JP2013176332A - Image acquisition system and image acquisition method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image acquisition system and an image acquisition method which can manage a plurality of image data for each of containers to be photographed and can easily compare the image data.SOLUTION: An image acquisition system 1 includes a plate holding section 10, a light projecting section 20, a printing section 30, and an imaging section 50. The plate holding section 10 horizontally holds a well plate 90. The light projecting section 20 irradiates light to the well plate 90. The printing section 30 prints a two-dimensional bar code representing bar code information 93 for discriminating the well plates 90, on the well plate 90. The imaging section 50 photographs the well plates 90 to acquire image data 96. A plurality of image data 96 acquired in the imaging section 50 can be managed on the basis of the bar code information 93 and can be easily compared for each of the well plates 90 by using the image acquisition system 1.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image acquisition device and an image acquisition method for acquiring an image of a cell held together with a culture substance in a container.

  In the process of researching and developing pharmaceuticals, screening is performed to narrow down compounds that are drug candidates. In screening, for example, a plurality of culture solutions containing cells are prepared, and the cells are cultured by adding compounds to each culture solution while changing various conditions. Then, based on the culture state of the cells, the compounds that are drug candidates are narrowed down.

  In such screening, conventionally, the culture state of cells has been evaluated by optical measurement. Specifically, a method in which a specific molecule (DNA, protein, chemical substance, etc.) in a cell is fluoresced to measure the intensity of fluorescence, or a method in which a specific molecule in a cell is measured by absorption is used. It was done. However, these optical measurements require expensive reagents.

  In recent years, three-dimensional culture in which cells are three-dimensionally cultured has been performed in order to examine the effects of pharmaceuticals in an environment closer to the living body. In such three-dimensional culture, the state of a cell cluster that has grown in three dimensions becomes an important observation target. However, the above optical measurement is not suitable for observing cell clumps.

  For this reason, in recent years, it has been attempted to observe the culture state of cells by photographing the cells with high resolution without using a reagent. A conventional technique for acquiring an image of a cell is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

JP 2006-350740 A

  However, in the above-described screening, since a cell is cultured under many conditions, it is necessary to acquire a large number of image data. Therefore, a technique for efficiently managing a large number of image data is required. In particular, it is necessary to prevent inconsistencies between the container and the image data due to container misplacement or the like.

  In the above-described screening, it is important to observe the culture state of cells in the same container over time. For this reason, there is a need for a technique that can easily compare image data corresponding to the same container from a large amount of image data.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides an image acquisition device and an image acquisition method capable of managing a plurality of image data for each container to be imaged and facilitating comparison of image data. The purpose is to do.

  In order to solve the above problems, the first invention of the present application is an image acquisition device for acquiring an image of a cell held in a container having a light-transmitting bottom part together with a culture substance that is a liquid at least at the time of injection, A holding unit that holds the container horizontally, a light projecting unit that irradiates light to the container, an imaging unit that captures the inside of the container to acquire image data, and identification information for identifying the container The information provision part which provides to the said container is provided.

  A second invention of the present application is the image acquisition device of the first invention, further comprising an information reading unit that reads the identification information given to the container.

  A third invention of the present application is the image acquisition device according to the second invention, wherein a storage unit that stores the identification information read by the information reading unit and the image data acquired by the imaging unit in association with each other is stored. Further prepare.

  4th invention of this application is an image acquisition apparatus of 3rd invention, Comprising: The said memory | storage part matches the culture | cultivation conditions of the cell in the said container with the said identification information, and memorize | stores it.

  A fifth invention of the present application is the image acquisition device according to the fourth invention, wherein at least one of a plurality of culture conditions stored in the storage unit is input as a search condition, and is stored in the storage unit. Search means for narrowing down image data that matches the search condition from the plurality of image data.

  A sixth invention of the present application is the image acquisition device according to any one of the second to fifth inventions, further comprising a control unit that controls the information adding unit, the information reading unit, and the imaging unit.

  7th invention of this application is an image acquisition apparatus of 6th invention, Comprising: The said control part performs reading of the identification information by the said information reading part, and acquisition of the image data by the said imaging part as a series of operation | movement. In this manner, the information reading unit and the imaging unit are controlled.

