Electrophoresis system, electrophoresis apparatus, electrophoresis analysis method, and electrophoresis analysis program

Abstract

To provide an electrophoresis system, an electrophoresis device, an electrophoretic analysis method and an electrophoretic analysis program with which it is possible to improve the visibility of a distribution of components separated by electrophoresis in gel image display.SOLUTION: This electrophoresis system 100 comprises an electrophoresis device 101, an analysis device 102, and a display unit 52. The analysis device 102 is constituted to switch between a detail display mode in which a plurality of displays for analysis result confirmation, including at least a gel image display 94, are shown in a result display region 52a of the display unit 52 and an enlarged display mode in which only the gel image display 94, among the plurality of displays for analysis result confirmation, is displayed in enlarged view in the result display region of the display unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrophoresis system, an electrophoresis apparatus, an electrophoresis analysis method, and an electrophoresis analysis program. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, an analyzer for separation data obtained by electrophoretic analysis is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The analytical device described in Patent Document 1 analyzes separation data obtained by electrophoretic analysis using an electrophoresis device. In analyzing separation data obtained by electrophoresis, components contained in the analysis target sample are identified by comparing reference data, which is separation data for a reference sample containing known components, with analysis target data, which is separation data for the analysis target sample. The analytical device described in Patent Document 1 obtains separation data obtained by electrophoretic analysis using an electrophoresis device. The analytical device then identifies a separation index value for each component peak in the separation data and determines whether the component peaks in the reference data and analysis target data are identical to each other. The analytical device described in Patent Document 1 also displays gel images of the analysis target data and the reference data side by side on a display device to facilitate visual identification of the component peaks present in the analysis target data. The gel image displays a band pattern indicating the separation index value for each component peak separated by electrophoresis. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-106351 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Although not explicitly stated in Patent Document 1, when analyzing separation data obtained by electrophoretic analysis, a display device (display unit) generally displays, together with a gel image, an indication of the position of the well in which the sample to be measured is placed, and the waveform of the separation data (measurement values) obtained by the electrophoresis device. Therefore, since the size of the area in which the gel image is displayed within the display area of ​​the display device is limited, if there are multiple bands with similar values ​​in the band pattern of the displayed gel image, the multiple bands will be displayed overlapping each other in the gel image. In this case, even if the displayed gel image is checked, it is difficult to determine whether separation has been performed accurately in the electrophoretic analysis. Therefore, there is a need to improve the visibility of the distribution (band pattern) of components separated by electrophoresis in the displayed gel image.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide an electrophoresis system, an electrophoresis apparatus, an electrophoresis analysis method, and an electrophoresis analysis program that can improve the visibility of the distribution of components separated by electrophoresis in a gel image display. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, an electrophoresis system according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an electrophoresis device including a measurement unit that measures a measurement target separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the measurement target; an analysis device that analyzes components of the measurement target separated by electrophoresis based on measurement values ​​of the measurement target measured by the measurement unit; and a display unit that displays, in a result display area, a plurality of analysis result confirmation displays including at least a gel image display showing the distribution of components of the measurement target analyzed by the analysis device, wherein the analysis device is configured to switch between a detailed display state in which the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays including at least the gel image display are displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit, and an enlarged display state in which only the gel image display of the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays is enlarged and displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit.The electrophoresis device is configured to separate each of the multiple measurement targets by electrophoresis, and the analysis device is configured to display a gel image display in a result display area of ​​the display unit, in which multiple analysis results showing the distribution of each component of the multiple measurement targets are displayed side by side, and is configured so that a larger number of analysis results are displayed in the enlarged display state than in the detailed display state. . An electrophoresis system according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises an electrophoresis device including a measurement unit that measures analytes separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the analytes; an analysis device that analyzes components of the analytes separated by electrophoresis based on measurement values ​​of the analytes measured by the measurement unit; and a display unit that displays a plurality of analysis result confirmation displays in a result display area, the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays including at least a gel image display showing the distribution of the components of the analytes analyzed by the analysis device, wherein the analysis device is switchable between a detailed display state in which the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays including at least the gel image display are displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit, and an enlarged display state in which only the gel image display of the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays is enlarged and displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit. The analysis device is configured to reduce and thin out the number of displayed numerical values ​​so that numerical values ​​corresponding to the scales in the gel image display do not overlap each other, and is configured to make the degree of thinning out of the number of displayed numerical values ​​different between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state. The electrophoresis device is configured to separate, by electrophoresis, a reference sample, which is a measurement target whose components are known, and a measurement target sample, which is a measurement target whose components are unknown. The analysis device is configured to obtain numerical values ​​based on an analysis of the components of the reference sample, and is configured to make the degree of thinning out of the number of displayed numerical values ​​obtained based on the analysis of the components of the reference sample different between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state.

[0008] The first aspect of this invention 3 The electrophoresis device in this aspect includes a measurement unit that measures the measurement targets separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the measurement targets, and is configured to switch between a detailed display state in which a plurality of analysis result confirmation displays including at least a gel image display showing the distribution of components of the measurement targets analyzed based on the measurement values ​​of the measurement targets measured by the measurement unit are displayed in a result display area of ​​the display unit, and an enlarged display state in which only a gel image display of the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays is displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit. The apparatus is configured to separate each of the plurality of measurement targets by electrophoresis, and is configured to display a gel image display in which a plurality of analysis results showing the distribution of each component of the plurality of measurement targets are displayed side by side in the result display area of ​​the display unit, and is configured so that a larger number of analysis results are displayed in the enlarged display state than in the detailed display state. .

[0009] The first aspect of this invention 4 The electrophoretic analysis method in this aspect comprises: separating a sample by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the sample; Multiple The target substance was separated by electrophoresis based on the measured value. Multiple The method includes the steps of: analyzing components of a measurement target; and switching between a detailed display state in which a plurality of analysis result confirmation displays including at least a gel image display showing the distribution of the analyzed components of the measurement target are displayed in a result display area of ​​a display unit; and an enlarged display state in which only a gel image display of the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays is displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit. The step of switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state includes a step of displaying a gel image display in which a plurality of analysis results showing the distribution of each component of a plurality of measurement targets are displayed side by side in a result display area of ​​the display unit, and switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state so that a larger number of analysis results are displayed in the enlarged display state than in the detailed display state. .

[0010] The first aspect of this invention 5 The electrophoretic analysis program in this aspect is a program for analyzing a sample separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the sample. Multiple The target substance was separated by electrophoresis based on the measured value. MultipleThe method includes the steps of: analyzing components of a measurement target; and switching between a detailed display state in which a plurality of analysis result confirmation displays including at least a gel image display showing the distribution of the analyzed components of the measurement target are displayed in a result display area of ​​a display unit; and an enlarged display state in which only a gel image display of the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays is displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit. The step of switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state includes a step of displaying a gel image display in which a plurality of analysis results showing the distribution of each component of a plurality of measurement targets are displayed side by side in a result display area of ​​the display unit, and switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state so that a larger number of analysis results are displayed in the enlarged display state than in the detailed display state. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] Above No. 1 and the second In the electrophoresis system according to the aspect of the present invention, 3 In this aspect, the electrophoresis device 4 The electrophoretic analysis method according to the above aspect, and the 5 The electrophoretic analysis program in this aspect switches between a detailed display state in which multiple analysis result confirmation displays, including at least a gel image display, are displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit, and an enlarged display state in which only the gel image display of the multiple analysis result confirmation displays is enlarged and displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit. By switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state, it is possible to switch between a state in which multiple analysis result confirmation displays are displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit and a state in which only the gel image display is displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit. Therefore, if there are multiple bands with similar values ​​in the band pattern of the gel image display in the detailed display state, the gel image display can be enlarged by switching to the enlarged display state. As a result, it is possible to improve the visibility of the distribution of components separated by electrophoresis in the gel image display. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an electrophoresis system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an electrophoretic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a chip provided with a channel for electrophoresis. [Figure 4] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of measurement values ​​acquired by a measurement unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the display unit in a detailed display state. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the display unit in an enlarged display state. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram (flowchart) for explaining an electrophoretic analysis method according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] (Overall configuration of the electrophoresis system) An electrophoresis system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0015] 1, an electrophoresis system 100 according to this embodiment includes an electrophoresis device 101 and an analysis device 102. The analysis device 102 is an example of the "analysis device" and also an example of the "computer" in the claims.

