (for example, a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solution). The sample S may be placed in a dish made of, for example, glass or resin.

[0020] The imaging device 20 acquires an imaging moving image of the sample S that has been observed. In FIG. 1, the imaging device 20 images the sample S from directly above in a plan view. However, the imaging device 20 only needs to be able to acquire a moving image containing sperm in the sample S, and does not necessarily have to be provided directly above the sample S. The imaging device 20 magnifies and observes the sample S and images some of the sperm in the sample S.

[0021] The imaging device 20 may be configured by, for example, an imaging device equipped with a CCD camera or a CMOS sensor. The imaging device 20 may image the sample S through an optical microscope. The observation method using an optical microscope is not particularly limited, and examples include bright field observation method, dark field observation method, phase contrast observation method, polarization observation method, spindle observation method, differential interference observation method, and relief contrast observation method, etc. Also, the magnification of the objective lens may be adjusted as appropriate, for example, it may be 20 times, 40 times, 60 times, etc. The imaging device 20 acquires a moving image of the sperm contained in the sample S. At this time, in order to image the sperm with high resolution, the sperm selection device 10 may adjust the settings of the imaging device 20 and / or the microscope system

[0022] attached to the imaging device 20. Such adjustment may be performed by the operator of intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In addition, the sperm selection assistance system 1 may include a microscope system in its configuration.

[0023] In this case, the sample S is placed on the stage of the microscope, and the imaging device 20 magnifies and images the sample S through the microscope. By performing imaging while tracking specific sperm, imaging can be carried out.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the sperm sorting assistance device 10 is connected to the imaging device 20. In FIG. 1 the sperm sorting assistance device 10 is shown as being connected to the imaging device 20 by wire, but they may be connected wirelessly continuously, or they may be physically integrated. Therefore, the imaging device 20 may be included in the sperm sorting assistance device 10 as a part of the sperm sorting assistance device 10.

[0025] The sperm sorting assistance device 10 assists in sperm sorting by analyzing the moving images of sperm acquired by the imaging device 20. However, the sperm sorting assistance device 10 may also acquire separately captured moving images of sperm and perform assistance in sperm sorting on the sperm included in the moving images. Hereinafter the sperm sorting assistance device 10 will be described in detail. (Sperm Sorting Assistance Device)

[0026] (Sperm Sorting Assistance Device) FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the sperm sorting assistance device 10. The sperm sorting assistance device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, an index calculation unit 12, a storage unit 13, an evaluation unit 14, a display control unit 15, and a recognition unit 16. The sperm sorting assistance device 10 calculates, by the index calculation unit 12, an index related to the quality of sperm included in the moving image acquired by the acquisition unit 11. While storing the calculated index in the storage unit 13, the sperm sorting assistance device 10 evaluates the quality of sperm by the evaluation unit 14 based on the stored index. For the sperm whose quality has been evaluated, information related to the index is displayed in association, and the quality evaluated by the evaluation unit 14 is displayed by the display control unit 15. At this time, the recognition unit 16 performs recognition, identification, and / or tracking of sperm. Thereby, the sperm sorting assistance device 10 can select good sperm suitable for microinjection from among the sperm in the specimen. For the sperm whose quality has been evaluated, information related to the index is displayed in association, and the quality evaluated by the evaluation unit 14 is displayed by the display control unit 15. At this time, the recognition unit 16 performs recognition, identification, and / or tracking of sperm. Thereby, the sperm sorting assistance device 10 can select good sperm suitable for microinjection from among the sperm in the specimen. For the sperm whose quality has been evaluated, information related to the index is displayed in association, and the quality evaluated by the evaluation unit 14 is displayed by the display control unit 15. At this time, the recognition unit 16 performs recognition, identification, and / or tracking of sperm. Thereby, the sperm sorting assistance device 10 can select good sperm suitable for microinjection from among the sperm in the specimen.

[0027] The acquisition unit 11 acquires the captured moving image of the sample acquired by the imaging device 20. The captured moving image includes at least two different time intervals in which at least one sperm is imaged. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire the moving image being imaged by the imaging device 20 in real time, or may acquire the moving image previously imaged by the imaging device 20. The moving image previously imaged may be an edited moving image from which time intervals during which no sperm is imaged have been deleted.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of the moving image acquired by the acquisition unit 11. As shown in FIG. 3(A), the moving image acquired by the acquisition unit 11 includes a plurality of time intervals in which sperm are imaged.

[0029] The acquired moving image includes at least a first time interval in which a first sperm is imaged and a second time interval different from the first time interval in which a second sperm is imaged. The moving image may further include a third time interval different from the first and second time intervals in which a third sperm is imaged. In FIG. 3(A), the moving image includes the first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval. Therefore, the moving image includes a plurality of mutually different time intervals in which sperm are imaged. Hereinafter, a plurality of time intervals including the first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval may be referred to as a plurality of mutually different time intervals. Also, hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, a moving image including the first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval in which the first sperm, the second sperm, and the third sperm are respectively imaged will be described, but the moving image includes the first time interval and the second time interval in which the first sperm and the second sperm are respectively imaged. and may include the first time interval and the second time interval. It is sufficient to capture them, or alternatively, additional sperm such as the fourth, fifth, sixth, etc. may be imaged respectively. It may include additional time intervals.

[0030] In this specification, the "time interval" of a moving image is the time interval defined by each frame of the moving image and consists of one or more frames. The above-mentioned time interval may be a time interval consisting of one or more frames, but is preferably a time interval consisting of two or more frames. Since the time interval consists of two or more frames, the movement of sperm can be identified from the time interval, and thus the quality of sperm can be evaluated based on the motility of sperm. When the time interval consists of one frame, the quality can be evaluated based on at least the morphology of the sperm. The temporal order of the first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval is not particularly limited. For example, the time of the moving image may be older in the order of the first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval. In this case, the first time interval is the time interval captured most in the past. Also, the time of the moving image may be newer in the order of the first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval. In this case, the third time interval is the time interval captured most in the past. When the acquisition unit 11 acquires a moving image in real time and performs sperm sorting in real time, the first time interval is preferably the most recently acquired time interval as shown in Fig. 3(A), and more preferably the time interval of the moving image acquired in real time. Also, in this case, the second time interval and the third time interval are time intervals acquired earlier than the first time interval. In such a mode, the second time interval and the third time captured in the past

[0031] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Based on the sperm contained in the intervals, the quality of the sperm being imaged in real time is evaluated. This can assist in the real-time selection of sperm by the practitioner of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (typically, an embryologist).

[0032] If the time of the moving image is older in the order of the first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval, and the first time interval is the time interval imaged most in the past, the sperm selection assistance device 10 evaluates the quality of the first sperm imaged in the past based on the second sperm and the third sperm imaged later. According to this aspect, after the first sperm has been selected and aspirated with a sperm injection tool, the quality of the first sperm can be evaluated based on the sperm imaged later, and the proficiency of sperm selection by the embryologist can be evaluated. Or, after injecting the first sperm into the egg, the quality of the injected first sperm can be evaluated based on the sperm imaged later. In this case, for example, after injecting the first sperm, the second sperm, and the third sperm into the egg respectively, the relative heights of the fertilization success rate, blastocyst arrival rate, or implantation rate can be evaluated. Or, after injecting the first sperm into the egg, the quality of the injected first sperm can be evaluated based on the sperm imaged later. In this case, for example, after injecting the first sperm, the second sperm, and the third sperm into the egg respectively, the relative heights of the fertilization success rate, blastocyst arrival rate, or implantation rate can be evaluated.

[0033] The first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval are a plurality of different time intervals. That the plurality of time intervals are different from each other means that the plurality of time intervals do not include the same frame and consist of different frames. Therefore, the first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval do not include overlapping time intervals. The first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval may have a time interval of one frame or more between them. ​​​​​​​​​​. The first time interval, the second time interval, and the third time interval are each independently, for example, 0 .5 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, or it may be 5 minutes.