  An eighth invention of the present application is the image acquisition device of the sixth invention or the seventh invention, wherein the control unit adds additional information to the container to be imaged after acquisition of image data by the imaging unit. Thus, the information providing unit is controlled.

  A ninth invention of the present application is the image acquisition device according to any one of the sixth invention to the eighth invention, wherein the control unit provides the identification information by the information reading unit after giving the identification information by the information giving unit. Whether or not reading is possible is determined.

  A tenth invention of the present application is an image acquisition method for acquiring an image of a cell held in a container together with a culture substance that is a liquid at least at the time of injection, and a) identification information for identifying the container An information providing step to be given to the container, b) an information reading step for reading the identification information given to the container, c) an imaging step for photographing the inside of the container to obtain image data, and d) the information reading step. A storage step of storing the identification information read in step 1 and the image data acquired in the imaging step in association with each other.

  According to the first to ninth inventions of the present application, it is possible to manage a plurality of image data acquired in the imaging unit based on the identification information. Therefore, a plurality of image data can be easily compared for each container.

  In particular, according to the second invention of the present application, identification information can be assigned, identification information can be read, and an image can be read by a single image acquisition device. Therefore, acquisition and management of image data becomes easier.

  In particular, according to the third invention of the present application, a plurality of image data stored in the storage unit can be called based on the identification information.

  In particular, according to the fourth invention of the present application, a plurality of image data can be managed in association with identification information and culture conditions.

  In particular, according to the fifth invention of the present application, image data suitable for desired culture conditions can be easily retrieved.

  In particular, according to the sixth invention of the present application, various processes can be performed by combining the operations of the information adding unit, the information reading unit, and the imaging unit.

  In particular, according to the seventh invention of the present application, reading of identification information and acquisition of image data are performed as a series of operations for the same container. Therefore, the identification information and the image data are more reliably associated with each other.

  In particular, according to the eighth invention of the present application, it is possible to recognize the progress of processing related to the container based on the additional information given to the container.

  In particular, according to the ninth invention of the present application, it is possible to prevent the subsequent processing from proceeding while leaving the mistake of assigning the identification information.

  According to the tenth invention of the present application, a plurality of image data acquired in the imaging process can be managed based on the identification information. Therefore, a plurality of image data can be easily compared for each container.

It is a well plate perspective view. It is the figure which showed notionally the structure of the image acquisition apparatus. It is the figure which showed the example of the 1st table data. It is the figure which showed the example of the 2nd table data. It is the figure which showed the example of the window displayed on a display part. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure when printing a two-dimensional barcode. It is the flowchart which showed the operation | movement procedure when reading a two-dimensional barcode and acquisition of image data. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure when displaying image data.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<1. Configuration of Image Acquisition Device>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a well plate 90 set in the image acquisition apparatus. The well plate 90 is a substantially plate-like container that holds the culture solution 901 and the cells 902. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of recesses 91 arranged regularly are provided on the upper surface of the well plate 90. Each recess 91 has a light transmissive bottom 92. In each recess 91, a cell 902 to be observed is held together with the culture solution 901. In addition, compounds having different concentrations and compositions are added to the culture solution 901 in each recess 91.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the image acquisition apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image acquisition apparatus 1 is an apparatus that acquires an image of a cell 902 cultured in a well plate 90. The image acquisition device 1 is used, for example, in a screening process for narrowing down compounds that are drug candidates in the field of drug research and development. The person in charge of the screening process acquires an image of each well plate 90 using the image acquisition device 1. And based on the acquired image, the effect of the compound added to the culture solution 901 is verified by comparing and analyzing the culture state of the cells 902 in each recess 91.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the image acquisition apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a plate holding unit 10, a light projecting unit 20, a printing unit 30, an information reading unit 40, an imaging unit 50, a computer 60, a display unit 70, and an input unit. 80. The plate holding unit 10, the light projecting unit 20, the printing unit 30, the information reading unit 40, the imaging unit 50, the display unit 70, and the input unit 80 are each electrically connected to the computer 60.

