JP2015192636A - Measuring apparatus, screening apparatus, measuring method, and screening method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a measuring apparatus capable of efficient measurement.SOLUTION: A measuring apparatus comprises: a storage part which stores a first parameter group for support member suitable for the case where a biochip is supported by a first support member, a second parameter group for support member suitable for the case where a biochip is supported by a second support member, a first parameter group for biochip suitable for measurement of a first biochip, and a second parameter group for biochip suitable for measurement of a second biochip; a selection part of a parameter group for support member which selects either one of the first parameter group for support member and the second parameter group for support member stored in the storage part; a selection part of a parameter group for biochip which selects either one of the first parameter group for biochip and the second parameter group for biochip stored in storage part; and a measurement part which measures a plurality of biochips supported by the support members based on the selected parameter group for support member and the selected parameter group for biochip.

Description

  The present invention relates to a measuring device, a screening device, a measuring method, and a screening method.

  An array plate having an array on the bottom surface of a well is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-513457 A

  When the measurement apparatus is made to correspond to measurement using various biochips and support members, the measurement apparatus may not be able to efficiently measure the biochip.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a measuring device, a screening device, a measuring method, and a screening method that enable efficient measurement.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first parameter group for the support member suitable for the case where the biochip to be measured is supported by the first support member, and a configuration different from the configuration of the first support member. A second parameter group for a support member suitable for a case where a biochip to be measured is supported by a second support member, a first parameter group for a biochip suitable for measurement of the first biochip, and a first bio A storage unit for storing a second biochip parameter group suitable for measurement of a second biochip having a configuration different from the configuration of the chip, and a first parameter group for support member and a support member stored in the storage unit Support member parameter group selection section for selecting one of the second parameter groups and selection of the support member parameter group by the support member parameter group selection section can be selected independently. Yes, selected by the biochip parameter group selection unit for selecting either the first parameter group for biochip or the second parameter group for biochip stored in the storage unit, and the parameter group selection unit for support member A measurement apparatus comprising a support member parameter group and a measurement unit that measures a plurality of biochips supported by the support member based on the biochip parameter group selected by the biochip parameter group selection unit. Provided.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the measurement apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention and a bioassay device that performs a bioassay using a plurality of biochips supported by a support member are provided. A screening device is provided.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first parameter group for the support member suitable for the case where the biochip to be measured is supported by the first support member, and a configuration different from the configuration of the first support member. Selecting one of the support member parameter groups suitable as a support member parameter group when the measurement target biochip is supported by the second support member, and measuring the first biochip Any one of the suitable first parameter group for biochip and the second parameter group for biochip suitable for the measurement of the second biochip having a configuration different from the configuration of the first biochip is designated as the biochip parameter group. And selecting independently of the selection of the support member parameter group, the selected support member parameter group, and the selected biochip parameter group. Based on the measurement method comprising, measuring a plurality of biochips are supported is provided by the support member.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, preparing a support member supporting a plurality of biochips, performing a bioassay using a plurality of biochips supported by the support member, The biochip to be measured is supported by the first parameter group for the support member suitable when the chip is supported by the first support member, and the second support member having a configuration different from the configuration of the first support member. Selecting one of the second parameter groups for the support member suitable for the case as the parameter group for the support member, the first parameter group for the biochip suitable for the measurement of the first biochip, and the first biochip Any one of the second parameter groups for biochip suitable for the measurement of the second biochip having a configuration different from the configuration of 1 is used as the parameter group for biochip. Based on the selection of the parameter group for the support member independently of the selection of the parameter group for the support member and the selected parameter group for the support member and the selected parameter group for the biochip, Measuring a chip is provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a measurement device, a screening device, a measurement method, and a screening method that enable efficient measurement.

The figure which shows schematic structure of the screening apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The external appearance perspective view which shows the biochip and base material which concern on embodiment. The external appearance perspective view of the biochip which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a folder configuration of the storage device according to the embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the window displayed by the screening process which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the main screen which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the main screen which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the mode switching screen W8 which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the main screen of the administrator mode which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the plate recipe list screen which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the plate recipe edit screen which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the biochip on the plate which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the origin position of the support area | region in the plate which concerns on embodiment. The figure explaining the information regarding the biochip which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the chip recipe list screen which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the chip recipe edit screen which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the spot area | region of the biochip 3 which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the imaging order of the division area in the spot area which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the recipe list screen which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the main screen which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the main screen which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the mode switching screen which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the main screen which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the measurement result screen which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the log screen which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the main screen which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the main screen which concerns on embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the measuring apparatus, measuring method, screening apparatus, and screening method of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the screening apparatus 100.
The screening apparatus 100 is an apparatus that screens the biochip BC.
The screening device 100 is, for example, a device that screens the biochip BC supported by the base material CP. The screening device 100 includes a dispensing device (pretreatment unit; bioassay device) BA, a measuring device SC, an analyzer AN, a transport device RB, a control device CT1, a control device CT2, a personal computer X1, and a personal computer. X2. Dispensing device BA, measuring device SC, analyzer AN, transport device RB, personal computer X1, and personal computer X2 are connected to be communicable with each other. Dispensing device BA, measuring device SC, analyzer AN, transport device RB, personal computer X1, and personal computer X2 are connected to each other via a communication line (communication unit) CL using a LAN cable, for example. Has been. As the communication line CL, for example, it is possible to adopt a LAN connection configuration in which communication is performed by the TCP / IP protocol. The dispensing device BA, the measuring device SC, the analyzing device AN, and the transport device RB have been described with reference to an example in which they are communicably connected to each other via a wire. However, the present invention is not limited to this. May be communicably connected to each other.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the biochip BC and the base material CP.
The base material CP is a member for supporting the biochip BC. The base material CP has a first surface CPa and a second surface CPb. The first surface CPa is a surface (back side) opposite to the second surface CPb in the base material CP. As an example, the base material CP is a plate-shaped member. As an example, the base material CP is a substrate. As an example, the base material CP is a flat substrate having a rectangular shape in plan view.
The base material CP supports the biochip BC on the first surface CPa side. The biochip BC is supported on the first surface CPa side of the base material CP. As an example, the biochip BC is supported on the first surface CPa side of the base material CP via an adhesive. As an example, the biochip BC is fixed (adhered) to the first surface CPa of the base material CP with an adhesive. As an example, the first surface CPa of the base material CP includes a support region 21 for supporting the biochip BC. As an example, the biochip BC is supported on the base material BC using the support region 21. As an example, the biochip BC is supported on the support region 21 via an adhesive. As an example, the biochip BC is fixed (adhered) to the support region 21 with an adhesive.
As an example, the base material CP supports a plurality of biochips BC on the first surface side CPa side. As an example, the first surface CPa of the base material CP includes a plurality of support regions 21. As an example, each of the plurality of support regions 21 is a region for supporting the biochip 21. As an example, each of the plurality of support regions 21 is provided at the same height in the base material CP. As an example, all of the plurality of support regions 21 have the same distance to the second surface CPb in the direction perpendicular to the second surface CPb. As an example, the plurality of support regions 21 are regions different from each other. As an example, the plurality of support regions 21 are regions separated from each other. As an example, each of the plurality of support regions 21 is an independent region. As an example, each of the plurality of support regions 21 is a region provided individually. As an example, each of the plurality of support regions 21 is a partitioned region.
In the example of FIG. 2, the base material CP supports 96 biochips BC. In the example of FIG. 2, the base material CP has 96 support regions 21 on the first surface CPa. In the example of FIG. 2, 96 support regions 21 are provided in a matrix on the first surface CPa. In the example of FIG. 2, each of the 96 support regions 21 supports one biochip BC via an adhesive, for example. In the example of FIG. 2, 96 biochips BC are supported in a matrix on the base material CP. Note that FIG. 1 shows a state in which the number of biochips BC is reduced for convenience of explanation.
In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the base material CP will be described as the Y direction, the lateral direction of the plate CP as the X direction, and the direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction will be described as appropriate.

  FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the biochip BC. The biochip BC has a base material BP and a probe (spot) S. For example, the biochip BC forms a biomolecule array in which a large number of probes S formed by laminating a plurality of biomolecules are formed on the surface 18 of a base material BP having a size of 1 to 10 mm square. The biochip BC is formed, for example, by forming spots on a silicon wafer and then dicing the silicon wafer into individual pieces. In addition, the probe S performs, for example, a process of arranging a predetermined biomolecule forming material on a silicon wafer and an exposure process of selectively irradiating the biomolecule forming material with light of a predetermined wavelength via a mask. By repeating, it is formed by laminating a plurality of biomolecules. The biomolecule formed in this way, for example, binds to the sample by a specific reaction with the fluorescently labeled sample to be measured, and generates predetermined fluorescence by illumination with predetermined light (excitation light). To do.

  Dispensing device BA dispenses a specimen onto biochip BC, and performs a reaction process (bioassay) between the probe (biomolecule) of biochip BC and a target contained in the specimen. As an example, the dispensing device BA dispenses a specimen to each of the plurality of biochips BC in a state in which the plurality of biochips BC are partitioned, and a biochip BC probe (biomolecule) and a target contained in the specimen. The reaction process (bioassay) is performed. As shown in FIG. 1, the dispensing apparatus BA includes a control unit (second control unit) CT2 that communicates with the control unit CT1 of the measuring apparatus SC via the communication line CL. The control unit CT2 stores software (execution program) for executing a dispensing process described later. The execution program is controlled (operated) by the personal computer X2. The personal computer X2 includes a control unit CT12 for executing the above program. The control unit CT12 stores software (control program) for controlling (operating) the execution program. The personal computer X2 includes an input unit KB2 for inputting information related to the control of the dispensing device BA. The personal computer X2 includes a display unit DP2 on which information related to processing and control of the dispensing device BA is displayed. A personal computer X2 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called laptop personal computer in which an input unit KB2, a display unit DP2, and a control unit CT12 are integrated. The personal computer X2 may be a desktop personal computer instead of a laptop personal computer. In this case, in the personal computer X2, the input unit KB2, the display unit DP2, and the control unit CT12 are configured separately from each other (some may be integrated). 1 illustrates a configuration in which the control unit CT2 is provided inside the dispensing device BA, but a configuration provided separately from the dispensing device BA may be used.

The measuring device SC emits excitation light for generating fluorescence in the biochip BC, which is an object to be irradiated, and bright field light for generating reflected light from the biochip BC. The reflected light is measured.
The measuring device SC includes a measuring device main body 10 and a control unit CT1.
The measuring apparatus main body 10 includes an imaging unit 11 and a stage unit 13. The imaging unit 11 has a light source, an optical system, and a sensor. The imaging unit 11 includes, for example, a CMOS element. The imaging unit 11 includes a light source, an objective lens, and the like. The imaging unit 11 illuminates the measurement object supported by the stage unit 13 with light from the light source, and forms an image of the illuminated measurement object on the imaging unit 11.

  The stage unit 13 includes a vibration isolator 14, a surface plate 15, and a stage 16. The anti-vibration table 14 supports the surface plate 15 and the stage 16 in a vibrationally separated manner from a base (not shown). The surface plate 15 supports the stage 16 movably. The stage 16 holds the second surface CPb of the base material CP, and can move in the direction around the axis extending in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction on the surface plate 15 under the control of the control unit CT1.

A storage unit (first holding unit, second holding unit) HD is connected to the control unit CT1. The storage unit HD stores device constants such as initial settings when the screening device 100 is started up, software (execution program) for executing control of screening processing described later, and information (first information) on the base material CP in the measurement of biomolecules. A plurality of plate recipes (first information group), a chip recipe (second information group) including a plurality of information (second information) on the biochip BC in the measurement of biomolecules, and the like are stored. The execution program is executed (operated) by the personal computer X1, and includes software for controlling the dispensing device BA, the measuring device SC, the analyzer AN, and the transport device RB.
FIG. 4 shows an example of the folder structure of the storage unit HD. As shown in FIG. 4, the storage unit HD includes an execution file, an image processing data storage folder, a setting value storage folder, a shooting data storage folder, a log storage folder, a recipe storage folder, and the like.

  The personal computer X1 includes a display unit DP1, an input unit KB1, and a control unit CT11. The control unit CT11 stores software (control program) for controlling (operating) the execution program. A personal computer X1 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called laptop personal computer in which an input unit KB1, a display unit DP1, and a control unit CT11 are integrated. The personal computer X1 may be a desktop personal computer instead of a laptop personal computer. In this case, in the personal computer X1, the input unit KB1, the display unit DP1, and the control unit CT11 are separate from each other (a part may be integrated). The input unit KB1 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel of the display unit DP1, and the like. The input unit KB1 can select an option by performing predetermined input on various selectable options displayed on the display unit DP1 including the plate recipe and the chip recipe.

  The display unit DP1 displays the processing status of the screening process (bioassay process, measurement process, analysis process). Further, the display unit DP1 displays an operation mode, various options, and the like related to the screening of the biochip BC so that an input operation can be performed by the input unit KB in accordance with the situation at the time of display.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a window displayed at a stage in the screening process.
As shown in FIG. 5, the display unit DP1 displays the main screen W1 as a main screen, and can display a recipe selection screen W2 and a measurement chip instruction screen W3 according to the selection on the main screen W1. The main screen W1 is displayed according to the operation mode: a plate recipe list screen W4, a chip recipe list screen W5, a log screen W6, a result screen W7, and an operation mode switching screen W8. The display unit DP1 displays a plate recipe edit screen W41 according to the selection on the plate recipe list screen W4. The display unit DP1 displays a chip recipe editing screen W51 according to the selection on the chip recipe list screen W5. Display unit DP1 displays password input screen W81 in response to selection on operation mode switching screen W8. Furthermore, the display unit DP1 can display an error output screen W9 as an error in the screening process. The above screen is displayed as a window on the display unit DP1. The window is a unit that can be moved to an arbitrary place on the display surface of the display unit DP1.

  As will be described later, the control unit CT1 controls operations related to the measurement of the biochip BC in cooperation with the control unit CT2 through communication via the communication line CL under the control of the personal computer X1. The control units CT1 and CT2 cooperate with each other based on the device constants, plate recipes, chip recipes, and the like stored in the storage unit HD, so that the dispensing device BA, the measuring device body 10, the transport device RB, and the analyzer AN The operation is controlled (details will be described later).

  The transport device RB transports the base material CP provided with the biochip BC between the dispensing device BA and the measurement device SC under the control of the control units CT1 and CT2.

  The analyzer AN inputs the affinity between the biomolecule and the target (for example, the presence or absence of fluorescence and the intensity of the fluorescence based on the information about the biomolecule measured by the measuring device SC, which is input via the communication line CL. (E.g., reactivity or binding based on the above) is analyzed and detected as, for example, inspection data of image information.

Next, items to be set in advance when the screening process including the measurement process is performed by the screening apparatus 100 having the above configuration will be described.
The screening apparatus 100 has an online mode (non-management mode, cooperative mode), an offline mode (non-cooperative mode), and an administrator mode as operation modes. The online mode mainly includes bioassay processing by the dispensing device BA under the control of the control unit CT2, and measurement processing by the measuring device SC (excitation light for generating fluorescence in the biochip BC and reflected light from the biochip BC. This is an operation mode in which bright field light to be generated is emitted and the fluorescence and reflected light generated in the biochip BC are measured continuously and automatically by the analysis device AN. The offline mode is an operation mode in which the measurement process by the measurement apparatus SC is manually executed. The administrator mode is an operation mode for creating and editing plate recipes and chip recipes.

