JP2020107150A - Embryo image distribution system and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

To solve the problem that a person concerned such as a patient receiving an embryo transplant cannot know a state of an embryo undergoing a transplant even though infertility treatment is performed by using an embryo culture device provided with an imaging device.SOLUTION: Information of a patient is registered, an image of an embryo stored in a container is imaged at prescribed timing, and a plurality of picked-up images of the embryo are stored in a storage. The information specifying the patient having a browsing right is associated with the embry at that time. When a portable terminal transmits a browsing request for the embryo images together with the information specifying the patient, the browsing request is authenticated when the browsing request using the portable terminal belongs to the patient herself with reference to the previously registered patient's information. When the authentication is performed, the images associated with the patient's information are read from the storage and transmitted to the portable terminal. The portable terminal displays the images of the embryo or a moving image obtained by editing the images on the portable terminal of the patient.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to a technique of delivering an embryo image in an incubator (embryo culture device).

With the spread of infertility treatment, an increasing number of patients are choosing treatment such as in vitro fertilization. In vitro fertilization includes conventional and microinsemination. In either case, the embryo after in vitro fertilization is placed in an embryo culture device to maintain an environment close to the inside of the body, which is preferable for the embryo. In recent years, it has become possible to provide a camera in an embryo culturing apparatus, photograph the state of an embryo during culturing at predetermined time intervals, and check an image of the photographed embryo by an embryo cultivator. As a result. Embryos that are considered desirable from among the embryos whose images have been confirmed are transplanted into the uterus of a patient, which contributes to the success rate of infertility treatment by in vitro fertilization. An embryo culture device that captures images of embryos in culture at predetermined time intervals is called a time-lapse embryo culture device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-512959

However, while the embryo in such culture is derived from the patient who provided the egg or sperm, or is likely to be transplanted into the patient's uterus, the patient himself/herself does not I could not know the situation.

The present disclosure can be realized as the following modes or application examples.

(1) As a first aspect of the present disclosure, an embryo image distribution system for distributing an image of an embryo is provided. This embryo image distribution system performs registration of patient information, a management device that manages access from a mobile terminal, an embryo stored in a container in a predetermined environment, and an image of the stored embryo. An embryo culture device that captures images at a predetermined timing, an image storage unit that stores a plurality of captured images of the embryo in association with information that identifies a patient who has the right to view the embryo, and A mobile terminal for transmitting a browsing request for an embryo image together with information for identifying the patient to the management device via a network, and when the mobile terminal makes the browsing request, refer to the registered patient information. Then, when the browsing request is made by a patient who has the right to browse, an authentication unit that authenticates the request and, when the authentication is made, are associated with the patient information from the image storage unit. An image display unit that reads out the image, transmits the image to the mobile terminal, and displays the image on the mobile terminal. According to this embryo image distribution system, the image of the embryo can be confirmed by a patient who has the right to view the embryo. The image of the embryo may be captured as a still image or a moving image. Further, the embryo may be an embryo in culture, and may include images before freezing and after thawing. From the beginning. Only images before freezing and after thawing may be used.

(2) In such an embryo image distribution system, the embryo culture device includes an imaging device that captures the image, the management device includes the authentication unit, and the mobile terminal includes the management device for the patient. When the information is registered, the information that enables the patient to specify that the patient has the right to browse the embryo may be shared with the management device. In this way, the mobile terminal operated by the patient and the management device can share the information of the patient who has the right to view the embryo, so that the image of the embryo is available to the patient who has the right to view the embryo. If so, it is possible to easily construct a mechanism that allows confirmation.

(3) In such an embryo image distribution system, the embryo culture device includes a patient information storage unit that stores information that identifies a patient of an embryo to be cultured, and the patient information storage unit of the embryo culture device stores the patient information. The information identifying the information may include at least the patient's consultation ticket number, and the information of the patient registered by the management device may include at least a password in addition to the patient's consultation ticket number. By doing so, not only the management device that constitutes the system but also the embryo culture device has information regarding the patient, so that the security of the entire system can be enhanced.

(4) The image stored in the image storage unit may be an image edited as a moving image by shortening the imaging interval. In so-called time-lapse movies, where the imaging interval is shortened, the shortened interval makes it easier to experience the state of embryo growth in a short time.

(5) In this embryo image distribution system, the moving image includes at least the first image capturing date/time of the image edited as the moving image, the last image capturing date/time, the date/time when the image can be delivered as the moving image, and the delivery end date/time. One may be displayed in the moving image or on the moving image selection screen. By doing this, you can feel the situation of the embryo as real-time.

(6) When the patient has a plurality of embryos that the patient has the right to browse, the image may be prepared for each container in which the embryo is stored together with information indicating the type of the container. In this way, images of multiple embryos of one patient can be delivered.

(7) Furthermore, the image may be delivered to the mobile terminal together with information on the growth stage of the embryo. The patient can see the image together with the information on the developmental stage of the embryo, so that the growth can be more easily perceived.

(8) As a second aspect of the present disclosure, an embryo image distribution method for distributing an image of an embryo is provided. In this embryo image distribution method, the information of the patient is registered, the images of the embryos stored in the container are captured at a predetermined timing, and the plurality of captured images of the embryos can be browsed to the embryos. Stored in association with the information specifying the patient having the, the mobile terminal transmits a viewing request for the image of the embryo together with the information specifying the patient, and when the viewing request is made from the mobile terminal, the registration is performed. If the browsing request using the mobile terminal is made by a patient who has the right to browse with reference to the patient information, the patient information is authenticated, and when the authentication is made, the patient information. The image associated with is read out, transmitted to the mobile terminal, and displayed on the mobile terminal. According to this embryo image distribution method, the image of the embryo can be confirmed by a patient who has the right to view the embryo.