[0034] FIG. 3(B) is a conceptual diagram showing an image obtained by cutting out one frame included in the first time interval of the acquired moving image. Similarly, FIGS. 3(C) and 3(D) are conceptual diagrams showing images obtained by cutting out one frame included in the second time interval and the third time interval of the acquired moving image, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3(B), in frame 41 included in the first time interval of the moving image, a plurality of spermatozoa including the first spermatozoon 41a and other spermatozoa 41b to 41e are imaged. Each frame included in the first time interval only needs to include at least the first spermatozoon 41a, and other frames included in the first time interval may not include any of the spermatozoa 41b to 41e. The frame in which the first spermatozoon 41a exists in the imaging field of view may be used as the first time interval, or a part of the moving image composed of a plurality of frames in which the first spermatozoon 41a exists in the imaging field of view may be cut out and used as the first time interval. As shown in FIG. 3(C), in frame 42 included in the second time interval of the moving image, a plurality of spermatozoa including the second spermatozoon 42a and other spermatozoa 41c and 42b to 42c are imaged. The frame 42 included in the second time interval includes the second spermatozoon 42a that is not determined to be the same as the spermatozoa 41a to 41e included in the first time interval. The frame 42 included in the second time interval is the spermatozoon 41c imaged in the frame 41 included in the first time interval and

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3(B), in frame 41 included in the first time interval of the moving image, a plurality of spermatozoa including the first spermatozoon 41a and other spermatozoa 41b to 41e are imaged. The first spermatozoon 41a and a plurality of other spermatozoa are imaged. Each frame included in the first time interval only needs to include at least the first spermatozoon 41a, and other frames included in the first time interval may not include any of the spermatozoa 41b to 41e. The frame in which the first spermatozoon 41a exists in the imaging field of view may be used as the first time interval, or a part of the moving image composed of a plurality of frames in which the first spermatozoon 41a exists in the imaging field of view may be cut out and used as the first time interval. Each frame included in the first time interval only needs to include at least the first spermatozoon 41a, and other frames included in the first time interval may not include any of the spermatozoa 41b to 41e. The frame in which the first spermatozoon 41a exists in the imaging field of view may be used as the first time interval, or a part of the moving image composed of a plurality of frames in which the first spermatozoon 41a exists in the imaging field of view may be cut out and used as the first time interval. The frame in which the first spermatozoon 41a exists in the imaging field of view may be used as the first time interval, or a part of the moving image composed of a plurality of frames in which the first spermatozoon 41a exists in the imaging field of view may be cut out and used as the first time interval. The frame in which the first spermatozoon 41a exists in the imaging field of view may be used as the first time interval, or a part of the moving image composed of a plurality of frames in which the first spermatozoon 41a exists in the imaging field of view may be cut out and used as the first time interval. The frame in which the first spermatozoon 41a exists in the imaging field of view may be used as the first time interval, or a part of the moving image composed of a plurality of frames in which the first spermatozoon 41a exists in the imaging field of view may be cut out and used as the first time interval.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3(C), in frame 42 included in the second time interval of the moving image, a plurality of spermatozoa including the second spermatozoon 42a and other spermatozoa 41c and 42b to 42c are imaged. The second spermatozoon 42a and a plurality of other spermatozoa are imaged. The frame 42 included in the second time interval includes the second spermatozoon 42a that is not determined to be the same as the spermatozoa 41a to 41e included in the first time interval. The frame 42 included in the second time interval includes the second spermatozoon 42a that is not determined to be the same as the spermatozoa 41a to 41e included in the first time interval. The frame 42 included in the second time interval is the spermatozoon 41c imaged in the frame 41 included in the first time interval and ​It may contain sperm 41c determined to be the same.

[0037] Note that when sperm contained in two frames are determined to be the same, it means that those sperm are determined to be the same by the recognition unit 16 described later. Note that it may be difficult to accurately determine whether two sperm at different time intervals are the same or different. Therefore, for two sperm not determined to be the same by the recognition unit 16, whether they are actually the same or different is not limited. That is, the recognition unit 16 may determine those sperm to be the same when it can surely determine that the sperm contained in two frames are the same. The recognition unit 16, for example, when the sperm imaged in the first frame always exists in the imaging field of the moving image in each frame between the first frame and the second frame, can determine that the sperm is also imaged in the second frame. As shown in FIG. 3(D), the frame 43 included in the third time interval of the moving image captures a plurality of sperm including the third sperm 43a and other sperm 41c. The frame 43 included in the third time interval includes the third sperm 43a that is not determined to be the same as the sperm 41a to 41e included in the first time interval and the sperm 42a to 42c included in the second time interval. The frame 43 included in the third time interval may contain sperm 41c determined to be the same as the sperm 41c imaged in the frame 41 included in the first time interval. Also, it may contain sperm determined to be the same as the sperm imaged in the frame 42 included in the second time interval.

[0038]

[0039] Therefore, in the acquired moving image, so that the second sperm and / or the third sperm are not included in the first time interval, the time interval, the first sperm, the second sperm, and / or the third sperm may be selected. So that the first sperm and / or the third sperm are not included in the second time interval, the time interval, the first sperm, the second sperm, and / or the third sperm may be selected. So that the first sperm and / or the second sperm are not included in the third time interval, the time interval, the first sperm, the second sperm, and / or the third sperm may be selected. That is, at different time intervals, at least one of the plurality of sperm imaged at each time interval may be different. Also, the first sperm, the second sperm, and the third sperm are preferably different from each other. However, as described above, it may be difficult to accurately determine that the sperm at different time intervals are different sperm. Therefore, the first sperm, the second sperm, and the third sperm may be sperm that are not determined to be the same as each other by the recognition unit 16. The first sperm, the second sperm, and the third sperm may be different from each other, but two or more of these three sperm may be the same sperm. That two or more of the first sperm, the second sperm, and the third sperm are the same sperm means, for example, that the second sperm imaged in the second time interval moves out of the imaging field of view, and then in the subsequent first time interval, the second sperm returns to the imaging field of view and is recognized as the first sperm instead of being determined to be the same as the second sperm. Also, the imaging location and / or the imaging field of view in the first time interval may be changed from the imaging location and / or the imaging field of view in the second time interval. According to this aspect, the sample S

[0040]

[0041] Relative evaluation of sperm at different locations can be performed, and good sperm suitable for microinsemination can be selected more objectively from the sperm in the specimen.

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

[0043] Returning to FIG. 2, the index calculation unit 12 calculates at least one index related to the quality of sperm recognized in the moving image. The quality of sperm means the properties of each sperm related to the fertilization success rate, blastocyst arrival rate, implantation rate, and / or delivery success rate, etc. when used in microinsemination.

[0044] At least one index related to the quality of sperm is not particularly limited. For example, the indexes described in the 6th Edition of the WHO Laboratory Manual (WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen; Sixth Edition) issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) can be cited. Such indexes include, for example, at least one of sperm motility, sperm morphology, and the degree of occurrence of sperm DNA fragmentation, or those calculated from two or more of these.

[0045] The index calculation unit 12 may calculate at least one index related to the quality of sperm by various methods. For example, sperm motility can be indexed by the speed of movement at a predetermined time interval and the linearity of the movement trajectory, etc. The index Track it, and based on the position information of sperm in each frame, calculate the speed of movement, straight-line speed, curve speed, and linearity of the movement trajectory, etc. The motility of sperm may be calculated using a learning model trained using sperm quality and movement as teacher data. The index calculation unit 12 receives conditions affecting sperm motility such as the preparation method of sample S, viscosity, concentration of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in sample S, etc., and may perform standardization of motility based on such conditions.

[0046] The morphology of sperm can be standardized based on the morphology of sperm imaged in each frame. The index calculation unit 12 may standardize the morphology of sperm based on multiple frames for one sperm, and calculate their values as one index by averaging. The morphology of sperm can be standardized based on, for example, the shape of the sperm head, the shape of the tail, their defects and the balance of sizes, etc. The index calculation unit 12 calculates the number of head vacuoles, the head aspect ratio in length and width, and / or the abnormal parts of the morphology and the number of abnormal parts, etc., and may calculate an index based on these values. The motility of sperm may be calculated using a learning model trained using sperm quality and morphology as teacher data.

[0047] The degree of occurrence of DNA fragmentation in sperm can be comprehensively considered by taking into account the movement of sperm such as the speed of movement and the linearity of the movement trajectory at a predetermined time interval, and the morphology of sperm imaged in each frame, and can be standardized. The degree of occurrence of DNA fragmentation in sperm may be calculated using a learning model trained using the degree of occurrence of DNA fragmentation in sperm and the movement and / or ​It may calculate the number of damaged ones, etc., and calculate an index based on these values. Regarding sperm DN The degree of occurrence of A fragmentation can be measured using a stained image obtained by selectively staining sperm that have undergone DNA fragmentation. It can be measured using.

[0048] The index calculation unit 12 may calculate an index for comprehensively evaluating the quality of sperm in consideration of two or more of the above - mentioned indices. The index calculation unit 12 may calculate an index by arbitrarily and selectively weighting indices related to the motility of sperm, the morphology of sperm, and the degree of occurrence of DNA fragmentation of sperm, and then averaging them. At that time, when any index is below the threshold value, a penalty of subtracting a certain number from the calculated index may be given. When any of the indices is below the threshold value, a penalty of subtracting a certain number from the calculated index may be given. It may give a penalty of subtracting a certain number from the calculated index.