The preparation (preparation) of the plate recipe and the chip recipe is performed in advance in an administrator mode before the screening process.
The setting operation in the administrator mode will be described below.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the main screen W1.
Note that the main screen W1 shown in FIG. 6 is a screen for explaining a display unit that can be displayed, and a display unit that is not displayed depending on the operation mode is also illustrated.
The main screen W1 includes a measurement status display section B1, an operation mode display section B2, a recipe information display section B3, a chip imaging status display section B4, a time display section B5 until measurement completion, a measurement operation button display section B6, and an indicator display section B7. , An external device status display section B8, a log display section B9, and a function operation button display section B10. Buttons B61 to B65 (details will be described later) included in the measurement operation button display section B6 and buttons B101 to B106 (details will be described later) included in the function operation button display section B10 can be selected according to the operation mode at that time. It is displayed in a state or in a state where it cannot be selected (hereinafter referred to as “gray out display” as appropriate).

  The measurement status display section B1 displays the progress of the biochip BC layout and the biochip BC measurement process. The operation mode display part B2 displays the currently selected operation mode. In the recipe information display section B3, a plate recipe and a chip recipe, which will be described later, which are currently selected, are displayed with a recipe name and a comment, respectively. The chip imaging status display unit B4 displays the imaging progress status when imaging one biochip BC divided into a plurality of times. The time display part B5 displays the time until the measurement is completed. The indicator display unit B7 displays the progress status of the measurement process. The indicator display B7 includes a “Light dosimetry” indicator B71 indicating “measurement of the amount of illumination light”, a “Barcode Reading” indicator B72 indicating “barcode reading”, and a “Plate Alignment” indicator indicating “plate position adjustment”. B73, “Scan” indicator B74 indicating “chip imaging”, and “Re-light dosimetry” indicator B75 indicating “re-measurement of illumination light quantity”. The indicator display unit B7 lights up and displays an indicator corresponding to the sequence being processed by the measuring device SC.

  The external device status display unit B8 displays the status between the measuring device SC and the dispensing device BA and between the measuring device SC and the analyzer AN. The external device status display section B8 includes an “BA” indicator B81 indicating the dispensing device BA and an “AN” indicator B82 indicating the analyzer AN. The “BA” indicator B81 and the “AN” indicator B82 are provided in the “Connect” area and the “Wait” area, respectively. In the external device status display section B8, the “BA” indicator B81 in the “Connect” area lights up when the connection between the measuring device SC and the dispensing device BA is established. In the external device status display section B8, the “BA” indicator B81 in the “Wait” area lights up when the measuring device SC is in a control standby state from the dispensing device BA. In the external device status display section B8, the “AN” indicator B82 in the “Connect” area lights up when the connection between the measuring device SC and the analyzer AN is established. In the external device status display section B8, the “AN” indicator B82 in the “Wait” area lights up when the measuring device SC is in a control standby state from the analyzer AN. The log display unit B9 displays a log related to the measurement process.

The measurement operation button display section B6 includes a “Prepare Measurement” button B61, a “Select Recipe” button B62, a “Specify Measurement Chips” button B63, a “Start Measurement” button B64, and an “Abort” button B65. The “Prepare Measurement” button B61 is a button for selection when the operator performs a measurement preparation operation. The “Select Recipe” button B62 is a button for selecting when the operator displays a plate recipe and a chip recipe (details will be described later). The “Specify Measurement Chips” button B63 is a button for selecting when the operator can designate a biochip BC to be measured (details will be described later). The “Start Measurement” button B64 is a button that is selected when the operator starts measurement processing (details will be described later). The “Abort” button B65 is a button for selecting when the operator forcibly ends the measurement process.
The “Prepare Measurement” button B61, the “Select Recipe” button B62, the “Specify Measurement Chips” button B63, the “Start Measurement” button B64, and the “Abort” button B65 are other than the “button”. May also be a “mark” or “icon”.

  The function operation button display section B10 includes a “Change Mode” button B101, a “Plate Recipe” button B102, a “Chip Recipe” button B103, a “Results” button B104, a “Log” button B105, and an “Exit” button B106. . The “Change Mode” button B101 is a button for selecting when the operator switches the operation mode described above. The “Plate Recipe” button B102 is a button for the operator to select when creating or editing a plate recipe. The “Chip Recipe” button B103 is a button for the operator to select when creating or editing a chip recipe. The “Results” button B104 is a button for selecting when the operator executes “confirmation of measurement result”. The “Log” button B105 is a button for selecting when the operator executes “log display confirmation”. The “Exit” button B106 is a button for the operator to select when ending the measurement process. “Change Mode” button B101, “Plate Recipe” button B102, “Chip Recipe” button B103, “Results” button B104, “Log” button B105 and “Exit” button B106 are not only “buttons” but also “marks” and It may be an “icon”.

Next, switching of the operation mode will be described.
FIG. 7 is a screen displayed in the window of the display unit DP1 when the operation mode is set to the offline mode in the screening apparatus 100. As an example, FIG. 7 shows a main screen W1 displayed when the application is activated. The activation in this case means that the screening apparatus 100 is started up including the power ON of the dispensing device BA, the power of the measuring device SC, the power of the personal computer AX1, and the power of the personal computer AX2, and an application icon in the personal computer AX1. Including double-clicking.
Note that the screen shown in FIG. 7 may be displayed at times other than startup, for example, when a plate recipe or a chip recipe described later is not selected.
In the following description, the main screen W1 including the display units B1 to B10 is displayed on the display unit DP1 unless otherwise specified. The button selection performed on the main screen W1 or another screen is performed using the input unit KB1, and the control unit CT11 is described as displaying a screen corresponding to the input of the input unit KB1 on the window of the display unit DP1. Is omitted.

  When switching from the offline mode to the administrator mode, the “Change Mode” button B101 in the function operation button display B10 is selected. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 8, the mode switching screen W8 is displayed. The mode switching screen W8 includes an “Online” button B111, an “Offline” button B112, and an “Administrator” button B113. Since the mode switching screen is displayed in the offline mode, the “Offline” button is grayed out. That is, on the mode switching screen W8, buttons corresponding to the operation mode set when the mode switching screen W8 is displayed (that is, the operation mode set when the “Change Mode” button B101 is selected) are displayed. It is displayed so that it cannot be selected (for example, grayed out). The administrator mode is changed by selecting the “Administrator” button B113 and inputting a preset password.

FIG. 9 is a screen displayed in the window of the display unit DP1 when the operation mode is set to the administrator mode in the screening apparatus 100. As an example, FIG. 9 shows a main screen W1 displayed when the “Administrator” button B113 is selected and a preset password is input.
“Administrator” is displayed in the mode display section B2. When creating or editing a plate recipe, the “Plate Recipe” button B102 displayed on the function operation button display B10 is selected. When creating or editing a chip recipe, the “Chip Recipe” button B103 displayed on the function operation button display B10 is selected.

FIG. 10 shows a plate recipe list screen W4 on which a list of plate recipes is displayed. As an example, the plate recipe list screen W4 is displayed by selecting a “Plate Recipe” button B102. The plate recipe list screen W4 includes a recipe search display unit B11 for inputting a keyword when searching for a registered plate recipe, a recipe list display unit B12 capable of displaying a registered recipe list, and a recipe edit button display unit B13. Including. The recipe search display unit B11 can search for a plate recipe using a recipe name or a comment attached to the recipe as a keyword. The recipe search display unit B11 includes an input unit B11a for inputting a search target keyword, a target selection unit B11b for selecting a search target from a recipe name or a comment, or both, and a search start button B11c. The search start button B11c is a button that is selected when the operator starts a search with the search target selected by the target selection unit B11b with the keyword input to the input unit B11a.
Note that the chip recipe is not displayed on the plate recipe list screen W4.