(9) As a third aspect of the present disclosure, a management device for managing an embryo is provided, and the management device is configured to predetermined a patient information registration unit that registers patient information and an image of the embryo stored in a container. When a plurality of captured images of the embryo are stored in a storage, the embryo culture device that captures images at the timing of the above is provided with information that identifies a patient who has the right to browse the captured embryo. A patient information providing unit, a reception unit that receives a browsing request for the image of the embryo, which is transmitted together with information for identifying the patient by the mobile terminal, and when the browsing request is made from the mobile terminal, of the assigned patient With reference to information, when the browsing request using the mobile terminal is by a patient who has the right to browse, an authentication unit that authenticates the request, and information of the patient when the authentication is performed And a transmission control unit that transmits the image associated with to the mobile terminal for display on the mobile terminal. According to this management device, the image of the embryo can be confirmed by the mobile terminal if the patient has the right to browse the embryo.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above aspect, and may be implemented in other aspects, for example, a control method of the management device, a mobile terminal capable of browsing a plurality of images of the embryo, and a control method thereof.

The schematic block diagram which shows the embryo image delivery system of embodiment. The schematic block diagram which shows a patient management server. The schematic block diagram which shows a time lapse embryo culture device. Explanatory drawing which shows the outline of the service which an embryo image delivery system implement|achieves. The flowchart which shows the outline of a patient's acceptance and the registration process to an application. Explanatory drawing which illustrates the initial screen of a fertility treatment application. The flowchart which shows the main routine of an application. The flowchart which shows the imaging processing routine in a time lapse embryo culture device. The flowchart which shows the application side which displays an embryo image, and the process by the patient management server side correspondingly. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the image by the side of a portable terminal at the time of delivering an embryo image.

A. First embodiment:
The first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the embryo image distribution system 10 of the first embodiment includes a patient management server 20, a time-lapse embryo culture device 50, and a mobile terminal 70. The patient management server 20 and the time-lapse embryo culture device 50 are connected to each other by a local area network LAN which is cut off from an external network. Further, the mobile terminal 70 can be connected to the patient management server 20 via a wide area network WAN such as the Internet. A label printer 45 capable of printing a label 47 is connected to the patient management server 20.

The time-lapse embryo culture device 50 connected to the patient management server 20 via a local area network LAN serves as a plurality of trays 63, 64 in which embryos that have undergone fertilization treatment are stored, and an imaging device for imaging the trays 63, 64. It incorporates cameras 61 and 62. Although two trays and two cameras are shown in the drawing, the number may be one or three or more depending on the scale of the time-lapse embryo culture device 50. Label trays 65 are provided on the trays 63 and 64, respectively. A label on which information for identifying a fertilized embryo patient can be attached to the label attaching table 65. The detailed configuration and operation of the time-lapse embryo culture device 50 will be described later in detail.

The mobile terminal 70 is connected to a base station (not shown) provided in the wide area network WAN using a high-speed communication network such as 4G, and performs data communication with the patient management server 20. As the mobile terminal 70, in addition to so-called mobile phones, particularly smartphones, feature phones, and the like, various terminals can be used as long as they are terminals that can be connected to the wide area network WAN via WiFi.

In addition to the well-known CPU 71 and memory 75, the mobile terminal 70 is provided with a display control unit 72 for displaying on a screen, an input unit 73 for inputting gestures and characters including a touch panel provided on the screen, and a wide area network WAN. A communication unit 74 that performs data communication, a storage 77 that stores data such as images and moving images, an internal bus 78 that connects these to each other, and the like are provided. An application program (hereinafter, also simply referred to as an application) 80 described below is stored in the memory 75, and by operating the application 80, processing including management of a patient and delivery of an embryo image described below is realized. The application 80 manages patient information 82. The distributed image can be stored in the storage 77, but the distributed moving image is not stored in the mobile terminal 70 because it is played back by streaming. When the mobile terminal 70 is a dedicated terminal, the application 80 may be installed in the mobile terminal 70 from the beginning, or can be downloaded from the application store or the like, and installed in the mobile terminal 70 as necessary. It may be done. Of course, it is also possible to configure the application 80 as cloud service software that provides a cloud service, place the application 80 on the cloud side, and call the application 80 on the cloud side from the mobile terminal 70 via a general-purpose browser. It is possible. The cloud service software may use a general-purpose service, but if it is operated on the patient management server 20, it is desirable from the viewpoint of security.

Next, the patient management server 20 as a management device will be described with reference to FIG. The patient management server 20 includes a well-known CPU 21, a memory 30, a communication unit 22 that communicates with a wide area network WAN and a local area network LAN, and a patient database corresponding to a patient information storage unit (hereinafter referred to as a patient DB). Storage unit 37, a storage unit 35 for storing a moving image database (hereinafter abbreviated as moving image DB) 38, a printing unit 40 for controlling the label printer 45, an internal bus 25 for mutually connecting them, and the like. Although the patient management server 20 is provided with a keyboard for data input and a mouse as well as a display for display, the illustration is omitted here. Such an input and display device does not have to be directly connected to the patient management server 20, and may be prepared as a connected terminal by disconnecting the local area network LAN.

A dedicated program is loaded into the memory 30, and the CPU 21 executes the loaded program to realize the authentication unit 31, the image display unit 32, the password storage unit 33, the growth stage storage unit 34, and the like. The processing that implements each unit will be described later using a flowchart, but the functions that each unit implements are as follows. The authentication unit 31 manages patient information and, when the patient uses the mobile terminal 70 to access the patient management server 20, authenticates the patient using the patient DB 37. In response to a request from the mobile terminal 70, the image display unit 32 causes the mobile terminal 70 to display an image including a video stored in the video DB 38. The password storage unit 33 stores a password that identifies a patient and performs personal authentication using the password. The growth stage storage unit 34 specifies the growth stage of the embryo based on the embryo image sent from the time-lapse embryo culture device 50, and stores this.