[0049] The index calculation unit 12 may normalize the calculated index. For example, it may be normalized with the lowest evaluation being 0 and the highest evaluation being 10 or 100. It may be normalized with the lowest evaluation being 0 and the highest evaluation being 10 or 100.

[0050] The index calculation unit 12 may be realized by a program stored in the RAM 10b or ROM 10c described later and executed by the CPU 10a. The index calculated by the index calculation unit 12 may be stored in the RAM 10b or ROM 10c described later, and may be transmitted to each part and device via the communication unit 10d. The index calculated by the index calculation unit 12 may be stored in the RAM 10b or ROM 10c described later, and may be transmitted to each part and device via the communication unit 10d. It may be stored in the RAM 10b or ROM 10c described later, and may be transmitted to each part and device via the communication unit 10d. It may be transmitted to each part and device via the communication unit 10d.

[0051] The storage unit 13 stores at least one index calculated by the index calculation unit 12. With reference to FIG. 4, the information stored in the storage unit 13 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a database storing sperm indices in the storage unit 13. With reference to FIG. 4, the information stored in the storage unit 13 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a database storing sperm indices in the storage unit 13. As shown in FIG. 4, in the storage unit 13, in the moving image acquired by the acquisition unit 11, the recognition unit 16

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4, the storage unit 13, in the moving image acquired by the acquisition unit 11, the recognition unit 16 Recognize and store the index calculated by the index calculation unit 12. In the moving image, the recognition unit 16 recognizes For the sperm recognized, an individual ID is assigned, and the time in the moving image recognized by the recognition unit 16 and / or the time in the moving image when the index calculation unit 12 has completed the calculation of the index is associated with each ID and stored.

[0053] Also, the index calculated by the index calculation unit 12 is associated with each ID and stored. Note that the storage unit 13 may store all the indexes calculated by the index calculation unit 12, or a part of the indexes only.

[0054] In FIG. 4, the record with ID XXX and acquisition time 01:23:68, and the record with ID XXX and acquisition time 02:20:13 have the same ID assigned because the recognition unit 16 has determined that the sperm with acquisition time 01:23:68 and the sperm with acquisition time 0 2:20:13 are the same. Thus, once a sperm that has entered the imaging field of the moving image and for which an index has been calculated exits the imaging field of the moving image and then returns to the imaging field again, even if it is the case where the recognition unit 16 determines that it is the same sperm, the same ID may be assigned If the recognition unit 16 does not determine that it is the same sperm, a different ID may be assigned . The recognition unit 16 may determine that two sperm with matching multiple indexes are the same sperm. .

[0055] The storage unit 13 may be realized by the RAM 10b or ROM 10c described later.

[0056] Returning to FIG. 2, the evaluation unit 14, based on at least one index calculated by the index calculation unit 12, for the first sperm recognized during the first time interval in the moving image and the first Relatively evaluate the quality of the second sperm recognized during a second time interval different from the time interval of that.

[0057] By performing the quality evaluation of the first sperm in this way through relative comparison with the second sperm, evaluate the quality between two sperm imaged at different time intervals, and compared with sperm existing within the same time interval It is possible to perform a more objective sperm quality evaluation than when performing sperm selection by comparing sperm existing within the same time interval. evaluation can be performed.

[0058] Specifically, a conventional sperm selection assisting device, for example, compares a plurality of sperm included in an imaging field of view in a microscope, and presents a sperm having relatively high quality among them to an operator of intracytoplasmic sperm injection. However, in such a case, although it is possible to assist in selecting a sperm having relatively high quality in the imaging field of view, it is unknown how high the quality of the selected sperm is among all the sperm contained in the specimen. The sperm selection assisting device 10 according to the present embodiment can evaluate the quality of sperm to be evaluated based on sperm recognized at different time intervals as described above, so that it can not only select a sperm having relatively high quality within the imaging field of view, but also assist in selecting a sperm having relatively high quality among all the sperm in the specimen. However, in such a case, although it is possible to assist in selecting a sperm having relatively high quality in the imaging field of view, it is unknown how high the quality of the selected sperm is among all the sperm contained in the specimen. The sperm selection assisting device 10 according to the present embodiment can evaluate the quality of sperm to be evaluated based on sperm recognized at different time intervals as described above, so that it can not only select a sperm having relatively high quality within the imaging field of view, but also assist in selecting a sperm having relatively high quality among all the sperm in the specimen. However, in such a case, although it is possible to assist in selecting a sperm having relatively high quality in the imaging field of view, it is unknown how high the quality of the selected sperm is among all the sperm contained in the specimen. The sperm selection assisting device 10 according to the present embodiment can evaluate the quality of sperm to be evaluated based on sperm recognized at different time intervals as described above, so that it can not only select a sperm having relatively high quality within the imaging field of view, but also assist in selecting a sperm having relatively high quality among all the sperm in the specimen. sperm. The sperm selection assisting device 10 according to the present embodiment 0 can evaluate the quality of the sperm to be evaluated based on the sperm recognized at different time intervals as described above, so that it can not only select a sperm having relatively high quality within the imaging field of view, but also assist in selecting a sperm having relatively high quality among all the sperm in the specimen. sperm. The sperm selection assisting device 10 according to the present embodiment 0 can evaluate the quality of the sperm to be evaluated based on the sperm recognized at different time intervals as described above, so that it can not only select a sperm having relatively high quality within the imaging field of view, but also assist in selecting a sperm having relatively high quality among all the sperm in the specimen. assistance can be provided.

[0059] Therefore, it is preferable that the evaluation unit 14 not only compares the first sperm with sperm imaged at different time intervals, but also compares it with sperm existing within the same time interval. That is, the evaluation unit 14 preferably further evaluates the superiority and inferiority of the relative quality of a plurality of sperm including the first sperm recognized during the first time interval based on the index calculated by the index calculation unit 12. Therefore, it is preferable that the evaluation unit 14 not only compares the first sperm with sperm imaged at different time intervals, but also compares it with sperm existing within the same time interval. That is, the evaluation unit 14 preferably further evaluates the superiority and inferiority of the relative quality of a plurality of sperm including the first sperm recognized during the first time interval based on the index calculated by the index calculation unit 12. That is, the evaluation unit 14 preferably further evaluates the superiority and inferiority of the relative quality of a plurality of sperm including the first sperm recognized during the first time interval based on the index calculated by the index calculation unit 12. That is, the evaluation unit 14 preferably further evaluates the superiority and inferiority of the relative quality of a plurality of sperm including the first sperm recognized during the first time interval based on the index calculated by the index calculation unit 12. preferably.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, an example of the evaluation in the evaluation unit 14 will be described. The evaluation unit 14 is shown in FIG. 3(B) evaluates the first sperm 41a imaged in the frame 41 included in the first time interval shown. At this time, in one embodiment, the evaluation unit 14 recognizes during the first time interval the relative quality of a plurality of sperm 41a to 41d, and may select, as the first sperm, the sperm evaluated to have relatively excellent quality among the plurality of sperm 41a to 41d . The evaluation unit 14 may compare the quality of a plurality of sperm 4 1a to 41d based on at least one index calculated by the index calculation unit 12. For example, any one of the indexes calculated by the index calculation unit 12, preferably the motility of sperm, the morphology of sperm, and the degree of occurrence of DNA fragmentation of sperm , may be used to relatively evaluate the quality based on the magnitude of two or more calculated indexes. Alternatively, one or more sperm for which at least one index calculated by the index calculation unit 12 exceeds a predetermined threshold may be selected as the first sperm . When a plurality of sperm are selected as the first sperm, a relative evaluation of the quality with respect to the second sperm is performed for each of the selected plurality of sperm . In this specification, when determining that the quality of a specific sperm is excellent among a plurality of sperm, the threshold may be set based on the number of cells of the plurality of sperm as the population, and may be 50% or more, 75% or more , or 90% or more in the upper rank, or may be the upper 5, the upper 3, the upper 2, or the upper 1. Alternatively, based on the diagnosis result of male infertility of the patient or subject who wishes to perform microinsemination providing the sperm, the threshold is set, and a specific index is compared with the threshold .