[0016] The electrophoresis device 101 measures components contained in the measurement targets by separating the measurement targets through electrophoresis using three chips 60a, 60b, and 60c. Specifically, in the electrophoresis device 101, the measurement targets pre-arranged on the plate 70 and the sample arrangement section 71 (see FIG. 2) are separated by electrophoresis in the flow channels 61 (see FIG. 3) provided in each of the chips 60a to 60c. The electrophoresis device 101 then measures the degree of separation (the degree of distribution of each component) of the measurement targets separated by electrophoresis.

[0017] <Configuration of Electrophoresis Apparatus> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrophoresis apparatus 101 includes a supply unit 10, a voltage application unit 20, a measurement unit 30, and a control unit 40.

[0018] In the electrophoresis apparatus 101, the supply unit 10 operates to supply the measurement target and a separation buffer to the flow channels 61 of the chips 60a, 60b, and 60c in order to perform electrophoretic measurement.

[0019] The measurement target includes, for example, DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid), RNA (Ribonucleic acid), or protein. The measurement target includes a measurement target specimen (sample) for which the degree of separation of each component by electrophoresis is measured, and a reference specimen (size standard) that serves as a reference for the electrophoretic measurement of the measurement target specimen. The measurement target specimen is a measurement target for which the degree of separation by electrophoresis, which is the measurement value 111 (see FIG. 4) measured by the measurement unit 30, is unknown. The reference specimen is a measurement target containing nucleic acid or protein for which separation characteristics such as molecular weight (chain length) are already known. In other words, the measurement target specimen is a measurement target with unknown components, and the reference specimen is a measurement target with known components.

[0020] The measurement targets are arranged on a plate 70 and a sample arrangement unit 71. The plate 70 has a plurality of wells 70a, which are arrangement positions where the measurement targets are arranged. For example, the plate 70 has 96 wells 70a arranged in an 8×12 grid. The operator arranges the plate 70 at a plate arrangement position inside the electrophoresis apparatus 101, with multiple types of measurement targets arranged in all or some of the multiple wells 70a. The measurement targets are arranged in the sample arrangement unit 71 separately from the plate 70. The sample arrangement unit 71 also has wells 71a, which are arrangement positions where the measurement targets are arranged. The wells 71a are arranged in a 3×12 grid.

[0021] The separation buffer is a separation medium that is filled into each of the flow channels 61 (see FIG. 3) of the chips 60a, 60b, and 60c before the measurement target is supplied. The separation buffer contains, for example, at least one of a pH buffer material and a water-soluble polymer (such as a cellulose-based polymer). The separation buffer is filled into a buffer container (not shown). The separation buffer may be placed on the plate 70 or the sample placement section 71. In the electrophoresis device 101, the measurement target is supplied and electrophoresis is performed in a state in which the flow channels 61 are filled with the separation buffer in advance.

[0022] 2, the supply unit 10 has a probe 11 and a pump 12. The supply unit 10 moves the probe 11 to supply the separation buffer and the measurement targets (measurement target sample and reference sample) placed on the plate 70 or the sample placement unit 71 to the chips 60a to 60c. The pump 12 adjusts the pressure for the probe 11 to suck in and discharge the separation buffer and the measurement targets.

[0023] 3, chips 60a to 60c each have a channel 61 therein. Chips 60a, 60b, and 60c have the same configuration. In the following description, chip 60a will be illustrated and described in detail, and chips 60b and 60c will not be described because they are similar to chip 60a.

[0024] Chip 60a is a microchip for electrophoresis in which a channel 61 for performing electrophoresis is provided inside a pair of combined flat plate-like members. Channel 61 includes a separation channel 62 and a preparation channel 63. Separation channel 62 and preparation channel 63 are provided so as to intersect with each other. Separation channel 62 is provided to separate the object to be measured by electrophoresis. Furthermore, preparation channel 63 is provided to guide the object to be measured to separation channel 62.

[0025] Furthermore, reservoir sections 64a and 64b, which are spaces for supplying and suctioning the separation buffer and the measurement target, are provided at both ends of the preparation flow channel 63. Similarly, reservoir sections 64c and 64d are provided at both ends of the separation flow channel 62. Electrodes 65a and 65b are disposed in the reservoir sections 64a and 64b provided at both ends of the preparation flow channel 63, respectively. Electrodes 65c and 65d are disposed in the reservoir sections 64c and 64d provided at both ends of the separation flow channel 62, respectively.

[0026] In the electrophoresis device 101, electrophoresis is performed by applying a voltage from a voltage application unit 20 to a plurality of electrodes 65a to 65d provided in a flow path 61. The magnitude of the voltage applied to the electrodes 65a to 65d is controlled by a control unit 40. Three voltage application units 20 (see FIG. 2) are provided corresponding to the chips 60a to 60c, respectively, so as to apply a DC voltage to the flow path 61 of each of the chips 60a to 60c. That is, a DC voltage is applied to the flow path 61 of the chips 60b and 60c by the voltage application unit 20, just like the chip 60a.

[0027] In the electrophoresis apparatus 101, when performing electrophoretic measurement in the chip 60a, first, the supply unit 10 fills the entire interior of the channel 61 (the separation channel 62 and the preparation channel 63) with a separation buffer. Then, the measurement object aspirated from, for example, a predetermined well 70a of a plate 70 is supplied to the reservoir 64a of the preparation channel 63 by the supply unit 10. Then, the voltage application unit 20 applies a predetermined voltage to the electrodes 65a to 65d, causing the measurement object to move inside the preparation channel 63 and to move to a position where the preparation channel 63 and the separation channel 62 intersect. Thereafter, the magnitude of the voltage applied to each of the electrodes 65a to 65d by the voltage application unit 20 is changed, causing the measurement object to move toward the electrode 65d (reservoir 64d) while being separated inside the separation channel 62 by electrophoresis.

[0028] At this time, in separation measurement by electrophoresis, the measurement target moves inside separation channel 62 at different speeds for each component contained in the measurement target, depending on the separation characteristics such as the molecular weight (chain length) of the component contained. In electrophoresis device 101, the components that arrive in order are measured at measurement position 66 in separation channel 62, thereby measuring the separation characteristics for each component of the measurement target. In this way, in electrophoresis device 101, the components contained in the measurement target are measured for each degree of separation (degree of migration).

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the measurement unit 30 measures the measurement target separated by electrophoresis in each of the channels 61 of the multiple (three) chips 60a to 60c. For example, the measurement unit 30 detects the fluorescence of the measurement target components separated by electrophoresis. The measurement unit 30 has an LED 31 (light-emitting diode) that irradiates a measurement position 66 (see FIG. 3) of the separation channel 62 with excitation light. The excitation light from the LED 31 is irradiated onto each component of the measurement target moving through the separation channel 62 while being separated by electrophoresis, and the component is excited to emit fluorescence. The measurement unit 30 measures the component of the measurement target separated by electrophoresis by measuring this fluorescence with a photomultiplier tube 32, for example, via an optical fiber and a filter member.