  The recipe edit button display section B13 includes a “Delete” button B131, a “Copy” button B132, a “Create” button B133, and an “Edit” button B134. When the “Delete” button B131 is selected, the plate recipe selected in the recipe list display section B12 is deleted. When the “Copy” button B132 is selected, the plate recipe selected in the recipe list display section B12 is duplicated. When the “Create” button B133 is selected, all the setting values on the plate recipe editing screen W41 are displayed in a blank state. When the “Edit” button B134 is selected, the plate recipe editing screen W41 is displayed in a state where setting items can be edited for the plate recipe selected in the recipe list display section B12.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the plate recipe edit screen W41 includes a recipe name input unit B14 for inputting a recipe name, a recipe comment input unit B15 for inputting an arbitrary recipe comment, and a chip information input unit B16. , Rotation correction input unit B17, communication setting unit B180, save button B181, and cancel button B182. The communication setting unit B180 is an area for setting whether or not to perform communication with the analyzer AN, and “ON” or “OFF” can be selected. When “ON” is selected in the communication setting unit B180, communication with the analyzer AN is performed. When “ON” is selected in the communication setting unit B180, measurement data is transmitted to the analyzer AN when the measurement of the biochip is completed. When “OFF” is selected in the communication setting unit B180, communication with the analyzer AN is not performed. When “OFF” is selected in the communication setting unit B180, the measurement data is not transmitted to the analyzer AN even if the measurement of the biochip is completed.

  The chip information input unit B16 inputs information regarding the biochip BC arranged on the base material CP, and includes a chip number input unit B161, an origin input unit B162, and a support region center interval input unit B164.

  The chip number input unit B161 is for inputting the number of biochips BC (supporting region 21) supported on the base material CP. For example, either 96 or 24 can be selected. As an example, in the case of 96 biochips BC, as shown in FIG. 12A, the support region 21 is 12 in the Y direction and 8 in the X direction, for a total of 96, or FIG. As shown in b), a total of 24 support regions 21 can be selected, six in the Y direction and four in the X direction. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that 96 are selected.

  The origin input part B162 is for inputting the origin position of the support areas 21 arranged in the base material CP. As shown in FIG. 13A, the origin input section B162 includes a case where the support areas 21 at the corners on the + X side and the −Y side are the origin positions, as shown in FIG. FIG. 13C shows a case where the support area 21 at the corner on the + Y side is the origin position, and a case where the support area 21 at the corner on the −X side and the −Y side is the origin position as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13D, it is possible to select either the case where the support regions 21 at the corners on the −X side and the + Y side are the origin positions. In the present embodiment, the plurality of support regions 21 arranged in a matrix are referred to as A row, B row,... In the X direction, and 1 row, 2 rows,. The support region 21 serving as the origin position is A row in the X direction and 1 row in the Y direction. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13C, it is assumed that the support regions 21 at the corners on the −X side and the −Y side are selected as the origin positions. In the present embodiment, in the chip number input part B161, since the support region 21 selects 12 support regions 21 in the Y direction and 8 support regions in the X direction, a total of 96 support regions 21 are arranged on the base material CP with respect to the X direction. The support regions 21 are arranged in 1 to 12 rows with respect to the rows and the Y direction.

  The support region center interval input part B164 is for inputting the center interval of each of the support regions 21 arranged on the base material CP. As shown in FIG. 14B, the support region center interval input unit B164 can input the center interval V of the support region 21 in the X direction and the center interval H of the support region 21 in the Y direction.

  The rotation correction input unit B17 inputs information related to rotation correction of the base material CP in the θZ direction (rotation direction around the Z axis), and a chip input unit that inputs a biochip BC used when performing the rotation correction. B171 and a method input unit B172 for inputting a rotation correction execution method.

  In the chip input unit B171, the arrangement of columns in the X direction and the Y direction set by the input of the origin input unit B162 is selected as the biochip BC used when the rotation correction is performed (for example, A1,..., H12 Either).

Method input unit B172 is a method for performing rotation correction for each base material CP, a method for performing rotation correction for every biochip BC, and performing rotation correction for each base material CP, and the angle in the θZ direction has exceeded a threshold value. In this case, it is possible to select a method for performing rotation correction again.
The save button B181 is a button that is selected when the operator edits the result of editing the plate recipe. The cancel button B182 is a button that is selected when the operator finishes without saving the result of editing the plate recipe.

FIG. 15 is a chip recipe list screen W5 on which a list of chip recipes is displayed. As an example, the chip recipe list screen W5 is displayed by selecting the “Chip Recipe” button B103 on the function operation button display unit B10. The chip recipe list screen W5 includes a recipe search display unit B18 for inputting a keyword (character string) when searching for a registered chip recipe, a recipe list display unit B19 capable of displaying a registered recipe list, A recipe edit button display unit B20, a chip size input unit 163, and an offset value input unit B165 are included. The recipe search display unit B18 can search for a chip recipe using a recipe name or a comment attached to the recipe as a keyword. The recipe search display unit B18 includes an input unit B18a for inputting a search target keyword, a target selection unit B18b for selecting a search target from a recipe name and / or a comment, and a search start button B18c. The search start button B18c is a button that is selected when the operator starts a search with the search target selected by the target selection unit B18b with the keyword input to the input unit B18a.
Note that no plate recipe is displayed on the chip recipe list screen W5.

  The recipe edit button display section B20 includes a “Delete” button B201, a “Copy” button B202, a “Create” button B203, and an “Edit” button B204. When the “Delete” button B201 is selected, the chip recipe selected in the recipe list display section B19 is deleted. When the “Copy” button B202 is selected, the chip recipe selected in the recipe list display section B19 is duplicated. When the “Create” button B203 is selected, all setting values on the chip recipe editing screen W51 shown in FIG. 16 are displayed in a blank state. When the “Edit” button B204 is selected, the chip recipe editing screen W51 is displayed with the setting items editable for the chip recipe selected in the recipe list display section B19.

  The chip size input unit B163 inputs the size of the biochip BC. As shown in FIG. 14A, the chip size input unit B163 can input the length V in the X direction of the biochip BC and the length H in the Y direction of the biochip BC.

  The offset value input unit B165 inputs an offset value of the center position of the biochip BC with respect to the center position of the support region 21. As shown in FIG. 14C, the offset value input unit B165 can input an offset value V in the X direction and an offset value H in the Y direction.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the chip recipe editing screen W51 includes a recipe name input unit B21 for inputting a recipe name, a recipe comment input unit B22 for inputting a recipe comment, and an imaging information input unit B23. An information input unit B24 and an imaging start position information input unit B25 are included.

  The imaging information input unit B23 includes a magnification input unit B231, a preset selection unit B232, a filter input unit B233, a light source input unit B234, a light amount input unit B235, and an exposure time input unit B236. The magnification input unit B231 selects and inputs the magnification of the objective lens in the microscope unit 12. The filter input unit B233 selects and inputs a filter used in the microscope unit 12. The light source input unit B234 selects and inputs the type of light source used for imaging. The light quantity input unit B235 is for inputting a light quantity at the time of imaging. The exposure time input unit B236 is for inputting an exposure time at the time of imaging. The filter input unit B233, the light source input unit B234, the light amount input unit B235, and the exposure time input unit B236 are preset as a set. In the present embodiment, nine sets of the input units B233 to B236 can be preset. The preset selection unit B232 selects a set used for imaging.