The printing unit 40 controls information to be printed on the label 47 by the label printer 45. The label 47 is printed with a “patient name”, a “consultation ticket number”, and a two-dimensional barcode that is an image of these, if necessary. By sticking this label 47 on the mount of the medical examination ticket and laminating it, it can be handled as it is as a medical examination ticket. The label printer 45 is also printed, for example, at the timing of creating a patient chart. Further, when the trays 63 and 64 storing the fertilized embryos are stored in the time-lapse embryo culturing apparatus 50, the label 47 is printed to be attached to the trays 63 and 64. By using a label on which the patient name, medical examination ticket number, and two-dimensional barcode are printed, it is possible to prevent misidentification of patient information and patient-derived embryos. The operation of the label 47 will be described later.

Next, the time-lapse embryo culture device 50 will be described. It has already been described that the time-lapse embryo culture device 50 includes a plurality of cameras 61 and 62 for capturing images of a plurality of trays 63 and 64 that store fertilized embryos. In addition to these devices, the time-lapse embryo culture device 50 includes an environment maintenance device (not shown) that maintains the trays 63 and 64 at a constant temperature and humidity. Such an environment maintaining device that prepares a culture environment for embryo culture is well known and will not be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 3, the time-lapse embryo culture device 50 includes a well-known CPU 51, a memory 52, a communication unit 53 for communicating with the patient management server 20 via a local area network LAN, and an image editing unit for performing image editing. 55, a storage 57 as an image storage unit for storing an image to be edited and an edited result, an image input unit 58 for inputting images from the cameras 61 and 62, and the like. The image input unit 58 is connected to the cameras 61 and 62, and also outputs an image capturing instruction to the cameras 61 and 62.

The plurality of cameras 61 and 62 respectively image the embryos in the plurality of dish DS contained in the trays 63 and 64 at one time. Of course, a mechanism for changing the image pickup position by making it possible to pick up the image pickup range of one of the cameras 61 and 62 or the number of dish DSs smaller than the number of dish DSs in the trays 63 and 64 may be provided. To change the imaging position, the cameras 61 and 62 may be moved, the trays 63 and 64 may be moved, or both of them may be moved. Further, the cameras 61 and 62 may be provided with a mechanism for reducing the depth of focus and changing the focus position, and changing the focus of the cameras 61 and 62 to capture a plurality of images. By doing so, it is possible to capture images of cross sections in which the height of the embryo, which is the subject, is different. Of course, the depth of focus of the cameras 61 and 62 may be deepened so that a wide range in the height direction of the embryo can be imaged once or several times.

The image input unit 58 issues an image capturing instruction to the cameras 61 and 62 at a predetermined timing, and stores the images captured by the cameras 61 and 62 in a predetermined area of the storage 57. The storage area is prepared in the storage 57 for each camera and for each tray placed for culturing in the time-lapse embryo culture device 50. When a new image is stored in the storage 57, the image editing unit 55 edits this as a moving image. Editing as a moving image means that a plurality of images taken at predetermined intervals, for example, every 10 minutes, are sequentially displayed for a predetermined time, for example, one second. In this way, making a plurality of images taken at predetermined intervals into moving images of continuous still images whose time axis is compressed is called time lapse (time compression) or time-lapse shooting.

B. Treatment and treatment overview:
An outline of the processing performed by the embryo image distribution system 10 including the patient management server 20, the time lapse embryo culture device 50, and the mobile terminal 70 described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the services realized by the embryo image distribution system 10 in the fields of treatment stage, application use, and lab/embryo culture device. "Treatment stage" means the characteristic treatment of infertility treatment given to a patient. Although there are more detailed treatments and guidance for infertility treatment, only representative treatments are shown here. Further, “use of application” means a function corresponding to each treatment stage among functions realized by the application 80. This is shown in FIG. 4 as a menu prepared for the application 80. The “lab/embryo culture device” shows a typical treatment performed in the embryo culture room (abbreviated as “lab”) and the time-lapse embryo culture device 50.

The patient first undergoes the initial examination ME1. At the time of the first medical examination, it is necessary to first register the patient at a hospital or the like where fertility treatment is performed. When information necessary for infertility treatment such as a patient's name, age, sex, and past medical history is registered in the patient management server 20, a unique number that can identify the patient is given. The patient installs the application 80 in the mobile terminal 70 owned by the patient, activates the application 80, and registers itself in the application 80 (step S100). The registration process at the time of the initial examination ME1 will be described later in detail.

The patient may then receive stage 1 hormone replacement therapy ME2. This first-stage hormone replacement treatment is a treatment in which a patient is supplemented with a mature hormone that stimulates follicular growth. Patients diagnosed with deficient follicle maturation and undergoing such treatment receive multiple hormone replacements in response to the menstrual cycle. To do so, make appointments for visits and consultations. This reservation process can be performed using the application 80. This is the reservation process (step S200). Each time the patient visits the hospital, the application 80 is used to perform a reservation process (step S200).

When the first-stage hormone replacement treatment is performed and the egg collection is possible, the egg collection ME3 from the patient is performed. The egg collection schedule is decided in agreement with the patient. Although shown as one of the reservation processes (step S200) using the application 80 in FIG. 4, the egg collection reservation is registered on the patient management server 20 side, that is, on the hospital side, and is confirmed by the patient.

When the egg collection ME3 is performed on the reserved day, various treatments are performed on the egg collected in the embryo culture room. The highest priority in this processing is to accurately associate the egg to be processed with the patient corresponding to the egg collection. Therefore, eggs are collected and the eggs are brought into the embryo culture room, and at the same time, a label is printed by a printer provided in the embryo culture room (step S110). The printed label is first affixed to the container containing the egg that has been brought into the embryo culture room, and thereafter, it is moved together with the egg. The present system 10 handles only one patient's ova at a time when bringing the collected ova into the embryo culture room. Therefore, the label printed every time the ovum is brought into the embryo culture chamber is surely associated with the container of the ovum that has been carried in.

Fertilization treatment is performed on the eggs carried into the embryo culture chamber (treatment P10), and the fertilized eggs are stored one by one in the dishes DS of the trays 63 and 64 (treatment P20). In this embodiment, the trays are prepared by storing the fertilized eggs one by one in the dish DS and assigning one tray to each patient. Next, this tray is stored in the time-lapse embryo culture device 50 and registered (treatment P30). The tray is registered by attaching the previously printed label to the trays 63 and 64. This process will be described in detail later.

