Biological particle sorting device and information processing device

Abstract

The main purpose of the present invention is to improve the operability of a bioparticle sorting device that receives various types of data by touch operation.　The present invention provides a bioparticle sorting device that comprises a display unit that can receive touch input and displays a processing conditions settings screen that receives input of operation control data pertaining to bioparticle-containing sample sorting. The processing conditions settings screen includes: a first display area that displays an operation flow for setting the sorting conditions for a bioparticle-containing sample; and a second display area that displays measurement data pertaining to the bioparticle-containing sample. The first display area is arranged in an end section of the processing conditions settings screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a biological particle sorting device and an information processing device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a biological particle sorting device and an information processing device that display a screen related to the control and / or execution of a biological particle sorting process.

Background Art

[0002] In flow cytometry, light derived from various fluorescent dyes is analyzed multidimensionally. For this analysis, a large number of graphs and / or tables of statistical values are displayed on the screen of an information processing device, and for example, gates are set or adjusted. Also, desired biological particles are sorted using the results of the analysis. The device that performs this sorting is also called a cell sorter. In recent years, a device for sorting biological particles in a closed space has also been proposed, and this device is also called a closed sorter.

[0003] Regarding closed sorters, several proposals have been made so far. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a determination unit that determines whether to sort a microparticle based on light generated by irradiating the microparticle flowing in a flow path, and the determination unit performs a primary sorting determination to determine whether the microparticle belongs to any of two or more different microparticle populations based on the characteristics of the light, and then performs a secondary sorting determination to determine whether to sort the microparticle determined to belong to any of the microparticle populations in the primary sorting determination based on a specified particle composition ratio for the two or more different microparticle populations. A microparticle sorting device is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] For the sorting process using a biological particle sorting device, sorting conditions such as gate settings are configured. These settings are made via various data displayed on the screen, as described above. Performing these settings often requires highly specialized knowledge (for example, knowledge of biological particles and sorting devices). The user interfaces of commercially available devices such as flow cytometers and cell sorters are designed on the assumption that the user possesses such specialized knowledge.

[0006] However, research and development and manufacturing of cell therapy drugs, for example, are carried out in cleanrooms to avoid contamination. Therefore, when using a biological particle sorting device such as a closed sorter in a cleanroom, it is assumed that user U will operate the biological particle sorting device A while wearing cleanroom work clothes and gloves, as shown in Figure 1. These gloves are laboratory gloves made of materials such as latex. When wearing such gloves, fine movements are often difficult. For example, fine movements of a touch panel are difficult when wearing these gloves. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a user interface that is easy to use or operate even under such conditions.

[0007] Therefore, the primary purpose of this disclosure is to improve the operability of a biological particle sorting device that accepts various types of data input via touch operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This disclosure is, It is equipped with a touch-enabled display unit that shows a screen for setting processing conditions, which accepts input of operation control data related to the sorting process of samples containing biological particles. The aforementioned processing condition setting screen includes a first display area that displays the operation flow for setting the sorting processing conditions for a sample containing biological particles, and a second display area that displays measurement data related to the sample containing biological particles. The first display area is located at the edge of the processing condition setting screen. We provide a biological particle sorting device. Furthermore, this disclosure is, It is equipped with a touch-enabled display unit that shows a screen for setting processing conditions, which accepts input of operation control data related to the sorting process of samples containing biological particles. The aforementioned processing condition setting screen includes a first display area that displays the operation flow for setting the sorting processing conditions for a sample containing biological particles, and a second display area that displays measurement data related to the sample containing biological particles. The first display area is located at the edge of the processing condition setting screen. We also provide information processing equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of operating a biological particle sorting device. [Figure 2A] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a biological sample analysis device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] This is an example of a block diagram of the biological particle sorting device described herein. [Figure 3] This is an example of a flowchart of the processing performed by the biological particle sorting device described herein. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a mode selection screen. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of an identification information input screen. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a screen for setting processing conditions. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a screen for setting processing conditions. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the first display area. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the second display area. [Figure 10A] This is a diagram to explain the tab area. [Figure 10B] This is a diagram to explain the tab area. [Figure 10C]This is a diagram for explaining the tab area. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing an example of the processing flow in the first display mode. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing an example of the screen for setting processing conditions. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing an example of the screen for setting processing conditions. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing an example of the setting information display area. [Figure 15A] This is a diagram showing an example of the window displayed by selecting the matrix display button. [Figure 15B] This is a diagram showing an example of the status of adjustment of each correction coefficient in the correction matrix. [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing an example of the window displayed by selecting the gate tree display button. [Figure 17] This is a diagram showing an example of the toolbox displayed by selecting the worksheet toolbox display button. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing an example of the toolbox displayed by selecting the plot toolbox display button. [Figure 19] This is a diagram showing an example of the toolbox displayed by selecting the gate toolbox display button. [Figure 20] This is a diagram showing an example of the screen for controlling the fractionation process. [Figure 21] This is a diagram showing an example of the template property area. [Figure 22] This is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the aliquot setting area. [Figure 23] This is a diagram showing an example of the operator-directed instruction data input area. [Figure 24] This is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen for executing processing. [Figure 25] This is a diagram showing an example of the fourth display area. [Figure 26] This is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen for executing processing. [Figure 27] This is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen for executing processing. [Figure 28A] This figure shows an example of an operation screen for executing a process. [Figure 28B] This figure shows an example of an operation screen for executing a process. [Figure 29] This figure shows an example of an operation screen for executing a process. [Figure 30] This figure shows an example of a window that appears when acquiring an aliquot. [Figure 31] This figure shows an example of a biological particle sorting system in this disclosure. [Figure 32A] This figure shows an example of a control panel. [Figure 32B] This figure shows an example of a control panel. [Figure 33A] This figure shows an example of a slider bar. [Figure 33B] This figure shows an example of a slider bar. [Figure 33C] This figure shows an example of a slider bar. [Figure 33D] This figure shows an example of a slider bar. [Figure 34A] This is a diagram illustrating the enlarged image displayed during gate adjustment. [Figure 34B] This is a diagram illustrating the enlarged image displayed during gate adjustment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes preferred forms for implementing this disclosure. The embodiments described below are representative of the disclosure, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. The description of this disclosure will proceed in the following order. 1. Basic Concepts of This Disclosure 2. First Embodiment of the Present Disclosure (Biological Particle Separation Apparatus) (1) Example of device configuration (2) Example of processing (2-1) Selecting the display mode (2-2) First display mode (2-2-1) Example of screen configuration displayed in the first display mode (2-2-2) Example of processing in the first display mode (2-3) Second display mode (2-3-1) Example of screen configuration displayed in second display mode (2-3-2) Example of processing in the second display mode (3) Variant 3. A second embodiment of the present disclosure (bioparticle sorting system)

[0011] 1. Basic Concepts of This Disclosure

[0012] As mentioned above, when operating a biological particle sorting device in a cleanroom, it is common for the user to wear gloves. When wearing such gloves, fine motor skills are often difficult. For example, fine motor skills are difficult when using a touch panel while wearing gloves. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a user interface that is easy to use or operate even under these conditions.

[0013] Furthermore, as mentioned above, setting the sorting conditions for the bioparticle sorting device is done through various data displayed on the screen, and setting these conditions often requires highly specialized knowledge. Therefore, it is considered difficult for users such as the operators or workers mentioned above to use conventional user interfaces appropriately. For this reason, it is desirable to provide a user interface that is easy for such users to use and operate.

[0014] This disclosure provides a biological particle sorting apparatus equipped with a touch-enabled display unit that displays a processing condition setting screen for receiving input of operation control data related to the sorting process of a biological particle-containing sample. Here, the processing condition setting screen may include a first display area that displays an operation flow for setting the sorting conditions of a biological particle-containing sample, and a second display area that displays measurement data related to the biological particle-containing sample. The first display area may be located at the edge of the processing condition setting screen. The biological particle sorting device, which displays the processing condition setting screen on its display unit, is suitable for operation via touch input. This device is also easy to use, for example, for users wearing gloves. The present invention provides a biological particle sorting device having a first display mode for receiving input of operation control data related to biological particle sorting processing, and a second display mode for displaying an operation screen for processing execution. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the biological particle sorting device may be configured to operate in the first display mode or the second display mode based on identification information.

[0015] A biological particle sorting device according to this disclosure may be configured to operate in, for example, one of two display modes. These two display modes may be, for example, a first display mode that accepts input of operation control data related to the biological particle sorting process and a second display mode that displays an operation screen for executing the process. The biological particle sorting device may be configured to display the processing condition setting screen on the display unit in the first display mode.

[0016] For the sorting process using a biological particle sorting device, sorting conditions such as gate settings are configured. These settings are made via various data displayed on the screen, as described above. Performing these settings often requires highly specialized knowledge (for example, knowledge of biological particles and sorting devices). The user interfaces of commercially available devices such as flow cytometers and cell sorters are designed on the assumption that the user possesses such specialized knowledge.

[0017] However, in order to separate a large quantity of desired cells using a bioparticle sorting device, for example, for the manufacture of cell therapy drugs, it is assumed that the setting of sorting conditions itself will be done by a user familiar with the use of the various data mentioned above (for example, a researcher or developer with highly specialized scientific knowledge), while the actual sorting operation will be performed by a user who is less familiar with the use of the various data compared to the device user (for example, a worker or operator at a cell therapy drug manufacturing plant).

[0018] As described above, having two display modes allows, for example, a researcher or developer to input operation control data using the first display mode, and a worker or operator to execute the sorting process by the biological particle sorting device via the operation screen in the second mode. Therefore, different user interfaces can be presented to researchers or developers and workers or operators, providing, for example, a work environment suitable for each user.

[0019] For example, in the first display mode, a researcher or developer inputs the operation control data (e.g., work procedure information) related to the sorting process to be performed by a worker or operator via a processing condition setting screen. Then, in the second display mode, a processing execution operation screen generated based on the operation control data is presented to the operator. This allows the researcher or developer to easily create operator instructions, such as correct work procedures and / or points to note, for each sorting process. The operator can then perform the appropriate sorting process by following the instructions displayed on the processing execution operation screen, following the specified work procedures, and referring to the points to note.

[0020] Within this specification, a user operating the biological particle sorting device in the first display mode is also referred to as the "first user," and a user operating the biological particle sorting device in the second display mode is also referred to as the "second user." The first user may be the user who designs and / or develops the parsing process to be executed in the second display mode. The first user may be, for example, the researcher or developer mentioned above. The second user may be a user who operates the biological particle sorting device and performs the sorting process according to the instructions entered in the first display mode. The second user may be, for example, the operator or worker mentioned above.

[0021] Below, we will first describe an example of the device configuration, and then describe an example of the operation of a biological particle sorting device according to this disclosure.

[0022] 2. First Embodiment of the Present Disclosure (Biological Particle Separation Apparatus)

[0023] (1) Example of device configuration

[0024] A biological particle sorting device according to this disclosure may be configured as a biological sample analysis device as described below.

[0025] An example of the configuration of the biological sample analyzer of this disclosure is shown in Figure 2A. The biological sample analyzer 6100 shown in Figure 2A includes a light irradiation unit 6101 that irradiates light onto a biological sample S flowing through a channel C, a detection unit 6102 that detects the light generated by irradiating the biological sample S, and an information processing unit 6103 that processes information related to the light detected by the detection unit. Examples of the biological sample analyzer 6100 include a flow cytometer and an imaging cytometer. The biological sample analyzer 6100 may also include a sorting unit 6104 that sorts specific biological particles P within the biological sample. An example of the biological sample analyzer 6100 including the sorting unit is a cell sorter.

[0026] (Biological sample) The biological sample S may be a liquid sample containing biological particles. These biological particles may be, for example, cells or non-cellular biological particles. The cells may be living cells, and more specifically, blood cells such as red blood cells and white blood cells, and germ cells such as sperm and fertilized eggs. The cells may be directly collected from a sample such as whole blood, or they may be cultured cells obtained after culturing. Examples of non-cellular biological particles include extracellular vesicles, particularly exosomes and microvesicles. The biological particles may be labeled with one or more labeling substances (for example, dyes (particularly fluorescent dyes) and fluorescent dye-labeled antibodies). The biological sample analyzer of this disclosure may also analyze particles other than biological particles, and beads may be analyzed for calibration purposes.

[0027] (Flow channel) The channel C is configured to allow a biological sample S to flow through it. In particular, the channel C may be configured to form a flow in which biological particles contained in the biological sample are arranged in a substantially straight line. The channel structure including the channel C may be designed to form a laminar flow. In particular, the channel structure is designed to form a laminar flow in which the flow of the biological sample (sample flow) is surrounded by the flow of the sheath fluid. The design of the channel structure may be appropriately selected by those skilled in the art, and known designs may be adopted. The channel C may be formed in a flow channel structure such as a microchip (a chip with a channel on the order of micrometers) or a flow cell. The width of the channel C is 1 mm or less, and in particular may be 10 μm or more and 1 mm or less. The channel C and the channel structure including it may be formed from materials such as plastic or glass.

[0028] The biological sample analyzer of this disclosure is configured such that light from the light irradiation unit 6101 is irradiated onto a biological sample, particularly biological particles, flowing through the channel C. The biological sample analyzer of this disclosure may be configured such that the light irradiation point (interrogation point) for the biological sample is located within the channel structure in which the channel C is formed, or it may be configured such that the light irradiation point is located outside the channel structure. An example of the former is a configuration in which the light is irradiated onto the channel C in a microchip or flow cell. In the latter case, the light may be irradiated onto biological particles after they have exited the channel structure (particularly its nozzle), for example, a Jet-in-Air type flow cytometer.