[0030] 4, photomultiplier tube 32 outputs a measurement signal indicating a measurement value 111 to control unit 40 in accordance with the intensity of the detected fluorescence. Measurement value 111 based on measurement by measurement unit 30 indicates a large value (peak) at the timing when the measurement target, which is moving while being separated by electrophoresis, passes measurement position 66 (see FIG. 3). As a result, the amount (concentration) and composition (size) are analyzed as the degree of distribution of each component contained in the measurement target, based on the magnitude and position (timing) of the peak for each component contained in the measurement target.

[0031] The electrophoresis apparatus 101 is provided with a washing mechanism (not shown). The electrophoresis apparatus 101 washes the chips 60a to 60c and each part including the supply unit 10 after each measurement of a measurement target. The electrophoresis apparatus 101 is configured to repeatedly perform measurements using each of the chips 60a to 60c multiple times by washing the measurement target and separation buffer remaining in the flow channel 61 with the washing mechanism. In this way, the electrophoresis apparatus 101 sequentially measures each of the multiple measurement targets placed in the multiple wells 70a and 71a.

[0032] The control unit 40 controls the operation of each unit of the electrophoresis apparatus 101. The control unit 40 is, for example, a microcomputer (microcontroller) having a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage device such as a flash memory. The control unit 40 also includes a communication module and is configured to be able to communicate with the analysis device 102. Based on a drive signal from the analysis device 102, the control unit 40 controls the operation of each unit of the electrophoresis apparatus 101 so as to sequentially perform electrophoretic measurements of the multiple measurement targets placed on the plate 70 and the sample placement unit 71.

[0033] Specifically, the control unit 40 operates the supply unit 10 based on a drive signal from the analysis device 102, thereby sequentially supplying the measurement objects arranged in the wells 70a of the plate 70 to each of the chips 60a to 60c so that one type of measurement is performed for each chip. The control unit 40 then applies a voltage to the flow paths 61 of the chips 60a to 60c using the voltage application unit 20, thereby separating (moving) the measurement objects by electrophoresis. The control unit 40 also acquires measurement values ​​111 measured by the measurement units 30 provided corresponding to each of the chips 60a to 60c. The control unit 40 then acquires the measurement values ​​111 for each of the multiple wells 70a of the plate 70 and for each of the multiple wells 71a of the sample placement unit 71. The control unit 40 then outputs the measurement values ​​111 of the measurement objects measured by the measurement units 30 for each of the chips 60a to 60c to the analysis device 102.

[0034] <Configuration of the analysis device> 1, the analysis device 102 includes an operation unit 51, a display unit 52, a storage unit 53, and a control unit 54. The analysis device 102 is a computer for analyzing components of a measurement target separated by electrophoresis based on a measurement value 111 of the measurement target measured by the electrophoresis device 101. The analysis device 102 is configured to be able to communicate with the electrophoresis device 101, and is configured to acquire the measurement value 111 and an apparatus error signal acquired by the electrophoresis device 101.

[0035] The operation unit 51 receives input operations from an operator and outputs an operation signal based on the received input operations to the control unit 54. The operation unit 51 is, for example, a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse.

[0036] Display unit 52 is, for example, a monitor such as a liquid crystal display. Display unit 52 displays information input under the control of control unit 54. Display unit 52 also displays the analysis results of the measurement object obtained by control unit 54 of analysis device 102. In this embodiment, display unit 52 displays a plurality of analysis result confirmation displays in result display area 52a (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Details of the display on display unit 52 will be described later.

[0037] Storage unit 53 is configured with a storage device such as a hard disk drive or an SSD (Solid State Drive). Storage unit 53 stores measurement values ​​111 acquired by electrophoresis apparatus 101. Storage unit 53 also stores electrophoresis analysis program 53a for operating control unit 54. Storage unit 53 also stores various parameters such as preset setting values ​​or setting values ​​(measurement conditions) input by an operator.

[0038] The control unit 54 is a computer including a CPU, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The control unit 54 controls each part of the analysis device 102 by executing a program (electrophoresis analysis program 53a) stored in the storage unit 53. The control unit 54 is also configured to be able to communicate with the control unit 40 of the electrophoresis device 101 via a communication module (not shown).

[0039] (Details of control by analysis device) The control unit 54 transmits a drive signal for operating the electrophoresis apparatus 101 to the control unit 40. Specifically, the control unit 54 acquires various parameters for performing electrophoresis based on an input operation received by the operation unit 51. For example, based on the input operation on the operation unit 51, the control unit 54 acquires well information indicating the wells 70a and 71a in which the measurement targets (reference sample and measurement target sample) to be measured are placed, measurement condition information including information indicating the magnitude and time of the applied voltage, and schedule information indicating the measurement order of the measurement targets placed in the multiple wells 70a and 71a. Note that the well information, measurement condition information, and schedule information may be selected from a database previously stored in the storage unit 53. The control unit 54 then transmits a drive signal including the acquired well information, measurement condition information, schedule information, and the like to the control unit 40 of the electrophoresis apparatus 101. The control unit 54 then acquires from the control unit 40 a measurement value 111 obtained under the control of the control unit 40 based on the transmitted drive signal.

[0040] 5 and 6, the control unit 54 analyzes the measurement object separated by electrophoresis based on the acquired measurement values ​​111. The control unit 54 then displays the analysis results of the measurement object in the result display area 52a of the display unit 52. Specifically, the control unit 54 analyzes the size (separation index value) of each component of the measurement object separated by electrophoresis based on the acquired measurement values ​​111. For example, if the measurement object is DNA, the analyzed size is represented by the chain length (number of base pairs) of the DNA.

[0041] <Display switching> Furthermore, in this embodiment, analysis device 102 (controller 54) is configured to switch between a detailed display state and an enlarged display state based on an operation received by operation unit 51. Specifically, analysis device 102 displays selectable switch button display 52b on the upper side of display unit 52. Analysis device 102 is configured to switch the display of the analysis results of the measurement target in result display area 52a of display unit 52 between a detailed display state and an enlarged display state based on a selection operation, such as a click operation, received by operation unit 51 on switch button display 52b.

[0042] <Details of detailed display status> As shown in Figure 5, in the detailed display state, the analysis device 102 (control unit 54) is configured to display multiple analysis result confirmation displays, including a well position display 91, a measurement waveform display 92, a peak table 93, and a gel image display 94, in the result display area 52a of the display unit 52.

[0043] The well position display 91 indicates the position of each of the multiple wells 70a and 71a in which each of the multiple measurement targets is placed. In the well position display 91, the positions of each of the multiple wells 70a and 71a are shown in a grid pattern corresponding to the arrangement of the wells 70a and 71a arranged in a grid pattern. For example, the positions of the 96 wells 70a (8 x 12) are displayed as squares (rectangles) arranged in a grid pattern of 8 columns A to H and 12 rows 1 to 12. Furthermore, the positions of the 3 x 12 wells 71a are displayed as squares (rectangles) arranged in a grid pattern of 8 columns A to H and 3 rows X1 to X3.

[0044] In addition, in the well position display 91, the wells 70a or 71a in which the measurement targets are placed are represented by circles displayed inside squares arranged in a grid pattern. Note that the display of two overlapping circles indicates that the measurement target placed in the same well 70a or 71a will be measured multiple times. Note that the arrangement of the measurement targets (reference sample and measurement target sample) in the multiple wells 70a and 71a is set by input operations to the operation unit 51 or based on data stored in the memory unit 53.

[0045] 5, the measurement waveform display 92 is a waveform (electropherogram) showing the time-series values ​​of the acquired measurement values ​​111. Specifically, the measurement waveform display 92 is expressed based on the time-series values ​​of the acquired measurement values ​​111, with the horizontal axis representing size and the vertical axis representing the signal strength (measurement value 111) of the measurement in the measurement unit 30. The measurement waveform display 92 also displays a numerical value indicating the size of the separated component of the measurement target.