  The plate holding unit 10 is a mounting table that holds the well plate 90. The well plate 90 is set on the plate holding unit 10 in a horizontal posture with the bottom 92 on the lower side. In addition, the plate holding unit 10 includes a moving mechanism 11 that moves the well plate 90 in the horizontal direction. When the moving mechanism 11 is driven, the well plate 90 moves between a lower position of the printing unit 30, a lower position of the information reading unit 40, and a lower position of the imaging unit 50 while maintaining a horizontal posture. .

  The light projecting unit 20 is disposed below the well plate 90 held by the plate holding unit 10. The light projecting unit 20 according to the present embodiment includes a first light source 21 and a second light source 22. The first light source 21 is located below the information reading unit 40. The first light source 21 irradiates the well plate 90 to be read with white light from the bottom 92 side during the operation of the information reading unit 40. The second light source 22 is located below the imaging unit 50. The second light source 22 irradiates the well plate 90 to be imaged with white light from the bottom 92 side during the operation of the imaging unit 50.

  The light projecting unit 20 only needs to irradiate the well plate 90 with light. Therefore, the first light source 21 and the second light source 22 themselves are arranged at positions deviated from the lower side of the well plate 90, and the well plate 90 is irradiated with light via an optical system such as a mirror. Good. Further, the light projecting unit 20 may be disposed above the well plate 90, and the information reading unit 40 and the imaging unit 50 may be disposed below the well plate 90. The light reflected by the well plate 90 may be incident on the information reading unit 40 or the imaging unit 50.

  The printing unit 30 is a part (information providing unit) that prints the two-dimensional barcode 94 on the well plate 90. The printing unit 30 is realized by, for example, an inkjet printing mechanism. In the image acquisition apparatus 1, the computer 60 generates unique barcode information 93 for each well plate 90. The bar code information 93 is identification information for identifying individual well plates 90. The printing unit 30 receives the barcode information 93 from the computer 60 and prints a two-dimensional barcode 94 representing the barcode information on the well plate 90. As shown in FIG. 1, the two-dimensional barcode 94 is printed, for example, in the peripheral area of the plurality of recesses 91 on the upper surface of the well plate 90.

  Further, the printing unit 30 of the present embodiment can print other additional information 95 on the well plate 90 in addition to the two-dimensional barcode 94. The additional information 95 can include, for example, a symbol or a character indicating the number of times the well plate 90 has been imaged. In the example of FIG. 1, three circles are printed as additional information 95 next to the two-dimensional barcode 94. As a result, it is possible to visually recognize that the imaging process for the well plate 90 has been executed three times.

  The information reading unit 40 is a part that reads the two-dimensional barcode 94 printed on the well plate 90. The information reading unit 40 is realized by, for example, a two-dimensional barcode reader. When reading the two-dimensional barcode 94, first, the moving mechanism 11 moves the well plate 90 to a position below the information reading unit 40. Then, light is emitted from the first light source 21 toward the well plate 90, and the information reading unit 40 reads the two-dimensional barcode 94 on the well plate 90. Thereby, the barcode information 93 included in the two-dimensional barcode 94 is acquired. The acquired barcode information 93 is stored in the storage unit 64 in the computer 60.

  The imaging unit 50 is a part that images the well plate 90 and acquires image data 96. The imaging unit 50 is realized by a camera having an optical system such as a lens and an imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS, for example. When acquiring the image data 96, first, the moving mechanism 11 moves the well plate 90 to a position below the imaging unit 50. Then, light is emitted from the second light source 22 toward the well plate 90 and the imaging unit 50 images the well plate 90. The image captured here includes an image of the cells 902 held in the plurality of depressions 91 of the well plate 90.

  Image data 96 acquired by the imaging unit 50 is digitized by an A / D conversion unit 63 in the computer 60. The digitized image data 96 is stored in the storage unit 64 in the computer 60 and displayed on the display unit 70 as necessary.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the computer 60 includes a CPU 61, a function switch 62, an A / D conversion unit 63, and a storage unit 64. The CPU 61 refers to the computer program 97 stored in the storage unit 64 and the command input from the input unit 80, and via the function switch 62, the moving mechanism 11, the light projecting unit 20, the printing unit 30, and the information Each operation of the reading unit 40 and the imaging unit 50 is controlled. That is, in this embodiment, the computer 60 having the CPU 61 functions as a control unit.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the printing unit 30, the information reading unit 40, and the imaging unit 50 are provided in the same image acquisition device 1. The printing unit 30, the information reading unit 40, and the imaging unit 50 are controlled by the same computer 60. For this reason, printing of the two-dimensional barcode 94, reading of the two-dimensional barcode 94, and acquisition of the image data 96 can be performed efficiently. In addition, by combining the operations of the printing unit 30, the information reading unit 40, and the imaging unit 50, various processes described later can be performed as a series of operations.