[0029] (Light irradiation area) The light irradiation unit 6101 includes a light source unit that emits light and a light guide optical system that guides the light to the irradiation point. The light source unit includes one or more light sources. The type of light source is, for example, a laser light source or an LED. The wavelength of the light emitted from each light source may be any of the wavelengths of ultraviolet light, visible light, or infrared light. The light guide optical system includes optical components such as a beam splitter group, a mirror group, or an optical fiber. The light guide optical system may also include a lens group for focusing the light, for example, an objective lens. There may be one or more irradiation points where the light intersects with the biological sample. The light irradiation unit 6101 may be configured to focus light irradiated from one or more different light sources to a single irradiation point.

[0030] (Detection unit) The detection unit 6102 includes at least one photodetector that detects light generated by light irradiation of biological particles. The light to be detected is, for example, fluorescence or scattered light (e.g., one or more of forward scattered light, back scattered light, and side scattered light). Each photodetector includes one or more photoreceiving elements, for example, a photoreceiving element array. Each photodetector may include one or more PMTs (photomultiplier tubes) and / or photodiodes such as APDs and MPPCs as photoreceiving elements. The photodetector may include, for example, a PMT array in which multiple PMTs are arranged in a one-dimensional direction. The detection unit 6102 may also include an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS. The detection unit 6102 can acquire images of biological particles (e.g., bright-field images, dark-field images, and fluorescence images) using the image sensor.

[0031] The detection unit 6102 includes a detection optical system that directs light of a predetermined detection wavelength to a corresponding photodetector. The detection optical system includes a spectroscopic unit such as a prism or diffraction grating, or a wavelength separation unit such as a dichroic mirror or optical filter. The detection optical system is configured to spectrally analyze light generated by, for example, irradiation of biological particles, and to detect the spectrally analyzed light using a plurality of photodetectors, more than the number of fluorescent dyes on which the biological particles are labeled. A flow cytometer including such a detection optical system is called a spectral flow cytometer. The detection optical system is also configured to separate light corresponding to the fluorescence wavelength range of a specific fluorescent dye from light generated by, for example, irradiation of biological particles, and to detect the separated light using a corresponding photodetector.

[0032] Furthermore, the detection unit 6102 may include a signal processing unit that converts the electrical signal obtained by the photodetector into a digital signal. The signal processing unit may include an A / D converter as the device that performs the conversion. The digital signal obtained by the conversion by the signal processing unit may be transmitted to the information processing unit 6103. The digital signal may be treated by the information processing unit 6103 as data related to light (hereinafter also referred to as "light data"). The light data may be, for example, light data including fluorescence data. More specifically, the light data may be light intensity data, and the light intensity may be light intensity data of light including fluorescence (which may include feature quantities such as Area, Height, and Width).

[0033] (Information Processing Department) The information processing unit 6103 includes, for example, a processing unit that performs processing of various data (e.g., optical data) and a storage unit that stores various data. When the processing unit obtains optical data corresponding to a fluorescent dye from the detection unit 6102, it may perform fluorescence leakage correction (compensation processing) on ​​the optical intensity data. In the case of a spectral flow cytometer, the processing unit also performs fluorescence separation processing on the optical data to obtain optical intensity data corresponding to the fluorescent dye. The fluorescence separation processing may be performed, for example, according to the unmixing method described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-232259. If the detection unit 6102 includes an image sensor, the processing unit may obtain morphological information of biological particles based on the image obtained by the image sensor. The storage unit may be configured to store the acquired optical data. The storage unit may further be configured to store spectral reference data used in the unmixing processing.

[0034] If the biological sample analyzer 6100 includes a sorting unit 6104 as described below, the information processing unit 6103 may determine whether to sort biological particles based on optical data and / or morphological information. Based on the result of this determination, the information processing unit 6103 controls the sorting unit 6104, and the sorting of biological particles by the sorting unit 6104 may be performed.

[0035] The information processing unit 6103 may be configured to output various types of data (e.g., optical data and images). For example, the information processing unit 6103 may output various types of data (e.g., two-dimensional plots, spectral plots, etc.) generated based on the optical data. The information processing unit 6103 may also be configured to accept input of various types of data, for example, to accept gating processing on a plot by a user. The information processing unit 6103 may include an output unit (e.g., a display) or an input unit (e.g., a keyboard) for executing such output or input.

[0036] The information processing unit 6103 may be configured as a general-purpose computer, for example, as an information processing device equipped with a CPU, RAM, and ROM. The information processing unit 6103 may be contained within the housing that houses the light irradiation unit 6101 and the detection unit 6102, or it may be located outside of that housing. Furthermore, various processing or functions performed by the information processing unit 6103 may be implemented by a server computer or cloud connected via a network.

[0037] (Preparative separation section) The sorting unit 6104 performs sorting of biological particles according to the determination result by the information processing unit 6103. The sorting method may be one in which droplets containing biological particles are generated by vibration, an electric charge is applied to the droplets to be sorted, and the direction of movement of the droplets is controlled by electrodes. The sorting method may also be one in which the direction of movement of biological particles is controlled and sorted within a flow channel structure. The flow channel structure may be provided with a control mechanism, for example, by pressure (injection or suction) or electric charge. An example of such a flow channel structure is a chip (for example, the chip described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-76736) in which a flow channel C has a flow channel structure in which a recovery flow channel and a waste liquid flow channel branch downstream thereof, and specific biological particles are recovered into the recovery flow channel.

[0038] (2) Example of processing

[0039] A biological particle sorting apparatus according to this disclosure may have a touch-enabled display unit D, as shown in Figure 1, for example. The display unit may be located on any side, particularly the side, of the housing of the apparatus, as shown in the same figure, and the screen of the display unit may be located in a position where a user standing (or sitting) near the apparatus can touch it. The display unit may display a processing condition setting screen or a processing execution operation screen, as described later. Also, as shown in the same figure, a biological particle sorting apparatus according to this disclosure may have an introduction unit I for introducing a biological particle-containing sample into the apparatus. For example, a container containing the sample is placed inside the apparatus through the introduction unit, and the container is connected to a predetermined sample line. After this connection, various processes described below may be performed. Within this specification, touch operations may include, but are not limited to, taps (single taps), long taps, or double taps. Touch operations may also include, for example, drags, swipes, pinch-in, or pinch-out. The type of touch operation may be appropriately selected by those skilled in the art.

[0040] Examples of processes performed by a biological particle sorting device according to this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 2B and 23. Figure 2B is an example of a block diagram of a biological particle sorting device. As shown in the figure, the biological particle sorting device 100 according to this disclosure has a display unit 101 and an information processing unit 102. Figure 3 is an example of a flow diagram of the processes performed by the biological particle sorting device.

[0041] The display unit 101 outputs a screen in accordance with this disclosure. The screen may be a screen based on data transmitted from the information processing unit 102. The display unit 101 may include a display device known in the art. For example, the display unit 101 includes a display device having a rectangular screen, more particularly a rectangular screen, and more particularly a landscape rectangular screen. The size of the screen may be, for example, 10 inches or more, preferably 11 inches or more, and more preferably 12 inches or more. There is no particular upper limit set for the size of the screen, but it may be, for example, 30 inches or less, 25 inches or less, 22 inches or less, or 20 inches or less. Such screen sizes are suitable for displaying screens in each mode described below.

[0042] The information processing unit 102 causes the display unit 101 to display a screen in accordance with this disclosure. The information processing unit 102 is configured to output data for displaying the screen. The information processing unit 102 may be the information processing unit 6103 described in (1) above, but it may also be a separately prepared information processing unit. In addition, the biological particle sorting device 100 may include the light irradiation unit 6101, the detection unit 6102, and the sorting unit 6104 described in (1) above, in addition to the display unit 101 and the information processing unit 102.

[0043] In the following sections (2-1) to (2-3), the screens displayed by the biological particle sorting device 100 in accordance with this disclosure will be described.

[0044] (2-1) Selecting the display mode

[0045] In step S10, the biological particle sorting device 100 (particularly the information processing unit 102) starts processing.

[0046] In step S11, the information processing unit 102 outputs a mode selection screen to the display unit 101, prompting the user to select a mode. This mode selection screen includes, for example, a button for selecting a first display mode (First display mode button) and a button for selecting a second display mode (Second display mode button), as shown in Figure 4. The mode selection screen may further include a button (Next button) for displaying the next processing screen after the mode has been selected.

[0047] Each button displayed on the mode selection screen may display a more specific mode name. For example, the first display mode may be displayed as "Preparation Processing Condition Setting Mode," or as "Setting Mode," "Process Development Mode," or "PD Mode." The second display mode may be displayed as "Process Execution Operation Mode," or as "Operation Mode," "Operation Mode," or "OP Mode."

[0048] The mode selection screen may also display a button for selecting administrator mode (Administrator button), as shown in the figure. In administrator mode, the information processing unit 102 can, for example, set or change user permission information.

[0049] In step S12, the information processing unit 102 outputs a screen to the display unit 101 prompting the user to enter identification information. This identification information may include a user ID (or username) and may also include a password. The screen has a user ID input field and a password input field, as shown in Figure 5, for example. The user enters the identification information into these fields.

[0050] The information processing unit 102 refers to the input identification information and determines whether operation of the device in the selected mode is permitted for that identification information. If permitted, the information processing unit 102 proceeds to step S13. If not permitted, the information processing unit 102 displays a screen indicating that it is not permitted on the display unit 101, for example, and returns to step S11 or S12.

[0051] In step S13, processing is performed in the selected mode. The processing in each mode is described below in (2-2) and (2-3).

[0052] In this disclosure, steps S12 and S13 may be omitted. In this case, the selection of either mode in step S11 may itself be used as identification information. Alternatively, only step S12 may be executed without performing step S11. That is, the information processing unit 102 may display a screen for receiving identification information on the display unit 101, and then transition to the first display mode or the second display mode according to the input identification information.

[0053] (2-2) First display mode

[0054] In the first display mode, the biological particle sorting device 100 (particularly the information processing unit 102) accepts input of operation control data related to the biological particle sorting process. To accept the input of said operation control data, the display unit 101 may be touch-input capable. The display unit 101 displays a screen for setting processing conditions that accepts input of operation control data related to the sorting process of a biological particle-containing sample. The said operation control data may be data used to execute the sorting process in the second display mode, and in particular includes data for generating an operation screen for processing execution in the second display mode.

[0055] In the first display mode, the information processing unit 102 displays a screen for setting processing conditions related to the biological particle sorting process on the display unit 101. The information processing unit 102 receives the operation control data input via the processing condition setting screen. The processing condition setting screen may be displayed on a display device other than the display unit 101 provided in the biological particle sorting device 100. For example, the biological particle sorting device 100 may display the screen on a display device or information processing device connected to the biological particle sorting device 100 via a wired or wireless network.

[0056] (2-2-1) Example of screen configuration displayed in the first display mode

[0057] (Screen for setting processing conditions) Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of the processing condition setting screen that the biological particle sorting device 100 (particularly the information processing unit 102) displays on the display unit 101. The processing condition setting screen 200 shown in the figure includes, as shown in Figure 7, a setting operation flow display area (hereinafter also referred to as the "first display area") 201 that displays the operation flow for setting the processing conditions for sorting, and a measurement data display area (hereinafter also referred to as the "second display area") 251 that displays measurement data related to the biological particle-containing sample.

[0058] As shown in the figure, the first display area may be located on the left side of the processing condition setting screen, and the second display area may be located on the right side of the processing condition setting screen. Alternatively, the first display area may be located on the right side of the processing condition setting screen, and the second display area may be located on the left side of the processing condition setting screen. In the first display mode, detailed sorting conditions are often required, which necessitates checking detailed measurement data or displaying a large number of plot data on a single screen. At the same time, it is also necessary to show the first user the progress of the work or the next operation to be performed. Therefore, as described above, by arranging the two areas side by side, a larger second display area can be secured, making it easier for the first user to check the measurement data, and the display of the operation flow allows the first user to check the status of the work.

[0059] To improve operability, when the first display area is located on the left side of the processing condition setting screen and the second display area is located on the right side of the processing condition setting screen, the first display area may be positioned to touch the left edge of the processing condition setting screen, and the second display area may be positioned to touch the right edge of the processing condition setting screen. Conversely, when the first display area is located on the right side of the processing condition setting screen and the second display area is located on the left side of the processing condition setting screen, the first display area may be positioned to touch the right edge of the processing condition setting screen, and the second display area may be positioned to touch the left edge of the processing condition setting screen.

[0060] The arrangement of the first and second display areas may be changeable. For example, the biological particle sorting device may be configured to change the screen from a state where the former area is on the right and the latter area is on the left to a state where the former area is on the left and the latter area is on the right. It may also be configured to change the screen in the opposite way. This can accommodate the user's dominant hand or convenience and improve operability.

[0061] (First display area) An example of the first display area is shown in Figure 8. As shown in the figure, the first display area includes a procedure button area 202 and a setting information display area 203.