[0046] Here, the measurement target separated by electrophoresis is mixed with an internal standard marker substance that serves as a reference for analyzing the components of the measurement target. That is, in measurement by electrophoresis, an internal standard marker substance that serves as a reference for the minimum and maximum values ​​of size (chain length) measured by electrophoresis is supplied to the flow path 61 together with the measurement target. Specifically, the internal standard marker substance is arranged in each of the wells 70a and 71a in a state mixed with each measurement target. The internal standard marker substance has a lower limit marker (hereinafter referred to as LM) and an upper limit marker (hereinafter referred to as UM). LM is measured by the measurement unit 30 as a size value that is sufficiently smaller than that of the measurement target. And UM is measured by the measurement unit 30 as a size value that is sufficiently larger than that of the measurement target. That is, LM is a size that is sufficiently smaller than that of the reference sample and the measurement target sample, and UM is a size that is sufficiently larger than that of the reference sample and the measurement target sample.

[0047] In electrophoretic measurements, the same LM and UM are mixed with both the reference sample and the target sample. Then, based on the LM and UM measured when the reference sample is measured and the LM and UM measured when the target sample is measured, the size of the target sample is analyzed by comparing the measurement values ​​111 of the reference sample and the target sample. Which of the multiple target samples placed in wells 70a and 71a is the reference sample is set in advance. When multiple reference samples are placed in wells 70a or 71a, the reference sample to be used for analysis of the target sample is set in advance for each target sample.

[0048] Specifically, first, a reference sample serving as a reference for the measurement target is measured by electrophoresis. Then, the analysis device 102 detects peaks from the waveform of the measured value 111 of the measured reference sample. Then, based on the detected LM, UM, and each peak of each component, the size of the LM is set to 0 and the size of the UM is set to a predetermined value, and a calibration curve is generated by obtaining the ratio of the time (timing) at which the lower limit marker (LM) and upper limit marker (UM) are detected by the measurement unit 30 to the time (timing) at which each component (peak) contained in the reference sample, whose size is known in advance, is detected by the measurement unit 30.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5 , the analyzer 102 (controller 54) analyzes the size of a target sample, whose size is unknown, based on measurement values ​​111 obtained by electrophoresis of a mixture of LM and UM, and the generated calibration curve. Specifically, the analyzer 102 detects peaks from a waveform generated based on measurement values ​​111 obtained by measuring the target sample, whose size is unknown. The analyzer 102 then detects LM and UM from the detected peaks and analyzes the sizes corresponding to the peaks from the calibration curve of the reference sample based on the relative time ratios (migration time indices) of peaks between LM and UM. The analyzer 102 then displays the sizes corresponding to each detected peak on the measurement waveform display 92. The analyzer 102 also displays specific values ​​of the sizes and migration time indices corresponding to the detected peaks in a peak table 93.

[0050] The gel image display 94 shows the analysis results (sizes) of each of the multiple measurement targets. Specifically, in the gel image display 94, for each measurement of the measurement targets using the chips 60a to 60c, displays (images) showing the distribution of each component (size) of the multiple measurement targets analyzed by the analyzer 102 are displayed side by side as multiple analysis results. In the analysis results in the gel image display 94, multiple horizontal bars (band patterns, ladders) represent the size of each analyzed component of the measurement targets. In addition, in the analysis results in the gel image display 94, multiple horizontal bars are arranged at positions corresponding to the peaks of the waveform of the measurement values ​​111 according to the size, with LM at the bottom and UM at the top. In addition, in the multiple analysis results displayed side by side in the gel image display 94, the positions indicating LM and UM are shown to be in the same position. For example, in the analysis results in the gel image display 94, pixel values ​​are set according to the magnitude of the measurement values ​​111 (signal intensity), so that the magnitude of the measurement values ​​111 is represented by different shades of color.

[0051] Furthermore, the gel image display 94 displays, for each analysis result, the well number indicating the well 70a or 71a in which the corresponding measurement target is placed, and the measurement order number indicating the measurement order. The analysis device 102 is also configured to display the chip number on the gel image display 94. The chip numbers are numbers 1 to 3 indicating each of the chips 60a to 60c. In the analysis of the measurement values ​​111 obtained by measuring each of the chips 60a to 60c, the gel image display 94 displays the chip number only for the analysis result of the reference sample that serves as the reference for generating the calibration curve.

[0052] The analysis device 102 (controller 54) is configured to display on the display unit 52 a measurement waveform display 92 and a peak table 93 corresponding to one analysis result selected from the multiple analysis results in the gel image display 94. Specifically, the operation unit 51 accepts a selection operation to select one analysis result from the images showing the multiple analysis results displayed side by side in the gel image display 94. The analysis device 102 is configured to display on the display unit 52 the measurement waveform display 92 and the peak table 93 corresponding to the selected analysis result based on the selection operation accepted by the operation unit 51. A frame-shaped identification indicator is displayed on the gel image display 94 so that the selected analysis result can be identified. In addition, text information indicating the positions of the wells 70a and 71a corresponding to the selected analysis result, the type of measurement target (reference sample or measurement target sample), and the numbers of the chips 60a to 60c used in the measurement may be displayed on the display unit 52.

[0053] In this embodiment, the analysis device 102 (controller 54) displays a scale 94a on the gel image display 94. The scale 94a represents a scale of separation of the separated components of the measurement target in the analysis results displayed on the gel image display 94. Specifically, the scale 94a represents the size of each component of the analyzed measurement target. Numerical values ​​corresponding to the scale 94a are also displayed on the gel image display 94. The numerical values ​​on the scale 94a represent specific numerical values ​​of the size of each component of the measurement target. The numerical values ​​on the scale 94a are obtained based on an analysis of the components of a reference sample among the measurement targets. In other words, the sizes of the components contained in the reference sample set to generate a calibration curve (the sizes of the detected peaks) are obtained as numerical values ​​corresponding to the scale 94a.

[0054] In this embodiment, the analysis device 102 (controller 54) is configured to reduce and thin out the number of displayed numerical values ​​on the scale 94a so that the numerical values ​​corresponding to the scale 94a in the gel image display 94 do not overlap each other. Furthermore, the analysis device 102 thins out the number of displayed numerical values ​​while suppressing bias in the display intervals of the numerical values ​​on the scale 94a. Specifically, when the numerical values ​​representing the size of the reference sample are displayed on the scale 94a of the gel image display 94 and the numerical values ​​overlap each other, the analysis device 102 thins out the number of displayed numerical values ​​on the scale 94a. At this time, the numerical values ​​to be thinned out are set so that the intervals between adjacent numerical values ​​among the displayed numerical values ​​corresponding to the scale 94a are approximately equal above and below (so that the difference between the above and below is not large).

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the analysis device 102 (controller 54) displays on the gel image display 94 an indication of the reference values ​​(lower limit and upper limit) corresponding to the internal standard marker substances (LM and UM), regardless of the degree of thinning of the numerical values ​​on the scale 94a. Specifically, the analysis device 102 displays "LM" at a position on the scale 94a corresponding to the size of LM and "UM" at a position corresponding to the size of UM. Note that the indications of "UM" and "LM" are also displayed so as not to overlap with the numerical values ​​on the scale 94a.

[0056] In addition, when multiple analysis results are displayed side by side in the gel image display 94 by performing multiple measurements, if the width of the display area in the arrangement direction (horizontal direction) is insufficient, the displayed analysis results can be changed by scrolling the display horizontally.

[0057] <Details of enlarged display state> Also, as shown in Figure 6, in the enlarged display state, the analysis device 102 (control unit 54) is configured to enlarge and display only the gel image display 94 of the multiple analysis result confirmation displays in the result display area 52a of the display unit 52, without displaying the well position display 91, the measurement waveform display 92, and the peak table 93.