[0061] In this specification, when determining that the quality of a specific sperm is excellent among a plurality of sperm , the threshold may be based on the number of cells of the plurality of sperm as the population, and may be 50% or more, 75% or more in the upper rank, or may be 90% or more in the upper rank, or may be the upper 5, the upper 3, the upper 2, or the upper 1. Alternatively, based on the diagnosis result of male infertility of the patient or subject who wishes to perform microinsemination providing the sperm, the threshold is set, and a specific index is compared with the threshold . ​When it exceeds, it may be determined that the quality of the sperm is excellent. Alternatively, it may be determined by visual inspection by the practitioner of intracytoplasmic sperm injection, or by the value measured by CASA (Computer-Aided sperm analyzer) or SQA (Sperm Quality Analyzer). Alternatively, it may be determined by visual inspection by the practitioner, or by the value measured by CASA (Computer-Aided sperm analyze r) or SQA (Sperm Quality Analyzer). Alternatively, referring to the distribution of indices (histogram ) in a plurality of spermatozoa created as described later, a threshold value is set, and when a specific index exceeds the threshold value, it may be determined that the quality of the spermatozoon is excellent.

[0062] When the evaluation unit 14 performs a relative evaluation of the quality of the first spermatozoon 41a, it relatively evaluates the quality with the second spermatozoon 42a imaged in the frame 42 included in the second time interval shown in FIG. 3(C). The evaluation unit 14 may compare the quality of the first spermatozoon 41a and the second spermatozoon 42a based on at least one index calculated by the index calculation unit 12. For example, based on the magnitude of an index calculated from two or more of any index calculated by the index calculation unit 12, preferably sperm motility, sperm morphology, and the degree of occurrence of sperm DNA fragmentation, a relative evaluation of the quality is performed. When the evaluation unit 14 selects the second spermatozoon 42a, among the plurality of spermatozoa recognized during the second time interval, it evaluates the relative quality superiority and inferiority of the plurality of spermatozoa 42a to 42c determined not to be the same as the spermatozoa recognized during the first time interval, and the spermatozoon evaluated to be relatively excellent in quality among the plurality of spermatozoa 42a to 42c may be used as the second spermatozoon. In one embodiment, the evaluation unit 14 is at least one of the second spermatozoa stored in the storage unit 13. For example, based on the magnitude of an index calculated from two or more of any index calculated by the index calculation unit 12, preferably sperm motility, sperm morphology, and the degree of occurrence of sperm DNA fragmentation, a relative evaluation of the quality is performed.

[0063] In one embodiment, when the evaluation unit 14 selects the second spermatozoon 42a, among the plurality of spermatozoa recognized during the second time interval, it evaluates the relative quality superiority and inferiority of the plurality of spermatozoa 42a to 42c determined not to be the same as the spermatozoa recognized during the first time interval. Among the plurality of spermatozoa 42a to 42c that are not judged to be the same as the spermatozoa recognized during the first time interval, the spermatozoa evaluated to be relatively excellent in quality may be used as the second spermatozoon.

[0064] In one embodiment, the evaluation unit 14 is at least one of the second spermatozoa stored in the storage unit 13. ​​​​​​Relative evaluation of the first sperm and the second sperm may also be performed with reference to one index. This In this case, the evaluation unit 14 selects, from the sperm stored in the storage unit 13, any sperm that is not determined to be the same as the sperm recognized in the first time interval as the second sperm for relative quality evaluation with the first sperm. Alternatively, a sperm evaluated as having relatively excellent quality among the sperm not determined to be the same as the sperm recognized in the first time interval may be used as the second sperm. As long as relative evaluation with the second sperm 42a is performed when relatively evaluating the quality of the first sperm 41a, further relative evaluation with other sperm may be performed. For example, the evaluation unit 14, based on at least one index calculated by the index calculation unit 12, relatively evaluates the quality of the first sperm and a third sperm recognized during a third time interval different from the first time interval and the second time interval in the moving image.

[0065] When relatively evaluating the quality of the first sperm 41a, as long as relative evaluation with the second sperm 42a is performed, further relative evaluation with other sperm may be performed. For example, the evaluation unit 14, based on at least one index calculated by the index calculation unit 12, relatively evaluates the quality of the first sperm and a third sperm recognized during a third time interval different from the first time interval and the second time interval in the moving image. In one embodiment, the evaluation unit 14 may perform relative evaluation of the first sperm 41a and a plurality of sperm in which at least one index is stored in the storage unit 13. In this case, the second sperm is included in the plurality of sperm. According to this aspect, in relative evaluation with a plurality of sperm that were identified earlier than the first sperm, for which an index was calculated, and in which at least one index is stored in the storage unit 13, the quality of the first sperm can be evaluated.

[0066] In one embodiment, the evaluation unit 14 may perform relative evaluation of the first sperm 41a and a plurality of sperm in which at least one index is stored in the storage unit 13. In this case, the second sperm is included in the plurality of sperm. According to this aspect, in relative evaluation with a plurality of sperm that were identified earlier than the first sperm, for which an index was calculated, and in which at least one index is stored in the storage unit 13, the quality of the first sperm can be evaluated. The method for performing relative evaluation of the first sperm 41a and a plurality of sperm in which at least one index is stored in the storage unit 13 is not particularly limited. For example, a plurality of sperm to be used as comparison targets

[0067] The method for performing relative evaluation of the first sperm 41a and a plurality of sperm in which at least one index is stored in the storage unit 13 is not particularly limited. For example, a plurality of sperm to be used as comparison targets Create a distribution (histogram) of the indicators that [it] has, and perform an evaluation of where the indicator that the first sperm 41a has is located in the distribution, for example, in what top percentage. That is, it suffices to perform an evaluation. The evaluation unit 14 may call from the storage unit 13 information regarding a plurality of sperm in which at least one indicator is stored in the storage unit 13, and calculate an overall evaluation of the sperm in the sample S. For example, the evaluation unit 14 may calculate at least one selected from the group consisting of the number or rate of abnormal sperm (the number or ratio of sperm with abnormal morphology) in the sample S, the number or ratio of sperm (motile sperm) whose indicator regarding motility exceeds a threshold value, the number or ratio of sperm (immotile sperm) whose indicator regarding motility is below the threshold value, the concentration of sperm, and the ratio (sperm motility rate) of motile sperm to immotile sperm.

[0068] The evaluation unit 14 may be realized by a program stored in the RAM 10b or ROM 10c described later and executed by the CPU 10a. The evaluation by the evaluation unit 14 may be stored in the RAM 10 b or ROM 10c described later, and may be transmitted to each unit and device via the communication unit 10d.

[0069] Returning to FIG. 2, the display control unit 15, in the first time interval in the moving image, displays information regarding at least one indicator of the first sperm in association with the first sperm, and also displays an evaluation of the relative quality of the first sperm and the second sperm evaluated by the evaluation unit 14.

[0070] When the moving image acquired by the acquisition unit 11 is a moving image captured in the past, the display control unit 15 edits each frame included in the first time interval in the moving image, and display the information related to one index while being evaluated by the evaluation unit 14 and may display an evaluation of the relative quality of the first sperm and the second sperm.

[0071] When the acquisition unit 11 acquires a moving image in real time, performs sperm sorting in real time, and the first time interval is the time interval of the moving image acquired in real time, the display control unit 15, as soon as the evaluation by the evaluation unit 14 is obtained, associates and displays information related to at least one index of the first sperm in the moving image acquired in real time, and may display an evaluation of the relative quality of the first sperm and the second sperm evaluated by the evaluation unit 1 4. Therefore, it can also be said that the display control unit 15 is a moving image generation unit that generates a moving image on which an evaluation is displayed.

[0072] With reference to FIG. 5, the information displayed by the display control unit 15 will be described. FIG. 5 shows, in frame 41 in the first time interval shown in FIG. 3(B ), an example of a display image 50 that displays at least one index related to the first sperm and an evaluation of the relative quality of the first sperm and the second sperm evaluated by the evaluation unit 14.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 5, in frame 41, the sperm 41a has information 51a indicating that it is the first sperm, that is, that an evaluation of the relative quality with the second sperm is being displayed. The information 51a may be a figure surrounding the sperm 41a, and its shape is not limited to a circle, and may be, for example, an ellipse, a polygon, a star shape, etc. The information 51a may include ID information for specifying the sperm 41a. In FIG. 5, the information 51a includes that the ID of the sperm 41a is 00 65. ​​​​​​​

[0074] In the example shown in FIG. 5, sperm 41b and 41c are also selected as the first sperm, i.e. The information 51b, 51c indicates that the quality of the first sperm is evaluated relative to that of the second sperm. In FIG. 5, information 51b and 51c are the IDs of the sperm 41b and 41c. are 0046 and 0084, respectively.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 5, in frame 41, the relative quality assessment of the second sperm is displayed. If there is more than one sperm, the quality of the first sperm is shown relative to that of the second sperm. The information 51a, 51b, 51c further indicates the quality of each sperm 41a, 41b, 41c. The information may include information indicating superiority or inferiority, and may include information regarding at least one index calculated by the index calculation unit 12. The information 51a, 51b, and 51c may include information on the shape and behavior of a figure surrounding the sperm. The quality of each sperm may be indicated by the shape, appearance or color of the figure surrounding the sperm. The color may indicate the magnitude of at least one of the indicators. In Figure 5, the order of quality is The sperm are shown in the order of 41a, 41b, and 41c with the colors of the figures surrounding the sperm highlighted. The information 51a, 51b, and 51c are arranged to highlight only the highest quality sperm. The shape, appearance, or color of the figure surrounding the information 51a, 51b, and 51c may be adjusted. The quality ranking of the sperm contained in the frame 41 may be displayed, and the ranking may be stored in the memory unit 13. The quality ranking of multiple spermatozoa may be displayed.