[0062] The aforementioned procedure button area contains multiple processing buttons included in the operation flow, arranged in the order of processing. In the figure, the first display area is located at the left end of the processing condition setting screen, and the procedure button area is located at the left end of the first display area. Furthermore, the procedure button area is located to the left of the first display area, and the setting information display area is located to the right of the first display area. Alternatively, the first display area may be located at the right end of the processing condition setting screen, and the procedure button area may be located at the right end of the first display area. Alternatively, the procedure button area may be located to the right of the first display area, and the setting information display area may be located to the left of the first display area. This makes it easier for the first user to find each button in the workflow. Also, since the procedure button area is located at the edge (especially the left edge) of the screen for setting processing conditions, the possibility of touching other buttons when touching a processing button is reduced, thus reducing errors caused by touching unintended areas. Conventional bioparticle sorting devices often have user interfaces that assume operation via a desktop or laptop computer display. In this case, the cursor is controlled, for example, with a mouse, and frequently selected tool buttons are located at the top of the screen, similar to windows in typical software. However, as shown in Figure 1 above, when a user operates a touch panel, if frequently selected tool buttons are located at the top of the screen, those tool buttons become difficult to touch. Furthermore, the likelihood of accidentally touching other buttons increases when moving a finger towards those tool buttons. In accordance with this disclosure, by positioning the procedure button area on the left (or right) side of the screen, particularly at the far left (or far right), the buttons within the procedure button area are easily accessible, and the likelihood of accidentally touching other buttons is reduced. Therefore, a user-friendly and easy-to-operate screen can be provided for the first user.

[0063] The figure shows an example of the first display area when the first display area is located on the left side of the processing condition setting screen and the second display area is located on the right side of the processing condition setting screen. Furthermore, when the first display area is located on the right side of the processing condition setting screen and the second display area is located on the left side of the processing condition setting screen, the first display area is located adjacent to the right edge of the processing condition setting screen, and the procedure button area may be located to the right of the first display area, and in particular, may be located at the right edge of the processing condition setting screen.

[0064] The procedure button area 202 includes a plurality of process buttons 204a to 204e, each of which represents one of the steps performed from the start to the completion of the creation of operation control data. The plurality of process buttons may be arranged from top to bottom of the screen, as shown in the figure. By arranging the plurality of process buttons in one direction in this way, the order of each step can be grasped, and the progress of the work can also be easily grasped. A mark 205 (for example, a downward-pointing triangle or arrow as shown in the figure) may be placed between two process buttons to indicate that these steps are in order.

[0065] Of the multiple processing buttons mentioned above, the color or shape of the button indicating the current process may differ from the color or shape of the other buttons. For example, as shown in the figure, the processing button 204a indicating the current process may be shown in gray, while the processing buttons 204b to 204e indicating the other processes may be shown in white. This makes it easier to identify the process being worked on.

[0066] The shapes of the aforementioned multiple processing buttons may be polygonal (e.g., rectangular) or circular. The size and spacing of the aforementioned multiple buttons may be set so that, for example, two or more buttons are not selected when touched with a fingertip. If each button is rectangular, the longest side (or one side) may be, for example, 0.3 cm or more, preferably 0.5 cm or more. Alternatively, the longest side (or one side) may be, for example, 5 cm or less, preferably 3 cm or less. If each button is circular, the diameter (or major axis) may be, for example, 0.3 cm or more, preferably 0.5 cm or more. Alternatively, the diameter (or major axis) may be, for example, 5 cm or less, preferably 3 cm or less.

[0067] The configuration information display area 203 displays information corresponding to the process selected by each procedure button. More specifically, the configuration information display area 203 displays configuration information corresponding to any of the process buttons when that button is touched. Examples of the displayed content will be described later.

[0068] (Second display area) As shown in Figure 9, measurement data is displayed in the second display area 251. The second display area may be configured to display one or more plots, and may include multiple plot data, for example, as shown in the same figure. Multiple plot data may be arranged in a grid. The display format of the multiple plot data may also be changed to a list format (for example, arranged from top to bottom). It is possible to set a gate for each plot data. That is, the second display area may be configured to accept input of gate information that identifies the biological particles to be separated in the processing via touch operation.

[0069] The second display area may display one or more operation buttons, and may display one or more operation buttons for displaying data associated with the one or more plots. The associated data is, for example, fluorescence correction matrix data. As an example of an operation button for displaying fluorescence correction matrix data, the figure shows a matrix display button 206. The matrix display button (Matrix button) is a button for displaying a window for displaying and / or adjusting the fluorescence correction matrix used to generate the plot data displayed in the measurement data area. Furthermore, the associated data may be, for example, background data used to generate the plot. This background data may include, for example, statistical information for each gate. As an example of an operation button for displaying this statistical information, the figure shows a gate tree display button 207. The gate tree display button (Gatetree button) is a button for displaying a window that shows the gate tree of the plot data displayed in the measurement data area. These control buttons may be placed within the measurement data display area, as shown in the figure, and in particular, in the right-hand portion (especially the lower right portion) of the second display area. This makes them easily accessible to the user's fingers. Furthermore, if the second display area is located on the left side of the screen, these operation buttons may be placed on the left side of the second display area (especially the lower left). These buttons may also be placed within the operation button area described below. Details about the windows that appear when you touch these operation buttons will be explained later.

[0070] The second display area may further include an operation button area 208. The second display area may also further include a tab area 209.

[0071] The aforementioned control button area is located to the right of the second display area, and more specifically, at the far right of the second display area. This makes it easy for the first user to find each control button. Furthermore, since the operation button area is located at the edge (right edge) of the processing condition setting screen 200, the possibility of touching other buttons when touching the operation buttons is reduced, thereby reducing errors caused by touching unintended areas. As mentioned above, when a user operates a touch panel, if frequently selected tool buttons are located at the top of the screen, those tool buttons become difficult to touch. Furthermore, the likelihood of accidentally touching other buttons increases when moving a finger towards those tool buttons. In accordance with this disclosure, by positioning the operation button area on the right (or left) side of the screen, and particularly at the far right (or far left), the buttons within the operation button area are easily accessible, and the likelihood of touching other buttons is reduced. Therefore, a user-friendly and easy-to-operate screen can be provided for the first user.

[0072] The figure shows an example of the second display area when the first display area is located on the left side of the processing condition setting screen and the second display area is located on the right side of the processing condition setting screen. Furthermore, when the first display area is located on the right side of the processing condition setting screen and the second display area is located on the left side of the processing condition setting screen, the second display area is located adjacent to the left edge of the processing condition setting screen, and the operation button area may be located to the left of the second setting display area, and in particular, may be located at the left edge of the processing condition setting screen.

[0073] The operation button area 208 displays multiple operation buttons 210a to 210h. Each operation button is used to perform operations on the measurement data displayed on the screen. These operation buttons may be arranged in a single row from top to bottom of the screen, as shown in the figure, but they may also be arranged in two or more rows, for example. In the diagram, operation buttons 210a to 210h are located within the operation button area, but one or more of these operation buttons may be located within the measurement data display area.

[0074] The shape of the plurality of operation buttons may be polygonal (e.g., rectangular) or circular. The size and spacing of the plurality of buttons may be set so that, for example, two or more buttons are not selected when touched with a fingertip. If each button is rectangular (rectangle or square), the longer side (or one side) may be, for example, 0.3 cm or more, preferably 0.5 cm or more. Alternatively, the longer side (or one side) may be, for example, 5 cm or less, preferably 3 cm or less. If each button is circular, the diameter (or major axis) may be, for example, 0.3 cm or more, preferably 0.5 cm or more. Alternatively, the diameter (or major axis) may be, for example, 5 cm or less, preferably 3 cm or less.

[0075] The aforementioned plurality of operation buttons may include, for example, an Undo button 210a and a Redo button 210b. The former is a button for canceling an operation on data on the screen. The latter is a button for redoing an operation on data on the screen or for re-executing an operation that was canceled.

[0076] The aforementioned plurality of operation buttons may include one or more toolbox display buttons. Examples of toolbox display buttons include the worksheet toolbox display button 210c (Worksheet button), the plot toolbox display button 210d (Plot button), and the gate toolbox display button 210e (Gate button). The aforementioned plurality of operation buttons may include one, two, or all three of these. The aforementioned worksheet toolbox button is a button that displays a toolbox containing multiple buttons for controlling the display format of the plot data shown in the measurement data area. The aforementioned plot toolbox display button is a button that displays a toolbox containing multiple buttons for adjusting the content of each plot data. The aforementioned gate toolbox display button is a button that displays a toolbox containing multiple buttons for adjusting the gate information set for each plot data. Details about these toolboxes will be discussed later.

[0077] The aforementioned plurality of operation buttons may further include a plurality of buttons for changing the display magnification of the plot data displayed in the second display area. For example, the plurality of operation buttons may include a plurality of buttons 210f to 210h for displaying each plot data at a predetermined magnification, as shown in Figure 9. The plurality of operation buttons may also include buttons for increasing the magnification and / or buttons for decreasing the magnification.

[0078] Tab area 209 is an area where one or more tabs are displayed to show only one of several open worksheets in the second display area. By selecting a tab, that tab becomes active, and the worksheet associated with that tab is displayed in the second display area. Worksheets associated with inactive tabs are not displayed. In Figure 9, the tab for worksheet A is active, and the plot data set contained in worksheet A is displayed. In the same figure, worksheet B is also included in the same experimental file, but worksheet B is inactive, and the plot data set contained in worksheet B is not displayed. In this specification, the worksheet associated with the active tab (also referred to as the active worksheet) may mean the worksheet that is the subject of the sorting process. The biological particle sorting device may perform the sorting process of biological particles according to the gate information in the active worksheet. Furthermore, an inactive tab is a tab associated with a worksheet other than the active worksheet. The worksheet associated with an inactive tab is also called an inactive worksheet. Such inactive worksheets may be, for example, worksheets for pre-processing operations performed in the past and / or reference worksheets. Inactive tabs may be grouped and displayed at the edge of the tab area 209 (for example, the right edge or the left edge). Preferably, the display position of the active tab within the tab area is fixed. For example, the tab area may be displayed such that the tab selected by the first user is located at the left edge (or right edge) of the tab area. In this case, the inactive tabs are located at the right edge (or left edge).

[0079] The size of the tabs may be constant, but preferably it is changed dynamically. The information processing unit 102, for example, displays the selected tab as larger horizontally (in the direction of character arrangement) than the unselected tabs. This allows the selected tab to be highlighted and presented to the user. For example, as shown in Figure 10A, the active tab 211 is displayed as larger horizontally than the inactive tab 212. The size of the tabs may change in accordance with changes in the tab's position, or it may change depending on whether a tab is selected or not, regardless of changes in the tab's position.

[0080] Furthermore, the information processing unit 102 may resize the tab so that the entire worksheet name of the active tab is displayed within that tab. This allows the selected tab to be highlighted and presented to the user. For example, in Figure 10A, the active tab 211 displays its entire file name, "Worksheet_123456789". On the other hand, in Figure 10B, tab 211 is inactive, and consequently, only part of the file name, "Worksheet_123", and the ellipsis "..." are displayed within tab 211.

[0081] The information processing unit 102 may display, for example, one active tab and one or two other tabs in the tab area, along with at least part of the worksheet name. One or more other tabs may be configured to be displayed via a pull-down menu, for example, in a pull-down menu that appears when a predetermined button is touched or selected. This makes it possible to intuitively understand which worksheet is active (especially the worksheet being measured). Furthermore, even when many worksheets are open on a small screen, the names of the worksheets to be compared or referenced can be easily identified, and worksheets can be switched with a single touch or click. For example, a pull-down button, as indicated by reference numeral 213 in Figures 10A and 10B, may be displayed within the tab area. By selecting this pull-down button, a pull-down menu may be displayed, as shown in Figure 10C, for example. This pull-down menu may list worksheets that are not displayed within the tab area. In Figures 10A and 10B, the pull-down button is located within the active tab, but it may also be located within an inactive tab, or at any other location within the tab area. In this way, the information processing unit 102 may display a pull-down button within the tab area that displays a list of worksheets that are not currently displayed.

[0082] (2-2-2) Example of processing in the first display mode

[0083] Figure 11 shows an example of a flowchart when processing in the first display mode is performed in step S13 as described in (2-1) above. Referring to this figure, the processing performed by the biological particle sorting device in the first display mode, and in particular, an example of the screen displayed in said processing, will be explained.

[0084] (File opening process S101) When the processing in step S13 begins, the information processing unit 102 displays the processing condition setting screen shown in Figure 12 on the display unit 101. At the start of this processing, as shown in the figure, the processing button 204a for creating a new experimental file or opening an existing experimental file (shown as the Experiment button in the figure) may be selected in the first display area (particularly the procedure button area).

[0085] When the Experiment button is selected, the information processing unit 102 displays, as shown in the figure, a file open area 214 (Open / New Experiment area) in the settings information display area, which shows buttons for creating a new experimental file and for opening an existing experimental file, and a properties area 215 (Experiment properties area) that displays the properties of the experimental file.

[0086] When the first user selects a button to create a new experimental file (shown as the "New" button in the figure) in the file open area, the information processing unit 102 clears the title box (the box labeled "Title") and the tag box (the box labeled "Tag") in the properties area, and also clears the second display area. The title box is the field where the name data of the experimental file is entered. The tag box is the field where tags (keywords) for searching for experimental files are entered. The first user enters title data and tag data in the property area. The entered title data and tag data may be included in the operation control data. When the first user selects a button to open an existing experimental file (shown as the Open button in the figure), the information processing unit 102 displays a screen allowing the first user to select an existing experimental file. On this screen, when the first user selects an existing experimental file, the information processing unit 102 outputs the title data and tag data contained in that existing experimental file to the title box and tag box, respectively. For example, in the processing condition setting screen shown in Figure 6, "Experiment A" is output as the experimental file name and "foo, bar, baz" is output as tags.

[0087] As shown in the figure, the aforementioned property area may display other property data related to the operation control data. This other property data may include, for example, the creation date and last update date of the operation control data. This other property data may also be included in the operation control data.