[0058] In this embodiment, the analysis device 102 (controller 54) sets the display size of each of the multiple analysis results in the arrangement direction (horizontal direction) to the same size in both the detailed display state and the enlarged display state in the gel image display 94. As a result, the analysis device 102 is configured to display a larger number of analysis results in the enlarged display state than in the detailed display state.

[0059] That is, in the enlarged display state, the analysis device 102 is configured to enlarge only the vertical size of the analysis results in the gel image display 94, without enlarging the horizontal size. Therefore, in the enlarged display state, the number of analysis results displayed as the gel image display 94 in the result display area 52a of the display unit 52 is greater than in the detailed display state. Note that even in the enlarged display state, if the width of the display area is insufficient, the displayed analysis results can be changed by scrolling the display horizontally.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the analysis device 102 (controller 54) is configured to change the degree of thinning of the numbers on the scale 94a in the gel image display 94 between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state. Specifically, the analysis device 102 is configured to change the degree of thinning of the number of displayed numbers on the scale 94a between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state so that the number of displayed numbers is greater in the enlarged display state than in the detailed display state. Note that the display size of the displayed numbers on the scale 94a is the same in both the detailed display state and the enlarged display state.

[0061] Furthermore, the analysis device 102 (control unit 54) is configured to thin out the number of displayed values ​​while suppressing unevenness in the display intervals of the values ​​displayed on the scale 94a, even in the enlarged display state. That is, in this embodiment, when the detailed display state and the enlarged display state are switched, the analysis device 102 is configured to change the degree of thinning out the values ​​corresponding to the scale 94a while suppressing unevenness in the display of the values ​​displayed on the scale 94a.

[0062] Specifically, when the detailed display state is switched to the enlarged display state, the analysis device 102 vertically enlarges the display (image) of multiple analysis results in the gel image display 94. At this time, the analysis device 102 changes the degree of thinning so that the numbers displayed on the scale 94a do not overlap each other and the number of displayed results increases while suppressing bias in the display intervals.

[0063] In this embodiment, the analysis device 102 (controller 54) displays the reference values ​​(lower and upper limits) corresponding to the internal standard marker substances (LM and UM) even in the enlarged display state, regardless of the degree to which the number of displayed numerical values ​​on the scale 94a has been thinned. That is, in both the detailed display state and the enlarged display state, the display of "LM" indicating the lower limit of the size and the display of "UM" indicating the upper limit of the size are displayed so as to indicate the references (lower and upper limits) on the scale 94a in the gel image display 94.

[0064] (Electrophoretic analysis method) Next, an electrophoretic analysis method using electrophoresis system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The control processing in steps 201 to 209 is performed by control unit 54 (analysis device 102) executing electrophoretic analysis program 53a stored in storage unit 53.

[0065] First, in step 201, measurement condition information for performing measurement is acquired. Specifically, well information indicating wells 70a and 71a in which measurement targets to be measured are placed, schedule information indicating the measurement order, information indicating the types of measurement targets (reference sample and measurement target) placed in wells 70a and 71a, and the like are acquired (set) together with measurement condition information including information indicating the magnitude and time of the voltage applied by voltage application unit 20. Note that this information may be acquired based on an input operation to operation unit 51, or may be acquired from information previously stored in memory unit 53 or the like.

[0066] Next, in step 202, a drive signal including the acquired measurement condition information is transmitted to the control unit 40 of the electrophoresis device 101. The drive signal includes the acquired well information, schedule information, etc., in addition to the measurement condition information. Based on this drive signal, in the electrophoresis device 101, measurements by electrophoresis using chips 60a to 60c are performed for each measurement target in the predetermined wells 70a and 71a in the set order.

[0067] Next, in step 203 , a measurement value 111 is obtained based on the measurement by the measurement unit 30 of the electrophoresis device 101 .

[0068] Next, in step 204, analysis is performed based on the acquired measurement values ​​111. Specifically, based on the acquired measurement values ​​111, the components of the measurement target separated by electrophoresis are analyzed.

[0069] Next, in step 205, based on the analysis of the components to be measured, an analysis result confirmation display in the detailed display state is displayed in the result display area 52a of the display unit 52. Specifically, a plurality of analysis result confirmation displays including a well position display 91, a measurement waveform display 92, a peak table 93, and a gel image display 94 are displayed in the result display area 52a of the display unit 52.

[0070] Next, in step 206, it is determined whether an input operation for switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state has been accepted. Specifically, it is determined whether an input operation for switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state has been accepted by a selection operation on the switching button display 52b displayed on the display unit 52, based on an operation signal from the operation unit 51. If it is determined that an input operation for switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state has been accepted, the process proceeds to step 207. If it is not determined that an input operation for switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state has been accepted, the display in the detailed display state continues and the control process is put on hold.

[0071] In step 207, the detailed display state is switched to the enlarged display state based on the input operation received by the operation unit 51. Specifically, the well position display 91, the measurement waveform display 92, and the peak table 93 are not displayed in the result display area 52a of the display unit 52, and only the gel image display 94 is enlarged and displayed.

[0072] Next, in step 208, it is determined whether an input operation for switching again between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state has been accepted. Specifically, similar to step 206, it is determined whether an input operation for switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state has been accepted by a selection operation on the switching button display 52b displayed on the display unit 52, based on an operation signal from the operation unit 51. If it is determined that an input operation for switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state has been accepted, the process proceeds to step 209. If it is not determined that an input operation for switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state has been accepted, the display in the enlarged display state continues and the control process is put on hold.

[0073] In step 209, the enlarged display state is switched back to the detailed display state based on the input operation received by the operation unit 51. The display in the result display area 52a of the display unit 52 in the detailed display state is the same as in step 205.

[0074] Note that switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state may be performed again after step 209. Furthermore, after the analysis of the components to be measured in step 204, the analysis result confirmation display may be displayed in the enlarged display state instead of the detailed display state.

[0075] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0076] As described above, the electrophoresis system 100 and electrophoresis apparatus 101 of this embodiment switch between a detailed display state in which multiple analysis result confirmation displays, including at least the gel image display 94, are displayed in the result display area 52a of the display unit 52, and an enlarged display state in which only the gel image display 94 of the multiple analysis result confirmation displays is enlarged and displayed in the result display area 52a of the display unit 52. By switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state, it is possible to switch between a state in which multiple analysis result confirmation displays are displayed in the result display area 52a of the display unit 52 and a state in which only the gel image display 94 is displayed in the result display area 52a of the display unit 52. Therefore, if the band pattern of the gel image display 94 in the detailed display state contains multiple bands with similar values ​​(sizes), the gel image display 94 can be enlarged by switching to the enlarged display state. As a result, the visibility of the distribution of components separated by electrophoresis in the gel image display 94 can be improved.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, further effects can be obtained by configuring as follows.

