Detection System

Abstract

To determine an appropriate detection condition.SOLUTION: An arithmetic device according to the present invention determines a detection condition regarding a detection device that adds a detection object which is labeled with a labeling substance to a sensor having an iteration pattern, and irradiates the sensor with an electromagnetic wave to detect the detection object by a change of reflectance or transmittance of the electromagnetic wave. The arithmetic device comprises: an input interface to which a condition is inputted; and a processor that is constituted so as to determine at least one of the frequency of the electromagnetic wave, the size of the labeling substance, and the size of the pattern, in accordance with the inputted condition, so that the size of the detection object labeled with the labeling substance is less than or equal to the seepage depth of an electric field in the sensor due to the electromagnetic wave.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention comprises: Detection System Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] When electromagnetic waves are irradiated onto a structure having voids, frequency characteristics are observed for the reflectance or transmittance of the electromagnetic waves, which are derived from the characteristics of the voids. When a substance is added to this structure, the frequency characteristics of the reflectance or transmittance of the electromagnetic waves change depending on the substance. A technology is known that utilizes this property to detect the presence or amount of a target substance using a sensor having a structure. For example, a target substance, such as a protein or bacteria, is modified with a label and then added to a structure having voids. For example, a target substance attached to the structure is analyzed by irradiating a structure having voids with electromagnetic waves in the terahertz band. In the sensor described above, an electric field leaks out due to the electromagnetic waves. When electromagnetic waves are irradiated, the target substance within the leaked electric field is detected. The penetration depth of the electric field also varies depending on the frequency of the electromagnetic waves. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-163170 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Appropriate detection conditions are determined for detecting a substance by irradiating a structure having voids with electromagnetic waves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of this embodiment is a detection system including a calculation device, a supply device, and a detection device controlled under the control of the calculation device. The calculation device determines detection conditions for the detection device, which adds a detection target labeled with a marker to a sensor having a repeating pattern, irradiates the sensor with electromagnetic waves, and detects the detection target based on changes in the reflectance or transmittance of the electromagnetic waves. The calculation device has an input interface for inputting conditions, and is a device that determines at least one of the frequency of the electromagnetic waves, the size of the marker, and the size of the pattern in accordance with the input conditions, so that the size of the detection target labeled with the marker is equal to or less than the penetration depth of the electric field caused by the electromagnetic waves in the sensor. The supply device has a plurality of containers each containing a plurality of types of the labeled substances, and a plurality of shutters provided near the discharge ports of each container. The detection device includes: The patterns have different sizes Multiple types of sensors The electromagnetic wave irradiation position a moving mechanism for moving the The electromagnetic waves having different frequencies are emitted. The shutter speed is set to 1 / 320 s / min based on the determined value. Opening and closing and the moving mechanism Movement of the sensor by and the drive circuit Driving the light source by Control. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a calculation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an outline of an example of the configuration of a detection sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a plan view illustrating an outline of an example of the configuration of a detection sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic diagram of reflectance versus frequency when an electromagnetic wave acquired by a detection device is irradiated onto a detection sensor. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the frequency of the light source, the penetration depth of the electric field, the bead size, and the pattern size of the sensor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of an example of the operation of the arithmetic device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a system relating to an application example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the sample conditions, the frequency of the light source, the bead size, and the pattern size of the sensor according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of an example of the operation of the arithmetic device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a detection device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] [First embodiment] A first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment relates to a detection device for detecting the presence, amount, or characteristics of a detection target contained in, for example, a sample. Generally, when an electromagnetic wave is irradiated onto a structure having voids arranged therein, the reflectance of the electromagnetic wave has frequency characteristics derived from the characteristics of the voids. When a detection target adheres to this structure, the frequency characteristics of the reflectance of the electromagnetic wave change. The detection device according to this embodiment uses such changes in the frequency characteristics of the reflectance of the irradiated electromagnetic wave to identify the presence, amount, or characteristics of the detection target.