  The division information input unit B24 includes an imaging division number input unit B241 and a movement amount input unit B242. The imaging division number input unit B241 inputs the division number when one biochip BC is divided and imaged. The division information input unit B24 can input the number of divisions in the X direction and the number of divisions in the Y direction, respectively. The movement amount input unit B242 can input the movement amount to the next imaging position in each of the X direction and the Y direction when the one biochip BC is divided and imaged.

  The imaging start position information input unit B25 divides the movement amount from the alignment mark provided on the biochip BC to the first imaging position in the X direction and the Y direction when the one biochip BC is divided and imaged. Can be entered. FIG. 17 is a diagram in which the spot area SA where the spots S are provided on the biochip BC is divided into four divided areas SA1 to SA4 as an example. Each of the divided areas SA1 to SA4 is set to a size that overlaps with the divided areas adjacent to each other in the X direction and the Y direction in the overlapping areas J1 and J2. The imaging start position information input unit B25 first performs imaging from the alignment mark AM formed in a cross shape by straight lines extending in the X direction and the Y direction, for example, in the X direction to the center position of the divided area SA1. A movement amount V and a movement amount H in the Y direction to the center position of the divided area SA1 can be input.

  As described above, when the spot area SA is divided into four, in order to shorten the movement time to the imaging position, for example, when the divided areas are set as shown in FIG. The imaging order is a nine-fold shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 18 (b), even when 64 divided areas each divided into 8 in the X direction and Y direction are set, the movement to the imaging position can be performed by using the ninety-nine fold imaging order. Time can be shortened.

  Next, the screening process performed using the plate recipe and the chip recipe in the screening apparatus 100 will be described. First, the case where the screening apparatus 100 in the power-off state is activated and the screening process is performed in the offline mode will be described.

When the screening apparatus 100 is activated in the offline mode, the measurement apparatus SC and the personal computer AX1 are turned on to enable measurement processing. In the offline mode, since the dispensing device BA and the measuring device SC are not linked, it is not always necessary to turn on the dispensing device BA and the personal computer AX2. When the power of the measuring device SC and the personal computer AX1 is turned on, and the operator double-clicks the application (control program) icon displayed on the screen of the display unit DP1 using the input unit KB1, the preset startup time As an operation mode, an offline mode window (main screen W1) shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display unit DP1.
In the offline mode, various instructions and selections are performed by the input unit KB1 of the personal computer AX1, but the description thereof is omitted in the following description. In the offline mode, screen display is performed on the display unit DP1 of the personal computer AX1, but the description thereof is omitted in the following description.

(Offline mode)
On the main screen W1 in the offline mode, “Offline” is displayed in the operation mode display section B2. On the main screen W1 in the offline mode, a “Prepare Measurement” button B61 and a “Select Recipe” button B62 are displayed. On the main screen W1 in the offline mode, a “Specify Measurement Chips” button B63, a “Start Measurement” button B64, and an “Abort” button B65 are grayed out. On the main screen W1 in the offline mode, a “Change Mode” button B101, a “Results” button B104, a “Log” button B105, and an “Exit” button B106 are displayed. On the main screen W1 in the offline mode, the “Plate Recipe” button B102 and the “Chip Recipe” button B103 are not displayed. On the main screen W1 immediately after the start-up, since the measurement process by the measuring device SC is not performed, “Not selected” is displayed on the measurement status display section B1, and “− / −” is displayed on the chip imaging status display section B4. Is displayed. Since the plate recipe and the chip recipe are not selected on the main screen W1 immediately after activation, “Not selected” is displayed for both the plate recipe and the chip recipe in the recipe information display section B3. Time display part B5 will be in a non-display state.

  When performing the measurement process in the offline mode, the mode is changed to the manager mode in order to set the plate recipe, the chip recipe, and the like. When switching to the administrator mode, the “Change Mode” button B101 in the function operation button display B10 is selected. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 8, the mode switching screen W8 is displayed. On the displayed mode switching screen W8, by selecting the “Administrator” button B113 and inputting a preset password, the operation mode is changed to the administrator mode, and the main screen W1 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. The

  As shown in FIG. 9, “Administrator” is displayed on the operation mode display section B2 on the main screen W1 in the administrator mode. On the main screen W1 in the administrator mode, a “Plate Recipe” button B102 and a “Chip Recipe” button B103 are displayed. On the main screen W1 in the administrator mode, the log information displayed on the log display unit B9 is updated.

  When creating or editing a plate recipe, the plate recipe list screen W4 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed by selecting the “Plate Recipe” button B102 in the function operation button display B10 on the main screen W1. . When the plate recipe list screen W4 is displayed and the “Create” button B133 is selected, all the setting values on the plate recipe editing screen W41 are displayed in a blank state. When the plate recipe edit screen W41 is displayed, the search target keyword is input to the input unit B11a, the search target is selected by the target selection unit B11b, and the search start button B11c is selected, the search result is displayed in the recipe list display unit B12. Is displayed. When the recipe displayed in the recipe list display section B12 is selected and the “Delete” button B131 is selected, the recipe is deleted. When the recipe displayed in the recipe list display section B12 is selected and the “Copy” button B132 is selected, the plate recipe selected in the recipe list display section B12 is duplicated. When the recipe displayed in the recipe list display section B12 is selected and the “Edit” button B134 is selected, the plate recipe editing screen W41 with the setting items editable for the plate recipe selected in the recipe list display section B12. Is displayed (see FIG. 11).

  When creating a new plate recipe, on the plate recipe edit screen W41, the recipe name is input on the base material CP by the recipe name input unit B14, the recipe comment is input by the recipe comment input unit B15, and the chip number input unit B161. The number of biochips BC to be formed, the origin positions of the support areas 21 arranged in the base material CP by the origin input section B162, and the support areas 21 arranged in a plurality on the base material CP by the support area center interval input section B164 A communication setting unit B180 communicates with the analyzer AN by using the method input unit B172 for the biochip BC used when the rotation correction is performed by the chip input unit B171 for each center interval. Enter whether or not. When the input of the setting item is completed and the setting item is saved, the save button B181 is selected. When the input is stopped without saving the setting item, the cancel button B182 is selected. When editing a plate recipe, the button corresponding to the setting item to be edited is selected and the setting item is edited. When the editing of the setting item is completed and the setting item is saved, the save button B181 is selected, and when the editing is stopped without saving the setting item, the cancel button B182 is selected.

  When creating or editing a chip recipe, the chip recipe list screen W5 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed by selecting the “Chip Recipe” button B103 in the function operation button display B10 on the main screen W1. . When the chip recipe list screen W5 is displayed and the “Create” button B203 is selected, all the setting values in the chip recipe editing screen W51 shown in FIG. 16 are displayed in a blank state. When the chip recipe list screen W5 is displayed, the search target keyword is input to the input unit B18a, the search target is selected by the target selection unit B18b, and the search start button B18c is selected, the search result is displayed in the recipe list display unit B19. Is displayed. When the recipe displayed in the recipe list display section B19 is selected and the “Delete” button B201 is selected, the recipe is deleted. When the recipe displayed in the recipe list display section B19 is selected and the “Copy” button B202 is selected, the chip recipe selected in the recipe list display section B19 is duplicated. When the recipe displayed in the recipe list display section B19 is selected and the “Edit” button B204 is selected, the chip recipe editing screen W51 with the setting items editable for the chip recipe selected in the recipe list display section B19. Is displayed (see FIG. 16).