[0076] In FIG. 5, a display image 50 shows the first sperm and the second sperm evaluated by the evaluation unit 14. The area 52 displays the evaluation of the quality of the child relative to the child. If the evaluation of the relative quality of the first sperm and the second sperm evaluated is displayed, the configuration thereof is not particularly limited. In FIG. 5, for the sperm 41a, 41b, 41c evaluated by the evaluation unit 14, the relative evaluation of the quality with the second sperm recognized during a second time interval different from the first time interval is shown respectively. More specifically, in the region 52, a histogram of the indexes of the plurality of sperm stored in the storage unit 13 is displayed, and information 53 indicating in which of the histograms the indexes of the sperm 41a, 41 b, 41c are located is displayed. That is, in the region 52, the relative evaluation of the quality between the plurality of sperm in which at least one index is stored in the storage unit 13, including the second sperm recognized during a second time interval different from the first time interval, and the sperm 41a, 41b, 41c is shown. In FIG. 5 as the information 53, 0065, 0084, 0046 which are the respective IDs given to the sperm 41a, 41b, 41c are displayed at the positions of the histograms where the respective sperm 41a, 41b, 41c are present. In the region 52, further, the overall evaluation of the sperm in the sample S estimated from the plurality of sperm stored in the storage unit 13 may be displayed. In the region 52, the number or ratio of abnormal sperm in the sample S (the number or ratio of sperm with abnormal morphology), the number or ratio of sperm (motile sperm) whose index related to motility exceeds the threshold value, the number or ratio of sperm (immotile sperm) whose index related to motility is below the threshold value, the sperm concentration, and at least one selected from the group consisting of the ratio of motile sperm to immotile sperm (sperm motility rate) may be shown. In the display image 50, further, the sperm 41a that displays the evaluation of the relative quality with the second sperm,

[0077] ​​​​​​​Enlarged images 54a, 54b, and 54c of 41b and 41c may be displayed. By showing the enlarged images, the practitioner of intracytoplasmic sperm injection can be made to focus on the morphology and motility of each sperm. Also, the enlarged image may include at least one of the ID and / or index of the sperm being enlarged. In FIG. 5, an index comprehensively evaluating the quality of the sperm calculated from a plurality of indexes relating to the sperm displayed in the region 55 described later is displayed for the enlarged image.

[0078] At least one index may be associated with and displayed for the first sperm in the display image 50. In FIG. 5, regions 55a, 55b, and 55c for respectively displaying the indexes of sperm 41a, 41b, and 41c are respectively associated with and displayed for the enlarged images 54a, 54b, and 54c of sperm 41a, 41b, and 41c, which display the evaluation of the relative quality with the second sperm. The indexes shown are not particularly limited as long as they are at least one index calculated by the index calculation unit 12. However, in FIG. 5, indexes indicating the motility, morphology, and degree of occurrence of DNA fragmentation of each sperm are respectively displayed. Here, the indexes indicating the motility of the sperm are the swimming speed, straight-line speed, curve speed, and linearity of the movement trajectory, and one or more selected from the group consisting of values comprehensively indicating the motility of the sperm that may be calculated from these values. The indexes indicating the morphology of the sperm are the shape of the head of the sperm, the shape of the tail, the number of vacuoles in the head, the balance of their sizes (for example, the aspect ratio of the head in the vertical and horizontal directions), the abnormal parts of the morphology and the number of abnormal parts, and one or more selected from the group consisting of values ​and the number of damaged ones, and the degree of occurrence of DNA fragmentation of sperm that may be calculated from these values It may be one or more selected from a group consisting of values that comprehensively indicate

[0079] Also, the display control unit 15 associates information regarding at least one index with the first sperm and displays a moving image, and a moving image that does not display information regarding at least one index, and can switch and display them.

[0080] With reference to FIG. 6, the switching of the moving image in the display control unit 15 will be described. FIG. 6( A) is a frame 41 in the first time interval shown in FIG. 3(B), and for sperm 41a , 41b, 41c, as information regarding at least one index, the information 51a, 51b, 51c described using FIG. 5 is an example of a frame in which is displayed. In FIG. 6(A) the information 51a, 51b, 51c indicates that it displays an evaluation of the relative quality with the second sperm and is information indicating the top three with a high predetermined index within frame 41 . Also, the information 51a, 51b, 51c is such that the color of the figure surrounding the sperm indicates that the predetermined index is high in this order and is emphasized.

[0081] FIG. 6(B) is a frame 41 in the first time interval shown in FIG. 3(B) in which information regarding at least one index is not displayed for the first sperm . It is an example of a frame. As shown in FIG. 6(B), a moving image that does not display information regarding at least one index may be the moving image acquired by the acquisition unit 11, and may be a moving image that the display control unit 15 does not add a display to .

[0082] ​FIG. 6(C) shows, in frame 41 in the first time interval shown in FIG. 3(B), the sperm 41a with information regarding at least one index, which is the information described with reference to FIG. 5. In FIG. 6(C), information 51a indicates the evaluation of the relative quality with respect to the second sperm, and is information indicating the sperm with the highest predetermined index

[0083] within frame 41. The display control unit 15 may be implemented by a program stored in the RAM 10b or ROM 10c described later and executed by the CPU 10a. The moving image with the display attached by the display control unit 15 may be stored in the RAM 10b or ROM 10c described later, and may be transmitted to each part and device via the communication unit 10d, or may be displayed on the display unit 10f. When the sperm selection assistance device 10 is connected to the

[0084] microscope system, the moving image with the display attached by the display control unit 15 is transmitted to the microscope system via the communication unit 10d and may be projected onto the eyepiece of the microscope system. Returning to FIG. 2, the recognition unit 16 analyzes the moving

[0085] image to recognize, identify, and / or track sperm. As a method for recognizing sperm from the moving image, there are methods such as may be assigned the same ID information. When the recognition unit 16 can surely determine that the spermatozoa included in two frames are identical, it may determine those spermatozoa to be the same and assign the same ID information . For example, when the spermatozoa imaged in the first frame always exist within the imaging field of view of the moving image between the first frame and the second frame, the recognition unit 16 may track the spermatozoa and determine that they are the same spermatozoa in the second frame. In determining whether two spermatozoa are identical, at least one index calculated by the index calculation unit 12 for each spermatozoon may be considered. For example, when one or more of the indices calculated by the index calculation unit 12 match or are approximately the same, the two spermatozoa may be determined to be identical. That the indices are approximately the same means that the absolute value of the difference between the indices of the two spermatozoa is 1% or less, 2% or less, 3% or less, 4% or less, 5% or less, or 10% or less based on the index of either spermatozoon.

[0086] The recognition unit 16 may be realized by a program stored in a later-described RAM 10b or ROM 10c and executed by the CPU 10a. The recognition by the recognition unit 16 may be stored in a later-described RAM 10 b or ROM 10c and transmitted to each unit and device via the communication unit 10d.

[0087] Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the physical configuration of the sperm sorting assistance device 10 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the physical configuration of the sperm sorting assistance device 10. The sperm sorting assistance device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10a corresponding to a processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 10b corresponding to a storage unit, ​​​​and a ROM (Read only Memory) 10c, a communication unit 10d, and an input unit 1 0e, and a display unit 10f. These components are connected to each other via a bus so that data can be transmitted and received therebetween. In this example, the case where the functions of the sperm sorting assistance device 10 are configured by a single computer will be described. However, the functions of the sperm sorting assistance device 10 may be realized by combining a plurality of computers. Further, the configuration shown in FIG. 7 is an example, and the sperm sorting assistance device 10 may have components other than these, or may not have some of these components. The CPU 10a performs control related to the execution of programs stored in the RAM 10b or the ROM 10c, arithmetic operations, and processing of data. The CPU 10a functions as an acquisition unit 11, a reference calculation unit 12, a storage unit 13, an evaluation unit 14, a display control unit 15, and a recognition unit 16 by executing a program that causes the computer to function as such. The CPU 10a receives various data from the input unit 10e and the communication unit 10d, and displays the arithmetic result of the data on the display unit 10f, or stores it in the RAM 10b or the ROM 10c. The RAM 10b is a storage unit in which data can be rewritten, and may be configured by, for example, a semiconductor memory element. The RAM 10b may store a program executed by the CPU 10a. Note that these are examples, and other data may be stored in the RAM 10b. The ROM 10c is a storage unit from which data can be read, and may be configured by, for example, a semiconductor memory element. The ROM 10c may store data that is not rewritten, for example. The sperm sorting assistance device 10 may have components other than these, or may not have some of these components.