[0008] <Arithmetic device> The arithmetic device of this embodiment outputs optimal conditions for detecting the above-described detection target. The configuration of the arithmetic device 100 according to this embodiment is shown in FIG. 1. The arithmetic device 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 111, a memory 113, and a storage device 115, all of which are connected via a bus line 121. The CPU 111 performs various calculations. The memory 113 includes various storage elements, such as a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The ROM stores a startup program and the like. The RAM functions as the main storage device of the CPU 111. The storage device 115 includes devices such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage device 115 stores various information, such as programs and parameters, used by the CPU 111. The storage device 115 also stores various information, such as acquired data and calculated analysis results. The processor used in the arithmetic device 100 is not limited to a CPU. Instead of or in addition to the CPU, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like may be used.

[0009] The arithmetic device 100 includes an input interface (I / F) 123 and an output I / F 125 connected to a bus line 121. An input device 130 is connected to the input I / F 123. The input device 130 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel. The input device 130 receives instructions from a user and transmits the instructions to the arithmetic device 100. The input I / F 123 may receive information from other devices, in addition to instructions from a user. An external device 150 is connected to the output I / F 125. The external device 150 may be any of various devices. The external device 150 may be, for example, a display. The external device 150 may also be a bead discharge device or a detection device, which will be described later.

[0010] In this embodiment, for example, when the user inputs one of the conditions related to the detection of the detection target using the input device 130, the other conditions are output. For example, the other conditions are displayed on the display.

[0011] Object detection In this embodiment, a structure in which voids are arranged will be referred to as a sensor. The configuration of sensor 401 will be outlined with reference to Figures 2A and 2B. Figure 2A shows an outline of a cross section of an example of sensor 401, and Figure 2B shows an outline of a plan view of an example of sensor 401. Figure 2A shows a cross section taken along line IIA-IIA shown in Figure 2B.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a sensor 401 includes a film 404 with voids 406 disposed on a substrate 403. The substrate 403 is made of, for example, silicon. The film 404 with voids 406 is made of, for example, gold. As shown in FIG. 2B, the film 404 has a repeating pattern. A large number of C-shaped voids 406 are arranged in the film 404. The example shown in FIG. 2B, which has a large number of C-shaped voids 406, is a typical example of a metamaterial resonator and is called a complementary split-ring resonator. A complementary split-ring resonator exhibits characteristic reflection characteristics when irradiated with electromagnetic waves in a predetermined frequency band. That is, when irradiated with electromagnetic waves, the portion of the film 404 with voids 406, where the C-shaped voids 406 are located, behaves electrically like an LC circuit. Therefore, at frequencies near the resonant frequency of this LC circuit, the irradiated electromagnetic waves strongly interact with the complementary split-ring resonator. As a result, the complementary split-ring resonator exhibits a reflection characteristic in which the reflectance decreases near the resonant frequency of the LC circuit. For example, when the size of the C-shaped air gap 406 is about several micrometers, the resonant frequency appears in the terahertz band.

[0013] When a substance adheres to a complementary split ring resonator, the substance changes mainly the capacitance component of the LC circuit. As a result, the resonant frequency of the LC circuit changes. Figure 3 shows the frequency characteristics of the reflectance when an electromagnetic wave is irradiated onto a complementary split ring resonator. The horizontal axis represents the frequency of the irradiated electromagnetic wave, and the vertical axis represents the reflectance. The dashed line 701 represents the frequency characteristics when there is no target object in the complementary split ring resonator, and the solid line 702 represents the frequency characteristics when there is a target object in the complementary split ring resonator. As shown in Figure 3, the frequency characteristics of the reflectance change depending on whether there is a target object in the complementary split ring resonator or not.

[0014] By utilizing this change in frequency characteristics, the complementary split ring resonator can be used as a sensor 401. That is, the frequency of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the electromagnetic wave emitting unit of the detection device is set to a frequency close to the resonant frequency of the LC circuit. The electromagnetic waves emitted from the electromagnetic wave emitting unit are irradiated onto the sensor 401. At this time, the electromagnetic wave receiving unit receives the electromagnetic waves reflected by the sensor 401. Based on the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves, the presence or amount of a substance on the sensor 401 can be identified.

[0015] For example, in the example shown in Fig. 3, the frequency of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the irradiation unit is assumed to be frequency F1, indicated by the dashed line. At this time, the reflectance of sensor 401 when no detection target is present, indicated by dashed line 701, is detected as a first reflectance R1. On the other hand, the reflectance of sensor 401 when a detection target is present, indicated by solid line 702, is detected as a second reflectance R2. Based on the presence or absence of such a change in reflectance, the presence or absence of the detection target can be identified. Furthermore, based on the amount of change in reflectance, the amount or characteristics of the detection target can be identified.