[0088] The aforementioned settings information display area may also display an export button (shown as the Export button in the figure) for exporting the open operation control data and / or a save button (shown as the Save button in the figure) for saving the said operation control data, as shown in the figure.

[0089] The first user, for example, after creating a new experimental file, enters property data in the properties area, or after opening an existing experimental file, checks the property data in the properties area, and then selects the Acquisition button in the procedure button area to acquire data on the sample containing biological particles.

[0090] (Data acquisition process S102) When the Acquisition button is selected, the information processing unit 102 changes the color of the Acquisition button in the first display area (particularly the procedure button area) to indicate that the Acquisition button is selected.

[0091] In response to the selection of the Acquisition button, the information processing unit 102 displays the screen shown in Figure 13 in the setting information display area. This screen controls the process of acquiring data (optical data, particularly scattered light data and / or fluorescence data) related to biological particles in a biological particle-containing sample. In the above state, the information processing unit 102 displays the flow control area 216 and the record control area 217 in the setting information display area, as shown in the same figure.

[0092] As shown in the figure, the flow control area displays a group of buttons for controlling the operation of flowing a sample containing biological particles into the flow path where the preparative processing is performed, as well as data indicating the status of the operation. As shown in the figure, the group of buttons includes a Start button to start the operation of flowing the sample (or restart an operation that has been paused), a Pause button to pause the operation, a Stop button to end the operation, and a Restart button to restart the operation that has been ended. The flow control area may also display the elapsed time of the operation, the number of events detected during the operation, and the detection rate (number of events detected per unit of time).

[0093] As shown in the figure, the recording control area displays a group of buttons for controlling the recording of sorting judgment results based on the set gates, as well as data indicating the status of the recording. As shown in the figure, the group of buttons includes a start button (Record button) to start the recording (or restart a paused recording), a pause button (Pause button) to pause the recording, and an end button (Stop button) to end the recording. The recording control area may also display the elapsed time of the recording operation and the number of events analyzed.

[0094] Furthermore, when the Acquisition button is selected, the biological particle sorting device 100 may display an area 218 for setting the gain and / or threshold in the setting information display area. The biological particle sorting device 100 may be configured so that the gain and / or threshold in the detection unit can be set in this area. These settings allow control over the type or range of events to be analyzed. In the figure, this area is closed. When the user selects this area, the area for making these settings is expanded. The first user inputs settings for gain and / or thresholds in this area. The input gain and / or threshold setting data may be included as part of the operation control data, and in particular may be treated as part of "(a) processing condition data adopted by the processing unit that performs the processing in the second mode."

[0095] The first user selects the Analysis button 204c in the procedure button area after a predetermined number of photodetection data events have been acquired. Alternatively, the information processing unit 102 may automatically switch to a state where the Analysis button 204c is selected once a preset number of data events have been obtained.

[0096] (Analysis step S103) When the Analysis button is selected, the information processing unit 102 changes the color of the Analysis button in the first display area (particularly the procedure button area) to indicate that the Analysis button is selected.

[0097] When the Analysis button is selected, the information processing unit 102 displays the screen shown in Figure 14 in the setting information display area. This screen is for setting the gate for separating the target biological particles based on the optical data acquired in the data acquisition process. When the Analysis button is selected, the biological particle separator 100 displays the flow control area 219 and the fluorescence compensation setting area 220 (shown as the Compensation control area in the same figure) in the setting information display area.

[0098] The flow control area 219 is the same as the flow control area 216 described above in relation to the Acquisition step, and displays a group of buttons for controlling the operation of flowing the biological particle-containing sample into the flow path where the preparative processing is performed, as well as data indicating the status of said operation.

[0099] The fluorescence compensation setting area 220 displays, as shown in the figure, a checkbox for selecting whether to apply fluorescence compensation (labeled "Apply compensation" in the figure), and one or more correction coefficient input boxes for adjusting the correction coefficients included in the loaded compensation matrix (with the value 10.0 entered in the figure). The compensation matrix is ​​adjusted by entering a numerical value into the correction alphanumeric input box. Furthermore, the area may display the name of the applicable correction matrix (shown as "default matrix for 4 laser" in the figure), a button to load the correction matrix (Load button), and a button to save the adjusted correction matrix if the loaded correction matrix has been adjusted (Save button). The first user inputs settings (such as correction coefficients) related to the correction matrix in this area. The input setting data for the correction matrix may be included in the operation control data, and in particular may be included as part of "(a) processing condition data adopted by the processing device that performs the processing in the second mode."

[0100] With the Analysis button selected, the first user sets the gate in the second display area and inputs the gate information. The input gate information may be included in the operation control data, and in particular may be included as part of "(a) processing condition data adopted by the processing device that executes the process in the second mode."

[0101] The setting of the gate information may be performed by the first user as appropriate. For example, plot data may be generated from acquired optical data, a gate may be set on the generated plot data, the gate may be unfolded to generate further plot data, and then a gate may be set on that plot data again. By repeating the operations of plot data generation, gate setting, and unfolding as appropriate, gate information for separating the target biological particles is generated. The generated plot data may be a two-dimensional plot or a one-dimensional plot, and the type of plot data may be selected as appropriate by the first user. In addition, the scattered light / fluorescence channels and axis scales adopted as axes for each plot data may also be selected as appropriate by the first user.

[0102] The information processing unit 102 displays one or more plot data generated for setting the gate information in the second display area. The one or more plot data generated may be included in the operation control data. For example, one or more image data from the one or more plot data generated may be included in the operation control data, in particular as part of the "operator instruction data directed to the operator operating the processing device in the second mode" in (c) above, and more particularly as data to be referenced by a second user.

[0103] In generating the gate information, the window displayed by selecting the matrix display button and / or the gate tree display button may be referenced. These will be described below.

[0104] (Matrix display button) Figure 15A shows the window that appears when the matrix display button is selected. As shown in the figure, the window 221 includes a correction matrix 222 applied to the displayed measurement data. The size of the window may be smaller than the size of the second display area. For example, the area of ​​the window may be, for example, 60% or less, preferably 50% or less, of the area of ​​the second display area. Alternatively, the area of ​​the window may be, for example, 20% or more, preferably 30% or more, of the area of ​​the second display area. This allows the user to adjust the parameters in the correction matrix while checking the measurement data displayed in the second display area. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the window may include a file name display field (labeled "File name" in the figure) for displaying the file name of the correction matrix, a load button for loading the correction matrix, and a save button for saving the adjusted correction matrix. The aforementioned window may further include, as shown in the figure, a checkbox for selecting whether to apply corrections, a checkbox for selecting whether to make manual adjustments on the plot, a Calculate button for calculating a matrix from the acquired data, and a checkbox for selecting whether to use Negative Values. In response to the first user selecting one of the correction coefficients in the correction matrix, the information processing device 102 may perform image processing to highlight the selected correction coefficient, such as displaying a cross-shaped indicator 223 to emphasize the selected correction coefficient. This makes it easier for the first user to confirm the correction coefficient they have selected.

[0105] The information processing unit 102 may be configured to accept adjustments to each correction coefficient in the correction matrix. The status of such adjustments is shown in Figure 15B. As shown in the figure, when the first user's finger selects the correction coefficient to be adjusted, the information processing unit 102 displays the slider 224 near the selected position. Accordingly, the information processing unit 102 may perform image processing to highlight the slider, such as coloring the window 221 gray as shown in the figure. The slider may be an indicator that can move vertically, as shown in the figure, or it may be an indicator that can move horizontally or in any two other directions. The information processing unit 102 may display a slider movement button 225 near the slider for moving the slider. The slider may be moved in response to the selection of this button. The information processing unit 102 may enlarge the box 226 that displays the selected correction coefficient and display it near the slider. This makes it easier for the first user to check the value of the correction coefficient they have selected. The information processing unit 102 changes the value of the correction coefficient in the box in response to the movement of the slider or the touch of the button.

[0106] The first user may adjust the correction matrix by operating on the window. If the first user selects the save button after the adjustment, the information processing device 102 saves the adjusted correction matrix data. The adjusted correction matrix data may be included in the operation control data, and in particular may be included as part of "(a) processing condition data adopted by the processing device that executes the processing in the second mode".

[0107] Preferably, the display or hiding of the window may be switched by touching a matrix display button, i.e., the matrix display button may be a toggle button. When the matrix display button is touched by the user, the information processing unit 102 displays the window within the processing condition setting screen, and then, when the matrix display button is touched again by the user, the information processing unit 102 closes the displayed window. While the aforementioned window is expected to be frequently viewed by the primary user, if the window is always displayed, it becomes difficult to view the plotted data within the measurement data display area. Therefore, by making the matrix display button a toggle button as described above, it is possible to make it easier to view the plotted data while also improving the usability of the aforementioned window. The matrix display button is preferably located at the edge of the processing condition setting screen, particularly at the edge of the second display area. This makes it easier for the user to touch the matrix display button. In Figure 9, the matrix display button 206 is located within the measurement data display area of ​​the second display area, but the button may also be located within the operation button area.

[0108] (Show gate tree button) Figure 16 shows an example of a window that appears when the gate tree display button is selected. Window 227 in the figure shows statistical data of the displayed measurement data set. The size of this window may be smaller than the size of the second display area. For example, the area of ​​this window may be, for example, 60% or less, preferably 50% or less, of the area of ​​the second display area. Alternatively, the area of ​​this window may be, for example, 20% or more, preferably 30% or more, of the area of ​​the second display area. This allows the parameters in the correction matrix to be adjusted while checking the measurement data displayed in the second display area.

[0109] The statistical data includes the name of each gate. Furthermore, the statistical data may include one, two, or all three of the following: the number of events included in each gate, the proportion of events included in each gate out of the total number of events displayed in a given plot, and the proportion of events included in each gate to the total number of events. The statistical data shown in the figure includes the name of each gate, the number of events corresponding to each gate, and the two proportions mentioned above.

[0110] The information processing unit 102 may be configured to change the statistical data in accordance with the adjustment of each gate. Since the statistical data is frequently checked in the biological particle sorting process, changing the statistical data in conjunction with the gate adjustment allows the first user to efficiently check the effect of the gate adjustment.

[0111] Preferably, the display or hiding of the window may be switched by touching the gate tree display button, i.e., the gate tree display button may be a toggle button. When the gate tree display button is touched by the user, the information processing unit 102 displays the window within the processing condition setting screen, and then, when the gate tree display button is touched again by the user, the information processing unit 102 closes the displayed window. While the aforementioned window is expected to be frequently checked by the primary user, if the window is always displayed, it becomes difficult to check the plotted data within the measurement data display area. Therefore, by making the gate tree display button a toggle button as described above, it is possible to make it easier to check the plotted data while also improving the usability of the aforementioned window. The gate tree display button is preferably located at the edge of the processing condition setting screen, particularly at the edge of the second display area. This makes it easier for the user to touch the gate tree display button. In Figure 9, the gate tree display button 207 is located within the measurement data display area of ​​the second display area, but the button may also be located within the operation button area.

[0112] To generate the gate information, the toolboxes displayed by selecting the Worksheet Toolbox Display Button, the Plot Toolbox Display Button, and the Gate Toolbox Display Button can be used. These will be described below.

[0113] (Worksheet Toolbox) Figure 17 shows an example of the toolbox that appears when the aforementioned Worksheet Toolbox Display button is selected. The toolbox 228 shown in the figure includes a group of buttons for adjusting settings applied to an entire worksheet or for performing operations on an entire worksheet. For example, as shown in the figure, the toolbox may include one, two, or three of the following: area 229, which includes one or more buttons for adjusting the number of events that the worksheet displays; area 230, which includes one or more buttons for adjusting the display format of the plot data in the worksheet; and area 231, which includes one or more buttons for exporting the worksheet. The first user uses the toolbox to configure the worksheet. This generates worksheet configuration data. That is, the worksheet configuration data includes one or more pieces of data entered via the toolbox. The data entered in this way may be included as part of the operation control data, for example, as part of "(b) display control data relating to the display on the operation screen for executing the process in the second mode." For example, event count data specifying the number of events to be displayed (data entered via area 229), display format data specifying the display format of the plot data (data entered via area 230), or both of these may be included in the display control data in (b). Note that this data may also be treated as being included in "(a) processing condition data adopted by the processing device that executes the process in the second mode."

[0114] (Plot Toolbox) Figure 18 shows an example of the toolbox that appears when the aforementioned plot toolbox display button is selected. The toolbox 232 shown in the figure includes a group of buttons for adjusting the settings applied to each plot data or for manipulating each plot data. For example, as shown in the figure, the toolbox contains: Area 233 includes one or more buttons for manipulating plot data (for example, a button for creating a new plot, a button for changing the plot format, a button for copying plot data, and a button for pasting plot data (for overlay analysis)), Areas 234 include one or more buttons for adjusting the axes of the plotted data (e.g., buttons to change the tick settings (log scale or linear scale) for each axis, an auto-adjust button for both axes, a button for copying / pasting axes, and an axis adjustment tool button), and Area 235 contains one or more buttons for exporting worksheets. It may include one, two, or three of these. The first user uses the toolbox to configure each plot. This generates plot setting data. That is, the plot setting data includes one or more of the data entered via the toolbox. The data entered in this way may be included as part of the operation control data, for example, as part of "(b) display control data relating to the display on the operation screen for executing the process in the second mode." For example, axis identification data (data entered via area 234) that specifies the display format of the axes of the plot data may be included in the display control data of (b). Note that this data may also be treated as being included in "(a) processing condition data adopted by the processing device that executes the process in the second mode."