[0088] The CPU 10a performs control related to the execution of programs stored in the RAM 10b or the ROM 10c, arithmetic operations, and processing of data. The CPU 10a is an arithmetic unit that executes a program that causes the computer to function as an acquisition unit 11, a reference calculation unit 12, a storage unit 13, an evaluation unit 14, a display control unit 15, and a recognition unit 16. The CPU 10a receives various data from the input unit 10e and the communication unit 10d, and displays the arithmetic result of the data on the display unit 10f, or stores it in the RAM 10b or the ROM 10c.

[0089] The RAM 10b is a rewritable storage unit and may be composed of, for example, semiconductor memory elements. The RAM 10b may store the programs executed by the CPU 10a. These are just examples, and other data may be stored in the RAM 10b.

[0090] The ROM 10c is a storage unit from which data can be read and may be composed of, for example, semiconductor memory elements. The ROM 10c may store data that is not rewritten, for example. ​

[0091] The communication unit 10d is an interface that connects the sperm selection assisting device 10 to other units and devices, such as the imaging device 20. The communication unit 10d may be connected to a network by wire or wirelessly.

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

[0093] The display unit 10f visually displays the calculation result by the CPU 10a and may be configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display unit 10f may display the captured moving image acquired by the imaging device 20 and the moving image with display added by the display control unit 15.

[0094] Note that the sperm selection assisting program according to the present embodiment may be stored and provided in a computer-readable storage medium such as the RAM 10b or the ROM 10c, or may be provided via a communication network connected by the communication unit 10d. In the sperm selection assisting device 10, when the CPU 10a executes the program according to the present embodiment, the functions described with reference to FIG. 2 are realized. Note that these physical configurations are examples and do not necessarily have to be independent configurations. For example, the sperm selection assisting device 10 may include an LSI (Large-Scale Int egration) in which the CPU 10a, the RAM 10b, and / or the ROM 10c are integrated. 10b and / or the ROM 10c are integrated. egration).

[0095] [Sperm Selection Method] Hereinafter, a method for selecting sperm using the sperm selection assisting system according to the present embodiment will be described. ​​​​will be described. The sperm selection method according to the present embodiment uses the sperm selection assistance system according to the present embodiment, so that good sperm suitable for microinjection can be selected from the sperm in the specimen. In particular, sperm with objectively high quality can be selected.

[0096] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the steps of the sperm selection method according to the present embodiment. Note that, although not shown in FIG. 8, the operator of microinjection (typically an embryologist) places the sample S on the sperm selection assistance system according to the present embodiment and sets it so that the sample S is provided in the imaging field of view of the imaging device 20.

[0097] Hereinafter, a method in which the sperm selection assistance system 1 automatically performs sperm selection without going through the process of the microinjection operator will be described. However, all or part of the following steps can also be manually performed by the microinjection operator. Also, when acquiring a moving image from the imaging device 20 in real time, the process for assisting sperm selection may be executed in real time. Therefore, each of the following steps may be performed in parallel at predetermined time intervals of the moving image. Also, in one embodiment, the step of storing sperm indicators can be omitted.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 8, in the sperm selection method according to the present embodiment, first, an observation moving image of sperm is acquired from the imaging device 20 through the acquisition unit 11 (hereinafter, also referred to as "step S1"). In step S1, a previously captured moving image may be acquired, or a moving image acquired by the imaging device 20 may be acquired in real time.

[0099] Next, each sperm is recognized (hereinafter, also referred to as "step S2"). In step S2, ​​​​​The recognition unit 16 analyzes the moving image acquired, and recognizes spermatozoa imaged at a predetermined time interval in the moving image. At this time, the recognition unit 16 may assign ID information to each spermatozoon. Also, for the spermatozoa recognized by the recognition unit 16, the recognized time and the assigned ID information may be stored in the storage unit 13. Next, for the spermatozoa recognized in step S2, the index calculation unit 12 calculates at least one index (hereinafter, also referred to as "step S3"). Next, the index calculated in step S3 is associated with each spermatozoon and stored in the storage unit 13 (hereinafter, also referred to as "step S4"). Next, the quality of at least one spermatozoon for which an index was calculated in step S3 is evaluated (hereinafter, also referred to as "step S5"). In step S5, based on the index calculated in step S3, spermatozoa with relatively high quality or at least one spermatozoon whose index exceeds a threshold value are selected from among a plurality of spermatozoa recognized during the first time interval. Let the selected spermatozoon be the first spermatozoon, and the quality of the first spermatozoon is relatively evaluated with respect to the second spermatozoon recognized during a second time interval different from the first time interval. In the relative evaluation of the quality with the second spermatozoon, the relative evaluation of the quality of the first spermatozoon may be performed using one or a plurality of spermatozoa for which the index was stored in step S4.

[0100] Next, for the spermatozoa recognized in step S2, the index calculation unit 12 calculates at least one index (hereinafter, also referred to as "step S3"). Next, the index calculated in step S3 is associated with each spermatozoon and stored in the storage unit 13 (hereinafter, also referred to as "step S4").

[0101] Next, the index calculated in step S3 is associated with each spermatozoon and stored in the storage unit 13 (hereinafter, also referred to as "step S4"). Next, the quality of at least one spermatozoon for which an index was calculated in step S3 is evaluated (hereinafter, also referred to as "step S5"). In step S5, based on the index calculated in step S3, spermatozoa with relatively high quality or at least one spermatozoon whose index exceeds a threshold value are selected from among a plurality of spermatozoa recognized during the first time interval. Let the selected spermatozoon be the first spermatozoon, and the quality of the first spermatozoon is relatively evaluated with respect to the second spermatozoon recognized during a second time interval different from the first time interval. In the relative evaluation of the quality with the second spermatozoon, the relative evaluation of the quality of the first spermatozoon may be performed using one or a plurality of spermatozoa for which the index was stored in step S4.