After this, the embryos that will be cultured in the time-lapse embryo culture device 50 (hereinafter referred to as embryos regardless of the result of fertilization because they have been fertilized) are cultured in the time-lapse embryo culture device 50 and Images are periodically taken in the time-lapse embryo culture device 50 by 61 and 62. The embryo culturist examines this image to evaluate the embryo (treatment P40). At the same time, the images captured by the time-lapse embryo culture device 50 at predetermined intervals are generated as a moving image (step Q10) and provided for viewing by the patient (step S300).

The embryos cultured and evaluated in the time-lapse embryo culture device 50 are frozen when it is confirmed that they have grown to a predetermined stage after fertilization (treatment P50). Freezing the fertilized egg is to freeze and wait the embryo until the patient receives the second stage hormone treatment and is in a state suitable for implantation of the fertilized egg.

Therefore, the patient who has finished collecting eggs undergoes the second-stage hormone replacement treatment ME4 as soon as the physical condition is restored. The second-stage hormone replacement therapy is a hormone supplementation of hormones for maturation of follicles until a certain period of time is passed, and then, a hormone that grows the endometrium where fertilized embryos are likely to implant is developed. This treatment is supplemented as needed. Since the second-stage hormone replacement treatment also requires a visit to the hospital and treatment such as hormone injection, a visit reservation is made using the application 80 of the mobile terminal 70 (step S200). During this period, the frozen embryo is in a standby state (treatment P60), stopping its growth, for embryo transfer.

When the second stage hormone replacement therapy ME4 for the patient progresses and it is determined that the patient's condition has become suitable for embryo transfer, a schedule for embryo transfer is determined and reserved (step S200). Prior to embryo transfer, the cryopreserved embryo is thawed in the embryo culture room (treatment P70). A thawed embryo is transplanted by visiting the patient at the scheduled date and time (treatment P80). After that, ME6 is performed to confirm whether the patient is pregnant or not.

The above is the outline of the infertility treatment and the outline of the processing performed accompanying it. According to the progress of the infertility treatment, the patient management server 20 performs registration and management of the patient in cooperation with the application 80 in the mobile terminal 70, and the application 80 in the mobile terminal 70 supports the progress of the infertility treatment. At the same time, a moving image showing the condition of the egg (embryo) after the fertilization treatment is reproduced and provided to the patient for viewing. Therefore, the processes of the patient management server 20 and the mobile terminal 70 that realize these will be described in detail.

C. Overview of processing using the application:
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the patient reception processing routine executed by the patient management server 20 and the processing of the application 80 in the patient's portable terminal 70 that is executed in correspondence with the processing on the patient management server 20 side in association with each other. .. First, when the patient comes to the hospital, it is determined whether it is the first visit (step S100). In the case of the first examination, a holder for storing patient information is secured in the patient DB 37, and patient information is registered in the patient DB 37 for registration (step S110). The patient information includes so-called bibliographical items such as name, sex, age, birthday, and address, as well as items necessary for infertility treatment, such as anamnesia, allergies, and history of infertility treatment at other medical institutions. Such patient information is registered in the patient DB 37 so that it can be read at any time using the examination ticket number as a key.

When the input of the patient information is completed, the examination ticket is printed next (step S120). As illustrated in FIG. 5, at least the name of the patient, the examination ticket number, and the two-dimensional bar code are printed on the examination ticket 47. The two-dimensional barcode is a two-dimensional image in which the patient name, the examination ticket number, and the authentication number are encrypted. The two-dimensional barcode may be printed on the back surface of the medical examination ticket.

The patient, who receives his/her printed medical examination ticket 47, installs the application 80 on his/her mobile terminal 70 and then reads the two-dimensional barcode on the medical examination ticket 47 with the mobile terminal 70 (step S125). When the mobile terminal 70 reads the two-dimensional bar code on the medical examination ticket 47, if the application 80 is not running, it activates the application 80 and communicates with the patient management server 20 (step S135). Specifically, the medical examination ticket number and the authentication number read from the medical examination ticket 47 are transmitted.

When the patient management server 20 determines that there is a request from the application 80 on the patient's mobile terminal 70 (step S130), the patient management server 20 receives the examination ticket number and the certification number, and the combination of the examination ticket number and the certification number is stored in the storage 35. It is confirmed whether the information is registered in the patient DB 37, and if the two match, information necessary for operating the application 80 in the mobile terminal 70 such as the patient name and password from the patient DB 37 is provided to the mobile terminal 70 side. It is transmitted (step S140). The identification may be performed by using the medical examination ticket number and password.

Here, the reason why the two-dimensional bar code printed on the medical examination ticket 47 includes not only the medical examination ticket number but also the authentication number in an encrypted manner is to prevent the medical examination ticket from being counterfeited. Since personal information of the patient is registered in the patient management server 20, in addition to the medical examination ticket number, authentication is performed so that the medical examination ticket cannot be forged to impersonate the patient and be accessed to the patient DB 37. The numbers are combined and encrypted. Of course, once the application 80 of the mobile terminal 70 of the patient is registered, it is possible to operate so that the second registration is not permitted, but the patient may purchase a new mobile terminal during the treatment period, or the second mobile phone may be used. Since the operation of the terminal may be started in some cases, the system of the present embodiment allows registration a plurality of times. Therefore, in order to exclude registration with a forged medical examination ticket, the authentication number is encrypted and then included in the two-dimensional barcode.

The application 80 on the mobile terminal 70 side that has received the registration information from the patient DB 37, at least the patient name and the date of birth as the registration information are displayed on the display of the mobile terminal 70, and the patient himself/herself is requested to confirm the identity (step S145). At this time, if the name and date of birth of another person are displayed, it may be noticed that the patient DB 37 is not correctly registered for some reason, and therefore “NO” may be selected for the identification. .. In this case, the registration should be corrected. The reason for displaying the date of birth as well as the patient name is to eliminate erroneous registration due to the same surname and the same name.