[0115] (Gate Toolbox) Figure 19 shows an example of the toolbox that appears when the aforementioned gate toolbox display button is selected. The toolbox 236 shown in the figure includes a group of buttons for setting gates for each plot data. For example, as shown in the figure, the toolbox contains: Area 237 includes one or more buttons for operating each gate (for example, a button for creating a new gate, a button for changing the gate type, a button for copying a gate, a button for pasting a gate, and a button for deleting a gate), Area 238 includes one or more buttons for changing the display format of each gate (for example, a button to change the color of the line defining the gate, a button to change the width of the line, a button to change the front-to-back relationship of overlapping groups of gates, a button to change the settings for statistical processing of events included in each gate, etc.), and Area 239 contains buttons for exporting data (statistical data, etc.) related to each gate. It may include one, two, or three of these. The first user uses the toolbox to configure each gate. This generates gate configuration data. That is, the gate configuration data includes one or more pieces of data entered via the toolbox. The data entered in this way may be included as part of the operation control data, for example, as part of "(b) display control data relating to the display on the operation screen for executing the process in the second mode." For example, gate identification data that identifies the generated gate (data entered via area 237), data that identifies the display format of the gate (data entered via area 238), or both of these may be included in the display control data of (b). Note that this data may also be treated as being included in "(a) processing condition data adopted by the processing device that executes the process in the second mode."

[0116] (Control panel displayed near the plot) In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the information processing unit 102 displays an operation panel for operating a plot in the second display area near the touched location when any plot in the second display area is touched. Examples of such operation panels are shown in Figures 32A and 32B.

[0117] As shown in Figure 32A, multiple plots are displayed in the second display area. Suppose the first user's finger F touches one of these plots. In response to the touch of the plot, the information processing unit 102 displays the operation panel 260 near the plot, as shown in Figure 32B. More specifically, the position where the operation panel is displayed may be near the touched position.

[0118] The information processing unit 102 may display the operation panel 260 within, for example, 5 cm, preferably 4 cm, more preferably 3 cm, and even more preferably 2 cm from the touched position. This distance may mean the distance between the touched position and the point on the operation panel closest to the touched position.

[0119] The operation panel may include one or more operation tool selection buttons. These operation tool selection buttons may include, for example, one or more tool buttons that are frequently used by the user. Preferably, the operation tool selection buttons included in the operation panel may be configured to be changeable by the user. These operation tool selection buttons may include, for example, one or more buttons included in the plot toolbox and / or one or more buttons included in the gate toolbox. The operation panel 260 shown in Figure 32B includes, among the buttons mentioned for the plot toolbox, a button for creating a new plot, a button for changing the plot format, a button for copying plot data, and a button for pasting plot data, and among the buttons mentioned for the gate toolbox, a button for creating a new gate. Furthermore, different operation panels may be displayed near the touch location depending on the plot area being touched. For example, when the X-axis portion of the plot is touched, the information processing unit 102 may display an operation panel (toolbox) for adjusting the X-axis near the touch location. Similarly, when the Y-axis portion of the plot is touched, the information processing unit 102 may display an operation panel (toolbox) for adjusting the Y-axis near the touch location. Moreover, when the area within the gate frame is touched, the information processing unit 102 may display an operation panel (toolbox) for adjusting the gate near the touch location.

[0120] (Slider bar for axis control) In a preferred embodiment, the information processing unit 102 displays a slider bar for changing the display format of an axis in the second display area when that axis is touched. The slider bar is for adjusting the numerical range or scale of each axis. The axes (X axis and Y axis) of each plot data may be of one of the following formats: Biexponential, Linear, or Log.

[0121] For example, three slider bars are displayed for setting the Biexponential axis. Examples of the slider bars displayed for setting the Biexponential axis are explained with reference to Figures 33A to 33D.

[0122] As shown in Figure 33A, the first user touches an axis portion of any of the plotted data. In response to the touch of the axis portion by the user's finger F, the information processing unit 102 displays three slider bars 270A, 270B, and 270C next to the axis of the plotted data, as shown in Figure 33B. Of these, slider bar 270A is used to adjust the maximum value of the axis, slider bar 270B is used to adjust the width of the axis near 0, and slider bar 270C is used to adjust the minimum value of the axis. In response to the drag operation of each slider bar's knob, the information processing unit 102 changes the plotted data (display of axis and event data). Note that even if the drag operation moves upward or downward beyond the display range of the slider bar, the change to the plotted data may continue. This makes it easier to adjust the axis, for example, even when the plotted data is displayed small. Figure 33B shows the three types of slider bars described above, but the information processing unit 102 may display one or two of these three types. Furthermore, if an area other than the slider bar is touched, the information processing unit 102 will hide the slider.

[0123] As shown in Figure 33C, the first user touches one of the slider bars. In response to the slider bar being touched by the user's finger F, the information processing unit 102 changes the display format of the slider bar's knob 271, as shown in Figure 33D. Preferably, the change is such that the knob 271B after the touch is larger than the knob 271A before the touch, and / or the shape of the knob 271B after the touch is different from the shape of the knob 271A before the touch, as shown in Figures 33C and D.

[0124] Additionally, a slider bar may be displayed for setting the Linear or Log axis. The information processing unit 102 may change the numerical range of the axis in response to the movement of the knob on the slider bar.

[0125] By adopting the slider bar described above, the operability of axis control via touch can be improved.

[0126] (View enlarged image) The information processing unit 102 may display an enlarged image of a touched portion when any data display portion of a plot in the second display area is touched. Preferably, when any gate (particularly a handle set on a gate) set in the plot data is touched by the user, the information processing unit 102 displays an enlarged image of the touched location near that location. The display of the enlarged image will be described below with reference to Figures 34A and 34B.

[0127] The plot data shown in Figure 34A has a gate 280 set. Furthermore, multiple handles 281 (indicated by rectangles) are also pre-set for the gate 280. When one of the handles is touched by the user's finger F, the information processing unit 102 displays an enlarged image 282 centered on the position of the touched handle, in the vicinity of the touched position or the plot data, as shown in Figure 34B. In addition, along with the display of the enlarged image 282, the information processing unit 102 displays the touched handle in a larger size, as indicated by reference numeral 283. Furthermore, when a part of the gate 280 other than the handle (the line defining the gate or the area inside it) is touched, the entire gate is selected, and the information processing unit 102 moves the entire gate, for example, by dragging.

[0128] Each handle may be polygonal (particularly rectangular), circular, or of other shape. The size of each handle (the longest side of a rectangle or one side of a square, or the diameter of a circle) is, for example, 5 to 25 dots, preferably 10 to 20 dots, when not touched, and for example, 30 to 60 dots, preferably 40 to 55 dots, when touched (displayed larger as described above). The size of the touched handle may also be 1.5 to 5 times, preferably 2 to 4 times, the size of the untouched handle. By displaying the touched handle larger in this way, it becomes easier for the user to identify the touched handle.

[0129] The information that should be displayed within the above processing condition setting screen is extensive, which limits the size of the area where the plot data is displayed, and consequently, each plot data is often displayed small. On the other hand, the gates set for the plot data need to be precisely adjusted. As described above, displaying an enlarged image allows for precise gate adjustment even when the plot data is displayed small.

[0130] (Preparative separation step S104) For example, after the setting of sorting gate information in the Analysis step, if the first user selects the Sort button, the biological particle sorting device 100 changes the color of the Sort button in the first display area (particularly the procedure button area) to indicate that the Sort button is selected.

[0131] When the first user selects the Sort button, the biological particle sorting device 100 displays a screen in the setting information display area that controls the sorting process performed by the biological particle sorting device 100, as shown in Figure 20. When the Sort button is selected, the biological particle sorting device 100 displays the flow control area 240, the recording control area 241, and the sorting control area 242 in the setting information display area.

[0132] The flow control area and the recording control area are the same as those described above with respect to the Acquisition step.

[0133] As shown in the figure, the aforementioned parsing control area includes a Start button to begin the parsing process, a Pause button to temporarily suspend the parsing process, and a Stop button to end the parsing process. The parsing control area also includes the elapsed time of the parsing operation and the number of times parsing was performed during the operation (Gated event count). The following may be displayed.

[0134] (Template creation process S105) In response to the user selecting the Template button 204g at any time, the bioparticle sorting device 100 changes the color of the button in the first display area (particularly the procedure button area) to indicate that the Template button is selected. In Figure 11, the template creation step S105 is shown to be performed, for example, after the processing in the sorting step S104, but the template creation step S105 may be performed after any other step (S101, S102, S103, or S105).

[0135] In response to the user selecting the Template button, the bioparticle sorting device 100 displays the template properties area 242 in the settings information display area, as shown in Figure 21. The template properties area includes a template name input field and a description input field for the template. The template properties area may also display information such as the number of revisions and / or creation date of the template. The first user enters template property data (template name and / or description of the template) into the template property area. This generates template property data. That is, the template property data includes one or more of the data entered through the template property area. The data entered in this way may be included in the operation control data, and in particular may be included as part of "(c) operator instruction data directed to the operator operating the processing device in the second mode." For example, template identification data including the template name and / or description of the template may be included in the operator instruction data in (c). The template identification data may also include the number of revisions of the template and / or the creation date.

[0136] Furthermore, as shown in the same figure, an aliquot setting button 243 is also displayed in the settings information display area. By selecting this button, the aliquot setting area, described later, is expanded within the settings information display area. This aliquot setting area may be expanded in the settings information display area beforehand.

[0137] In this specification, "aliquot" refers to a sample (particularly a sample containing biological particles) that has been separated up to a predetermined point during the separation process, when the separation process is temporarily paused. The aliquot is subjected to analysis, for example, by an instrument or analysis kit separate from the biological particle separation device 100, or by an instrument or analysis kit attached to the biological particle separation device 100. If the analysis shows that the aliquot meets predetermined conditions, the separation process is resumed. By obtaining and analyzing the aliquot, it is possible to confirm whether the biological particles obtained by the separation process meet predetermined conditions, and to determine whether to continue the separation process or adjust the separation conditions. It is also possible to avoid performing unnecessary separation processes.

[0138] Figure 22 shows an example of the aliquot setting area screen. The aliquot setting area 259 shown in the figure includes fields for entering operator instructions regarding aliquot acquisition, and timing setting fields for setting one or more timings for acquiring aliquots. The timing setting fields include fields for selecting whether to acquire aliquots at a specific time or with a specific number of samples, and fields for specifying the time or number of samples. The first user inputs aliquot setting data (for example, aliquot acquisition instruction data including operator instructions regarding aliquot acquisition and / or timing setting data for setting the timing) into the aliquot setting area. This generates aliquot setting data. That is, the aliquot setting data includes one or more of the data input via the aliquot setting area. The data input in this way may be included as part of the operation control data, for example, as part of "(a) processing condition data adopted by the processing device that executes the process in the second mode" or "(c) operator instruction data directed to the operator who operates the processing device in the second mode". For example, the aliquot acquisition instruction data may be included in the operator instruction data in (c). The timing setting data may also be included in the processing condition data in (a).

[0139] When the Template button is selected, the second display area displays a grid display button 245 for arranging multiple measurement data (particularly plot data) in a grid pattern, and a list display button 246 for arranging the multiple measurement data in a list pattern. When the Template button is selected, either the grid display button or the list display button may be selected by default.

[0140] In response to the user selecting the grid display button, the bioparticle sorting device 100 displays an order specification field 247 for specifying the adjustment order in the second display mode near each measurement data, as shown in Figure 21. The order specification field may be displayed adjacent to each measurement data, as shown in the same figure. The order data entered in the order specification field allows the order of the plot data operated by the second user in the second display mode to be controlled, enabling the second user to adjust the gates in the appropriate order.

[0141] The order specification field may be configured to allow selection of any positive integer, or to allow input of any positive integer. The positive integer corresponds to the adjustment order. For example, in the figure, of the three plot data in the first row, "1" is selected for the left plot data, and "2" is selected for the middle plot data. Furthermore, there may be measurement data that does not need to be displayed in the second display mode. To address this, the order specification field may be configured to allow selection of options indicating that the data does not need to be displayed, such as "-" or "Do not display". In Figure 21, for example, "-" is selected for the rightmost plot data of the three plot data in the first row, indicating that it does not need to be displayed. The order specification field may also be configured to allow selection of options indicating that the data needs to be displayed. The first user inputs or selects the adjustment order, or inputs or selects whether or not to display (especially whether or not to display) the measurement data (plot data) displayed in the second display area in the order specification field. This generates measurement data display setting data. That is, the measurement data display setting data includes the data input via the order specification field, and includes, for example, adjustment order data or display necessity data. The generated measurement data display setting data may be included as part of the operation control data, and in particular may be included as part of "(b) display control data related to the display on the operation screen for executing the process in the second mode." The measurement data display setting data may also be treated as included in "(c) operator instruction data directed to the operator operating the processing device in the second mode." Such measurement data display setting data is useful for accurately conveying instructions regarding the sorting process to the user in the second display mode. Furthermore, measurement data for which an adjustment order has been specified in the order specification field, measurement data for which display is required, or both of these may be included as part of the operation control data. Alternatively, image data of these measurement data may be included as part of the operation control data.

[0142] In response to the user selecting the list display button 246, the information processing device 102 displays one or more operator-facing instruction data input areas 248, each containing one measurement data and various instruction data input fields related to that measurement data, as shown in Figure 23.

[0143] Each operator's instruction data input area may display a sequence specification field 249 that specifies the adjustment order in the second display mode for the measurement data contained in each area. This sequence specification field is the same as the one described above.