[0016] The material forming the film 404 having the voids 406 is not limited to gold. The material forming the film 404 having the voids 406 may be any conductive material. The shape of the voids 406 is not limited to a C-shape. The shape of the voids 406 may be other shapes, such as a square or a polygon. Furthermore, the arrangement of the voids 406 is not limited to a matrix arrangement as shown in FIG. 2B. The arrangement of the voids 406 may be any arrangement that is regularly or periodically repeated. The material forming the substrate 403 is not limited to silicon.

[0017] Additionally, the sensor 401 may not have the substrate 403, and may include only a membrane with mesh-like voids, for example.

[0018] <Measurement conditions> In this embodiment, electromagnetic waves are irradiated from the surface of the sensor opposite to the surface on which the detection target is attached. In this case, an electric field due to the electromagnetic waves leaks out onto the surface on which the detection target is attached. The detection target that affects the reflection characteristics of the electromagnetic waves is the detection target that exists within the depth of the electric field leakage in the sensor. In other words, if the detection target is larger than the depth of the electric field leakage, a detection error will occur.

[0019] The penetration depth of the electric field depends on the frequency of the electromagnetic wave incident on the sensor, the refractive index of the material around the sensor, the refractive index of the sensor, and the angle of incidence of the electromagnetic wave. The penetration depth d of the electric field is expressed by the following formula (1):

[0020]

number

[0021] In this embodiment, a label is used to label the analyte to be detected in order to extract the analyte from a sample to be tested for its presence and add it to a sensor. One example of this label is tiny beads. For example, magnetic beads can be used in this embodiment because they are convenient for extracting the analyte using a magnetic field. For example, when the analyte is bacteria, biological material, or the like, magnetic beads modified with an antibody that specifically binds to the analyte can be used.

[0022] The size of the object to be detected bound to the marker is defined as the size of the measurement object. In this embodiment, the size of the marker and the frequency of the electromagnetic wave are set so that the size of the measurement object is smaller than the penetration depth of the electric field. The setting of the frequency of the electromagnetic wave is reflected in the setting of the light source that emits the electromagnetic wave. If the measurement object is too small compared to the penetration depth of the electric field, the detection sensitivity will be poor. For example, if the size of the measurement object is smaller than 10% of the penetration depth of the electric field, the detection sensitivity may be poor. Therefore, the size of the measurement object is set to be 10% or more and 100% or less of the penetration depth of the electric field. In addition, there is an appropriate size for the pattern of voids provided in the sensor depending on the frequency of the electromagnetic wave. In this embodiment, the pattern size of the sensor is determined depending on the frequency of the electromagnetic wave. These relationships are schematically shown in Figure 4.

[0023] As shown in the left column of FIG. 4, when the frequency of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the light source is relatively low, the penetration depth d1 of the electric field in the sensor becomes relatively deep based on formula (1). In this case, a relatively large first bead 510 is selected as the bead to be bound to the detection target 602. As shown schematically in the second row of FIG. 4, the size of the measurement target formed by binding the first bead 510 and the detection target 602 is smaller than the penetration depth d1 of the electric field. In this case, in order to be compatible with the relatively low frequency electromagnetic waves, a first sensor 410 having a pattern of gaps 406 that is relatively large is used.

[0024] As shown in the middle row of Figure 4, when the frequency of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the light source is medium, the penetration depth d2 of the electric field in the sensor is medium. In this case, second beads 520 having a medium size are selected as beads to be bound to the detection target 602. As a result, the size of the measurement target formed by binding the second beads 520 and the detection target 602 is smaller than the penetration depth d2 of the electric field. In this case, in order to be compatible with electromagnetic waves of a medium frequency, second sensor 420 having a pattern of gaps 406 of a medium size is used.

[0025] As shown in the right column of Fig. 4, when the frequency of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the light source is relatively high, the penetration depth d3 of the electric field in the sensor becomes relatively shallow. In this case, a relatively small third bead 530 is selected as the bead to be bound to the detection target 602. As shown schematically in the second row of Fig. 4, the size of the measurement target formed by binding the third bead 530 and the detection target 602 is smaller than the penetration depth d3 of the electric field. In this case, in order to be compatible with the relatively high frequency electromagnetic waves, a third sensor 430 having a pattern of gaps 406 that is relatively small in size is used.