If the patient information is sent from the patient management server 20 side and the patient confirms this (step S145: “YES”), the application 80 registers the user information, and further, a password, fingerprint authentication, etc. Is registered (step S155), and this is shared with the patient management server 20 side. The patient management server 20 side registers the person as personal authentication information (password or the like) registered on the portable terminal 70 side as authentication information (step S150).

By performing the above processing, the patient management server 20 side and the mobile terminal 70 side surely register the patient himself and thereafter, when the patient activates the application 80 on the mobile terminal 70 side, fingerprint authentication is performed. The application 80 can be used immediately after the identity is confirmed by the above. Further, in response to this, the patient management server 20 can immediately accept a request or the like from the mobile terminal 70 side. In order to further enhance security, when the patient's mobile terminal 70 is registered on the patient management server 20 side, a number unique to the mobile terminal 70, such as a serial number, a MAC address individually assigned to the communication module, etc. The numbers unique to the hardware of the mobile terminal 70 may be registered together, and authentication may be performed using these numbers. When the mobile terminal 70 is a mobile phone, the registration may be performed using the SIM card number.

When the above-mentioned registration process is completed, the patient can activate the application 80 of the mobile terminal 70 to make a medical examination/treatment appointment. An example of the screen of the mobile terminal 70 immediately after starting the application 80 is shown in FIG. When the patient taps the icon of the application 80 installed in the mobile terminal 70 to activate the application 80, the home screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. On this screen, five buttons are arranged at the bottom of the display, and the relationship between the patient and the treatment, such as appointment information, is displayed on the five buttons. In this area D200, individual information relating to infertility treatment directly related to the patient is displayed. Above this area D200, an area D300 for displaying general information is provided. In this area D300, for example, notices from a hospital or an embryo culture room where fertility treatment is performed, such as notification of a temporary holiday, are displayed.

The processing of the application 80 of the mobile terminal 70 that displays such a screen is shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a main routine executed after the application 80 is activated. When this process is started, the 80 first communicates with the patient management server 20 (step S600). The application 80 exchanges the information for personal identification described with reference to FIG. 5 with the patient management server 20, and executes a process of receiving necessary authentication (step S610). The authenticated application 80 first displays the home screen illustrated in FIG. 6 and waits for the next patient's instruction (step S620).

A patient who needs some processing taps any of the five buttons displayed at the bottom of the display. If the tapped button is the leftmost home button SH, whichever screen is displayed, the screen returns to the home screen (illustrated in FIG. 6) (step HOME). Next, when the next reservation button SR is tapped, the screen moves to the reservation screen (step S200). Although a detailed explanation of the reservation process is omitted, the available time for medical treatment and treatment at the medical institution that performs infertility treatment is displayed according to the calendar, and the patient can easily make a reservation by selecting this. it can.

When the patient taps the moving image button SV at the bottom center, the image browsing process (step S300) is executed. This processing will be described later in detail. When the notification button SI on the right is tapped, a notification receiving process (step S400) is executed to receive that the information to be individually notified to the patient is delivered in the mail format. The notification arrives in the form of an email, which the patient can reply to. The patient can also make individual consultations on the screen displayed by operating the notification button SI. The setting button SS at the right end at the bottom of the screen is a button for shifting to the setting screen and performing various settings of the application 80 (step S500). The various settings include, for example, login settings including password change, and e-mail address settings when exchanging mail.

D. Video generation process:
Prior to the moving image browsing process on the portable terminal 70 side using the application 80, the time-lapse embryo culture device 50 and the patient management server 20 generate a moving image. First, this processing will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an imaging processing routine executed by the CPU 51 of the time-lapse embryo culture device 50. This process starts when the door (not shown) of the tray storage chamber of the time-lapse embryo culture device 50 is opened and the fertilized embryos are stored in the time-lapse embryo culture device 50.

When the tray 63 storing the embryos is housed, the time-lapse embryo culture device 50 uses the camera 61 to image the tray 63 and the label attached to the tray 63 (step S700). The label is issued when an egg to be fertilized is brought into the embryo culture room, and is attached to the tray 63 when the fertilized egg (embryo) is stored in the tray 63. Therefore, the label 63 is imaged together with the tray 63, and the two-dimensional barcode printed on the label is recognized (step S710).

By recognizing the two-dimensional bar code printed on the label, the time-lapse embryo culture device 50 can know which patient the embryo stored in the tray belongs to. The time-lapse embryo culture device 50 determines whether this patient matches that of the patient managed by the patient management server 20 (step S720). Since the patient who receives eggs on the day and whose ovum is stored in the time-lapse embryo culture device 50 at this timing can be identified, by confirming that it matches the patient recognized from the label actually attached to the tray 63, the label can be confirmed. Prevent mistaking due to incorrect pasting. If they do not match, nothing is done and the process ends and the process ends. At this time, the warning prompting the confirmation work may be given by voice or a display on the display of the time-lapse embryo culture device 50.

If they match (step S720: “YES”), then the time-lapse embryo culture device 50 and the imaging schedule are read (step S730). The imaging schedule is a time-series arrangement of the timing of imaging the embryos in the time-lapse embryo culture device 50. Of course, the imaging of the embryo may be performed at regular intervals such as a predetermined interval of 10 minutes, and immediately after the fertilization treatment, that is, immediately after being housed in the time-lapse embryo culture device 50, the frequency of the embryo is less than 10 minutes. It may be performed at a high interval and may be performed at intervals as time passes. The imaging schedule may be set individually for each tray, or all imaging may be performed on the same schedule. In the present embodiment, since the cameras 61 and 62 are prepared for the trays 63 and 64, respectively, it is possible to freely set the timing at which each tray is imaged. Of course, a camera having a smaller number of trays, for example, one camera, may be prepared, and this camera may be moved relative to the trays so that each tray is sequentially imaged. In this case, it is difficult to schedule imaging of multiple trays at the same time, but the time required for imaging is not so long, so if you allow an error of the time required for imaging, you can freely schedule imaging of multiple trays. It does not matter if it is set to.