  When a new chip recipe is created, a recipe name is input in the recipe name input unit B21 and a recipe comment is input in the recipe comment input unit B22 on the chip recipe editing screen W51. When a chip recipe is newly created, in the imaging information input unit B23 on the chip recipe editing screen W51, the magnification of the objective lens in the microscope unit 12 is selected and input by the magnification input unit B231, and the microscope is input by the filter input unit B233. Select the filter to be used in the unit 12, select the type of light source with the light source input unit B234, input the light amount at the time of imaging with the light amount input unit B235, input the exposure time at the time of imaging with the exposure time input unit B236, and preset A selection unit B232 selects a set to be used for imaging. When creating a new chip recipe, in the chip recipe editing screen W51, the number of divisions for dividing one biochip BC by the imaging division number input unit B241 is input in each of the X direction and the Y direction. To do. When a chip recipe is newly created, in the chip recipe editing screen W51, when one biochip BC is divided and imaged by the movement amount input unit B242, the movement amount to the next imaging position is set in the X direction and Input for each of the Y directions. When the input of the setting item is completed and the setting item is saved, the save button B251 is selected. When the input is stopped without saving the setting item, the cancel button B252 is selected. When editing the chip recipe, the button corresponding to the setting item to be edited is selected and the setting item is edited. When the editing of the setting item is completed and the setting item is saved, the save button B251 is selected. When the editing is stopped without saving the setting item, the cancel button B252 is selected.

  When the creation / editing of the plate recipe and the chip recipe is completed, the “Change Mode” button B101 on the main screen W1 in the administrator mode shown in FIG. 9 is selected. When the “Change Mode” button B101 is selected, the main screen W1 in the offline mode shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. When the “Prepare Measurement” button B61 of the measurement operation button display section B6 is selected on the main screen W1, the stage 16 of the measuring device SC moves to the carry-in position of the base material CP. When the stage 16 moves to the carry-in position, the substrate CP is placed.

  After the base material CP is placed on the stage 16, the “Select Recipe” button B62 of the measurement operation button display section B6 is selected on the main screen W1. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a recipe list screen W11 displayed in the offline mode. As an example, the recipe list screen W11 is displayed when the “Select Recipe” button B62 is selected on the main screen W1. In the administrator mode described above, the plate recipe list screen W4 shown in FIG. 10 and the chip recipe list screen W5 shown in FIG. 15 are individually displayed, but the recipe list screen W11 in the offline mode is shown in FIG. As shown, the plate recipe display portion LP and the chip recipe display portion LC are displayed on the same screen. The plate recipe display portion LP includes a recipe search display portion B11 for inputting a keyword (character string) for searching for a registered plate recipe, and a recipe list display portion B12 capable of displaying a registered plate recipe list. The recipe search display unit B11 includes an input unit B11a for inputting a search target keyword, a target selection unit B11b for selecting a search target from a recipe name or a comment, or both, and a search start button B11c. The search start button B11c is a button that is selected when the operator starts a search with the search target selected by the target selection unit B11b with the keyword input to the input unit B11a.

  The chip recipe display unit LC includes a recipe search display unit B18 for inputting a keyword (character string) when searching for a registered chip recipe, and a chip recipe list display unit B19 capable of displaying a registered chip recipe list. Including. The recipe search display unit B18 includes an input unit B18a for inputting a search target keyword, a target selection unit B18b for selecting a search target from a recipe name and / or a comment, and a search start button B18c. The search start button B18c is a button that is selected when the operator starts a search with the search target selected by the target selection unit B18b with the keyword input to the input unit B18a.

When a search target keyword is input to the input unit B11a, a search target is selected by the target selection unit B11b, and a search start button B11c is selected, a plate recipe search result is displayed on the recipe list display unit B12. When a search target keyword is input to the input unit B18a, a search target is selected by the target selection unit B18b, and a search start button B18c is selected, a chip recipe search result is displayed on the recipe list display unit B19.
By selecting the plate recipe and the chip recipe on the recipe list screen W11 and selecting and inputting the “OK” button B20a, the selection of the plate recipe and the chip recipe is confirmed, and the “Cancel” button B20b is selected. Recipe selection is canceled. When the operation mode is the administrator mode, repeated measurement can be set on the recipe list screen W11. The repeated measurement can be selected from, for example, three measurements: the measurement is repeated a specified number of times, the measurement is performed until the “Abort” button B65 (see FIG. 6) is selected, and the repetition measurement is not performed. If the specified number of repetitions is to be performed, enter the number of repetitions.

  When the selection of the plate recipe and the chip recipe is confirmed, the control unit CT1 reads the plate recipe and the chip recipe from the storage unit HD and displays them on the recipe information display unit B3. On the main screen W1C shown in FIG. 20, the plate recipe and the chip recipe set on the recipe list screen W11 are displayed on the recipe information display unit B3. The chip arrangement set in the plate recipe is displayed in the measurement status display part B1 of the main screen W1C. Since the plate recipe and the chip recipe are set on the main screen W1C, the “Specify Measurement” which is grayed out on the main screen W1 in the offline mode shown in FIG. 7 and the main screen W1 in the administrator mode shown in FIG. The “Chips” button B63 and the “Start Measurement” button B64 are changed to be selectable. The “Plate Recipe” button B102 and the “Chip Recipe” button B103 displayed on the main screen W1 in the administrator mode are changed to the non-display state.

  In the initial state, all the biochips BC on the base material CP are measurement targets. However, in the off-line mode, the measurement target biochips BC can be designated before the measurement is performed. In order to designate the biochip BC to be measured, first, the “Specify Measurement Chips” button B63 of the measurement operation button display section B6 is selected on the main screen W1C. When the “Specify Measurement Chips” button B63 is selected, a chip designation screen W12 shown in FIG. 21 is displayed.

  The chip designation screen W12 includes a chip selection area B121, a row selection button B122, a column selection button B123, an all selection button B124, and a selection release button B125. Each chip display in the chip selection area B121 is alternately switched between the measurement target and the non-measurement target every time it is selected. The row selection button B122 includes buttons from “A column” to “H column”. Each time the button of each column is selected, the measurement target and the non-measurement target are alternately switched for each column. The column selection button B123 includes buttons from “1 column” to “12 columns”. Each time the button of each column is selected, the measurement target and the non-measurement target are alternately switched for each column.

  For example, by selecting the row “B” button among the row selection buttons B122, all the chips located in the B column are deselected and excluded from the measurement target. Next, by selecting the column “3” button among the column selection buttons B123, the chip display of the column “3” is all inverted. That is, the chip display in the row “B”, column “3”, which has been excluded from the measurement target, is the measurement target, and the chip display in the other column “3” is all excluded from the measurement target. Further, in the chip selection area B121, for example, by selecting the chip display of the row “D” column “5” that is the measurement target, the chip display area can be highlighted and excluded from the measurement target. As described above, when the measurement target chip is determined, by selecting and inputting the “OK” button, the main screen W1C in which the measurement target chip display is updated in the measurement status display section B1 is displayed as shown in FIG. Is done.

  Next, by selecting the “Start Measurement” button B63 of the measurement operation button display section B6 on the main screen W1C, the base material CP is sucked and held on the stage 16, and the measurement process is started. As shown in FIG. 23, the progress status in the measurement process is as follows: the indicators B71 to B75 are turned on in the indicator display section B7, the chips are displayed in the measurement status display section B1, and the chip imaging status is displayed. In the part B4, the imaging state of each chip and the estimated time until the measurement is completed are displayed in real time in the time display part B5. As an example, the chip display of the measurement status display unit B1 indicates “Processing” indicating that the chip is currently being processed, “Valid” indicating that the chip is a measurement target, and indicates a chip that is not a measurement target. “Invalid”, “Alignment” indicating that the chip is being executed for alignment processing, “Shot” indicating that the chip is being processed for imaging, and chip that was not captured due to alignment processing failure (skip) “Skip” indicating that there is a chip, “Transferred” indicating that the measurement data transmission to the analyzer AN has been completed, and indicating that the skipped chip is a chip transmitted to the analyzer AN Displayed as “Transferred (Skip)”.