[0102] Next, the quality of at least one spermatozoon for which an index was calculated in step S3 is evaluated (hereinafter, also referred to as "step S5"). In step S5, based on the index calculated in step S3, spermatozoa with relatively high quality or at least one spermatozoon whose index exceeds a threshold value are selected from among a plurality of spermatozoa recognized during the first time interval. Let the selected spermatozoon be the first spermatozoon, and the quality of the first spermatozoon is relatively evaluated with respect to the second spermatozoon recognized during a second time interval different from the first time interval. In the relative evaluation of the quality with the second spermatozoon, the relative evaluation of the quality of the first spermatozoon may be performed using one or a plurality of spermatozoa for which the index was stored in step S4. Next, the quality of at least one spermatozoon for which an index was calculated in step S3 is evaluated (hereinafter, also referred to as "step S5"). In step S5, based on the index calculated in step S3, spermatozoa with relatively high quality or at least one spermatozoon whose index exceeds a threshold value are selected from among a plurality of spermatozoa recognized during the first time interval. Let the selected spermatozoon be the first spermatozoon, and the quality of the first spermatozoon is relatively evaluated with respect to the second spermatozoon recognized during a second time interval different from the first time interval. In the relative evaluation of the quality with the second spermatozoon, the relative evaluation of the quality of the first spermatozoon may be performed using one or a plurality of spermatozoa for which the index was stored in step S4. Next, the quality of at least one spermatozoon for which an index was calculated in step S3 is evaluated (hereinafter, also referred to as "step S5"). In step S5, based on the index calculated in step S3, spermatozoa with relatively high quality or at least one spermatozoon whose index exceeds a threshold value are selected from among a plurality of spermatozoa recognized during the first time interval. Let the selected spermatozoon be the first spermatozoon, and the quality of the first spermatozoon is relatively evaluated with respect to the second spermatozoon recognized during a second time interval different from the first time interval. In the relative evaluation of the quality with the second spermatozoon, the relative evaluation of the quality of the first spermatozoon may be performed using one or a plurality of spermatozoa for which the index was stored in step S4. Next, the quality of at least one spermatozoon for which an index was calculated in step S3 is evaluated (hereinafter, also referred to as "step S5"). In step S5, based on the index calculated in step S3, spermatozoa with relatively high quality or at least one spermatozoon whose index exceeds a threshold value are selected from among a plurality of spermatozoa recognized during the first time interval. Let the selected spermatozoon be the first spermatozoon, and the quality of the first spermatozoon is relatively evaluated with respect to the second spermatozoon recognized during a second time interval different from the first time interval. In the relative evaluation of the quality with the second spermatozoon, the relative evaluation of the quality of the first spermatozoon may be performed using one or a plurality of spermatozoa for which the index was stored in step S4. Next, the quality of at least one spermatozoon for which an index was calculated in step S3 is evaluated (hereinafter, also referred to as "step S5"). In step S5, based on the index calculated in step S3, spermatozoa with relatively high quality or at least one spermatozoon whose index exceeds a threshold value are selected from among a plurality of spermatozoa recognized during the first time interval. Let the selected spermatozoon be the first spermatozoon, and the quality of the first spermatozoon is relatively evaluated with respect to the second spermatozoon recognized during a second time interval different from the first time interval. In the relative evaluation of the quality with the second spermatozoon, the relative evaluation of the quality of the first spermatozoon may be performed using one or a plurality of spermatozoa for which the index was stored in step S4. Next, the quality of at least one spermatozoon for which an index was calculated in step S3 is evaluated (hereinafter, also referred to as "step S5"). In step S5, based on the index calculated in step S3, spermatozoa with relatively high quality or at least one spermatozoon whose index exceeds a threshold value are selected from among a plurality of spermatozoa recognized during the first time interval. Let the selected spermatozoon be the first spermatozoon, and the quality of the first spermatozoon is relatively evaluated with respect to the second spermatozoon recognized during a second time interval different from the first time interval. In the relative evaluation of the quality with the second spermatozoon, the relative evaluation of the quality of the first spermatozoon may be performed using one or a plurality of spermatozoa for which the index was stored in step S4. Next, the quality of at least one spermatozoon for which an index was calculated in step S3 is evaluated (hereinafter, also referred to as "step S5"). In step S5, based on the index calculated in step S3, spermatozoa with relatively high quality or at least one spermatozoon whose index exceeds a threshold value are selected from among a plurality of spermatozoa recognized during the first time interval. Let the selected spermatozoon be the first spermatozoon, and the quality of the first spermatozoon is relatively evaluated with respect to the second spermatozoon recognized during a second time interval different from the first time interval. In the relative evaluation of the quality with the second spermatozoon, the relative evaluation of the quality of the first spermatozoon may be performed using one or a plurality of spermatozoa for which the index was stored in step S4. Next, the quality of at least one spermatozoon for which an index was calculated in step S3 is evaluated (hereinafter, also referred to as "step S5"). In step S5, based on the index calculated in step S3, spermatozoa with relatively high quality or at least one spermatozoon whose index exceeds a threshold value are selected from among a plurality of spermatozoa recognized during the first time interval. Let the selected spermatozoon be the first spermatozoon, and the quality of the first spermatozoon is relatively evaluated with respect to the second spermatozoon recognized during a second time interval different from the first time interval. In the relative evaluation of the quality with the second spermatozoon, the relative evaluation of the quality of the first spermatozoon may be performed using one or a plurality of spermatozoa for which the index was stored in step S4.

[0103] In step S5, the quality of one of the spermatozoa being imaged by the imaging device 20 in real time may be evaluated. Alternatively, in step S5, after starting the observation of the sample S, a plurality of spermatozoa are confirmed at a predetermined time, and at least In step S5, the quality of one of the spermatozoa being imaged by the imaging device 20 in real time may be evaluated. Alternatively, in step S5, after starting the observation of the sample S, a plurality of spermatozoa are confirmed at a predetermined time, and at least In step S5, the quality of one of the spermatozoa being imaged by the imaging device 20 in real time may be evaluated. Alternatively, in step S5, after starting the observation of the sample S, a plurality of spermatozoa are confirmed at a predetermined time, and at least After creating a histogram for one parameter, the sperm quality may be evaluated.

[0104] Next, the display control unit 15 relatively evaluates the quality with the second sperm in step S5 and associates information regarding at least one parameter of the first sperm with the first sperm and displays it, and generates a moving image showing the evaluation of the relative quality with respect to the evaluated second sperm (hereinafter, also referred to as "step S6"). In step S6, in real time for one of the sperm being imaged by the imaging device 20, information regarding at least one parameter is associated and displayed, and a moving image showing the evaluation of the relative quality with respect to the evaluated second sperm may be generated in real time.

[0105] Next, the moving image generated in step S6 is displayed (hereinafter, also referred to as "step S7"). In step S7, the moving image may be displayed on the display unit 10f of the sperm selection assistance device 10 or projected onto the eyepiece of the microscope system connected to the sperm selection assistance device 10.

[0106] [Modification Example] As described above, an example of the present embodiment has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above. For example, the examples and / or preferred modes (preferred, more preferred, even more preferred, even more preferably modes, etc.) in the description of each component and step can be arbitrarily combined to form the present embodiment as long as not specifically mentioned. For example, for each embodiment, an embodiment described as a preferred mode and an embodiment described as a preferred mode may be combined, or an embodiment described as a preferred mode or the like can be combined arbitrarily as long as not specifically mentioned. For example, for each embodiment, an embodiment described as a preferred mode and an embodiment described as a preferred mode may be combined, or an embodiment described as a preferred mode or the like described as a preferred mode may be combined. The embodiments and the configurations described as more preferred embodiments (or even more preferred embodiments, etc.) may be combined. Also, each component and step can be appropriately omitted as long as the effects of the present embodiment are not inhibited. For example, the sperm selection assistance system 1 shown in FIG. 1 may include a tool for immobilizing sperm in the sample S and / or a sperm injection tool for aspirating sperm and then injecting it into the cytoplasm of an egg. The sperm injection tool may be, for example, an injection pipette commonly used in micro-insemination. The sperm injection tool may include means for immobilizing the sperm selected by the sperm selection assistance device 10. Examples of means for immobilizing sperm include means for applying weak vibrations such as a piezo element, and laser light irradiation means. The sperm injection tool may include a pressure control mechanism for aspirating and injecting sperm.

[0107] For example, the sperm selection assistance system 1 shown in FIG. 1 may include a tool for immobilizing sperm in the sample S and / or a sperm injection tool for aspirating sperm and then injecting it into the cytoplasm of an egg. The sperm injection tool may be, for example, an injection pipette commonly used in micro-insemination. The sperm injection tool may include means for immobilizing the sperm selected by the sperm selection assistance device 10. Examples of means for immobilizing sperm include means for applying weak vibrations such as a piezo element, and laser light irradiation means. The sperm injection tool may include a pressure control mechanism for aspirating and injecting sperm. The sperm injection tool may be, for example, an injection pipette commonly used in micro-insemination. The sperm injection tool may include means for immobilizing the sperm selected by the sperm selection assistance device 10. Examples of means for immobilizing sperm include means for applying weak vibrations such as a piezo element, and laser light irradiation means. The sperm injection tool may include a pressure control mechanism for aspirating and injecting sperm.

[0108] The sperm injection tool may be, for example, an injection pipette commonly used in micro-insemination. The sperm injection tool may include means for immobilizing the sperm selected by the sperm selection assistance device 10. Examples of means for immobilizing sperm include means for applying weak vibrations such as a piezo element, and laser light irradiation means. The sperm injection tool may include a pressure control mechanism for aspirating and injecting sperm. The sperm injection tool may be, for example, an injection pipette commonly used in micro-insemination. The sperm injection tool may include means for immobilizing the sperm selected by the sperm selection assistance device 10. Examples of means for immobilizing sperm include means for applying weak vibrations such as a piezo element, and laser light irradiation means. The sperm injection tool may include a pressure control mechanism for aspirating and injecting sperm. The sperm injection tool may be, for example, an injection pipette commonly used in micro-insemination. The sperm injection tool may include means for immobilizing the sperm selected by the sperm selection assistance device 10. Examples of means for immobilizing sperm include means for applying weak vibrations such as a piezo element, and laser light irradiation means. The sperm injection tool may include a pressure control mechanism for aspirating and injecting sperm. The sperm injection tool may be, for example, an injection pipette commonly used in micro-insemination. The sperm injection tool may include means for immobilizing the sperm selected by the sperm selection assistance device 10. Examples of means for immobilizing sperm include means for applying weak vibrations such as a piezo element, and laser light irradiation means. The sperm injection tool may include a pressure control mechanism for aspirating and injecting sperm. The sperm injection tool may be, for example, an injection pipette commonly used in micro-insemination. The sperm injection tool may include means for immobilizing the sperm selected by the sperm selection assistance device 10. Examples of means for immobilizing sperm include means for applying weak vibrations such as a piezo element, and laser light irradiation means. The sperm injection tool may include a pressure control mechanism for aspirating and injecting sperm.