  In the present embodiment, the input / output process of the barcode information 93 to the storage unit 64, the input / output process of the image data 96 to the storage unit 64, and the output process of the image data 96 from the computer 60 to the display unit 70 are also performed. The CPU 61 controls.

  The storage unit 64 is a part that stores various data handled in the image acquisition apparatus. The storage unit 64 is configured by, for example, a hard disk drive. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 64 may be a part of hardware configuring the computer 60, or may be an external storage device connected to the computer 60. The storage unit 64 stores a plurality of barcode information 93 read from the information reading unit 40 and a plurality of image data 96 acquired from the imaging unit 50. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 64 stores a computer program 97, first table data 98, and second table data 99.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first table data 98. The first table data 98 defines the correspondence between the plurality of barcode information 93 and the plurality of image data 96. That is, each bar code information 93 shown in the left column of FIG. 3 is associated with each image data 96 shown in the right column of FIG. In the example of FIG. 3, a plurality of pieces of image data 96 (for example, 10001.JPG to 10003.JPG) correspond to the same barcode information 93 (for example, 1234567AA). This is because a plurality of imaging processes are performed on the same well plate 90.

  The storage unit 64 of the present embodiment stores such first table data 98 to store a plurality of barcode information 93 and a plurality of image data 96 in association with each other. However, the method of associating the barcode information 93 with the image data 96 does not necessarily have to use table data. For example, the barcode information 93 and the image data 96 corresponding to the barcode information 93 may be stored in the same folder. In addition, a character string specifying the barcode information 93 may be included in the name of each image data 96.

  The image data 96 corresponding to the same barcode information 93 is the image data 96 of the same well plate 90. The computer 60 can read out the image data 96 of the same well plate 90 from among a large number of image data 96 stored in the storage unit 64 based on the barcode information 93 and display it on the display unit 70. The user of the image acquisition device 1 can easily compare and analyze the culture state of the cells 902 in the same well plate 90 by referring to the plurality of image data 96 displayed on the display unit 70.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the second table data 99. The second table data 99 defines a correspondence relationship between a plurality of barcode information 93, the number of times the well plate 90 is photographed corresponding to each barcode information 93, and the culture conditions of the cells in the well plate 90. Yes. The storage unit 64 of the present embodiment stores such second table data 99 to store a plurality of barcode information 93 and the culture conditions of the cells 902 in the well plate 90 in association with each other. .

  In this way, a plurality of image data 96 can be managed in association with the barcode information 93 and the culture conditions. It is also possible to specify culture conditions and retrieve and call up image data 96 that matches the culture conditions from a plurality of image data 96. Therefore, it becomes easy to grasp what kind of tendency the cell state has for each culture condition.

  The display unit 70 is a part for displaying various information (barcode information 93, image data 96, GUI, etc.) related to the processing of the image acquisition apparatus 1. The display unit 70 is realized by a display device such as a liquid crystal display, for example.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a window 71 displayed on the display unit 70. In the window 71 of FIG. 5, barcode information 93 and two image data 96 corresponding to the barcode information 93 are displayed. In this manner, if a plurality of image data 96 corresponding to the same barcode information 93 are displayed side by side in the common window 71, images of the same well plate 90 can be easily compared. Therefore, changes over time of the cells 902 can be easily observed.

  The input unit 80 is a part for inputting various commands to the computer 60. A user of the image acquisition apparatus 1 can transmit commands such as printing, reading, imaging, and search to the computer 60 by operating the input unit 80 while checking the display unit 70. The input unit 80 is realized by a keyboard or a mouse, for example. Note that both the function of the display unit 70 and the function of the input unit 80 may be realized by a single device such as a touch panel display.