[0144] The aforementioned operator instruction data input area includes a memo input field (Note field) for entering notes (especially instruction notes) directed at the operator, and / or a selection area 250 for selecting data that the operator should refer to.

[0145] The memo entered in the aforementioned memo input field will be displayed alongside the measurement data when the measurement data is displayed in the second display mode. This allows the second user to confirm the instructions from the first user. The first user enters a memo addressed to the second user in the memo input field. This generates memo data. The generated memo data may be included in the operation control data, and in particular may be included as part of "(c) operator instruction data directed to the operator operating the processing device in the second mode." The memo data is useful for accurately conveying the instructions of the user in the first display mode to the user in the second display mode.

[0146] When a reference measurement data (hereinafter also referred to as reference measurement data) is selected in the aforementioned selection area, the reference measurement data is displayed alongside the measurement data in the second display mode. This allows a second user to adjust the sorting conditions by referring to the reference measurement data. The aforementioned selection area may include, for example, one, two, three, or all four of the following as options: "No data to refer to," "Gate list," "Ideal measurement data," and "Other measurement data (plot data)." The first user selects reference measurement data in the selection area. This generates reference measurement data. The reference measurement data may be included as part of the operation control data, and in particular as part of "(c) operator instruction data directed to the operator operating the processing device in the second mode." The reference measurement data is useful for adjusting processing conditions in the preparative processing in the second display mode.

[0147] The input area for instruction data for each operator may display the reference data (Reference Chart column) selected in the selection area. The selection area may also display a list box (in the figure, the box displaying Plot6 is the list box) for selecting the reference data (particularly ideal measurement data or other measurement data) selected in the selection column.

[0148] Furthermore, the data that can be entered in the operator instruction data input area is not limited to those described above. For example, the operator instruction data input area may include an area for specifying gate operations that can be performed by a second user. For example, examples of gate operations include moving the position of a gate, changing the size of a gate (enlarging or shrinking a gate), and changing the shape of a gate. More specific examples of changing the shape of a gate include changing the inclination of a gate; changing the diameter or axis of a gate (for example, changing the length of the diameter of a circular gate or changing the length of the major axis and / or minor axis of an elliptical gate); changing the ratio of the diameter or axis of a gate (for example, changing a circular gate to an elliptical gate or vice versa, or changing the ratio of the lengths of the major axis and minor axis of an elliptical gate); and changing the eccentricity or flattening of a gate. For example, when a first user specifies a gate operation in the area, the information processing unit 102 generates gate operation restriction data. Based on this gate operation restriction data, the information processing unit 102 restricts some of the gate operations performed by the second user in the second display mode. This prevents unnecessary gate adjustments from being performed in the second display mode. Furthermore, if an area for identifying gate operations is not displayed, the information processing unit 102 may have gate operation restriction data in advance. For example, this gate operation restriction data may be data that restricts any gate operation in the second display mode (e.g., changing the size of the gate and / or changing the shape of the gate). In one embodiment of this disclosure, the gate operation restriction data may be operation restriction data that restricts changes to the shape of the gate. For example, it may be data that restricts changes to the shape of the gate but does not restrict changes to the size of the gate. Also, the gate operation restriction data may be input in another area (e.g., the first display area).

[0149] As described above, the biological particle sorting device of this disclosure displays a screen for inputting measurement data (particularly plot data) obtained by a predetermined gate setting and operator instruction data related to the measurement data obtained by the gate setting. In this specification, this screen is also called the template generation screen. The biological particle sorting device of this disclosure is configured to allow input of operation control data via the template generation screen, thereby improving the convenience for the first user to generate instruction data for the second user. Furthermore, based on the operation control data, the biological particle sorting device of this disclosure displays a processing execution operation screen for the second user in the second display mode described later. The display of the processing execution operation screen based on the operation control data makes it easier for the second user to perform adjustments or operations when sorting.

[0150] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the setting information display area displays an area 244 which includes buttons for saving or previewing the generated operation control data. This area displays a save button for saving the operation control data and a preview button for previewing the screen generated based on the operation control data (particularly the screen displayed in the second display mode). The information processing unit 102 executes each of the above functions depending on which button is selected.

[0151] (Closing process S105) For example, after the sorting process is completed in the Sort step, if the user selects the Closing button, the biological particle sorting device 100 changes the color of the Closing button in the first display area (particularly the procedure button area) to indicate that the Closing button is selected.

[0152] In response to the user selecting the Closing button, the biological particle sorting device 100 displays a screen in the settings information display area for ending the sorting process settings or for ending the first display mode. These screens may display buttons for closing open experimental files and a logout button for ending the first display mode.

[0153] (Site metering process) The processing in the first display mode may optionally include a cytometer step. The cytometer step is a step for adjusting the settings of the device.

[0154] For example, at any point during processing in the first display mode, if the user selects the Cytometer button, the bioparticle sorting device 100 changes the color of the button in the first display area (particularly the procedure button area) to indicate that the Cytometer button is selected. In response to the user selecting the Cytometer button, the bioparticle sorting device 100 may display a screen in the setting information display area for adjusting the device settings. The bioparticle sorting device 100 may be configured to accept adjustments to the device settings via this screen.

[0155] (correction process) The processing in the first display mode may optionally include a correction step. The correction step is a step for adjusting the fluorescence correction conditions.

[0156] For example, at any point during processing in the first display mode, if the user selects the Compensation button, the bioparticle sorting device 100 changes the color of the Compensation button in the first display area (particularly the procedure button area) to indicate that the Compensation button is selected. In response to the user selecting the Compensation button, the bioparticle sorting device 100 may display a screen in the setting information display area for adjusting the fluorescence compensation settings. The bioparticle sorting device 100 may be configured to accept adjustments to the fluorescence compensation settings via this screen.

[0157] Furthermore, while the above explains that each step is executed in the order they are listed in the procedure button area, the user is free to choose the order in which each step is executed. For example, after completing a step, the user may return to any previous step, such as going back to the Acquisition step after the Sort step. Alternatively, the user may skip one or more steps and proceed to another, such as going to the Template step after the Analysis step. Also, one or more steps may be omitted, such as skipping the Compensation step.

[0158] As described above, the first user performs the processing in each step, thereby inputting operation control data. The information processing unit 102 saves the input operation control data. After saving, the biological particle sorting device 100 may terminate its operation in the first display mode.

[0159] (Operation control data) The operation control data input in the steps described above can be summarized as follows, for example. The aforementioned operation control data is as described above. The aforementioned operation control data is as described above. (a) Processing condition data (hereinafter also referred to as "(a) data") adopted by the processing unit that performs the processing in the second mode, (b) Display control data relating to the display on the operation screen for executing the process in the second mode (hereinafter also referred to as "(b) data"), and (c) Operator instruction data directed to the operator operating the processing device in the second mode (hereinafter also referred to as "(c) data") It may include one or more of the following:

[0160] For example, the operation control data includes at least (a) data, more preferably (a) data and (b) data, or (a) data and (c) data. Alternatively, the operation control data includes at least (b) data, more preferably (b) data and (a) data, or (b) data and (c) data. Alternatively, the operation control data includes at least (c) data, more preferably (c) data and (a) data, or (c) data and (b) data. In a preferred embodiment, the operation control data may include (a) data, (b) data, and (c) data. Operation control data containing such information can generate a more appropriate operation screen for processing execution for users using the device in the second display mode.

[0161] (a) The data is processing condition data that the biological particle sorting device 100 employs in the sorting process in the second display mode. (a) The data may include instruction data directed to the biological particle sorting device, such as gate settings.

[0162] (a) The data includes data for identifying the biological particles to be separated in the second display mode, and more specifically, includes gate information for identifying the biological particles to be separated in the separation process. The data may, for example, be data that identifies the range of optical data generated from the biological particles to be separated. For example, the processing condition data may include data that defines the range of biological particles to be separated on one or more plot data. The processing condition data may be set appropriately by a person skilled in the art, or by a user (e.g., a researcher or developer) using the biological particle separation device 100 in the first display mode.

[0163] (a) The data may include data relating to the device settings that the biological particle sorting device 100 employs in the sorting process. For example, it may include data relating to the settings of the light irradiation unit, the detection unit, and the sorting unit. The data relating to the settings of the light irradiation unit may be data that identifies the type of light to be irradiated. The data relating to the settings of the detection unit may include data relating to the operation settings of the detector and / or data relating to the identification of the operating detector. The data relating to the settings of the sorting unit may include data relating to the pressure and / or charge applied for the sorting operation, or data relating to the voltage applied for the sorting operation.

[0164] (a) The data may include one or more of the data described above as being included (or treated as) the data (a). For example, the data (a) may include one or more of the setting data for the gain and / or threshold, the setting data for the correction matrix, the adjusted correction matrix data, the gate information, and the timing setting data.

[0165] (b) The data is display control data relating to the display on the processing execution operation screen displayed in the second display mode. (b) The data may include, for example, data relating to the control of the display of plot data displayed in the second display mode, and more specifically, one or more of the following: data relating to the display position of the plot data, data relating to the adjustment order of the plot data, and data relating to the identification of the plot data to be displayed.

[0166] (b) The data may include one or more of the data described above as being included (or treated) as (b) data. For example, the (b) data may include one or more of the worksheet settings data, plot settings data, gate settings data, gate operation restriction data, and measurement data display settings data.

[0167] Particularly preferably, (b) the data includes data relating to restrictions on the operation of the plot data displayed in the second display mode. Such data relating to restrictions on operation may include data relating to prohibiting changes to the plot data itself. Such prohibition data may, for example, prohibit changes to the plot axes and / or changes to the display range of the plot. This prevents the user in the second display mode from changing the plot data, thereby preventing the parsing process intended by the user in the first display mode from being performed.

[0168] (c) The data is operator instruction data directed to the operator operating the biological particle sorting device in the second display mode. This operator instruction data allows the user's instructions in the first display mode to be conveyed to the user in the second display mode.

[0169] (c) The data may be entered, for example, for each processing step in the second display mode. This allows the user in the second display mode to be informed of the tasks to be performed at each processing step.

[0170] (c) The data may be entered for each plotted data, or more specifically, it may be a gate adjustment instruction entered for each plotted data. This gate adjustment instruction enables appropriate gate settings for each sample.

[0171] (c) The data may include reference data for verifying and / or adjusting the processing condition data. Such reference data may include, for example, (c1) identification data for identifying plot data that will be changed by the adjustment, (c2) verification graph data for the operator to refer to, (c3) statistical data for each gate, and (c4) image data associated with the processing condition data.

[0172] (c1) Identification data is, for example, data that associates the plot data to be adjusted with the plot data that will be changed as a result of the adjustment. The biological particle sorting device 100 (particularly the information processing unit) can identify the plot data that will be changed as a result of the adjustment based on the identification data, in response to the adjustment of the plot data to be adjusted, and adjust the plot data accordingly. As a result, the biological particle sorting device 100 (particularly the information processing unit) can perform real-time plot data adjustment in response to the adjustment, for example in the second display mode.

[0173] (c2) The verification graph data is, for example, reference plot data that the operator should refer to when adjusting the gate set for a certain plot data in the second display mode. The biological particle sorting device 100 (particularly the information processing unit) displays the reference plot data so that the operator can confirm whether the sorted particles and data are as desired, especially in the second display mode.

[0174] (c3) Statistical data for each gate may include, for example, data on the number and / or percentage of events included in each gate. The bioparticle sorting device 100 (especially the information processing unit) displays this statistical data, allowing the operator to confirm whether the sorted particles and data are as desired, particularly in the second display mode.

[0175] (c4) The image data associated with the processing condition data may be, for example, data measured by another device or image data generated or processed as ideal data. The image data may also be image data for showing the operator what to do when abnormal data is acquired, and may be, for example, an image showing which part of the biological particle sorting device 100 should be checked and / or operated. The image data associated with the processing condition data may also be image data for giving instructions to the operator. With such image data, the biological particle sorting device 100 can give instructions to the operator, particularly in the second display mode.

[0176] (c) The data may include one or more of the data described above as being included (or treated) as (c) data. For example, the (c) data may include one or more of the plot data, the template property data, the aliquot acquisition instruction data, the memo data, and the reference measurement data.

[0177] (2-3) Second display mode

[0178] In the second display mode, the biological particle sorting device 100 displays a processing execution operation screen. This processing execution operation screen is for executing a process to sort predetermined biological particles. At least a portion of the processing execution operation screen may be generated based on the operation control data input in the first display mode.

[0179] Preferably, the biological particle sorting device 100 controls the display of the processing execution operation screen in the second display mode based on the operation control data. This ensures that the intentions of the first user regarding the sorting process are reflected in the sorting operations performed by the second user.

[0180] Preferably, in the second display mode, the operator can adjust the processing condition data according to the operator instruction data. The sorting process of biological particles often requires fine-tuning for each sample. Since the biological particle sorting device 100 allows for such adjustments, this fine-tuning is possible.

[0181] Preferably, in the second display mode, the adjustment of at least some of the gate information is restricted. The preparative processing conditions set by the first user often include conditions that should not be adjusted by the second user. Therefore, by being able to restrict adjustments in this way, it is possible to prevent the second user from making undesirable adjustments to the processing conditions.

[0182] (2-3-1) Example of screen configuration displayed in second display mode

[0183] (Operation screen for executing the process) Figure 24 shows an example of the processing execution operation screen that the biological particle sorting device 100 (particularly the information processing unit 102) displays on the display unit 101 in the second display mode. The processing execution operation screen 300 shown in Figure 24 includes a third display area (also called the processing operation flow display area) 301 that displays the operation flow of the sorting process, and a fourth display area (also called the operation content display area) 302 that displays the operation content of each step included in the processing operation flow.