[0026] In this embodiment, when one of the electromagnetic wave frequency (light source), bead size (bead type), and sensor pattern size (sensor type) is input, the arithmetic device 100 outputs the other two accordingly. Although Fig. 4 shows combinations for three bead sizes, large, medium, and small, an appropriate combination may be selected from any number of types.

[0027] <Operation of the arithmetic unit> The operation of the arithmetic device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0028] In ACT 101, the arithmetic device 100 acquires a predetermined condition from the input device 130.

[0029] In ACT 102, the arithmetic device 100 selects a condition other than the condition acquired in ACT 101, using the relationship described with reference to Fig. 4. Here, the relationship of each condition necessary for selecting a condition may be stored in the memory 113 or the storage device 115 in the form of a table, for example, and the arithmetic device 100 may use this to make the selection. Alternatively, the arithmetic device 100 may calculate this relationship using, for example, Equation (1), and make the selection.

[0030] In ACT 103, the arithmetic device 100 outputs the selection result determined in ACT 102 to the external device 150. For example, when the external device 150 is a display, the selection result is displayed on the display.

[0031] <Application example> An application example of the arithmetic device 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The example shown in Fig. 6 is a system 10 including the arithmetic device 100, a supply device 200, and a detection device 300. The supply device 200 and the detection device 300 are devices serving as external devices 150.

[0032] The supply device 200 is a device that supplies beads. The calculation device 100 and the supply device 200 may form at least a part of a sample preparation device that prepares a sample. The supply device 200 stores multiple types of beads of different sizes and selectively discharges appropriate beads based on the output of the calculation device 100. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the supply device 200 includes a storage 220 including a first container 221, a second container 222, and a third container 223. The number of containers may vary depending on the number of types of beads. The first container 221 contains first beads 510 with a relatively large diameter. The second container 222 contains second beads 520 with a medium diameter. The third container 223 contains third beads 530 with a relatively small diameter.

[0033] A first shutter 231 is provided at the discharge port of the first container 221. The discharge port of the first container 221 is connected to a discharge path 240 via the first shutter 231. A second shutter 232 is provided at the discharge port of the second container 222. The discharge port of the second container 222 is connected to the discharge path 240 via the second shutter 232. A third shutter 233 is provided at the discharge port of the third container 223. The discharge port of the third container 223 is connected to the discharge path 240 via the third shutter 233.

[0034] The first shutter 231 is connected to a drive circuit 230 that is connected to the arithmetic device 100. The second shutter 232 is connected to a drive circuit 230 that is connected to the arithmetic device 100. The third shutter 233 is connected to a drive circuit 230 that is connected to the arithmetic device 100. The drive circuit 230 opens and closes the first shutter 231, the second shutter 232, and the third shutter 233 under the control of the arithmetic device 100.

[0035] A reaction vessel 250 is placed at the outlet of the outlet path 240. A reaction solution 601 that may contain a detection target 602 is placed in the reaction vessel 250. When the first shutter 231, the second shutter 232, or the third shutter 233 is opened, the first beads 510, the second beads 520, or the third beads 530 are introduced into the reaction vessel 250 via the outlet path 240. The first shutter 231, the second shutter 232, and the third shutter 233 function as a switching mechanism that switches between connecting and blocking the path connecting the vessel and the outlet.

[0036] The detection device 300 is a device for identifying the presence or absence or amount of a detection target substance extracted from a sample. The arithmetic device 100 and the detection device 300 function in cooperation with each other.

[0037] The above-mentioned sensors are arranged in the detection device 300. In the example shown in Fig. 6, a first sensor 410, a second sensor 420, and a third sensor 430, each having a different pattern size, are prepared as sensors. The detection device 300 includes a movement mechanism 310 connected to the calculation device 100. Under the control of the calculation device 100, the movement mechanism 310 moves the first sensor 410, the second sensor 420, or the third sensor 430 to a position where the sensor is irradiated with electromagnetic waves.