According to the read imaging schedule, it is determined whether it is the imaging timing (step S740). If it is determined that it is not the imaging timing, the process returns to step S730 and the processing is repeated from the reading of the imaging schedule. If the image pickup timing comes at any point (step S740: “YES”), the camera 61 or the camera 62 is driven to image the tray 63 or the tray 64 (step S750). The imaging is performed in units of trays, but in reality, it is performed in the form of one image for every one dish DS contained in the trays. Therefore, if five dishes DS are stored in the tray, five images are created. The captured image is automatically stored in the storage 57.

When the image capturing is completed in this way, it is determined whether this image capturing is the first image capturing for the tray (step S760). If it is determined that it is the first time, it is registered as the first image of the moving image of the embryo stored in the dish DS and stored in the moving image DB 38 of the patient management server 20 (step S770). On the other hand, if it is determined that the captured image is not the first image, it is determined that there is a moving image that has already been captured and edited, this is read from the moving image DB 38 (step S780), and the captured image is added to the end of the existing moving image. , The moving image is updated (step S790).

At this time, the newly added image is added as a moving image that continues for 0.1 second to the image that has been edited. If the imaging schedule is such that a still image is taken every 10 minutes, the still image taken every 10 minutes is edited as a moving image that continues for 0.1 seconds each. If it was taken for 24 hours,
A moving image of 0.1 seconds×24 hours×6 images/hour=14.4 seconds will be created.

After that, the moving image to which the captured image is added is stored in the moving image DB 38 (step S800). Therefore, in the moving image DB 38 of the patient management server 20, a moving image in which images taken every 10 minutes, for example, are taken in accordance with the imaging schedule is created and stored for each dish DS of each patient. When the above processing, that is, the image registration at the time of the first imaging (step S770) or the storage of the moving image with the captured image added (step S800) is completed, it is determined whether the imaging schedule is completed (step S800). S810), if not completed, the process returns to step S730 to repeat the processes of steps S730 to S810 described above. When the imaging schedule is completed, the process ends in “END” and the main imaging processing routine ends. In this embodiment, the imaging schedule is completed either when the normal embryo culture period ends or when the tray is taken out from the time-lapse embryo culture device 50.

E. Video viewing process:
By the processing described above, when the time-lapse embryo culture device 50 images the tray and creates a moving image for each dish DS of the patient, the patient can view this from the application 80 of the mobile terminal 70. This processing will be described with reference to FIG. The left side of FIG. 9 shows an image display processing routine executed by the application 80 of the mobile terminal 70, and the right side thereof shows a moving image distribution processing routine executed by the patient management server 20 side.

When the patient who activates the application 80 of the mobile terminal 70 taps the video button SV among the buttons arranged on the lower side of the screen on the screen shown in FIG. 6, the application 80 causes the patient management server 20 to notify the patient. Request a list of moving images (step S300). At this time, the application 80 encrypts and transmits the medical examination ticket number and password of the patient. Upon receiving this request, the patient management server 20 refers to the patient DB 37 to determine whether or not the patient has the right to watch the moving image of the embryo from the patient's name, examination ticket number, and password. Authentication is performed (step S305). It should be noted that the authentication may be performed by the examination ticket number and the password. When the patient is authenticated, the patient moving image is searched using the consultation ticket number (step S310). If the eggs of the collected patients are stored in the embryo culture device 50, a search by the examination ticket number will find the corresponding videos of the dish DS, so the patient management server 20 encrypts this video list. It is transmitted (step S320). If the authentication is not successful (step S305: “NO”), nothing is done and the process ends, exiting to “END”.

When the patient management server 20 encrypts and transmits the moving image list (step S320), the application 80 of the mobile terminal 70 receives this and displays the moving image list on the display of the mobile terminal 70 (step S330). An example of this display is shown in FIG. In FIG. 10, it is displayed in the list display area D300 that there are three moving images as the time-lapse moving image of the transplanted embryo of the patient. Of course, if the number of moving images is larger, a scroll bar will be displayed and a list of four or more moving images can be displayed. Below the list display area D300, a list of explanatory videos that can be viewed by the patient is displayed. This explanatory movie is a compilation of information that the patient can refer to in fertility treatment in a moving image format. The patient can easily know the points to be noted at the beginning of the egg collection cycle or before the egg collection by the explanatory video.

Thumbnails VS1, VS2, VS3 and bibliographical information VI1, VI2, VI3 are displayed for each moving image displayed as a transplanted embryo time-lapse moving image. The bibliographical information VI1, VI2, and VI3 includes an embryo number, a growth stage, an egg collection date, the latest shooting date and time, a browsing deadline, and the like. The embryo number is the number of the dish DS in which the fertilized embryo is stored. The growth stage indicates any of growth stages 1 to 6 after fertilization. The growth stage is given by the embryo cultivator by examining the imaged image.

With the list of videos that can be displayed displayed in the list display area D300, the application 80 determines whether any of the videos has been selected (step S340). When the patient taps any one of the thumbnails VS1, VS2, VS3 of the displayed videos, the application 80 determines that the tapped video is selected on the selection screen, and transfers the video selected by the patient to the patient. A request is made to the management server 20 (step S350). Upon receiving the request from the application 80, the patient management server 20 delivers the requested moving image (step S360). At this time, the patient management server 20 encrypts the video and streams it.

The application 80 receives the encrypted moving image (step S370), decrypts the moving image, and performs a reproduction process (step S380) to display it on the display of the mobile terminal 70. When the reproduction is completed, the process exits to "END" and the above process is ended once, but if no other button is pressed, the above process is repeated from the process of requesting a list of patient moving images (step S300). The reason why the request for a list of patient moving images is performed again is that a new image may be captured and the moving image may be updated according to the imaging schedule. In this embodiment, when transmitting the moving image, the security is ensured by performing the encryption, but the application 80 and the patient management server 20 form a VPN (Virtual Private Network), that is, a virtual private line. However, the moving image may be transmitted via the VPN.