<2. Operation of image acquisition device>
<2-1. Information grant operation>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when the two-dimensional barcode 94 is printed on the well plate 90. When printing the two-dimensional barcode 94, first, the user of the image acquisition apparatus 1 sets an empty well plate 90 (without the culture solution 901 and the cells 902) in the plate holding unit 10 (step S11). . Next, the user operates the input unit 80 to input a command for printing the two-dimensional barcode 94 (step S12). Then, the computer 60 as the control unit controls the moving mechanism 11, the light projecting unit 20, the printing unit 30, and the information reading unit 40, and the following series of processes proceeds.

  First, the moving mechanism 11 operates to move the well plate 90 to a position below the printing unit 30 (step S13). Next, the computer 60 generates unique barcode information 93 for specifying the well plate 90. Then, the printing unit 30 prints the two-dimensional barcode 94 on the well plate 90 based on the barcode information 93 given from the computer 60 (step S14).

  When the two-dimensional bar code 94 is printed, the moving mechanism 11 operates to move the well plate 90 to a position below the information reading unit 40 (step S15). Then, the information reading unit 40 tries to read the two-dimensional barcode 94 on the well plate 90 (step S16). Thereby, the information reading part 40 determines whether the two-dimensional barcode 94 can be normally read (step S17).

  If the information reading unit 40 has successfully read the two-dimensional barcode 94 (Yes in step S17), the computer 60 determines that the two-dimensional barcode 94 has been successfully printed, and displays on the display unit 70 the successful printing. A message is displayed (step S18). When printing is successful, the user of the image acquisition device 1 takes out the well plate 90 from the plate holding unit 10 and starts culturing the cells 902 using the well plate 90.

  On the other hand, when the information reading unit 40 cannot read the two-dimensional barcode 94 normally (No in step S17), the computer 60 determines that the printing of the two-dimensional barcode 94 has failed, and displays on the display unit 70. A print failure message is displayed (step S19).

  As described above, the image acquisition apparatus 1 not only prints the two-dimensional barcode 94 on the well plate 90 but also determines whether the printing of the two-dimensional barcode 94 is successful. Accordingly, it is possible to know a printing error of the two-dimensional barcode 94 before starting the culture of the cells 902. In particular, in this image acquisition device 1, the success or failure of printing is determined by using the information reading unit 40 itself that reads the two-dimensional barcode 94 after the cells 902 are cultured. Therefore, the two-dimensional barcode 94 can be read more reliably after the cell 902 is cultured.

  Note that the two-dimensional barcode 94 does not necessarily have to be printed before starting the culture of the cells 902. For example, the two-dimensional barcode 94 may be printed by the printing unit 30 after starting the culture of the cells 902 and before acquiring the first image data 96.

<2-2. Information reading and image acquisition operation>,
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when reading the two-dimensional barcode 94 and acquiring the image data 96. When reading the two-dimensional barcode 94 and acquiring the image data 96, first, the user of the image acquisition apparatus 1 sets the well plate 90 holding the culture solution 901 and the cells 902 in the plate holding unit 10 (step). S21). Next, the user operates the input unit 80 to input a command for reading the two-dimensional barcode 94 and acquiring the image data 96 (step S22). Then, the computer 60 as a control unit controls the moving mechanism 11, the light projecting unit 20, the information reading unit 40, and the imaging unit 50, and the following series of processes proceeds.

  First, the moving mechanism 11 operates to move the well plate 90 to a position below the information reading unit 40 (step S23). Then, the information reading unit 40 reads the two-dimensional barcode 94 on the well plate 90 (step S24). Thereby, the barcode information 93 included in the two-dimensional barcode 94 is acquired. The acquired barcode information 93 is stored in the storage unit 64 in the computer 60.

  Subsequently, the moving mechanism 11 operates to move the well plate 90 to a position below the imaging unit 50 (step S25). Then, the imaging unit 50 captures the well plate 90 and acquires image data 96 (step S26). The acquired image data 96 is digitized by the A / D conversion unit 63 and stored in the storage unit 64.

  Thereafter, the barcode information 93 acquired in step S24 is associated with the image data 96 acquired in step S26 (step S27). For example, the correspondence between the acquired barcode information 93 and the acquired image data 96 is written in the first table data 98 as shown in FIG.