[0184] As shown in the figure, the third display area may be located on the upper side of the processing execution operation screen, and the fourth display area may be located on the lower side of the processing execution operation screen. Alternatively, the third display area may be located at the bottom of the processing execution operation screen, and the fourth display area may be located at the top of the processing execution operation screen. In the first display mode's processing condition setting screen, two areas (the first display area and the second display area) are displayed side-by-side, whereas in the second display mode, as described above, two areas (the third display area and the fourth display area) are displayed side-by-side. By arranging the two main areas side-by-side in the first display mode and side-by-side in the second display mode, the user can clearly distinguish between the operating modes of the biological particle sorting device. Furthermore, it is assumed that the second user will have less knowledge regarding the processing conditions of the biological particle sorting device compared to the first user. In addition, in the second display mode, it is preferable that only the information necessary for the sorting operation is displayed on the screen to prevent confusion during the sorting operation. Furthermore, it is preferable that this information be displayed larger to prevent sorting operation errors. In the second display mode, by arranging the information vertically as described above, only the necessary information can be displayed larger, which helps prevent sorting operation errors.

[0185] The arrangement of the third and fourth display areas may be changeable. For example, the biological particle sorting device may be configured to change the screen from a state where the former area is positioned at the top and the latter area at the bottom, to a state where the former area is positioned at the bottom and the latter area at the top. It may also be configured to change the screen in the opposite direction.

[0186] (Third display area) In the third display area 301, the steps (and marks indicating those steps) performed in the second display mode are arranged from left to right. Furthermore, the processes being executed are indicated by marks (gray-filled circular marks). Thus, in this disclosure, the third display area displayed in the second display mode may have the steps performed in the second display mode arranged in one direction. Additionally, marks indicating the steps being executed may be displayed in the third display area at the positions of those steps.

[0187] (Fourth display area) The content displayed in the fourth display area 302 may be changed for each step. This content may include, for example, explanatory data regarding the operations that the second user should perform in each step, and / or data indicating the status of those operations. At least a portion of this content may be generated based on the operation control data input in the first display mode.

[0188] (2-3-2) Example of processing in the second display mode

[0189] (Operation start process) When processing in the second display mode begins, the biological particle sorting device 100 (particularly the information processing unit 102) displays the processing execution operation screen 300 shown in Figure 26 on the display unit 101.

[0190] In the figure, the operation start process is displayed as "New Experiment". This operation start process includes a template selection step (displayed as "Template selection" in the figure). The information processing unit 102 causes an instruction mark (a gray-filled circle mark) indicating the process to be executed by the biological particle sorting device 100 to be displayed in the third display area at the location of the template selection step. In this way, the biological particle sorting device 100 displays the instruction mark at the location indicating the step being executed in the series of steps in the second display mode.

[0191] Furthermore, the information processing unit 102 displays a screen related to the operations performed during the template selection process in the fourth display area. For example, as shown in the figure, the fourth display area displays a template selection field 303 and a template description field 304 that explains the outline of the selected template.

[0192] The information processing unit 102 displays a list of selectable templates in the template selection field. This field may display, for example, the template name based on the template property data, and in particular, the template name entered in the template property area during the Template step of the first display mode is displayed. In the figure, "Template A (Granulocyte)" is selected.

[0193] The information processing unit 102 displays in the template description field a detailed description field 305 (labeled "Description" in the figure) relating to the selected template, and a reference data field 306 (labeled "Reference Plot Data") which displays an example of measurement data (plot data) obtained when the preparative processing is performed according to the selected template.

[0194] The detailed description field displays a description of the selected template. This field may display, for example, a description of the template entered in the template properties area during the Template step of the first display mode. That is, the information processing unit 102 displays a description of the template in the detailed description field based on the template property data. For example, as shown in the figure, the detailed description field displays a description of Template A, such as "A template for separating granulocytes."

[0195] The information processing unit 102 displays an example of measurement data (plot data) obtained when the sorting process is performed according to the selected template in the reference data field. The example of measurement data may be, for example, measurement data, particularly image data, for which the adjustment order is specified in the Template step of the first display mode. In this way, the information processing unit 102 displays measurement data in the reference data field based on the operation control data, particularly based on the image data included in the operation control data. For example, as shown in the figure, multiple plot data may be displayed in the reference data field.

[0196] The biological particle sorting device 100 proceeds to the next step in processing when the Select button, located in the lower right corner of the processing execution operation screen, is selected. The process returns to the previous step when the Back button, also located in the lower right corner of the processing execution operation screen, is selected. These buttons may also be displayed on other screens. The text on each button may be changed to other text or symbols as appropriate.

[0197] (Setup process) In response to the selection of a template during the operation initiation process, the bioparticle sorting device proceeds to the setup process. The setup process may include, for example, an attachment step of attaching a bioparticle sorting microchip to the bioparticle sorting device (indicated as "SUD setup" in Figure 24), and a priming step of priming the flow path of the microchip (indicated as "Priming" in the same figure). In the same figure, SUD is the name of the microchip, and other names may be used. The steps included in the setup process and the screens displayed in each step may be modified as appropriate depending on the type of bioparticle sorting device and the type of microchip to be attached.

[0198] (Sample installation process) After the setup process is completed, the biological particle sorting device proceeds to the sample introduction process. The sample introduction process may include, for example, a sample connection step (indicated as "Sample Connection" in Figure 24) in which a container containing the biological sample to be sorted is connected to the biological particle sorting device, and an optical adjustment step (indicated as "Optical Adjustment" in the same figure) in which a sorting operation is performed using a portion of the biological sample to perform optical adjustment of the biological particle sorting device. The steps included in the sample introduction process and the screens displayed in each step may be modified as appropriate depending on the type of biological particle sorting device. The biological particle sorting device may perform these steps based on the operation control data (particularly based on the processing condition data).

[0199] (Gating process) After the completion of the sample introduction process, the biological particle sorting device proceeds to the gating process. The gating process includes, for example, a gate adjustment step (indicated as "Gate Adjustment" in Figure 27) in which the gate set for each plot data in the first display mode is adjusted for the measurement data, as shown in Figure 27.

[0200] In the gate adjustment step, the biological particle sorting device 100 may irradiate and detect a portion of the sample to acquire plot data. The acquisition of this plot data is performed according to the processing condition data input in the first display mode.

[0201] In the gate adjustment process, as shown in Figure 27, the biological particle sorting device 100 displays an instruction mark in the third display area indicating the process to be performed by the biological particle sorting device 100 at the gate adjustment process location. By moving the instruction mark to the location of each process in this way, a second user can understand the work status. Furthermore, in the third display area, completed processes may be displayed differently from incomplete processes. For example, in Figure 27, completed processes are displayed in gray, while incomplete processes are displayed in white.

[0202] Furthermore, the information processing unit 102 displays a screen in the fourth display area that shows the operation details in the gate adjustment process. For example, as shown in the figure, the fourth display area may include an adjustment sequence display field 307 (labeled "Order" in the figure), a second user instruction field 308, and a data display field 309.

[0203] The information processing unit 102 displays a list of plot data to be adjusted in the adjustment order display field, as shown in the figure, based on the operation control data (particularly measurement data display setting data, and more particularly data related to the adjustment order) input in the first display mode. In this list, the names of the plot data may be displayed according to the adjustment order.

[0204] Based on the operation control data (particularly operator instruction data) input in the first display mode, the information processing unit 102 displays instructions for the second user in the instruction field for the second user, as shown in the figure.

[0205] As shown in the figure, the information processing unit 102 displays a group of plot data generated by performing a preparative process on the sample in the data display area. The information processing unit 102 may identify a group of plot data to be displayed based on the operation control data (particularly display control data, and more particularly measurement data display setting data) input in the first display mode. This group of plot data may include, for example, one or more plot data corresponding to the list of plot data to be adjusted. This group of plot data may further include one or more plot data that are not subject to adjustment.

[0206] The second user confirms the plot data set according to the instructions displayed in the instruction field. Next, the second user adjusts the gates in one or more plot data according to the adjustment order. For this adjustment, the second user selects the plot data to be adjusted first from the list of plot data displayed in the adjustment order display field. The selected state is shown in Figure 28A.

[0207] In response to the second user selecting plot 1, which is the plot data to be adjusted first, the information processing unit 102 displays the plot data for plot 1 in the data display field 310, as shown in the figure. The plot data also displays gate A, which is set according to the processing condition data.

[0208] In response to the second user selecting plot 1, which is the plot data to be adjusted first, the information processing unit 102 displays instructions regarding gate adjustment for plot 1 in the instruction field 311, as shown in the figure. The bioparticle sorting device 100 may display these instructions based on the operation control data (particularly operator instruction data) input in the first display mode, and in particular, it may display the memo (particularly instruction memo) entered in the memo input field. The second user can accurately perform the gate adjustment by referring to these instructions.

[0209] Furthermore, in response to the second user selecting plot 1, which is the plot data to be adjusted first, the biological particle sorting device 100 may display a gate operation button field 312 next to the data display field.

[0210] The gate operation button section includes a "Default" button to return the gate to its state before adjustment by a second user, a "Redo" button to redo an operation performed on the gate or to repeat an operation that was undone, and an "Undo" button to undo an operation performed on the gate. The gate operation button section may also include a group of buttons for manipulating the gate's position and / or a group of buttons for changing the gate's size or shape.

[0211] The biological particle sorting device 100 may be configured such that some gate operations are restricted in the second display mode. For example, it may be configured so that either the size or shape of the gate, or both, cannot be changed. The information processing unit 102 may restrict such operations based on the operation control data. In one embodiment, the information processing unit 102 restricts changes to the shape of the gate but allows changes to the size of the gate, based on the operation control data (particularly display control data, and more particularly gate operation restriction data). For example, the information processing unit 102 may change the size of gate A in response to a second user touching and dragging gate A. For example, the information processing unit 102 may change the size of gate A in response to a second user touching and dragging a specific position (for example, a size change mark displayed in gate A or on a line defining gate A, or a line defining gate A). Furthermore, the information processing unit 102 may allow changes to the position of the gate based on the operation control data. For example, the information processing unit 102 may change the position of gate A in response to a second user touching and dragging gate A. For example, the information processing unit 102 may move the position of gate A in the direction of the drag in response to a second user touching and dragging another specific position (for example, an arbitrary position change mark displayed in gate A or on a line defining gate A, or the center of gate A).

[0212] After completing the gate adjustment for plot 1, the second user selects the next plot to be adjusted from the group of plots listed in the adjustment order display field, and then performs the gate adjustment for the selected plot. This gate adjustment may be performed in accordance with the operator instructions included in the operation control data, similar to the adjustment for plot 1.

[0213] An example of a screen where other plot data to be adjusted is selected is shown in FIG. 28B. In this figure, Plot 3 is selected as the plot data to be adjusted.

[0214] In response to the second user selecting Plot 3, as shown in this figure, the information processing unit 102 displays the plot data of Plot 3 in the data display column 310. The gate C set according to the processing condition data is also displayed in the plot data.

[0215] Also, as shown in this figure, the information processing unit 102 may display reference graph data (Reference Plot) to be referred to for adjusting gate C in the data display column 310. The information processing unit 102 can display the reference graph data based on the operation control data (particularly, operator-directed instruction data, more particularly, reference data). As shown in this figure, the reference graph data may include an image of the plot data acquired in the first display mode and the gate set by the user in the first display mode for the plot data. Outputting such reference graph data to the screen helps the user in the second display mode to accurately perform gate adjustment in the plot data.

[0216] In response to the completion of all gate adjustments for one or more plots to be adjusted, the biological particle sorting device 100 proceeds with the process to the sorting process.

[0217] (Sorting process)

[0218] After the completion of the gate adjustment process, the biological particle sorting device proceeds with the process to the sorting process. As shown in FIG. 29, the sorting process may include, for example, a sorting step of performing sorting of biological particles (displayed as "Sorting" in this figure) and a result confirmation step of confirming the result of the sorting (displayed as "Result Review").

[0219] Furthermore, the biological particle sorting device may, during the sorting process, perform an aliquot acquisition step to confirm whether the sorted biological particles are the target biological particles, based on the operation control data (particularly the aliquot setting data). Through this confirmation in the aliquot acquisition step, the second user can confirm whether the target biological particles have been sorted, and if the target biological particles have not been sorted, the sorting process can be interrupted or the processing conditions adjusted to prevent the wasteful consumption of valuable samples. For the purpose of this confirmation, as described above, analysis may be performed using another biological particle analyzer.

[0220] In the sorting process, the information processing unit 102 displays a screen 313 showing the sorting status in the fourth display area, as shown in the figure. The screen may also display an area 314 showing the number of events and / or the event acquisition rate (eps), and the number of sorted items and / or the sorting rate (eps), as shown in the figure.

[0221] The information processing unit 102 may display an image 315 (shown as a bar in the figure) on the screen indicating the progress of the sorting operation. The bar may be accompanied by an image 316 indicating the timing at which the aliquot acquisition process is executed. This allows the second user to know when the timing to execute the aliquot acquisition process has arrived, and to perform, for example, preparation work or other tasks before that time, thereby improving convenience for the second user. The information processing unit 102 may display the image indicating the timing based on the control data input in the first display mode, and in particular based on the aliquot setting data.