According to the first embodiment described above, a patient undergoing infertility treatment can check the condition of his or her embryo as a moving image at any time. The video is not a real-time recording, but a time-lapse video that is compressed in time. However, since it is a time-lapse video, the growth situation of fertilized embryos can be viewed in a short time. Can be recognized. The fact that the patient can always check the condition of the embryos being cultivated in the embryo culturing device means that there is anxiety caused by external infertility treatments that normally proceed in the body, such as ovulation, fertilization, and cleavage. Eliminate and help support the mental aspects of infertility treatment for patients. By "seeing" the situation of the embryo in culture, and in particular its development, it can be said that the externalized fertility treatment is internalized to the patient. Internalization of these embryo cultures for patients is extremely important because infertility treatment is at the entrance of a series of processes leading to pregnancy, childbirth and parenting.

In addition, in this embodiment, a moving image showing the progress of such embryo culture is provided in almost real time with a slight delay. Thus, the patient can feel as if he/she was witnessing the growth of the embryo. Therefore, the patient can clearly have an image of early pregnancy in which the growing embryo, which is sensuously understood by watching the time-lapse video, is raised after transplantation. The patient will prepare for the body by the second stage hormone replacement therapy and prepare for the feeling by watching the movie of the embryo that has been cultured and growing, and will undergo the embryo transfer.

Further, in the present embodiment, all the situations of the embryos stored in each of the plurality of dish DS can be viewed as a time-lapse moving image. Therefore, it is possible to realize that the information regarding the patient is not hidden from the patient and is open. As a result, the relationship of trust between the patient undergoing infertility treatment and the person performing infertility treatment is strengthened. A strong relationship of trust is the foundation of all treatments, but a strong relationship of trust based on such correct information is especially indispensable for treatments that have large individual differences and take a long time to be fulfilled, such as infertility treatments. Providing videos of all embryos helps to strengthen these relationships of trust.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, not only the video can be viewed on the mobile terminal 70 by using the application 80 that can be easily registered by using the two-dimensional bar code, but also the combination of the patient's name, the examination ticket number, and the password. Also, methods such as information encryption are used to prevent movies from leaking to unauthorized third parties. In addition, since the moving image is reproduced by streaming and is not stored in the mobile terminal 70, the moving image stored in the mobile terminal 70 does not leak.

F. Other embodiments:
In the above-described embodiment, the moving image is distributed, but the image distribution of the embryo in culture is not limited to the moving image, and may be the still image distribution. Even if it is a still image, if a plurality of images of the embryo in culture are delivered, the patient can understand and feel the growth of the embryo and the like as in the case of the moving image. If the imaging time is described in the image, it is more desirable because the growth of the embryo can be easily felt. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the moving image is generated by time-lapse shooting, but the cameras 61 and 62 may be video cameras and the moving image may be directly captured. The moving images may be continuously captured, or the moving images may be captured at a predetermined interval and connected to form one moving image. Alternatively, a moving image in which the entire length (reproduction time) is shortened by dropping frames from the captured moving image may be delivered. The moving image is not limited to the embryo culture after the fertilization treatment, and may be a movie of the embryo after thawing.

In the above-described embodiment, the egg list date, the latest image pickup date and time, and the viewing deadline are displayed on the moving image list display screen D300, but the present invention is not limited to this. The date and time when distribution as a moving image and the distribution end date and time may be displayed. Further, these dates and times may be displayed on the list display screen D300, or may be directly displayed inside the moving image, for example, in the moving image at at least one of the beginning and the end of the moving image.

Further, although the application 80 also had other functions such as reservation and notification, it may be realized as a dedicated application for delivering still images and moving images of embryos. Furthermore, the image request and the image distribution may be realized by different applications. After requesting the delivery of the image, the patient management server 20 prepares the delivery of the image, for example, a time-lapse video, and when the video is ready, the patient management server 20 side notifies the delivery of the video by e-mail, The moving image may be streamed by the patient clicking the URL described in the email. By doing this, it is possible to distribute the video with a browser or the like without using a dedicated application. Moreover, since the URL for reproducing the moving image is different every time, the confidentiality of the moving image distribution can be further enhanced. Further, in this way, since it is sufficient to prepare the moving image after the request is made, it is possible to reduce the load for editing the moving image. The capacity of the moving picture DB 38 can be reduced as compared with the case where a moving picture is edited and prepared every time an image is taken. Further, in the above embodiment, the two-dimensional barcode or the label printed with the two-dimensional barcode is used for managing the patient and the egg or embryo of the patient, but the barcode or the label may not be used. You may use only. An electronic tag such as RFID may be adopted instead of the label.

In each of the above embodiments, part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced with software. At least a part of the configuration realized by software can also be realized by a discrete circuit configuration. When some or all of the functions of the present disclosure are realized by software, the software (computer program) can be provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium. The "computer-readable recording medium" is not limited to a portable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, but is fixed to an internal storage device in the computer such as various RAMs or ROMs or a computer such as a hard disk. It also includes an external storage device. That is, the “computer-readable recording medium” has a broad meaning including any recording medium on which data packets can be fixed not temporarily.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be realized with various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, it may be carried out as a method of delivering an embryo image, or as a program therefor. Alternatively, it may be implemented as a management device for managing embryos in culture. When implemented as a management device, the process in which the CPU 21 registers the patient information in the patient DB 37 corresponds to the patient information registration unit, and when the image is stored in the storage 57 in the embryo culture device 50, it is associated with the patient's consultation ticket number. The process of attaching and storing corresponds to the patient information adding unit. Further, the process of receiving a moving image request from the application corresponds to the receiving unit, the authentication process (step S305) corresponds to the authenticating unit, and the process of transmitting the requested moving image to the mobile terminal corresponds to the transmission control unit. Further, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each mode described in the section of the summary of the invention are provided in order to solve some or all of the above problems, or one of the above effects. It is possible to appropriately replace or combine in order to achieve a part or all. If the technical features are not described as essential in this specification, they can be deleted as appropriate.