[0078] That is, in this embodiment, as described above, the analysis device 102 is configured to reduce and thin out the number of displayed numerical values ​​so that the numerical values ​​corresponding to the scale 94a in the gel image display 94 do not overlap each other, and is configured to vary the degree of thinning of the number of displayed numerical values ​​between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state. With this configuration, the numerical values ​​of the scale 94a in the gel image display 94 are reduced and thinned out so that they do not overlap each other in both the detailed display state and the enlarged display state, thereby preventing a decrease in the visibility of the numerical values ​​of the scale 94a in the gel image display 94. Therefore, in the gel image display 94 in both the detailed display state and the enlarged display state, the visibility of the distribution of separated components can be improved, and specific numerical values ​​indicating the separated components (sizes) can be easily confirmed.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the analysis device 102 is configured to display numerical values ​​in the detailed display state and the enlarged display state at a common display size, and to vary the degree of thinning of the displayed numerical values ​​so that the number of displayed numerical values ​​is greater in the enlarged display state than in the detailed display state. With this configuration, the number of displayed numerical values ​​on the scale 94a of the gel image display 94 is increased in the enlarged display state, thereby improving the visibility of the distribution of separated components in the gel image display 94 in the enlarged display state and allowing the specific numerical values ​​indicating the separated components (sizes) to be confirmed in more detail. Furthermore, because the numerical values ​​on the scale 94a are displayed at a common display size in the detailed display state and the enlarged display state, the numerical values ​​on the scale 94a displayed in the detailed display state are not reduced. This prevents a decrease in the visibility of the numerical values ​​in the detailed display state.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the electrophoresis device 101 is configured to separate each of the multiple measurement targets by electrophoresis, and the analysis device 102 is configured to display a gel image display 94 in the result display area 52a of the display unit 52, in which multiple analysis results showing the distribution of each component of the multiple measurement targets are displayed side by side. The size of the display of each of the multiple analysis results in the arrangement direction is set to the same size in both the detailed display state and the enlarged display state, so that a larger number of analysis results are displayed in the enlarged display state than in the detailed display state. With this configuration, switching from the detailed display state to the enlarged display state improves the visibility of the gel image display 94, and because a larger number of analysis results are displayed in the enlarged display state than in the detailed display state, more analysis results can be visually viewed in a list. Therefore, when comparing multiple analysis results, switching from the detailed display state to the enlarged display state makes it easy to compare more analysis results.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the electrophoresis device 101 is configured to electrophoretically separate a measurement target mixed with an internal standard marker substance that serves as a reference in the analysis of the components of the measurement target, and the analysis device 102 is configured to display, in the gel image display 94, an indication (LM and UM) of the reference values ​​corresponding to the internal standard marker substance, in both the detailed display state and the enlarged display state, regardless of the degree of thinning of the number of displayed numerical values. With this configuration, even when switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state, the indication of the reference values ​​(LM and UM) of the internal standard marker substance can be maintained in the gel image display 94. Therefore, even when the degree of thinning of the numerical values ​​of the scale 94a in the gel image display 94 is changed by switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state, the indication of the reference values ​​corresponding to the internal standard marker substance can be confirmed, and therefore the reference of the separated components can be easily confirmed regardless of the size of the gel image display 94.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the analysis device 102 is configured to vary the degree of thinning of the number of displayed numerical values ​​between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state, while suppressing bias in the display intervals of the numerical values ​​in the gel image display 94. With this configuration, bias in the numerical values ​​of the scale 94a in the gel image display 94 is suppressed in both the detailed display state and the enlarged display state, so that the numerical values ​​can be displayed so that the display intervals of the numerical values ​​of the scale 94a in the gel image display 94 are approximately uniform. Therefore, the distribution of the specific numerical values ​​of the separated components (sizes) can be more easily grasped than when the numerical values ​​of the scale 94a in the gel image display 94 are displayed biasedly.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the electrophoresis device 101 is configured to separate a reference sample, which is a measurement target whose components are known, and a measurement target sample, which is a measurement target whose components are unknown, by electrophoresis. The analysis device 102 is configured to acquire numerical values ​​based on an analysis of the components of the reference sample, and is configured to vary the degree of thinning of the number of displayed numerical values ​​acquired based on the analysis of the components of the reference sample between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state. With this configuration, by checking the numerical values ​​of the scale 94a on the gel image display 94, it is possible to easily determine which numerical value of each separated component of the measurement target sample, whose components are unknown, corresponds to which component of the reference sample, whose components are known. Therefore, by checking the numerical values ​​of the scale 94a displayed on the gel image display 94, it is possible to easily determine specific numerical values ​​indicating the separated components (sizes) of the measurement target sample.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the electrophoresis apparatus 101 is configured to separate each of the multiple measurement targets by electrophoresis, and the analysis device 102 is configured to display, in the detailed display state, multiple analysis result confirmation displays in the result display area 52a of the display unit 52, including a measurement waveform display 92 showing the time-series values ​​of the measurement values ​​111, a well position display 91 showing the position of each of the multiple wells 70a and 71a in which each of the multiple measurement targets is placed, and a gel image display 94 in which multiple analysis results showing the distribution of each of the multiple measurement targets are displayed side by side, and in the enlarged display state, the measurement waveform display 92 and the well position display 91 are not displayed, and only the gel image display 94 of the multiple analysis result confirmation displays is enlarged and displayed in the result display area 52a of the display unit 52. With this configuration, in the detailed display state, the gel image display 94 including the analysis results of the measurement target components, the positions of the wells 70a and 71a in which the measurement targets are placed, and the waveforms of the measurement values ​​111 can be confirmed together, allowing the details of the analysis of the separated measurement targets to be confirmed. Therefore, by switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state, it is possible to easily switch between checking the details of the analysis and checking the gel image display 94 with improved visibility depending on the situation.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, electrophoresis system 100 includes operation unit 51 that accepts input operations, and analyzer 102 is configured to display, in the detailed display state, multiple analysis result confirmation displays in result display area 52a of display unit 52, including gel image display 94 displaying multiple analysis results side by side and measurement waveform display 92 corresponding to one analysis result selected from the multiple analysis results in gel image display 94 based on an operation accepted by operation unit 51, and to switch between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state based on the operation accepted by operation unit 51. With this configuration, an operator analyzing a measurement target separated by electrophoresis can easily switch between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state by operating operation unit 51. Furthermore, by selecting one analysis result in gel image display 94 in the detailed display state, the operator can easily check the measurement waveform display 92 corresponding to the selected analysis result. As a result, by performing an input operation on the operation unit 51, it is possible to easily switch between viewing the enlarged gel image display 94 in the enlarged display state and viewing the measurement waveform display 92 corresponding to one analysis result selected from the gel image display 94 in the detailed display state.

[0086] (Effects of the Electrophoretic Analysis Method and Electrophoretic Analysis Program According to the Present Embodiment) The electrophoretic analysis method and electrophoretic analysis program 53a of this embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0087] The electrophoretic analysis method and electrophoretic analysis program 53a of this embodiment, configured as described above, switch between a detailed display state in which multiple analysis result confirmation displays, including at least the gel image display 94, are displayed in the result display area 52a of the display unit 52, and an enlarged display state in which only the gel image display 94 of the multiple analysis result confirmation displays is enlarged and displayed in the result display area 52a of the display unit 52. By switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state, it is possible to switch between a state in which multiple analysis result confirmation displays are displayed in the result display area 52a of the display unit 52 and a state in which only the gel image display 94 is displayed in the result display area 52a of the display unit 52. Therefore, if the band pattern of the gel image display 94 in the detailed display state contains multiple bands with similar values ​​(sizes), the gel image display 94 can be enlarged by switching to the enlarged display state. As a result, it is possible to provide an electrophoretic analysis method and electrophoretic analysis program 53a that can improve the visibility of the distribution of components separated by electrophoresis in the gel image display 94.