[0038] The detection device 300 includes an irradiation unit 320 and a driving unit 330. The irradiation unit 320 includes an electromagnetic wave generating source (light source) that emits electromagnetic waves. The irradiation unit 320 is configured to irradiate the sensor with the electromagnetic waves. As described above, the appropriate frequency of the electromagnetic waves depends on the pattern size of the sensor. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the irradiation unit 320 includes a first light source 321, a second light source 322, and a third light source 323. The driving unit 330 is a circuit that drives the irradiation unit 320. The driving unit 330 is connected to the calculation device 100. The driving unit 330 controls the operation of the irradiation unit 320 under the control of the calculation device 100. The driving unit 330 includes a first driving circuit 331, a second driving circuit 332, and a third driving circuit 333. The first driving circuit 331 drives the first light source 321. The second drive circuit 332 drives the second light source 322. The third drive circuit 333 drives the third light source 323.

[0039] The detection device 300 includes a receiving unit 340 and an AD conversion circuit 350. The receiving unit 340 includes a detector configured to detect electromagnetic waves emitted from the irradiation unit 320 and reflected by a sensor. The receiving unit 340 outputs an analog electrical signal corresponding to the electromagnetic waves incident on the detector. The AD conversion circuit 350 converts the analog electrical signal output from the receiving unit 340 into a digital electrical signal. This digital electrical signal is transmitted to the arithmetic device 100. The arithmetic device 100 analyzes the characteristics of the sensor based on this electrical signal and determines the presence or absence or amount of the detection target.

[0040] In this example, for example, one of the light source frequency, bead size, and sensor pattern size is input to the arithmetic device 100 via the input device 130. At this time, the arithmetic device 100 selects optimal values ​​for the other two of the light source frequency, bead size, and sensor pattern size based on the input. The arithmetic device 100 controls the operations of the supply device 200 and the detection device 300 based on the input and the selection result.

[0041] For example, when an electromagnetic wave frequency corresponding to the first light source 321 is input to the input device 130, the arithmetic device 100 selects the first light source 321, the first beads 510, and the first sensor 410. The arithmetic device 100 causes the drive circuit 230 to open the first shutter 231 for a predetermined period of time. As a result, a predetermined amount of the first beads 510 is introduced into the reaction vessel 250. A binding reaction occurs between the detection target 602 in the reaction solution 601 and the first beads 510 within the reaction vessel 250. Examples of the detection target 602 include biomolecules such as proteins, and microorganisms such as bacteria. In this manner, a sample to be added to the sensor is prepared.

[0042] The calculation device 100 moves the first sensor, to which no sample has been added, to a position where the electromagnetic wave is irradiated. The calculation device 100 causes the first light source 321 to emit an electromagnetic wave. The electromagnetic wave is irradiated onto the first sensor 410, and the reflected wave is received by the receiving unit 340. The receiving unit 340 outputs a signal according to the intensity of the reflected wave. This signal is converted into a digital signal by the AD conversion circuit 350 and transmitted to the calculation device 100. The calculation device 100 stores information about the reflection intensity of the electromagnetic wave from the first sensor, to which no sample has been added.

[0043] The calculation device 100 moves the first sensor 410 to a sample addition position. The sample prepared by the supply device 200 is added to the first sensor 410 placed at the sample addition position. The calculation device 100 moves the first sensor 410, to which the sample has been added, to a position where the electromagnetic wave is irradiated. The calculation device 100 causes the first light source 321 to emit an electromagnetic wave. This electromagnetic wave is irradiated onto the first sensor 410, and the reflected wave is received by the receiving unit 340. The receiving unit 340 outputs a signal according to the intensity of the reflected wave. This signal is converted into a digital signal by the AD conversion circuit 350 and transmitted to the calculation device 100. The calculation device 100 stores information about the reflection intensity of the electromagnetic wave related to the first sensor to which the sample has been added.

[0044] The arithmetic device 100 calculates the presence or absence or amount of the detection target substance based on the reflection intensity when no sample is added and the reflection intensity when a sample is added.

[0045] According to this embodiment, optimal measurement conditions and the like are calculated, and high detection sensitivity is obtained.