  In this way, a large number of image data 96 can be managed in association with the barcode information 93 that identifies each well plate 90. Therefore, changes with time of the cells 902 for each well plate 90 can be easily observed. In particular, in the present embodiment, reading of the two-dimensional barcode 94 and acquisition of the image data 96 are performed as a series of operations for the same well plate 90. For this reason, the barcode information 93 and the image data 96 are more reliably associated with each other.

  Note that, after the image data 96 is acquired by the imaging unit 50, additional information 95 indicating the number of times of imaging or the like may be printed on the well plate 90 that is the imaging target. Specifically, the well plate 90 after photographing is moved to a position below the printing unit 30 by the moving mechanism 11. Then, the printing unit 30 prints the additional information 95 on the well plate 90. In this way, based on the additional information 95 printed on the well plate 90, the processing status relating to the well plate 90 can be visually recognized.

<2-3. Image display operation>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when the image data 96 is displayed on the display unit 70. The image acquisition apparatus 1 selects a mode in which the barcode information 93 is input and the corresponding image data 96 is read out, and a mode in which detailed search conditions are input and the image data 96 matching the search mode is narrowed down. Yes (step S31).

  When the barcode information 93 is input, the two-dimensional barcode 94 on the well plate 90 is read, or the user directly inputs the barcode information 93 from the input unit 80 (step S32).

  On the other hand, when inputting the search condition, the user operates the input unit 80 to specify at least one search condition such as the type of the cell 902, the type of the compound added to the culture solution 901, the culture period, and the like. (Step S33). The search conditions can include, for example, the culture conditions included in the second table data 99.

  When the search condition is input, the computer 60 refers to the second table data 99 to identify the barcode information 93 that matches the search condition (step S34). For example, in the example of the second table data 99 shown in FIG. 4, when the search condition is “compound = M123”, the bar code information 93 that matches the search condition is “1234567AA”, “12345667BB”, The number is “1234567AC”.

  Thereafter, the computer 60 refers to the bar code information 93 input in step S32 or the bar code information 93 specified in step S34, and the first table data 98, so that the computer 60 stores a number of data stored in the storage unit 64. The image data 96 corresponding to the barcode information 93 is read out from the image data 96. Then, the computer 60 displays the read image data 96 on the display unit 70 in a manner as shown in FIG. 5, for example (step S35).

<3. Modification>
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the well plate 90 is photographed after reading the two-dimensional barcode 94, but the order of reading the two-dimensional barcode 94 and photographing the well plate 90 is reversed. May be. That is, the order of steps S23 to S24 and steps S25 to S26 in FIG. 7 may be interchanged.

  In the above embodiment, the well plate 90 is moved by the moving mechanism 11, but the light projecting unit 20, the printing unit 30, the information reading unit 40, and the imaging unit 50 move instead of the well plate 90. It may be a configuration. When it is important to perform imaging while suppressing the shaking of the culture medium 901 and the cells 902, it is preferable to keep the well plate 90 stationary. However, if the printing unit 30 and the imaging unit 50 are configured to be movable, it is difficult to maintain the printing mechanism and the optical system with high accuracy. Therefore, when it is important to maintain the accuracy of the printing mechanism and the optical system, it is preferable to move the well plate 90 as in the above embodiment.

  Further, the printing position of the two-dimensional barcode 94 on the well plate 90 may be different from that in FIG. For example, a two-dimensional barcode 94 may be printed on the side surface of the well plate 90.

  The means for applying the two-dimensional barcode 94 to the well plate 90 may be a means other than ink jet printing. For example, laser printing, stamping, mechanical processing, and the like may be used. Further, instead of the two-dimensional barcode 94, characters, symbols, a one-dimensional barcode, etc. may be printed on the well plate 90 as identification information. Further, an electronic medium such as an IC tag holding identification information or a seal label printed with identification information may be attached to the well plate 90. In other words, the information providing unit only needs to provide identification information for identifying the well plate 90 to the well plate 90 by some medium.

  In addition, identification information is given to the conditions of each recess 91 of the well plate 90 (cell type, type of culture solution, type of added compound, concentration of compound in the culture solution, etc.), and the identification information. The image may be managed for each recess 91 based on the above. At this time, identification information for identifying the recess 91 may be provided in the vicinity of each recess 91 of the well plate 90 by printing or the like.