[0088] [Variations] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0089] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the analyzer 102 that analyzes the components to be measured is provided separately from the electrophoresis device 101, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the electrophoresis device 101 and the analyzer 102 may be integrally formed. Similarly, only the display unit 52 may be integrally formed with the electrophoresis device 101. Furthermore, the display unit 52 may be disposed separately from both the electrophoresis device 101 and the analyzer 102, while being spaced apart from them.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the number of displayed numerical values ​​is reduced to thin out the numerical values ​​corresponding to the scale 94a in the gel image display 94 so that they do not overlap each other, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the numerical values ​​may be displayed on the scale 94a in an overlapping state within a range where the numerical values ​​on the scale 94a are distinguishable. Alternatively, the display size of the numerical values ​​may be changed so that the numerical values ​​on the scale 94a do not overlap each other without changing the number of displayed numerical values.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the display size of each of the multiple analysis results in the arrangement direction (horizontal direction) in the gel image display 94 is the same in both the detailed display state and the enlarged display state, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display size of each of the multiple analysis results in the arrangement direction may be different between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which "LM" and "UM," which indicate the reference values ​​(lower limit and upper limit) corresponding to the internal standard marker substances (LM and UM), are displayed on the scale 94a in both the detailed display state and the enlarged display state in the gel image display 94, regardless of the degree to which the number of displayed numerical values ​​on the scale 94a is thinned out. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only either "LM" or "UM" may be displayed on the gel image display 94. Furthermore, specific numerical values ​​indicating the reference values ​​may be displayed instead of text information indicating the reference values ​​corresponding to the internal standard marker substances.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the number of displayed numerical values ​​is thinned out so as to reduce the bias in the display intervals of the numerical values ​​of the scale 94a in the gel image display 94, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display intervals of the numerical values ​​of the scale 94a may be biased. Note that when the enlarged display state is switched to the detailed display state, the displayed numerical values ​​of the scale 94a may be directly thinned out, or the degree of thinning may be changed while reducing the bias so that numerical values ​​different from the numerical values ​​of the scale 94a displayed in the enlarged display state are displayed in the detailed display state.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the numerical values ​​of the scale 94a are obtained based on the analysis of a reference sample, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, preset values ​​may be displayed on the scale 94a. The scale 94a may be spaced at regular intervals, and the numerical values ​​displayed on the scale 94a may be spaced at regular intervals. The values ​​on the scale 94a may not be numerical values ​​indicating the size, but may be the timing (time) at which a peak of the measured waveform for each component is detected.

[0095] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which, in the detailed display state, an analysis result confirmation display including four items, namely, well position display 91, measurement waveform display 92, peak table 93, and gel image display 94, is displayed in result display area 52a of display unit 52, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the analysis result confirmation display in the detailed display state does not have to include one or any two of well position display 91, measurement waveform display 92, and peak table 93. Furthermore, the multiple analysis result confirmation displays displayed in the detailed display state may include an indication indicating measurement conditions or measurement order, etc.

[0096] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which control unit 54 of analysis device 102 acquires measurement values ​​111 output from control unit 40 of electrophoresis device 101 and performs analysis, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, analysis device 102 may analyze the components of the measurement target separated by electrophoresis by acquiring measurement values ​​111 previously stored in a storage device or storage medium such as storage unit 53. In other words, analysis of measurement values ​​111 by analysis device 102 may be performed at a timing separate from the acquisition of measurement values ​​111 by electrophoresis device 101.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which chips 60a to 60c are provided with preparation channels 63 for guiding the measurement target to separation channel 62, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, chips 60a to 60c may be configured to have only separation channel 62 without including preparation channel 63. Furthermore, instead of a shape in which separation channel 62 and preparation channel 63 intersect so as to penetrate each other (a cross shape), preparation channel 63 may be configured to intersect separation channel 62 in a T-shape.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the electrophoresis device 101 is configured to measure each of a plurality of (three) chips 60a to 60c, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one or two chips may be used to measure the measurement target, or four or more chips may be used. Furthermore, even when the electrophoresis device 101 is configured to measure each of the three chips 60a to 60c, it may be configured to specify (select) only one or two chips to perform the measurement.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the electrophoresis device 101 is configured to perform microchip electrophoresis, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the electrophoresis device 101 may be configured to perform capillary electrophoresis without using a microchip.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the measurement value 111 of the measurement object is obtained by detecting fluorescence, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the separated components of the measurement object may be detected by coloring with a reagent.

[0101] [Aspect] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0102] (Item 1) an electrophoresis device including a measurement unit that measures the analyte separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the analyte; an analyzer that analyzes components of the measurement target separated by electrophoresis based on the measurement values ​​of the measurement target measured by the measurement unit; a display unit that displays a plurality of analysis result confirmation displays in a result display area, the display including at least a gel image display showing the distribution of components of the measurement target analyzed by the analysis device; The electrophoresis system is configured to switch between a detailed display state in which the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays, including at least the gel image display, are displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit, and an enlarged display state in which only the gel image display of the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays is enlarged and displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit.

[0103] (Item 2) Item 2. The electrophoresis system according to item 1, wherein the analysis device is configured to reduce and thin out the number of displayed numerical values ​​so that the numerical values ​​corresponding to the scales in the gel image display do not overlap each other, and is configured to vary the degree of thinning of the number of displayed numerical values ​​between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state.

[0104] (Item 3) Item 2. The electrophoresis system according to item 2, wherein the analysis device is configured to display the numerical values ​​in the detailed display state and the enlarged display state at a common display size, and to vary the degree of thinning of the number of displayed numerical values ​​so that the number of displayed numerical values ​​is greater in the enlarged display state than in the detailed display state.

[0105] (Item 4) the electrophoresis device is configured to separate each of the plurality of measurement targets by electrophoresis; 4. The electrophoresis system according to claim 2, wherein the analysis device is configured to display the gel image display in the result display area of ​​the display unit, in which a plurality of analysis results showing the distribution of each component of the plurality of measurement targets are displayed side by side, and the display size of each of the plurality of analysis results in the arrangement direction is set to a common size in the detailed display state and the enlarged display state, so that a larger number of analysis results are displayed in the enlarged display state than in the detailed display state.

[0106] (Item 5) the electrophoresis device is configured to separate, by electrophoresis, the measurement object mixed with an internal standard marker substance that serves as a reference in the analysis of components of the measurement object; 5. The electrophoresis system according to any one of items 2 to 4, wherein the analysis device is configured to display a reference value corresponding to the internal standard marker substance on the gel image display in both the detailed display state and the enlarged display state, regardless of the degree of thinning of the number of displayed numerical values.

[0107] (Item 6) The electrophoresis system according to any one of items 2 to 5, wherein the analysis device is configured to vary the degree of thinning of the number of displayed numerical values ​​between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state while suppressing bias in the display intervals of the numerical values ​​in the gel image display.

[0108] (Item 7) the electrophoresis device is configured to separate, by electrophoresis, a reference sample, which is the measurement target and whose components are known, and a measurement target sample, which is the measurement target and whose components are unknown; The electrophoresis system according to any one of items 2 to 6, wherein the analysis device is configured to obtain the numerical values ​​based on an analysis of the components of the reference sample, and is configured to vary the degree of thinning of the number of displayed numerical values ​​obtained based on the analysis of the components of the reference sample between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state.

[0109] (Item 8) the electrophoresis device is configured to separate each of the plurality of measurement targets by electrophoresis; 8. The electrophoresis system according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the analytical device is configured to, in the detailed display state, display in the result display area of ​​the display unit the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays, including a measurement waveform display showing time-series values ​​of the measurement values, a well position display showing the position of each of a plurality of wells in which each of the plurality of measurement targets is placed, and the gel image display, in which a plurality of analysis results showing the distribution of components of each of the plurality of measurement targets are displayed side by side; and, in the enlarged display state, not display the measurement waveform display and the well position display, but only enlarge and display the gel image display of the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays in the result display area of ​​the display unit.

[0110] (Item 9) further comprising an operation unit for receiving input operations, Item 9. The electrophoresis system according to item 8, wherein the analysis device is configured to display, in the detailed display state, the multiple analysis result confirmation displays in the result display area of ​​the display unit, including the gel image display in which the multiple analysis results are displayed side by side, and the measurement waveform display corresponding to one analysis result selected from the multiple analysis results in the gel image display based on an operation received by the operation unit, and to switch between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state based on the operation received by the operation unit.

[0111] (Item 10) a measurement unit that measures the measurement object separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the measurement object, an electrophoresis device configured to switch between a detailed display state in which a plurality of analysis result confirmation displays, including at least a gel image display showing the distribution of components of the measurement target analyzed based on the measurement values ​​of the measurement target measured by the measurement unit, are displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit, and an enlarged display state in which only the gel image display of the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays is displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit.