[0046] Here, the calculation device 100 is assumed to control the operation of the supply device 200, but this is not limiting. For example, the calculation device 100 may select the size of the beads but not control the supply device 200. In this case, a separate control device is provided that receives information about the size of the beads from the calculation device 100 and controls the operation of the supply device 200. Similarly, the calculation device 100 is assumed to control the operation of the detection device 300, but this is not limiting. For example, the calculation device 100 may select the light source and sensor but not control the detection device 300. In this case, a separate control device is provided that receives information about the light source and sensor from the calculation device 100 and controls the operation of the detection device 300. Furthermore, analysis of the detection results may also be performed by another device rather than the calculation device 100.

[0047] In the system 10 described with reference to Fig. 6, the calculation results of the calculation device 100 are used in the supply device 200 and the detection device 300. However, this is not limited to this. Some of the above-described operations may be performed, while others may not be performed.

[0048] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment will be described. Here, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same parts will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted. In the first embodiment, when any one of the light source frequency, bead size, and sensor pattern size is input, the arithmetic device 100 selects the optimal values ​​for the other two of the light source frequency, bead size, and sensor pattern size based on the input. In the second embodiment, when sample conditions are input, the arithmetic device 100 selects the light source frequency, bead size, and sensor pattern size.

[0049] In this embodiment, the relationship between the input sample conditions, the selected light source frequency, the bead size, and the sensor pattern size is shown in FIG.

[0050] When the concentration of the target substance contained in the sample is unknown, the calculation device 100 selects a relatively low frequency for the light source, a relatively large bead size, and a relatively large sensor pattern size. When the bead size is relatively large, detection can be achieved with sufficient sensitivity even if the number of beads is relatively small. In other words, when the bead size is relatively large, detection sensitivity is higher than when the bead size is relatively small. In this example, when the concentration of the target substance is unknown, the presence or absence of the target substance is first determined under high-sensitivity conditions.

[0051] When detecting a target substance using the detection device 300, if the concentration of the target substance is higher than the upper limit for detection and accurate detection is not performed, the calculation device 100 selects the following conditions for the next detection. That is, compared to the conditions used for the previous detection, a higher frequency is selected as the light source frequency, a smaller bead size is selected, and a smaller sensor pattern size is selected. In this way, accurate detection can be performed by lowering the detection sensitivity.

[0052] When detecting a target substance using the detection device 300, if the concentration of the target substance is lower than the lower detection limit and accurate detection is not performed, the calculation device 100 selects the following conditions for the next detection. That is, compared to the conditions used for the previous detection, a lower light source frequency is selected, a larger bead size is selected, and a larger sensor pattern size is selected. In this way, increasing the detection sensitivity enables accurate detection.

[0053] When the size of the detection target is large, the calculation device 100 selects a relatively low frequency as the light source frequency so that the penetration depth of the electric field in the sensor is deep. At this time, the calculation device 100 selects a relatively small size as the bead size and a relatively large size as the sensor pattern size. Because the detection target is large, the bead size is made relatively small to prevent the overall size from becoming too large. In addition, by deepening the penetration depth of the electric field, it is possible to accurately detect large-sized detection targets.

[0054] When the size of the object to be detected is small, the arithmetic device 100 selects the following conditions so that the penetration depth of the electric field in the sensor is shallow accordingly. That is, the arithmetic device 100 selects a relatively high frequency as the light source frequency, a relatively small size as the bead size, and a relatively small size as the sensor pattern size. The arithmetic device 100 may change the conditions as described above depending on the concentration of the object to be detected.

[0055] According to this embodiment, appropriate detection conditions are selected depending on the conditions of the sample, which allows for accurate detection or determination of the amount of the target substance.

[0056] An example of the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 8. This example is an example of the operation when the concentration of the detection target is unknown.

[0057] In ACT201, since the concentration of the substance to be detected is unknown, the computing device 100 causes the supply device 200 to discharge relatively large beads, as described above. A sample for detection is prepared using these beads.

[0058] In ACT202, the calculation device 100 sets the frequency of the light source to a relatively low value, and applies the prepared sample to a sensor having a relatively large pattern size.

[0059] In ACT203, the arithmetic device 100 determines whether an instruction to start measurement has been input. The instruction to start measurement may be input by a user, or it may be determined that measurement will start when a predetermined condition is met. If an instruction to start measurement has not been input, the processing waits for an instruction to start measurement to be input. If an instruction to start measurement has been input, the processing proceeds to ACT204.