  Further, the barcode information 93, the image data 96, the first table data 98, and the second table data 99 may be input / output from / to another apparatus or system. For example, a data output unit may be added to the image acquisition device 1 so that the data stored in the storage unit 64 can be output to another device. In addition, data input means may be added to the image acquisition device 1 so that various culture conditions included in the second table data 99 can be input from a chemical liquid dispensing system or a cell culture incubation system.

  In addition, the culture substance retained in the well plate 90 may exist in a liquid phase constantly or may change into a gel shape with time. That is, the culture material may be liquid at least at the time of injection. In addition, the cells held in the well plate 90 may be individual cells that do not constitute a tissue, or may be biological matter such as bacteria composed of a plurality of cells.

  Further, the number of the recesses 91 included in the well plate 90 may be different from the example of FIG. Moreover, the image acquisition apparatus of the present invention may be an apparatus that images a container other than the well plate.

  Further, the method of culturing the cells 902 in the well plate 90 may be either two-dimensional culture or three-dimensional culture. However, in the case of three-dimensional culture, the present invention is particularly useful because it is difficult to observe a cell cluster that has grown three-dimensionally by conventional optical measurement.

  In addition, the detailed configuration of the image acquisition device may be different from the configuration illustrated in each drawing of the present application. Moreover, you may combine suitably each element which appeared in said embodiment and modification in the range which does not produce inconsistency.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image acquisition apparatus 10 Plate holding part 11 Movement mechanism 20 Light projection part 21 1st light source 22 2nd light source 30 Printing part 40 Information reading part 50 Imaging part 60 Computer 61 CPU
62 Function switching unit 63 A / D conversion unit 64 Storage unit 70 Display unit 71 Window 80 Input unit 90 Well plate 91 Recessed portion 92 Bottom portion 93 Bar code information 94 Two-dimensional bar code 95 Additional information 96 Image data 97 Computer program 98 First Table data 99 Second table data 901 Culture medium 902 cells

Claims (10)

An image acquisition device for acquiring an image of a cell held in a container having a light-transmitting bottom part together with a culture substance that is a liquid at least at the time of injection,
A holding part for holding the container horizontally;
A light projecting unit for irradiating the container with light;
An imaging unit for capturing image data by imaging the inside of the container;
An information providing unit for providing identification information for identifying the container to the container;
An image acquisition apparatus comprising: The image acquisition device according to claim 1,
An image acquisition device further comprising an information reading unit that reads identification information given to the container. The image acquisition device according to claim 2,
An image acquisition apparatus further comprising a storage unit that stores the identification information read by the information reading unit and the image data acquired by the imaging unit in association with each other. The image acquisition device according to claim 3,
The said memory | storage part is an image acquisition apparatus which matches the culture | cultivation conditions of the cell in the said container with the said identification information, and memorize | stores it. The image acquisition device according to claim 4,
Input means for inputting at least one of a plurality of culture conditions stored in the storage unit as a search condition;
Search means for narrowing down image data that matches the search condition from among a plurality of image data stored in the storage unit,
An image acquisition device further comprising: An image acquisition device according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
An image acquisition apparatus further comprising: a control unit that controls the information adding unit, the information reading unit, and the imaging unit. The image acquisition device according to claim 6,
The control unit is an image acquisition device that controls the information reading unit and the imaging unit such that reading of identification information by the information reading unit and acquisition of image data by the imaging unit are performed as a series of operations. The image acquisition device according to claim 6 or 7,
The said control part is an image acquisition apparatus which controls the said information provision part so that additional information may be added to the said container used as the imaging object after acquisition of the image data by the said imaging part. The image acquisition device according to any one of claims 6 to 8,
The said control part is an image acquisition apparatus which determines the readability of the said identification information by the said information reading part after the provision of the identification information by the said information provision part. An image acquisition method for acquiring an image of a cell held in a container together with a culture substance that is a liquid at least at the time of injection,
a) an information providing step of giving identification information for identifying the container to the container;
b) an information reading step for reading the identification information given to the container;
c) an imaging step of taking an image of the container and acquiring image data;
d) a storage step of storing the identification information read in the information reading step and the image data acquired in the imaging step in association with each other;
An image acquisition method including:

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