[0112] (Item 11) analyzing components of the measurement object separated by electrophoresis based on measurements of the measurement object separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the measurement object; An electrophoretic analysis method comprising: a step of switching between a detailed display state in which a plurality of analysis result confirmation displays, including at least a gel image display showing the distribution of the analyzed components of the measurement target, are displayed in a result display area of ​​a display unit, and an enlarged display state in which only the gel image display of the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays is displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit.

[0113] (Item 12) analyzing components of the measurement object separated by electrophoresis based on measurements of the measurement object separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the measurement object; an electrophoresis analysis program that causes a computer to execute a step of switching between a detailed display state in which a plurality of analysis result confirmation displays, including at least a gel image display showing the distribution of the analyzed components of the measurement target, are displayed in the result display area of ​​a display unit, and an enlarged display state in which only the gel image display of the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays is displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 30 Measuring part 51 Operation section 52 Display section 52a Results display area 53a Electrophoresis analysis program 61 Flow path 62 Separation channel 70a, 71a wells 91 well position indication 92 Measured waveform display 94 Gel image display 94a scale 100 Electrophoresis System 101 Electrophoresis apparatus 102 Analytical equipment (computer) 111 measurements

Claims

1. an electrophoresis device including a measurement unit that measures the analyte separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the analyte; an analyzer that analyzes components of the measurement target separated by electrophoresis based on the measurement values ​​of the measurement target measured by the measurement unit; a display unit that displays a plurality of analysis result confirmation displays in a result display area, the display including at least a gel image display showing the distribution of components of the measurement target analyzed by the analysis device; the analysis device is configured to switch between a detailed display state in which the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays including at least the gel image display are displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit, and an enlarged display state in which only the gel image display among the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays is enlarged and displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit, the electrophoresis device is configured to separate each of the plurality of measurement targets by electrophoresis; The analysis device is configured to display the gel image display in the result display area of ​​the display unit, in which multiple analysis results showing the distribution of each component of the multiple measurement targets are displayed side by side, and is configured so that a larger number of analysis results are displayed in the enlarged display state than in the detailed display state.

2. 2. The electrophoresis system according to claim 1, wherein the analysis device is configured to reduce and thin out the number of displayed numerical values ​​so that the numerical values ​​corresponding to the scales in the gel image display do not overlap each other, and is configured to vary the degree of thinning out of the number of displayed numerical values ​​between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state.

3. 3. The electrophoresis system of claim 2, wherein the analysis device displays the numerical values ​​in the detailed display state and the enlarged display state using a common display size, and is configured to vary the degree of thinning of the number of displayed numerical values ​​so that the number of displayed numerical values ​​is greater in the enlarged display state than in the detailed display state.

4. The electrophoresis system described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the analysis device is configured to display a larger number of analysis results in the enlarged display state than in the detailed display state by making the display size of each of the multiple analysis results in the arrangement direction the same in both the detailed display state and the enlarged display state.

5. the electrophoresis device is configured to separate, by electrophoresis, the measurement object mixed with an internal standard marker substance that serves as a reference in the analysis of components of the measurement object; The electrophoresis system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the analysis device is configured to display a reference value corresponding to the internal standard marker substance on the gel image display in both the detailed display state and the enlarged display state, regardless of the degree to which the number of displayed numerical values ​​is thinned.

6. The electrophoresis system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the analysis device is configured to vary the degree of thinning of the number of displayed numerical values ​​between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state while suppressing bias in the display intervals of the numerical values ​​in the gel image display.

7. An electrophoresis device including a measurement unit that measures the measurement targets separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the measurement targets; an analyzer that analyzes components of the measurement target separated by electrophoresis based on the measurement values ​​of the measurement target measured by the measurement unit; a display unit that displays a plurality of analysis result confirmation displays in a result display area, the display including at least a gel image display showing the distribution of components of the measurement target analyzed by the analysis device; the analysis device is configured to switch between a detailed display state in which the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays including at least the gel image display are displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit, and an enlarged display state in which only the gel image display among the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays is enlarged and displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit, the analysis device is configured to reduce and thin out the number of displayed numerical values ​​so that numerical values ​​corresponding to the scales in the gel image display do not overlap each other, and is configured to vary the degree of thinning out the number of displayed numerical values ​​between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state; the electrophoresis device is configured to separate, by electrophoresis, a reference sample, which is the measurement target and whose components are known, and a measurement target sample, which is the measurement target and whose components are unknown; The analysis device is configured to obtain the numerical values ​​based on an analysis of the components of the reference sample, and is configured to vary the degree of thinning of the number of displayed numerical values ​​obtained based on the analysis of the components of the reference sample between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state.

8. the electrophoresis device is configured to separate each of the plurality of measurement targets by electrophoresis; The electrophoresis system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the analysis device is configured to, in the detailed display state, display in the result display area of ​​the display unit the multiple analysis result confirmation displays, including a measurement waveform display showing time-series values ​​of the measurement values, a well position display showing the position of each of a plurality of wells in which each of the multiple measurement targets is placed, and the gel image display, in which a plurality of analysis results showing the distribution of components of each of the multiple measurement targets are displayed side by side; and, in the enlarged display state, not display the measurement waveform display and the well position display, but enlarge and display only the gel image display of the multiple analysis result confirmation displays in the result display area of ​​the display unit.

9. further comprising an operation unit for receiving input operations, 9. The electrophoresis system according to claim 8, wherein the analysis device is configured to display, in the detailed display state, the multiple analysis result confirmation displays in the result display area of ​​the display unit, including the gel image display in which the multiple analysis results are displayed side by side, and the measurement waveform display corresponding to one analysis result selected from the multiple analysis results in the gel image display based on an operation received by the operation unit, and to switch between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state based on the operation received by the operation unit.

10. a measurement unit that measures the measurement object separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the measurement object, The system is configured to switch between a detailed display state in which a plurality of analysis result confirmation displays including at least a gel image display showing the distribution of components of the measurement object analyzed based on the measurement values ​​of the measurement object measured by the measurement unit are displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit, and an enlarged display state in which only the gel image display of the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays is displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit, The measuring device is configured to separate each of the plurality of measuring objects by electrophoresis, An electrophoresis device configured to display the gel image display, in which multiple analysis results showing the distribution of each component of the multiple measurement targets are displayed side by side, in the result display area of ​​the display unit, and configured so that a larger number of analysis results are displayed in the enlarged display state than in the detailed display state.

11. analyzing components of the plurality of measurement targets separated by electrophoresis based on measured values ​​obtained by measuring the plurality of measurement targets separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the measurement targets; and switching between a detailed display state in which a plurality of analysis result confirmation displays including at least a gel image display showing the distribution of the analyzed components of the measurement target are displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit, and an enlarged display state in which only the gel image display of the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays is displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit, The electrophoretic analysis method includes a step of switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state, in which the gel image display, in which multiple analysis results showing the distribution of each component of the multiple measurement targets are displayed side by side, is displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit, and switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state so that a larger number of analysis results are displayed in the enlarged display state than in the detailed display state.

12. analyzing components of the plurality of measurement targets separated by electrophoresis based on measured values ​​obtained by measuring the plurality of measurement targets separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the measurement targets; a step of switching between a detailed display state in which a plurality of analysis result confirmation displays including at least a gel image display showing the distribution of components of the analyzed measurement target are displayed in a result display area of ​​a display unit, and an enlarged display state in which only the gel image display of the plurality of analysis result confirmation displays is displayed in the result display area of ​​the display unit; An electrophoresis analysis program, wherein the step of switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state includes a step of displaying the gel image display, in which multiple analysis results showing the distribution of each component of the multiple measurement targets are displayed side by side, in the result display area of ​​the display unit, and switching between the detailed display state and the enlarged display state so that a larger number of analysis results are displayed in the enlarged display state than in the detailed display state.

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