[0109] Also, in the flowchart of the sperm selection method according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 8, before step S1 or in parallel with step S1, the sperm in the sample may be imaged by the imaging device 20. At this time, the sperm selection device 10 may adjust the settings of the imaging device 20 and / or the microscope system attached to the imaging device 20 in order to image the sperm with high resolution. Such adjustment may be performed by the operator of micro-insemination. Also, in the flowchart of the sperm selection method according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 8, before step S1 or in parallel with step S1, the sperm in the sample may be imaged by the imaging device 20. At this time, the sperm selection device 10 may adjust the settings of the imaging device 20 and / or the microscope system attached to the imaging device 20 in order to image the sperm with high resolution. Such adjustment may be performed by the operator of micro-insemination. Also, in the flowchart of the sperm selection method according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 8, before step S1 or in parallel with step S1, the sperm in the sample may be imaged by the imaging device 20. At this time, the sperm selection device 10 may adjust the settings of the imaging device 20 and / or the microscope system attached to the imaging device 20 in order to image the sperm with high resolution. Such adjustment may be performed by the operator of micro-insemination. Also, in the flowchart of the sperm selection method according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 8, before step S1 or in parallel with step S1, the sperm in the sample may be imaged by the imaging device 20. At this time, the sperm selection device 10 may adjust the settings of the imaging device 20 and / or the microscope system attached to the imaging device 20 in order to image the sperm with high resolution. Such adjustment may be performed by the operator of micro-insemination. Also, in the flowchart of the sperm selection method according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 8, before step S1 or in parallel with step S1, the sperm in the sample may be imaged by the imaging device 20. At this time, the sperm selection device 10 may adjust the settings of the imaging device 20 and / or the microscope system attached to the imaging device 20 in order to image the sperm with high resolution. Such adjustment may be performed by the operator of micro-insemination.

[0110] [Appendix] The present disclosure includes the following embodiments. [1] An index calculation unit that calculates at least one index related to the quality of sperm recognized in a moving image, and Based on the at least one index, the first sperm recognized during the first time interval in the moving image and the first sperm recognized during the first time interval in the moving image A second sperm recognized during a second time interval different from the first time interval in the moving image An evaluation unit that relatively evaluates the quality of the second sperm; In the first time interval in the moving image, for the first sperm, information regarding the at least one index of the first sperm is associated and displayed, and the evaluation A display control unit that displays an evaluation of the relative quality of the first sperm and the second sperm evaluated by the evaluation unit ; A sperm sorting assistance device comprising: [2] The evaluation unit further evaluates the superiority and inferiority of the relative quality of a plurality of sperms including the first sperm recognized during the first time interval based on the calculated index. The sperm sorting assistance device according to [1]. [3] The first sperm is a sperm evaluated to be relatively excellent in quality among the plurality of sperms. The sperm sorting assistance device according to [2]. [4] The sperm sorting assistance device further comprises a storage unit that stores the at least one index calculated by the index calculation unit, The evaluation unit refers to the at least one index of the second sperm calculated by the index calculation unit and stored in the storage unit to perform a relative evaluation between the first sperm and the second sperm. The sperm sorting assistance device according to any one of [1] to [3]. [5] The evaluation unit performs a relative evaluation between the first sperm and a plurality of sperms in which the at least one index is stored in the storage unit based on the at least one index. The sperm sorting assistance device according to [4]. [6] The evaluation unit further, based on the at least one index, compares the quality of the first sperm with that of a third sperm recognized within a third time interval different from the first time interval and the second time interval in the moving image. A third time interval within which a third sperm is recognized The sperm selection assisting device according to any one of [1] to [5]. [7] The display control unit can switch between and display a moving image that displays information related to the at least one index associated with the first sperm, and a moving image that does not display information related to the at least one index. A moving image that displays information related to the at least one index associated with the first sperm and a moving image that does not display information related to the at least one index The sperm selection assisting device according to any one of [1] to [6]. [8] The at least one index is at least one of sperm motility, sperm morphology, and the degree of occurrence of sperm DNA fragmentation, or is calculated from two or more of these. The degree of occurrence of sperm DNA fragmentation The sperm selection assisting device according to any one of [1] to [7]. [9] An imaging device that captures a moving image of sperm, and the sperm selection assisting device according to any one of [1] to [8]. A sperm selection assisting system comprising: A sperm selection assisting system.

[10] A computer, an index calculation unit that calculates at least one index related to the quality of sperm recognized in a moving image, an evaluation unit that relatively evaluates the quality of a first sperm recognized within a first time interval in the moving image and a second sperm recognized within a second time interval different from the first time interval in the moving image based on the at least one index, and a display control unit that, at the first time interval in the moving image, displays information related to the at least one index associated with the first sperm. A second time interval different from the first time interval in the moving image within which a second sperm is recognized at the first time interval in the moving image, for the first sperm, Displaying while associating information regarding the at least one index of the sperm, and the evaluation Displaying an evaluation of the relative quality of the first sperm and the second sperm evaluated by the evaluation unit A display control unit for performing; A sperm sorting assistance program that functions as

Explanation of Signs

[0111] 1…Sperm sorting assistance system, 10…Sperm sorting assistance device, 11…Acquisition unit, 12…Index calculation Unit, 13…Storage unit, 14…Evaluation unit, 15…Display control unit, 16…Recognition unit, 20…Imaging device, 41, 42, 43…Frames, 50…Display image, S…Sample.

Claims

1. An index calculation unit that calculates at least one index related to the quality of sperm recognized in the moving image; A threshold setting unit that sets a threshold used to evaluate the quality of the sperm; an evaluation unit that evaluates the quality of the sperm based on a comparison between the at least one index calculated for the sperm recognized in a specific time interval of the video and the threshold set by the threshold setting unit, and evaluates the relative quality of the multiple sperm recognized during the specific time interval based on the at least one calculated index instead of an evaluation based on a comparison between the at least one index and the threshold; A display control unit that displays an evaluation by the evaluation unit for the sperm at the specific time interval in the moving image; A sperm sorting assistance device comprising:

2. The threshold setting unit sets the threshold based on a diagnosis result of male infertility of the subject who provided the sperm.

2. The sperm sorting assistance device according to claim 1.

3. The threshold setting unit sets the threshold based on a value measured by a Computer-Aided sperm analyzer (CASA) or a Sperm Quality Analyzer (SQA).

2. The sperm sorting assistance device according to claim 1.

4. The threshold setting unit sets the threshold based on a distribution of the at least one index possessed by a plurality of sperm.

2. The sperm sorting assistance device according to claim 1.

5. The evaluation unit evaluates the quality of the sperm to be excellent when the calculated at least one index exceeds the threshold value.

2. The sperm sorting assistance device according to claim 1.

6. The evaluation unit evaluates a predetermined top percentage or number of sperm in terms of at least one index as having excellent quality from a population of sperm recognized during the specific time interval.

2. The sperm sorting assistance device according to claim 1.

7. The display control unit displays the evaluation by the evaluation unit for the sperm, and also displays information regarding the at least one index of the sperm in association with the evaluation. A sperm selection assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The at least one index is calculated from at least one of sperm motility, sperm morphology, and the degree of occurrence of sperm DNA fragmentation, or from two or more of these. A sperm selection assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The evaluation unit evaluates the quality of the sperm by comparing all of the sperm motility, sperm morphology, and the degree of occurrence of sperm DNA fragmentation with the threshold value set by the threshold setting unit. A sperm sorting assistance device as claimed in claim 8.

10. The apparatus includes an imaging device that captures a moving image of sperm and the sperm selection assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Sperm sorting assistance system.

11. Computer, An index calculation unit that calculates at least one index related to the quality of sperm recognized in the moving image; A threshold setting unit that sets a threshold used to evaluate the quality of the sperm; an evaluation unit that evaluates the quality of the sperm based on a comparison between the at least one index calculated for the sperm recognized in a specific time interval of the video and the threshold set by the threshold setting unit, and evaluates the relative quality of the multiple sperm recognized during the specific time interval based on the at least one calculated index instead of an evaluation based on a comparison between the at least one index and the threshold; A display control unit that displays an evaluation by the evaluation unit for the sperm at the specific time interval in the moving image; Sperm selection assistance program that acts as.

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