[0222] When it is time to perform the aliquot acquisition process, the biological particle sorting device 100 temporarily pauses the sorting process and displays, for example, the window 317 shown in Figure 30. As shown in the same figure, the window may display the verification method for the aliquots and / or the current sorting status. The window also displays a button to proceed to the next step.

[0223] In response to the selection of the aforementioned button, the information processing unit 102 displays a screen prompting the second user to choose whether to continue the sorting process. This screen includes a continue button to allow the information processing unit 102 to continue the sorting process and a stop button to cancel the sorting process. In response to the second user selecting the continue button, the information processing unit 102 continues the sorting process. In response to the second user selecting the stop button, the biological particle sorting device 100 cancels the sorting process. The screen may also include a readjustment button to perform gate adjustment again. In response to the second user selecting the readjustment button, the biological particle sorting device 100 returns the process to gate adjustment.

[0224] In the result confirmation step, the biological particle sorting device 100 displays a screen showing the sorting results in the fourth display area. The screen may display the number of events and / or the number of sorted particles.

[0225] (Termination process) After the sorting process is completed, the biological particle sorting device 100 proceeds to the termination process. The termination process may include, as shown in Figure 24, a collection container removal process (indicated as "Collection Off" in the figure) for retrieving the container containing the sorted biological particles from the biological particle sorting device 100, and a chip removal process (indicated as "SUD Off") for removing the microchip used for sorting from the biological particle sorting device 100. The screens displayed in the fourth display area for these processes may be appropriately selected by those skilled in the art.

[0226] The sorting process in the second display mode is executed through the process described above.

[0227] (3) Variant

[0228] While (1) and (2) above describe a bioparticle sorting device that performs sorting on bioparticles contained in a biological sample flowing through a channel (particularly bioparticles flowing in a line within the channel), this disclosure may also be applied to a bioparticle sorting device that performs sorting on a group of bioparticles existing in two or three dimensions. That is, the bioparticle sorting device of this disclosure may be configured to perform sorting on a group of bioparticles existing in two or three dimensions. Examples of such a bioparticle sorting device include a bioparticle sorting device that performs sorting on a group of bioparticles existing in wells arranged in two or three dimensions, a bioparticle sorting device that performs sorting on a group of bioparticles existing in two or three dimensions on an arbitrary support (e.g., a cell culture surface or a cell immobilization surface), and a bioparticle sorting device that performs sorting on a group of bioparticles forming a three-dimensional structure (e.g., biological tissue).

[0229] As an example of a biological particle sorting device that performs sorting on a group of biological particles present in the aforementioned well, we can cite a biological particle sorting device that performs sorting using a particle capture chip described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-174598. As an example of a biological particle sorting device that performs sorting on a group of biological particles existing in two dimensions on any given surface, we can cite a biological particle sorting device that sorts specific biological particles from a group of biological particles (cells) immobilized on a certain surface via a decomposable linker (e.g., a photodegradable linker). These devices may be configured to acquire fluorescence signals or fluorescence images of biological particles using optical detectors, such as microscopes, and to identify the biological particles to be separated based on the acquired fluorescence signals or fluorescence images. These devices may be configured to remove only the biological particles thus identified from the well, or to release only the biological particles thus identified (for example, by cutting the linker that fixes the biological particles).

[0230] These devices may be configured to have the first display mode and the second display mode described in (1) and (2) above. For example, in the first display mode, operation control data for specifying biological particles to be sorted is input. Then, in the second display mode, an operation screen for executing processing is displayed based on the operation control data.

[0231] 3. Second Embodiment of the Present Disclosure (Biological Particle Sorting System)

[0232] The present disclosure also provides a biological particle sorting system including a first information processing device operating in a first display mode for receiving input of operation control data related to biological particle sorting processing, and a second information processing device operating in a second display mode in which an operation screen for executing processing is displayed. The biological particle sorting system further includes a biological particle sorting device operated by the first information processing device or the second information processing device. The biological particle sorting device may have the configuration described in the above (2).

[0233] Further, the present disclosure also provides the first information processing device included in the biological particle sorting system. The first information processing device may include, for example, a touch-input-enabled display unit that displays a processing condition setting screen for receiving input of operation control data related to the sorting processing of a biological particle-containing sample. The processing condition setting screen may be as described in the above (2), and the description thereof also applies to this embodiment. Further, the present disclosure also provides the second information processing device included in the biological particle sorting system

[0234] The second information processing device may include, for example, a touch-input-enabled display unit that displays an operation screen for executing processing. The operation screen for executing processing may be as described in the above (2), and the description thereof also applies to this embodiment.

[0235] An example of a biological particle sorting system in accordance with this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 31. The figure shows an example configuration of the biological particle sorting system of this disclosure. The biological particle sorting system 400 shown in the figure includes a biological particle sorting device 401 that performs biological particle sorting processing, and a plurality of information processing devices 402a to 402c configured to operate the biological particle sorting device. The number of information processing devices included in the system is not limited to the three shown in the figure, but may be one or more. The plurality of information processing devices are connected to the biological particle sorting device, for example, via a network 403.

[0236] The following describes the case where the information processing device 402a shown in the figure operates in the first display mode described above, and the information processing device 402b operates in the second display mode described above.

[0237] First, the information processing device 402a executes steps S10, S11, and S12 as described in 2.(2-1) above. Next, the information processing device 402a executes the processing in the first display mode as described in 2.(2-2) above to generate operation control data. More specifically, the information processing device 402a operates as the information processing unit 102 described in 2.(2-2) above. The information processing device 402a outputs the processing condition setting screen described in 2.(2-2) above to a display unit attached to or connected to the device, and accepts the input of the operation control data via the screen. Furthermore, in the generation of the operation control data, sorting processing may be performed by the biological particle sorting device 401.

[0238] The information processing device 402a transmits the generated operation control data to the biological particle sorting device 401.

[0239] Next, the information processing device 402b executes steps S10, S11, and S12 described in 2.(2-1) above. Next, the information processing device 402b receives the operation control data from the biological particle sorting device 401. Then, based on the operation control data, the information processing device 402b executes the processing in the second display mode described in 2.(2-3) above, causing the biological particle sorting device 401 to perform the sorting process. More specifically, the information processing device 402b operates as the information processing unit 102 described in 2.(2-3) above. The information processing device 402b outputs the processing execution operation screen described in 2.(2-3) above to a display unit attached to or connected to the device, and causes the biological particle sorting device 401 to perform sorting processing via this screen.

[0240] The separation of biological particles is carried out through the series of steps described above.

[0241] Furthermore, this disclosure may also take the following form. [1] It is equipped with a touch-enabled display unit that shows a screen for setting processing conditions, which accepts input of operation control data related to the sorting process of samples containing biological particles. The aforementioned processing condition setting screen includes a first display area that displays the operation flow for setting the sorting processing conditions for a sample containing biological particles, and a second display area that displays measurement data related to the sample containing biological particles. The first display area is located at the edge of the processing condition setting screen. A biological particle sorting device. [2] The aforementioned first display area is, A procedure button area in which multiple processing buttons included in the aforementioned operation flow are arranged in the order of processing, A settings information display area that displays settings information corresponding to any of the processing buttons when one of the processing buttons is touched, A biological particle sorting apparatus as described in [1], including the apparatus described in [1]. [3] The first display area is located at the left end of the processing condition setting screen, and the procedure button area is located at the left end of the first display area, or The biological particle sorting apparatus according to [2], wherein the first display area is located at the right end of the processing condition setting screen, and the procedure button area is located at the right end within the first display area. [4] If the first display area is located at the left end of the processing condition setting screen, the second display area is located at the right end of the processing condition setting screen. If the first display area is located at the right end of the processing condition setting screen, the second display area is located at the left end of the processing condition setting screen. A biological particle sorting device as described in any one of [1] to [3]. [5] The second display area is configured to accept input of gate information that identifies the biological particles to be separated in the process via touch operation. A biological particle sorting device as described in any one of [1] to [4]. [6] The aforementioned second display area is configured to display one or more plots, When any plot is touched, an operation panel for manipulating that plot is displayed near the touched location. A biological particle sorting device as described in any one of [1] to [5]. [7] The biological particle sorting apparatus according to [6], wherein the control panel includes one or more operation tool selection buttons. [8] The aforementioned second display area is configured to display one or more plots, The second display area displays one or more operation buttons for displaying data associated with the one or more plots. A biological particle sorting device as described in any one of [1] to [7]. [9] The associated data is the background data used to generate the plot, as described in [8], for the biological particle sorting apparatus.

[10] The aforementioned background data includes statistical information for each gate, as described in [9], for the biological particle sorting apparatus.

[11] The associated data is fluorescence-corrected matrix data, as described in [8], for the biological particle sorting apparatus.

[12] A biological particle sorting apparatus according to any one of [9] to

[11] , which can change the plot in accordance with the operation of the aforementioned back data.

[13] The aforementioned second display area is configured to display one or more plots, The biological particle sorting apparatus according to

[12] , which displays a slider bar for changing the display format of an axis in response to an axis of any plot being touched.

[14] The biological particle sorting apparatus according to

[13] , wherein the slider bar is a slider bar for adjusting the numerical range or scale of each axis.

[15] The aforementioned second display area is configured to display one or more plots, A biological particle sorting device according to any one of [1] to

[14] , which displays an enlarged image of the touched portion when the data display portion of any plot is touched.

[16] The aforementioned second display area is, A biological particle sorting apparatus according to any one of [1] to

[15] , comprising an operation button area including plot buttons for operating plots displayed within the area and / or gate buttons for operating gates in each plot.

[17] The display unit is located on any one surface of the housing of the biological particle sorting device, according to any one of [1] to

[16] .

[18] It is equipped with a touch-enabled display unit that shows a screen for setting processing conditions, which accepts input of operation control data related to the sorting process of samples containing biological particles. The aforementioned processing condition setting screen includes a first display area that displays the operation flow for setting the sorting processing conditions for a sample containing biological particles, and a second display area that displays measurement data related to the sample containing biological particles. The first display area is located at the edge of the processing condition setting screen. Information processing device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0242] 100 Bio-particle sorting device 101 Display section 102 Information Processing Unit

Claims

1. It features a touch-enabled display unit that shows a mode selection screen allowing the user to choose one of several display modes, and a processing condition setting screen where operation control data related to the sorting process of biological particle-containing samples can be entered. The aforementioned processing condition setting screen includes a first display area that displays the operation flow for setting the sorting processing conditions for a sample containing biological particles, and a second display area that displays measurement data related to the sample containing biological particles. The first display area is located at the edge of the processing condition setting screen and includes a procedure button area in which a plurality of processing buttons included in the operation flow are arranged in the order of processing, and a setting information display area that displays setting information corresponding to any of the processing buttons when one of the processing buttons is touched. The second display area is configured to accept the setting of sorting conditions for biological particles based on the displayed measurement data. The aforementioned multiple display modes consist of multiple display modes with different operating procedures, depending on the user's purpose of use. A biological particle sorting device.

2. The first display area is located at the left end of the processing condition setting screen, and the procedure button area is located at the left end of the first display area, or The first display area is located at the right end of the processing condition setting screen, and the procedure button area is located at the right end within the first display area. The biological particle sorting apparatus according to claim 1.

3. If the first display area is located at the left end of the processing condition setting screen, the second display area is located at the right end of the processing condition setting screen. If the first display area is located at the right end of the processing condition setting screen, the second display area is located at the left end of the processing condition setting screen. The biological particle sorting apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The second display area is configured to accept input of gate information that identifies the biological particles to be separated in the process via touch operation. The biological particle sorting apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The second display area is configured to display one or more plots, When any plot is touched, an operation panel for manipulating that plot is displayed near the touched location. The biological particle sorting apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The biological particle sorting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control panel includes one or more operation tool selection buttons.

7. The second display area is configured to display one or more plots, The second display area displays one or more operation buttons for displaying data associated with the one or more plots. The biological particle sorting apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The biological particle sorting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the associated data is the background data used to generate the plot.

9. The biological particle sorting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the aforementioned background data includes statistical information for each gate.

10. The biological particle sorting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the associated data is fluorescence-corrected matrix data.

11. The biological particle sorting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the plot can be modified in accordance with the operation of the aforementioned back data.

12. The second display area is configured to display one or more plots, The biological particle sorting apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a slider bar is displayed for changing the display format of an axis in response to an axis of any plot being touched.

13. The biological particle sorting apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the slider bar is a slider bar for adjusting the numerical range or scale of each axis.

14. The second display area is configured to display one or more plots, The biological particle sorting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a data display portion of any plot is touched, an enlarged image of the touched portion is displayed.

15. The aforementioned second display area is, The biological particle sorting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation button area including plot buttons for operating plots displayed within the area and / or gate buttons for operating gates in each plot.

16. The biological particle sorting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is located on any surface of the housing of the biological particle sorting apparatus.

17. It features a touch-enabled display unit that shows a mode selection screen allowing the user to choose one of several display modes, and a processing condition setting screen where operation control data related to the sorting process of biological particle-containing samples can be entered. The aforementioned processing condition setting screen includes a first display area that displays the operation flow for setting the sorting processing conditions for a sample containing biological particles, and a second display area that displays measurement data related to the sample containing biological particles. The first display area is located at the edge of the processing condition setting screen and includes a procedure button area in which a plurality of processing buttons included in the operation flow are arranged in the order of processing, and a setting information display area that displays setting information corresponding to any of the processing buttons when one of the processing buttons is touched. The second display area is configured to accept the setting of sorting conditions for biological particles based on the displayed measurement data. The aforementioned multiple display modes consist of multiple modes with different operating procedures, depending on the user's purpose of use. Information processing device.

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