When the measurement process is completed, the measurement result is stored in the storage unit HD, and if the communication setting unit B180 is set to communicate with the analyzer AN, the personal computer X1 is controlled via the communication line CL. Transmitted to the unit CT11 and the analyzer AN.
When the measurement process is completed, the stage 16 moves to the plate carry-out position, and then cancels the suction and holding with respect to the base material CP.
Then, the measured base material CP is unloaded from the stage 16.
The measurement result can be confirmed by “confirmation of measurement result” and “confirmation of log display”.

  When executing “measurement result confirmation”, for example, by selecting the “Results” button B104 of the function operation button display unit B10 on the main screen W1C, the measurement result screen W13 is displayed as shown in FIG. Is done. The measurement result screen W13 includes a plate list part PL, a chip list part CL, a file list part FL, and a data transmission part DC.

  The plate list portion PL includes a measurement start date / time display portion PV1, a plate ID display portion PV2, a remeasurement count display portion PV3, a plate recipe name display portion PV4, a chip recipe name display portion PV5, and a measurement processing number display portion. PV6, analysis process number display part PV7, measurement object number display part PV8, total measurement time display part PV9, and error display part PV10 are included. The measurement processing number display unit PV6 displays the number of biochips BC subjected to measurement processing by the measuring device SC. The analysis processing number display unit PV7 displays the number of biochips BC that have been analyzed by the analyzer AN. The error display unit PV10 displays error contents when an error occurs.

  The chip list part CL displays the measurement result of the biochip BC supported by the base material CP selected by the plate list part PL. The chip ID display part CV1, the measurement processing result display part CV2, and the analysis And a processing result display section CV3. The measurement processing result display unit CV2 and the analysis processing result display unit CV3 display a check mark when the biochip BC has been processed.

  The file list part FL displays image file information obtained by imaging the biochip BC selected by the chip list part CL. The file name of the image file displayed in the file list part FL is composed of a combination of the arrangement number (row and column) of the biochip BC and the imaging number when the biochip BC is divided and imaged. Further, the image file is opened by double-clicking on the image file displayed in the file list portion FL.

  When executing “log display confirmation”, for example, by selecting the “Log” button B105 (see FIG. 22) of the function operation button display unit B10 on the main screen W1C, the log is displayed as shown in FIG. A screen W14 is displayed. The log screen W14 includes a measurement start date / time display unit LV1, a plate ID display unit LV2, a remeasurement count display unit LV3, a plate recipe name display unit LV4, a chip recipe name display unit LV5, and a measurement processing number display unit LV6. And an analysis processing number display unit LV7, a measurement target number display unit LV8, a total measurement time display unit LV9, and an error display unit LV10. The measurement processing number display unit LV6 displays the number of biochips BC subjected to measurement processing by the measuring device SC. The analysis processing number display unit LV7 displays the number of biochips BC that have been analyzed by the analyzer AN. The error display unit LV10 displays error contents when an error occurs.

(Online mode)
A case where the screening process is performed in the online mode in the screening apparatus 100 will be described. The online mode is an operation mode in which the dispensing device BA, the measuring device SC, and the transfer device RB perform each process in cooperation with the control of the personal computer X2. When changing from the offline mode to the online mode, the dispensing device BA, the measuring device SC, the transport device RB, the analyzer AN, the personal computer X1 and the personal computer X2 are turned on, and the operator turns on the display unit DP2 of the personal computer X2. The application is activated by double-clicking the application (control program) icon displayed on the screen using the input unit KB2. For example, when the application is started in the offline mode, the “Change Mode” button B101 is selected on the main screen W1 shown in FIG. By selecting the “Change Mode” button B101 and selecting the “Online” button B111 on the displayed operation mode switching screen W8, an online mode main screen W1B is displayed as shown in FIG. When the main mode W1B is changed to the online mode, the “Abort” button B65 is grayed out in the measurement operation button display section B6 with respect to the main screen W1 in the offline mode, and the “Prepare Measurement” button B61 and the “Select Recipe” "Button B62," Specify Measurement Chips "button B63, and" Start Measurement "button B64 are not displayed. The main screen W1B at the time of changing to the online mode is displayed so that the “Change Mode” button B101 and the “Exit” button B106 can be selected in the function operation button display section B10 with respect to the main screen W1 in the offline mode, and “Plate Recipe” ”Button B102,“ Chip Recipe ”button B103,“ Results ”button B104, and“ Log ”button B105 are not displayed. When changing from the administrator mode to the online mode, for example, the “Change Mode” button B101 is selected on the main screen W1 shown in FIG. Thereafter, the “Online” button B111 is selected on the same screen as the operation mode switching screen W8.

  By selecting the “Online” button B111, the screening device 100 switches to the online mode, and the personal computer X2 (control unit CT12) controls the control unit CT2, the measuring device SC, and the transport device of the dispensing device BA via the communication line CL. Communication with the RB, the personal computer X1, and the analyzer AN is started. In this case, the personal computer X1 is placed under the control of the personal computer X2, and controls the measuring device SC according to the instruction (control) of the personal computer X2. In the online mode, setting items such as a plate recipe and a chip recipe are preset in the personal computer X2. In the online mode, various instructions and selections are performed by an application stored in the control unit CT12 of the personal computer AX2, but the description thereof is omitted in the following description.

  In the dispensing apparatus BA, the biochip BC on the base material CP on which the bioassay process including the dispensing process has been performed is transported from the dispensing apparatus BA onto the stage 16 of the measuring apparatus SC by the transport apparatus RB. At this time, the personal computer X2 communicates the state of the dispensing process in the dispensing apparatus BA and the state of the conveyance process in the conveying apparatus RB with the dispensing apparatus BA and the conveying apparatus RB to coordinate the substrate CP. Transport. The personal computer X2 instructs the personal computer X1 with a plate recipe and a chip recipe used when performing the measurement process. When the personal computer X1 holds the plate recipe and chip recipe instructed by the personal computer X2 in the control unit CT11, the personal computer X1 selects the instructed plate recipe and chip recipe from the control unit CT11. If the personal computer X1 does not hold the plate recipe and chip recipe instructed by the personal computer X2 in the control unit CT11, the personal computer X1 acquires the instructed plate recipe and chip recipe from the personal computer X2 via the communication line CL. In the measuring device SC, based on the plate recipe and the chip recipe instructed from the personal computer X2, the light quantity measurement of the illumination light, the reading of the barcode provided on the base material CP, the position adjustment (alignment) of the base material CP, the biochip Processing of BC imaging and re-measurement of the amount of illumination light is sequentially performed. As described above, each process in the measuring apparatus SC is performed by the personal computer X1 controlling the control unit CT1 according to an instruction from the personal computer X2.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the progress status in the measurement process is as follows: the indicators B71 to B75 are turned on in the indicator display section B7, the chips are displayed in the measurement status display section B1, and the chip imaging status is displayed. In the part B4, the imaging state of each chip and the estimated time until the measurement is completed are displayed in real time in the time display part B5. Moreover, the recipe name and the comment are displayed on the recipe information display part B3 for the plate recipe and the chip recipe used for the measurement process. In the online mode, an “Abort” button B65 is displayed in a selectable manner on the function operation button display B10. By selecting the “Abort” button B65, the measurement process can be forcibly terminated.

  When the measurement of the biochip BC to be measured is completed, the measurement data is transmitted to the personal computer X1. If the communication setting unit B180 is set to perform communication with the analyzer AN, the personal computer X1 transfers the received measurement data to the analyzer AN. When the personal computer X2 acquires from the personal computer X1 information that the measurement of the biochip BC to be measured has been completed, the personal computer X2 controls the transport device RB to carry out the measured base material CP and biochip BC from the measuring device SC. When the measurement data is transferred to the analyzer AN, the analysis is performed in the analyzer AN. When the base material CP and the biochip BC to be subsequently processed exist, the personal computer X2 repeats the above steps. If the base material CP and the biochip BC to be subsequently processed are not present, the personal computer X2 ends the processing by the screening apparatus 100.