10... Embryo image distribution system, 20... Patient management server, 21... CPU, 22... Communication unit, 30... Memory, 31... Authentication unit, 32... Image display unit, 33... Password storage unit, 34... Growth stage storage unit, 35... Storage, 37... Patient DB, 38... Movie DB, 40... Printing section, 45... Label printer, 47... Examination ticket, label, 50... Time-lapse embryo culture device, 51... CPU, 52... Memory, 53... Communication section , 55... Image editing section, 57... Storage, 58... Image input section, 61, 62... Camera, 63, 64... Tray, 65... Label sticking stand, 70... Portable terminal, 71... CPU, 72... Display control section, 73... Input unit, 74... Communication unit, 75... Memory, 77... Storage, 80... Application, 82... Patient information, DS... Dish, LAN... Local area network, SH... Home button, SI... Notification button, SR... Reservation Button, SS... Setting button, SV... Movie button, VI1-VI3... Bibliographic information, VS1-VS3... Thumbnail, WAN... Wide area network

The present disclosure can be realized as the following modes or application examples. The present disclosure can be implemented, for example, as an embryo image delivery system that delivers an image of an embryo in infertility treatment. This embryo image distribution system performs registration of patient information, a management device that manages access from a mobile terminal, an embryo that has been fertilized and stored in a container, is kept in a predetermined environment, and is stored in the container. An embryo culture device that captures an image of an embryo, and a distribution video obtained from the captured image that shows the state of the embryo, together with information that identifies a patient who has the right to browse the embryo. In addition, an image storage unit that stores the image, a mobile terminal that transmits a browsing request for the distribution video together with information for identifying the patient to the management device via a network, and the browsing request from the mobile terminal. When there is, referring to the information of the registered patient, if the browsing request is by the patient who has the right to browse, an authentication unit that authenticates the request, and when the authentication is performed, An image display unit that reads out the distribution moving image associated with the patient information from an image storage unit, transmits the moving image to the mobile terminal, and causes the mobile terminal to display the image. At least one of the first imaging date and time and the last imaging date and time of the distribution moving image is displayed in the distribution moving image or on the distribution moving image selection screen. The present disclosure can also be implemented as an embryo image distribution method for distributing an image of an embryo in infertility treatment or as a management device for managing an image of an embryo in infertility treatment.

Claims (9)

An embryo image distribution system for distributing an image of an embryo,
A management device for registering patient information and managing access from a mobile terminal,
An embryo culturing apparatus that maintains an embryo stored in a container in a predetermined environment and images the stored embryo at a predetermined timing,
An image storage unit that stores a plurality of captured images of the embryo in association with information identifying a patient who has a right to browse the embryo;
A mobile terminal that transmits a browsing request for the embryo image, together with information identifying the patient, to the management device via a network,
When there is the browsing request from the mobile terminal, referring to the information of the registered patient, if the browsing request is by a patient who has the right to browse, an authentication unit that authenticates this,
An embryo image distribution system comprising: an image display unit that reads out an image associated with the patient information from the image storage unit when the authentication is made, transmits the image to the mobile terminal, and displays the image on the mobile terminal. .. The embryo image distribution system according to claim 1,
The embryo culture device has a built-in image pickup device for picking up the image,
The management device includes the authentication unit,
When the portable terminal registers the information of the patient in the management device, the portable terminal stores information that can specify that the patient is a patient who has the right to browse the embryo, with the management device. An embryo image distribution system that is shared between people. The embryo image distribution system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
The embryo culture device includes a patient information storage unit that stores information that specifies a patient of an embryo to be cultured,
The information for identifying the patient stored in the patient information storage unit of the embryo culture device includes at least the patient's consultation ticket number,
The embryo image distribution system, wherein the information of the patient registered by the management device includes at least a password in addition to the patient's consultation ticket number. The embryo image distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image stored in the image storage unit is an image edited as a moving image by compressing the imaging interval. The embryo image distribution system according to claim 4,
In the moving image, at least one of the first image capturing date and time of the image edited as the moving image, the last image capturing date and time, the date and time when the image can be distributed as the moving image, and the distribution end date and time are in the moving image or in the moving image. The embryo image distribution system displayed on the selection screen. The image is prepared for each container in which the embryo is stored, together with information indicating the type of the container, when the patient has a plurality of embryos that the patient has the right to browse. The embryo image distribution system according to any one of claims. The embryo image delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the image is delivered to the mobile terminal together with information on a growth stage of the embryo. An embryo image distribution method for distributing an image of an embryo,
Register patient information,
The image of the embryo stored in the container is taken at a predetermined timing,
Storing a plurality of captured images of the embryo in association with information identifying a patient who has viewing rights to the embryo,
From the mobile terminal, send a viewing request for the image of the embryo, together with information identifying the patient,
When the viewing request is made from the mobile terminal, the information of the registered patient is referred to, and when the viewing request using the mobile terminal is made by the patient having the right to view, the authentication is performed. Then
An embryo image delivery method, in which, when the authentication is performed, an image associated with the patient information is read, transmitted to the mobile terminal, and displayed on the mobile terminal. A management device for managing the embryo,
A patient information registration section for registering patient information,
For an embryo culture device that images an image of an embryo stored in a container at a predetermined timing, when the plurality of imaged images of the embryo are stored in a storage, the imaged embryo can be viewed. A patient information giving unit for giving information for identifying a patient who has a right,
A reception unit that receives a browsing request for the image of the embryo, which the mobile terminal transmits together with the information identifying the patient,
When the viewing request is made from the mobile terminal, the information of the given patient is referred to, and when the viewing request using the mobile terminal is made by the patient who has the right to view, An authentication section to authenticate,
And a transmission control unit for transmitting an image associated with the patient information to the mobile terminal for display on the mobile terminal when the authentication is performed.

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