[0060] In ACT 204, the calculation device 100 performs a measurement operation under the set conditions. For example, when the above conditions are set, a sensor with a relatively large pattern size to which a sample has been added is moved to a position to be irradiated with electromagnetic waves. The calculation device 100 causes a low-frequency light source to radiate electromagnetic waves. The calculation device 100 acquires and stores the reflectance of the sensor at this time. The calculation device 100 calculates the amount of the target substance in the sample based on the intensity of the reflected wave detected from the sensor to which no sample has been added and the intensity of the reflected wave detected from the sensor to which the sample has been added.

[0061] In ACT205, the arithmetic device 100 determines whether the concentration of the substance to be detected in the sample is higher than the concentration at which an accurate value can be obtained. If it is determined that the concentration of the substance to be detected is high, the process proceeds to ACT206.

[0062] In ACT206, since the concentration of the substance to be detected is high, the computing device 100 causes the supplying device 200 to discharge beads smaller than the beads used last time, as described above. A sample for detection is prepared using these beads.

[0063] In ACT207, the calculation device 100 sets the frequency of the light source to a frequency higher than the previously used frequency, and applies the prepared sample to a sensor having a pattern size smaller than the previously used sensor.

[0064] In ACT208, the arithmetic device 100 determines whether or not a command to start measurement has been input. If a command to start measurement has not been input, the process waits for the command to start measurement to be input. If a command to start measurement has been input, the process proceeds to ACT209.

[0065] In ACT209, the calculation device 100 performs a measurement operation under the set conditions. For example, when the above conditions are set, a sensor with a smaller pattern size to which a sample has been added than the previous time is moved to a position to which the electromagnetic wave is irradiated. The calculation device 100 causes a light source to emit electromagnetic waves with a higher frequency than the previous time. The calculation device 100 acquires and stores the reflectance of the sensor at this time. The calculation device 100 calculates the amount of the substance to be detected in the sample based on the intensity of the reflected wave detected from the sensor to which no sample has been added and the intensity of the reflected wave detected from the sensor to which the sample has been added. Then, the process returns to ACT205.

[0066] If it is determined in ACT 205 that the concentration of the detection target substance is not high, the process proceeds to ACT 210. In ACT 210, the arithmetic device 100 outputs information related to the calculated amount of the detection target substance. This completes the process.

[0067] According to this example, even if the concentration of the target substance in the sample is unknown, appropriate detection conditions can be selected, which allows for accurate detection or determination of the amount of the target substance.

[0068] [Variations] In the above-described embodiments, an example has been described in which, in the detection device 300, electromagnetic waves are irradiated from a surface opposite to a surface on which a detection target is attached, and the reflected waves are detected. However, this is not limited to this. When electromagnetic waves are irradiated onto a surface on which a detection target is attached, a phenomenon similar to the above-described phenomenon occurs on the sensor surface. Therefore, the above-described embodiments can also be applied to a case in which electromagnetic waves are irradiated onto a surface on which a detection target is attached, and the reflected waves are detected.

[0069] Furthermore, the frequency characteristics of the transmitted wave that passes through the sensor are similar to those shown in FIG. 3 . Therefore, detection of a substance on the sensor may be performed based on transmittance. FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a configuration example of a detection device for detecting transmitted waves. The arithmetic device 100 controls the driving unit 330 to cause the irradiation unit 320 to emit electromagnetic waves. The electromagnetic waves are irradiated onto the sensor 450. The electromagnetic waves that have passed through the sensor 450 are received by the receiving unit 340. The analog signal related to the detection of the electromagnetic waves output from the receiving unit 340 is converted into a digital signal by an AD conversion circuit and transmitted to the arithmetic device 100. As in the above-described embodiment, the arithmetic device 100 calculates the presence or amount of a detection target on the surface of the sensor 450 based on the intensity of the transmitted wave from the sensor 450. The above-described embodiments can also be applied to such an example.