  When an error occurs in the above screening process, an error display corresponding to the generated error is displayed. As an example, the error may be an error related to software and an error related to hardware. As an example, when there is no plate recipe, a message such as “No plate recipe” is displayed. As an example, when there is no chip recipe, a message such as “No chip recipe” is displayed. As an example, when autofocus is not functioning correctly, a message such as “There is a possibility that the subject is not in focus” is displayed. As an example, when the stage is not driven correctly, a message such as “the stage may be not properly driven” is displayed. As an error display, a message has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an icon or the like may be used. The error notification method has been described by taking display as an example, but is not limited thereto, and may be sound or voice, for example. Thereby, when an error occurs in the screening process, the user can take an appropriate measure according to the error content.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a plate recipe including a plurality of pieces of information regarding the base material CP in the measurement of the biomolecule and a chip recipe including a plurality of pieces of information regarding the biochip BC in the measurement of the biomolecule are set in advance. In the screening process including the measurement process, it is only necessary to select the preset plate recipe and the chip recipe. Therefore, information on the base material CP in the measurement of the biomolecule and the biochip BC in the measurement of the biomolecule at the time of the biomolecule measurement. There is no need to input and set information each time, and the measurement process can be executed efficiently.

  In this embodiment, it is possible to selectively switch between an operation mode in which the bioassay processing by the dispensing device BA and the measurement processing by the measurement device SC are continuously performed and an operation mode in which the measurement processing is performed independently. It is possible to respond flexibly according to the situation. In the present embodiment, when the bioassay process and the measurement process are continuously performed, the control unit CT1 and the control unit CT2 control the measurement apparatus body 10 in cooperation with each other, so that the plate recipe, the chip recipe, and the like are controlled. Even when held in the storage unit HD connected to the unit CT1, it is possible to easily refer to the plate recipe, the chip recipe, and the like from the dispensing device BA side.

  In the present embodiment, since the measurement processing status is displayed in real time on the display unit DP, the processing status can be easily visually recognized, and a quick response is possible even when an error occurs. In the present embodiment, since the dispensing device BA, the transport device RB, the measuring device SC, and the analyzing device AN are connected by the communication line CL, information transmission between the devices can be performed smoothly. In the above embodiment, when each device P constructs a LAN by the communication line CL, the measurement data can be easily transferred to a remote place, and a rapid screening process can be realized.

  As described above, the preferred embodiments according to the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the examples. Various shapes, combinations, and the like of the constituent members shown in the above-described examples are examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the storage unit HD is configured to store and hold both the plate recipe and the chip recipe. However, the storage unit that stores and holds the plate recipe and the storage unit that stores and holds the chip recipe are independent of each other. May be provided.

  In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the storage unit HD is connected to the control unit CT1 is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the storage unit HD is installed in a remote location and connected via the communication line CL and the Internet. It is good also as a structure. Similarly, the analyzer AN need not be installed in the vicinity of the measuring device SC, and the analyzer AN and the measuring device installed in a remote place may be connected via the communication line CL and the Internet.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the storage unit HD is provided in the measurement device SC is illustrated. However, the configuration is not limited thereto, and the configuration may be provided in an external device separate from the measurement device SC. In this case, it is preferable that the storage unit HD be detachable by both the measuring device SC and the external device, and the data stored in the storage unit HD can be referred to by any device.

  In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the personal computer X1 and the personal computer X2 are provided is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only one of the personal computer X1 and the personal computer X2 is provided and screening is performed with a single personal computer. It is good also as a structure which controls the apparatus 100 whole.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Screening device, BA ... Dispensing device (pre-processing part; bioassay device), BC ... Biochip, CL ... Communication line (communication part), CP ... Plate (base material), CT1 ... Control part, CT2 ... Control Unit (second control unit), DP ... display unit, HD ... storage unit (selection device), KB ... input unit (selection unit), SC ... measurement device

Claims (14)

The first parameter group for the support member suitable when the biochip to be measured is supported by the first support member, and the second support member having a configuration different from the configuration of the first support member, The support member second parameter group suitable for the case where the chip is supported, the biochip first parameter group suitable for the measurement of the first biochip, and a configuration different from the configuration of the first biochip. A storage unit for storing a second parameter group for biochip suitable for measurement of the second biochip;
A support member parameter group selection unit that selects one of the support member first parameter group and the support member second parameter group stored in the storage unit;
The first parameter group for biochip and the second parameter for biochip, which can be selected independently of selection of the parameter group for support member by the parameter group selection unit for support member, and are stored in the storage unit A biochip parameter group selection unit for selecting one of the groups;
Based on the parameter group for the support member selected by the parameter group selection unit for the support member and the parameter group for biochip selected by the parameter group selection unit for biochip, a plurality of supported by the support member A measuring device comprising a measuring unit for measuring a biochip. The measuring apparatus according to claim 1,
A holding part for holding the support member;
The measurement unit measures a plurality of biochips supported by the support member held by the holding unit. In the measuring device according to claim 1 or 2,
The support member parameter group selection unit selects one of the first support member parameter group and the second support member parameter group stored in the storage unit according to a user operation. Measuring device. In the measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The biochip parameter group selection unit selects any one of the first biochip parameter group and the second biochip parameter group stored in the storage unit according to a user operation. Measuring device. In the measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Both the first parameter group for the support member and the second parameter group for the support member include parameters relating to a biochip support region provided in the support member for supporting the biochip. . In the measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Each of the first parameter group for the support member and the second parameter group for the support member includes a parameter relating to the number of biochip support regions provided in the support member to support the biochip, and a plurality of the biochips And a parameter relating to the distance between the support regions. In the measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The biochip first parameter group and the biochip second parameter group both include parameters relating to the size of the biochip. In the measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The biochip first parameter group and the biochip second parameter group both include parameters relating to measurement conditions when the measurement unit measures a biochip. In the measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Both the first parameter group for biochip and the second parameter group for biochip include a parameter relating to the number of times of measurement per biochip by the measurement unit. In the measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The display apparatus further comprising a display control unit for displaying a measurement status of the measurement unit for each of the plurality of biochips supported by the support member on a display unit. A measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A screening apparatus comprising: a bioassay apparatus that performs bioassay using a plurality of biochips supported by the support member. The screening apparatus according to claim 11, wherein
A screening device, further comprising a control unit that executes a bioassay by the bioassay device and a measurement by the measurement device in a series of flows. The first parameter group for the support member suitable when the biochip to be measured is supported by the first support member, and the second support member having a configuration different from the configuration of the first support member, Selecting one of the support member parameter groups suitable for the case where the chip is supported as the support member parameter group;
Any of the first parameter group for biochips suitable for measurement of the first biochip and the second parameter group for biochips suitable for measurement of the second biochip having a configuration different from the configuration of the first biochip. Selecting the biochip parameter group independently of the selection of the support member parameter group;
Measuring a plurality of biochips supported by the support member based on the selected parameter group for the support member and the selected parameter group for the biochip;
Measuring method including Providing a support member supporting a plurality of biochips;
Performing a bioassay using a plurality of biochips supported by the support member;
The first parameter group for the support member suitable when the biochip to be measured is supported by the first support member, and the second support member having a configuration different from the configuration of the first support member, Selecting one of the support member parameter groups suitable for the case where the chip is supported as the support member parameter group;
Any of the first parameter group for biochips suitable for measurement of the first biochip and the second parameter group for biochips suitable for measurement of the second biochip having a configuration different from the configuration of the first biochip. Selecting the biochip parameter group independently of the selection of the support member parameter group;
Measuring a plurality of biochips supported by the support member based on the selected parameter group for the support member and the selected parameter group for the biochip;
A screening method comprising:

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