[0070] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. The inventions described in the original claims of this application are set forth below. [1] 1. A computing device for determining detection conditions for a detection device that adds a target substance labeled with a label to a sensor having a repetitive pattern, irradiates the sensor with electromagnetic waves, and detects the target substance based on changes in reflectance or transmittance of the electromagnetic waves, an input interface where conditions are input; a processor configured to determine at least one of the frequency of the electromagnetic wave, the size of the marker, and the size of the pattern in accordance with the input conditions so that the size of the detection target labeled with the marker is equal to or less than the penetration depth of the electric field of the electromagnetic wave in the sensor; A computing device comprising: [2] The input interface receives one of the frequency of the electromagnetic wave, the size of the marker, and the size of the pattern; the processor determines the other two of the frequency of the electromagnetic wave, the size of the marker, and the size of the pattern; [1] The computing device according to [1]. [3] The input interface receives input of conditions for the object to be detected, the processor determines the frequency of the electromagnetic wave, the size of the landmark, and the size of the pattern; [1] The computing device according to [1]. [4] a plurality of containers containing the plurality of types of labeled substances; a switching mechanism configured to switch between connection and disconnection of a path connecting each of the plurality of containers to an outlet for the labeled substance; [1] to [3]. Equipped with the processor of the computing device selects one type of labeled substance from the plurality of types of labeled substances, The switching mechanism operates to discharge the selected labeled object from the discharge port. Sample preparation equipment. [5] an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the sensor with electromagnetic waves of different frequencies; a receiving unit that receives the electromagnetic waves reflected by the sensor or transmitted through the sensor; [1] to [3]. Equipped with The processor of the computing device selects a frequency of the electromagnetic wave to be radiated by the irradiation unit, The irradiation unit emits electromagnetic waves of the selected frequency. Detection device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 10...system, 100...arithmetic unit, 111...CPU, 113...memory, 115...storage device, 121...bus line, 123...input I / F, 125...output I / F, 130...input device, 150...external device, 200...supply device, 220...storage container, 221...first container, 222...second container, 223...third container, 230...drive circuit, 231...first shutter, 232...second shutter, 233...third shutter, 240...discharge path, 250...reaction container, 300...detection device, 310...transfer Moving mechanism, 320...irradiation unit, 321...first light source, 322...second light source, 323...third light source, 330...driving unit, 331...first driving circuit, 332...second driving circuit, 333...third driving circuit, 340...receiving unit, 350...AD conversion circuit, 401...sensor, 403...substrate, 404...membrane, 406...gap, 410...first sensor, 420...second sensor, 430...third sensor, 510...first bead, 520...second bead, 530...third bead, 601...reaction solution, 602...detection target.

Claims

1. A detection system comprising a computing device, a supply device and a detection device controlled under the control of the computing device, The computing device 1. An apparatus for determining detection conditions for a detection device that adds a biological detection target labeled with a magnetic label to a sensor formed of a conductor having a repetitive pattern, irradiates the sensor with electromagnetic waves, and detects the detection target based on changes in reflectance or transmittance of the electromagnetic waves, determining at least one of the frequency of the electromagnetic wave, the size of the marker, and the size of the pattern in accordance with the input conditions so that the size of the detection object labeled with the marker is equal to or less than the penetration depth of the electric field caused by the electromagnetic wave in the sensor; the supply device includes a plurality of containers each containing a plurality of types of labeled substances, and a plurality of shutters provided near the outlets of the respective containers; the detection device includes a movement mechanism that moves the plurality of types of sensors, each having a different pattern size, to a position where the electromagnetic wave is irradiated; a plurality of types of light sources that respectively radiate the electromagnetic waves having different frequencies; and a plurality of drive circuits that respectively drive the plurality of types of light sources; the arithmetic unit controls, based on the determination, the opening and closing of the shutter, the movement of the sensor by the movement mechanism, and the driving of the light source by the drive circuit. Detection system.

2. the number of the containers, the shutters, the sensors, and the drive circuits is the same; The detection system of claim 1 .

3. the computing device selects one type of labeled substance from the plurality of types of labeled substances, controlling the supply device to open the shutter of the container containing the selected labeled substance; The detection system of claim 1 .

4. the computing device controls the movement mechanism to move the sensor appropriate for the selected landmark to a position where the electromagnetic wave is irradiated by the light source appropriate for the selected landmark. The detection system of claim 3 .

5. the computing device controls the drive circuit so that the light source appropriate for the selected landmark irradiates the electromagnetic wave to the sensor appropriate for the selected landmark; The detection system of claim 4 .

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